View of Pavlof, May 14, 2013. Photo courtesy of pilot Theo Chesley. (AVO)
Moderate explosion at Popocatépetl this morning
Pavlov (Alaska Peninsula, USA): The eruption continues. The volcano produces a lava flow on the northwest flank. Interaction of the lava flow and ice, producing debris flows, as well as possible explosions at the vent produce a steam-ash plume rising up to about 20,000 ft. above sea level. ...more
Residents of Cold Bay, located 37 miles southwest of the volcano, observed incandescent glow at the summit during the night. (AVO) [less]
View of Pavlof, May 14, 2013. Photo courtesy of pilot Theo Chesley. (AVO)
The eruption continues. The volcano produces a lava flow on the northwest flank. Interaction of the lava flow and ice, producing debris flows, as well as possible explosions at the vent produce a steam-ash plume rising up to about 20,000 ft. above sea level. ...more
Residents of Cold Bay, located 37 miles southwest of the volcano, observed incandescent glow at the summit during the night. (AVO) [less]
Current seismic recording at Tungurahua (RETU station, IGPEN)
The volcano has calmed down a bit compared to the previous week, which is also apparent on recent seismograms. No recent explosions or ash falls were reported.
Strombolian activity has returned or increased and is now ejecting incandescent material to heights of 100 m. Seismic data seem currently not available from INSIVUMEH's website.
Relatively strong explosions occurred last night (at 20:21 h local time 14 May) and this morning at 01:46 h (local time). Both eruptions generated columns of steam and ash rising 3 km and the latter explosion ejected incandescent fragments over all the volcano flanks to maximum distances of 1,500 m. ...more
Some episodes of harmonic tremor preceded the explosion at 01:46 h, which was followed by an episode of spasmodic tremor of medium and high amplitudes until 04:40 h. Later, other 30 minutes of this type of tremor of lesser energy were registered. The tremor episode were accompanied by the emission of incandescent fragments to maximum distances of 500 m on the north and northeast flanks. [less]
Seismic signal from Stromboli this morning (STR8 station, INGV)
Webcam image of Shiveluch (KVERT) showing weak glow and a steam/ash plume rising from the dome
Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): Activity has remained generally elevated and seems to have increased yesterday. Current seismic recordings show strong explosion signals and an increase in tremor. A small lava overflow is currently visible from the NE crater. ...more
Shiveluch (Kamchatka): Lava dome growth continues. This morning, an explosion and/or a partial collapse produced a volcanic ash cloud rising to 15,000 ft (4.7 km) altitude this morning by VAAC Tokyo. [less]
Seismic signal from Stromboli this morning (STR8 station, INGV)
Current thermal image of the crater area of Stromboli (INGV)
Activity has remained generally elevated and seems to have increased yesterday. Current seismic recordings show strong explosion signals and an increase in tremor. A small lava overflow is currently visible from the NE crater.
Webcam image of Shiveluch (KVERT) showing weak glow and a steam/ash plume rising from the dome
Lava dome growth continues. This morning, an explosion and/or a partial collapse produced a volcanic ash cloud rising to 15,000 ft (4.7 km) altitude this morning by VAAC Tokyo. ...more
KVERT reports no changes in activity for the other 5 currently active volcanoes in Kamchatka (continuing lava effusion at Tolbachik, dome growth at Kizimen and Bezymianny, intermittent mild explosions at Karymsky, strong degassing at Gorely). [less]
Aerial view of the growing lava dome in Popo's crater (CENAPRED)
Current view of Popo from the south
Activity remains elevated as new magma continues to rise to the summit at increased rate. The volcano produces intense steaming and occasional explosions that generate steam and ash plumes up to 3 km height and throw incandescent blocks to distances of 700 m. Phases of moderate continuous tremor and several volcano-tectonic earthquakes up to magnitudes 2 accompany this process. Authorities are starting preparations for evacuations should it further increase. ...more
CENAPRED made an aerial survey flight yesterday morning and observed that the lava dome has grown significantly and is now 350 m in diameter and 50 m thick. After an explosion at 9:56 (local time 14 May), it could be seen that the dome had slightly deflated, although it did not diminish considerably in volume. This event might represent the beginning of the dome´s destruction. [less]
Another extremely strong eruption sends bombs more than 500m, many towards the Bastimento and Pizzo and beyond. The outer slopes of the NE crater are completely covered with incandescent lava bombs.
