The Alaska Volcano Observatory moved Little Sitkin volcano in the western Aleutians to Yellow Alert following a strong earthquake swarm detected since late 29 August local time. ...more
At Popocatépetl, weak steam explosions occur at frequencies of about 1 per hour. The largest reach about 1 km height and contain small amounts of ash. CENAPRED also registered a few small volcano-tectonic quakes on the evening of 29 and the morning of 30 Aug. Glow from the crater is visible at night. [less]
Some unrest is going on at Reclus volcano in southern Chile, located between Aguilera and Monte Burney in Patagonia, the Eruptions Blog writes: ...more
"Over the summer, earthquakes began to be felt in towns in the region of the volcano and a potential for new activity from the Reclus has prompted geologists to visit the volcano later this spring (southern hemisphere). Interestingly, one article mentions that an overflight of the volcano in 2008 spotted cracks on the glaciers that cover the volcano along with traces of ash. However, the direct connection between the seismicity in Patagonia and Reclus is still tenuous, so further observations of the remote volcano will need to be done." Reclus has had at least 4 historical eruptions around, 1908, 1879, and in 1869. Although these were small, the volcano has produced larger explosive eruptions in the past and should be closely monitored. [less]
Little Sitkin volcano in the remote western Aleutian islands was placed on yellow alert by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) as an earthquake swarm was detected yesterday. ...more
At approximately 19:15 AKDT on August 29 (04:15 GMT on 30 Aug), a swarm of high-frequency earthquakes started and continued through the night and has increased on 30 Aug morning. No eruptive activity is currently indicated. Clouds obscure satellite images of the area. AVO is closely monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as conditions change. [less]
Earthquakes on and around Iceland on 30 Aug - the Kolbeinsey Ridge is the area with the yellow dots to the north (map: Icelandic Met Office)
M4.2 quake and swarm on the Reykjanes Peninsula on 30 Aug
Yesterday, there was a lot of earthquake activity on Iceland. At noon, a swarm with about 50 quakes partly preceded and followed a magnitude 4.2 quake at 5.8 km depth beneath the Reykjanes peninsula, near the axis of the the SW volcanic rift zone. Most quakes were between magnitudes 1-2 and at around 5 km depth. ...more
Another smaller swarm took place north of the county on the Kolbeinsey Ridge. Earthquakes have been taking place in this area for several weeks already, but as the Iceland Volcanoes and Earthquakes blog notes, there seems to be an increase lately. In 1999, a volcanic dike intrusion or submarine eruption south of the nearby Spar Fracture Zone might have taken place. [less]
Not much volcanic activity is currently occurring in the world (something that can quickly change). Here are a few updates: ...more
Etna volcano: Short pulses of increasing tremor have reappeared over the past days, but were not sustained, perhaps corresponding to short phases of strombolian activity in Bocca Nuova. [less]
El Misti volcano is showing signs of unrest, according to a recent article in the Peruvian press. Geologists from the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) detected a higher number than usual of small earthquakes under the volcano located 17 km outside the city of Arequipa. ...more
The current seismic swarm the strongest in more than 5 years. Engineer Orlando Macedo told El Comercio that 224 earthquakes were registered at El Misti during the past week. The swarm contained 143 volcano tectonic earthquakes, caused by fracturing of rocks inside the volcano due to sudden changes in pressure and temperature. Despite this recent increase in activity, which indicates that the volcano is slowly reawakening and "no longer dormant", no eruption is likely imminent. For an eruption to happen, Macedo said, El Misti would have to experience even more and continued earthquake swarms as well as volcanic tremor, signs of magma movements. [less]
A new strong eruption occurred at Soputan volcano in North Sulawesi Sunday night. The eruption lasted about 4 hours and produced an ash column of 5 km height. No reports of damage of the eruption are known. People are advised not to approach or climb the volcano within 6 km radius, and to wear face masks in case of ash fall. ...more
The number of of earthquakes at El Hierro seems to continue to increase slowly. Yesterday, there were 17 earthquakes, mostly at 10 km depth clustered in a N-S zone beneath the western El Golfo coast. Currently, there is no tremor associated with this activity. [less]
A relatively strong eruption occurred at Soputan volcano in North Sulawesi Sunday night (21:50 local time, 15:50 UTC). The eruption lasted about 4 hours produced an large ash plume rising possibly high as 40,000 ft (ca. 12 km) VAAC Darwin reports, while local newspapers describe the height of the eruption column as 5 km that drifted north. The ash plume was last seen on satellite imagery early yesterday drifting 120 km SW at 20,000 ft elevation. ...more
According to a news article, lava was seen on the volcano's flank, but it is unclear whether a lava flow was produced or whether it was incandescent bombs that had landed on the flank (more likely). No reports of damage of the eruption are available. People are advised not to approach or climb the volcano within 6 km radius, and to wear face masks in case of ash fall. [less]
Tungurahua volcano's activity is relatively low. There are weak pulses of tremor associated with some small to medium explosions. Still, small pyroclastic flows continue to occur sporadically, the most recent one on 24 August at 15:33 on local time. ...more
IG has published an informative update and mentions that tilt meters still indicate significant inflation, and that deep tremor suggests new magma is rising. Therefore, the current low in activity might be only a temporary pause. [less]
The alert level of Tangkubanperahu volcano in West Java, Indonesia, was raised to 2 (on a scale 1-4) on 23 August. An increase of earthquakes has been observed at the volcano since 13 August. ...more