MODIS hot spot data (past 2 days) for Pavlov volcano (ModVolc, Univ. Hawaii)
Current seismic recording from Popocatépetl
Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): Explosive activity has picked up again at the volcano. Today alone, several explosions have occurred, two of which of moderately large size with ash plumes reaching 10,000 and 12,000 ft (3 and 3.7 km) altitude. (VAAC Tokyo) ...more
Pavlov (Alaska Peninsula, USA): Seismic activity has decreased today, but remains elevated. MODIS data confirm a hot spot at the summit, which could suggest a small lava flow there. [less]
Explosive activity has picked up again at the volcano. Today alone, several explosions have occurred, two of which of moderately large size with ash plumes reaching 10,000 and 12,000 ft (3 and 3.7 km) altitude. (VAAC Tokyo)
Ground deformation (deflation) at Sabancaya volcano measured by InSAR (IGP)
Location of recent earthquakes (IGP)
The possible ash emissions on 9 May have not been confirmed, but unrest in the form of increased earthquake activity and ground deformation has increased since early May, the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) reported in its press release on 10 May. ...more
So-called "hybrid" earthquakes (related to both the fracturing of rock and fluid movements) have increased since 2 May, while purely volcanic-tectonic quakes have remained stable. Satellite-born InSAR radar measurements showed that the area of the current seismicity (north-east of the volcano, just above the village of Hornillo), has shown subsidence of about 7 cm, which is possibly related to magma draining from there into different reservoirs. [less]
A new eruption has probably started. AVO raised the alert level to orange, following an increase in seismic activity this morning along with the presence of an intense thermal anomaly at the summit observed in latest satellite imagery. ...more
Similar patterns of seismicity and elevated surface temperatures have previously signalled the onset of eruptive activity at Pavlof. Although not yet visually confirmed, a low-level eruption of lava has likely begun from a summit vent. No ash clouds have been detected. Source: AVO [less]
MODIS hot spot data (past 2 days) for Tolbachik volcano (ModVolc, Univ. Hawaii)
Current seismic recording from Popocatépetl
Kizimen (Kamchatka): Activity continues with little changes. Video data showed that the lava dome is still active and produces incandescence and hot avalanches on the western and eastern flanks. Strong and moderate gas-steam activity accompany this process. Satellite data showed a thermal anomaly over the volcano. (KVERT) ...more
Tolbachik (Kamchatka): Although tremor continues to decrease very slowly, KVERT reports that fluid lava is still being erupted from the vent on the southern fissure. MODIS satellite data still show a large hot spot, confirming that the eruption might be longer lasting than thought. [less]
Seismic recording this morning at Nevado del Ruiz (OLL station, INGEOMINAS)
A small seismic swarm, likely caused by the rise of another new small batch of magma, occurred this morning at the volcano. The hyopcenters were located 4 km SW of the Arenas crater at depths between 4-6 km, INGEOMINAS reported.
Map of earthquakes on the submarine Reykjanes Ridge during 9-10 May
Depth vs time of earthquakes during 9-10 May
An earthquake swarm with hundreds of earthquakes up to magnitudes near 4 occurred between 9-10 May at about 10 km depth on the submarine prolongation of the SW rift zone (Reykjanes Ridge). Likely, it was caused by a shallow magmatic intrusion, but there are no reports suggesting a submarine eruption.
Current seismic recording at Tungurahua (RETU station, IGPEN)
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): The activity continued to increase over the past days and CENAPRED raised the alert level to Yellow Phase 3 this morning. The volcano has been producing frequent sequences of continuous steam and ash emissions as well as discrete vulcanian-type explosions that throw glowing bombs to several hundred meters distance from the crater and create ash plumes up to about 2 km high. ...more
A phase of strong volcanic tremor occurred today and a large SO2 plume visible on NOAA satellite data accompanies increase lava output rate. [less]
SERNAGEOMIN has recently raised the alert back to yellow after new small explosions occurred at the volcano and incandescence was observed at the summit crater. A small but persistent steam-and-ash plume has been rising about 350 m from the volcano. Interestingly, little change in the seismic activity has been noticed with the incandescence and explosions, so it is not clear whether this new activity is caused by fresh magma rising towards the surface.
Possible eruptions have started at the volcano. Pilots reported several volcanic ash plumes from the volcano in the past days although VAAC Buenos Aires could not identify ash on satellite imagery.
The activity continued to increase over the past days and CENAPRED raised the alert level to Yellow Phase 3 this morning. The volcano has been producing frequent sequences of continuous steam and ash emissions as well as discrete vulcanian-type explosions that throw glowing bombs to several hundred meters distance from the crater and create ash plumes up to about 2 km high. ...more
A phase of strong volcanic tremor occurred today and a large SO2 plume visible on NOAA satellite data accompanies increase lava output rate. [less]
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): On 9 May, 28 explosions were noted from the volcano, the largest were at 05:16 and 07:01 am. Incandescence was seen at night. Several periods of harmonic tremor were noted in the reporting period. A gas and steam plume drifted SE. ...more
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): A significant increase in activity occurred at the volcano. Starting at 19:28 h local time yesterday, volcanic tremor of high amplitude has been recorded for 3.5 hours and accompanied by strong steam and ash emissions creating an eruption column rising 3 km. Explosions ejected incandescent fragments to distances of 700 m from the crater. ...more
The eruption plume drifted ESE and caused ash fall in areas of the villages of San Juan Tianguismanalco, San Pedro Benito Juárez and the City of Puebla. It is possible that more ash fall will be reported from other villages in the east, south-east (Atlixco) and south (Tochimilco).
A significant increase in activity occurred at the volcano. Starting at 19:28 h local time yesterday, volcanic tremor of high amplitude has been recorded for 3.5 hours and accompanied by strong steam and ash emissions creating an eruption column rising 3 km. Explosions ejected incandescent fragments to distances of 700 m from the crater. ...more
The eruption plume drifted ESE and caused ash fall in areas of the villages of San Juan Tianguismanalco, San Pedro Benito Juárez and the City of Puebla. It is possible that more ash fall will be reported from other villages in the east, south-east (Atlixco) and south (Tochimilco). [less]
It contains a reviewed summary of volcano activity during the past month, plus the new Volcano Express section with interesting articles on Machin and Chaiten volcanoes and a review of the pubvolc website. [less]
Mayon (Luzon Island): A sudden (probably phreatic) powerful eruption from the summit crater occurred this morning and killed at least 5 people in camp #2 and wounded 15 others. ...more
The victims, many foreigners, were part of an organized group of climbers. They were surprised by the explosion that showered the camp area with ballistic blocks that hit them. ... [read more] ... [show less] [less]
A sudden (probably phreatic) powerful eruption from the summit crater occurred this morning and killed at least 5 people in camp #2 and wounded 15 others. ...more
The victims, many foreigners, were part of an organized group of climbers. They were surprised by the explosion that showered the camp area with ballistic blocks that hit them. The eruption itself produced a large ash-plume rising several hundred meters before dispersing. [less]
MODIS hot spot data for Paluweh island, showing the hot pyroclastic deposits S, E and W of the dome (MODIS, Univ. Hawaii)
Eruption plume from Cleveland yesterday (AVO / USGS)
Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): Eruptions have intensified at the volcano. Over the past 2 days, several explosions produced ash plumes rising to about 7,000 ft (2.1 km) altitude and drifting 30-45 nautical miles to the W and NW (VAAC Darwin). ...more
Increased seismic activity was detected at the volcano and VSI raised the alert level to 3 out of 4 ("Siaga", "warning") yesterday. ...more
Sudden phreatic explosions could occur with little warning at the volcano and present a significant hazard to visitors to the crater, which is a popular tourist site due to its varied, intense hydrothermal activity and colorful active fumaroles. [less]
Another explosion occurred yesterday evening. It was heard in up to 6 km distance and incandescent bombs were ejected to 200 m distance from the Tompaluan crater. ...more
The eruption was preceded by an increase in seismic activity starting Saturday night, the local volcano observatory reported. An exclusion zone of 2.5 km radius from the volcano remains in place. [less]
Seismic recording this morning at Nevado del Ruiz (OLL station, INGEOMINAS)
After a short pause, a new seismic swarm, possibly indicating yet another pulse of magma intrusion, started yesterday at the volcano. The largest quake was a magnitude 2.9 event at 19:28 local time at 5.4 km depth beneath the Arenas crater. It was felt around the volcano.
Eruption plume from Cleveland yesterday (AVO / USGS)
After the initial explosion 2 days ago, continuous small eruptions produced a steam and ash plume yesterday and decreased in intensity again today. The activity of the volcano, which is not monitored on ground, was detected by satellite data and infrasonic tremor measured by ground-coupled airwaves on the nearby Okmok seismic network, 120 km (80 mi) to the northeast. ...more
A faint plume extended eastward below 15,000 ft. Satellite data also continue to show highly elevated surface temperatures at the summit. Sudden explosions of blocks and ash are possible with little or no warning. Ash clouds, if produced, could exceed 20,000 feet above sea level. [less]
MODIS hot spot data for Paluweh island, showing the hot pyroclastic deposits S, E and W of the dome (MODIS, Univ. Hawaii)
The lava dome remains relatively active and produces frequent explosions and/or hot rock avalanches. Hot deposits from these can be seen on MODIS satellite data on the eastern, southern and western flank of the dome. Several ash plumes rising to altitudes of about 7,000 ft (2.1 km) were detected in the past days.
Eruptions have intensified at the volcano. Over the past 2 days, several explosions produced ash plumes rising to about 7,000 ft (2.1 km) altitude and drifting 30-45 nautical miles to the W and NW (VAAC Darwin).
The mighty crater of Marum crater, Ambrym Island, Vanuatu. Very steep crater walls requires steady carefullness. The lava lake of apprx. 40m in diameter in a depht of apprx. 250-300m.
Cleveland (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): A possible explosion occurred this morning at the volcano at 5:00AM AKDT (13:00 UTC) by AVO infrasound recorders. The infrasound signals suggest that this was a relatively short duration, low-level explosion. No eruption cloud has been detected in available satellite views. AVO received no other reports of activity. (USGS / AVO) ...more
A possible explosion occurred this morning at the volcano at 5:00AM AKDT (13:00 UTC) by AVO infrasound recorders. The infrasound signals suggest that this was a relatively short duration, low-level explosion. No eruption cloud has been detected in available satellite views. AVO received no other reports of activity. (USGS / AVO)
Seismic signal from Ruiz this morning (OLL station, INGEOMINAS)
Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): Since 1 May, activity has been increasing again from relatively low levels during the weeks before. Over the past 3 days, several explosions have produced ash plumes rising to 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude and on most days, there have been 3-4 daily explosions (for Sakurajima, this is a large number). ...more
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Some small earthquake swarms have occurred at the volcano in the past days, probably associated with some batches of fresh magma intruding into the system at shallow depth. [less]
Thermal webcam image of the crater area of Stromboli (INGV)
Tremor signal (ESLN station, INGV)
Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): Lava continues to intermittently flow over and out of vents at the rim and the base of the NE crater. Yesterday, the active flow front had reached about half way down the Sciara, local guides reported. ...more
Today, tremor has decreased again a bit, but overflows remain active at least in the upper parts of the slope. Relatively large explosions and near-constant rockfalls on the Sciara continue during the whole time. [less]
An unusually large SO2 plume from Dukono suggests the volcano, in semi-permanent strombolian-type eruption for many years, is currently in a phase of elevated activity.
NASA Earth Observatory image of Hear Island on 20 April 2013 by Jesse Allen and Robert Simmon
Effusive eruptive activity at the remote volcano continues. A recent satellite picture shows a new lava flow on the SW flank of Mawson Peak. A MODIS hot spot is visible as well. ...more
Starting in October 2012, satellites measured subtle signals that suggested volcanic activity on remote Heard Island. The recent satellite images (NASA Earth Observatory) have now provided proof of an eruption otherwise likely undetected. By April 7, 2013, Mawson’s steep-walled summit crater had filled, and a trickle of lava had spilled down the volcano’s southwestern flank. On April 20 the lava flow remained visible, and had even widened slightly just below the summit. [less]
Thermal webcam image of the crater area of Stromboli (INGV)
Webcam image of the crater area of Stromboli (INGV)
Lava continues to intermittently flow over and out of vents at the rim and the base of the NE crater. Yesterday, the active flow front had reached about half way down the Sciara, local guides reported. ...more
Today, tremor has decreased again a bit, but overflows remain active at least in the upper parts of the slope. Relatively large explosions and near-constant rockfalls on the Sciara continue during the whole time. [less]
Lava overflow on the Sciara del Fuoco (INGV thermal webcam)
Current seismogram from Telica volcano (TELN station INETER)
Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): After decreasing a bit yesterday, the overflow of lava from the NE vents has gained in strength this morning again, accompanied by constant rockfalls, relatively strong explosions and higher tremor. ...more
Tolbachik (Kamchatka): KVER reports no change in the ongoing eruption of the volcano and ongoing high tremor values at levels similar to the past weeks. Recent field reports however suggest that the eruption continues its slowly declining trend and might actually be ending soon. [less]
KVER reports no change in the ongoing eruption of the volcano and ongoing high tremor values at levels similar to the past weeks. Recent field reports however suggest that the eruption continues its slowly declining trend and might actually be ending soon. ...more
A group who visited the volcano on 29 April could not see lava flows or explosions at the active cone on the southern fissure. It was even possible to walk on the now cooling lava flows. However, weak incandescence and a MODIS hot spot remain visible. It is likely that the still elevated tremor signal indicates that the magma continues to be fed into lava tubes and emerges in places that are difficult to see or access. Although it would not come at all as a surprise if the eruption ends, after almost half a year, it is certainly still too early to announce its end right now. [less]
Current seismic recording from Nevado del Ruiz (OLL station, INGEOMINAS)
Last night's seismic recording from Nevado del Ruiz (OLL station, INGEOMINAS)
A shallow (5 km depth) earthquake of magnitude 3.8 occurred yesterday at 10:24 local time north of the Arenas crater and has been followed by an ongoing earthquake swarm. ...more
The quake was felt in nearby areas including Manizales and Villamaria. Possibly, this could mean a new magmatic intrusion, but so far no reports of increased surface activity have become known. [less]
Lava overflow on the Sciara del Fuoco (INGV thermal webcam)
Visual webcam image of the crater area (INGV)
After decreasing a bit yesterday, the overflow of lava from the NE vents has gained in strength this morning again, accompanied by constant rockfalls, relatively strong explosions and higher tremor.
Maintaining the volcano and earthquake news sections on this website, the free Volcano Webcams tool and interactive map widget is a free-time, both time- and server cost intensive effort. If you find the information useful and would like to support us, and help keep it alive and improve it, please consider making a small donation. Thank you!