Our expedition leader and geologist Yashmin posted an update and photos on the volcanoes Ambrym and Yasur, both of which were quite active (lava lakes in Marum and Benbow, strombolian activity at Yasur) during our latest Vanuatu expedition. [less]
Earthquakes associated with glacial flod (Icelandic Met Office)
Yesterday, a small glacier flood (jökulhlaup) started from Vatnajökull glacier, the Iceland Volcano Blog reports. The flood was coming from the western part of the Skaftárketill cauldron, an hydrothermal area inside Hamarinn volcano belonging to the Bárðarbunga volcano system. ...more
The glacial flash flood is currently going down the Skafta river towards the sea. Civil Defence Iceland reported that is not dangerous if people are staying away from the river bed. The glacier flood is small for Icelandic standard, and similar to one last year in July from the same area of Vatnajökull glacier. Last year, it was probably caused by a minor eruption in this area, but the current flood seems to have been caused by hydrothermal melting of ice. [less]
The activity of AMBRYM volcano during the observation period from 07 August to 15 August 2012 was exceptionally wonderful because at the time of the ascent to the Marum crater, all the conditions (weather, wind, activity) were optimal for good observation of the boiling lava lake, which has a diameter of about 100 m. Multiple degassing fountains in the lake generated huge lava bubbles projecting fragments of incandescent lava to the first terrace. [less]
An increase in seismic activity at Tangkubanperahu volcano near Bandung, the capital of West Java, has been detected since 13 August and promted the Indonesian Volcanological survey (PVMBG) to increase the alert level of the volcano from 1 (normal) to 2 (alert) on 23 August. ...more
Between 1 July and 23 Aug, 264 volcanic earthquakes were recorded, which is almost double to values measured during similar periods of time at the beginning of the year. In addition, pulses of volcanic tremor could be recognized. [less]
Tungurahua volcano's activity remains at similar moderate levels as yesterday, lower than compared to a few days ago. Explosions every few hours are accompanied by strong cannon-shot noises and eject glowing bombs to up to 500 m height. Steam and ash plumes rise up to 4 km above the crater. Light ash fall was reported to the W and NW in the sectors of Chacauco, Cotaló and El Tablón. ...more
The volcanic tremor is at medium levels. 61 tremor pulses and 120 long-period events were registered over 24 hours. [less]
Stromboli july 2012 view from 300m point.At this time eruptions occured in average every 45 min from this vent (Photo: Rainer Albiez).
A series of great new photos from Stromboli in July can be found in the image pool. Please vote your favorite and submit own (volcano) photos to share with others!
Depth and magnitude of quakes near Katla during August
As can be seen from our new plots of recent nearby quakes, the number of earthquakes near Katla appears to have been gradually increasing during August. However, most quakes are very shallow and probably NOT caused by magmatic movements, but adjustments of the shallow hydrothermal system. A possibility is that this is a seasonal pattern caused by the warming and increased melting of ice during summer. ...more
To watch out for, when trying to anticipate a new eruption, would be earthquake swarms at some depth (5-20 km) that become shallower. [less]
Tungurahua volcano's activity has decreased. There are still occasional weak explosions, but bad weather prevents direct observation. ...more
Popocatépetl continues its overall decreasing trend. In the latest update, about one weak (mostly steam) explosion per hour and few weak tremor pulses were noted. [less]
Tungurahua volcano has been very active the past days, with continous ash emissions and occasional large explosions producing ash plumes up to 32,000 ft (ca. 10 km) altitude. IG scientists on an overflight observed strombolian activity from the inner summit crater which has filled with fresh lava. ...more
At the time of updating, tremor and seismic activity have decreased a bit again. [less]
So far, only 4 quakes occurred at El Hierro today. In addition, some deflation of about 2 cm has been registered over the past few days, suggesting that magma is withdrawing from under the island.
Photographs of the inner crater inside the outer crater, the presence of magma inside the inner crater and pyroclastic deposits in the crater. (S. Vallejo and MF. Naranjo, OVT-IGEPN)
Small pyroclastic flow on the western flank of the volcano in the afternoon of August 21, 2012 (IGEPN)
Tungurahua's eruption continues. This morning, a tall ash plume was rising to 32,000 ft (ca. 10 km) altitude and drifting west. A slight decrease in tremor is visible on the latest seismograms. ...more
So far, effects of the eruption have been limited to ash fall. In canton Quero, the ash fall during the past days has damaged more than 5000 hectares of plant cultivations and hit about 2.000 families. In the meanwhile, scientists from the volcano observatory have made an overflight of the volcano and posted the following interesting update (freely translated) for 20-21 Aug: [less]
Tungurahua volcano emits a near constant steam and ash plume rising on average 1.5 km with peaks of up to 4 km above the crater. This activity produces significant ash fall in areas west of the volcano. Intermittent explosions throw bombs to 500 m height and up to 1.5 km radial distance. A strong SO2 plume can be seen on satellite imagery. ...more
A small explosive eruption ocurred at Cleveland volcano in the Aleutians on 19 August the Alaska Volcano Observatory reports. [less]
John Sukua from Manam Island (PNG) sent us the following message, with an appeal to Human Rights organizations to assist the government in finding a more human solution for residents that have been displaced in camps for now over 8 years since the ongoing activity of the volcano: ...more
Tungurahua on the afternoon of 19 Aug (photo S. Hidalgo, OVT/IGEPN)
SO2 plume from Tungurahua on 20 Aug (NOAA)
The volcano continues to emit a near constant steam and ash plume rising on average 1.5 km with peaks of up to 4 km above the crater. This activity produces significant ash fall in areas west of the volcano such as Sabañag, Santuario, Hualcanga Santa Anita, Jaloa la Playa, Pillate, Hierbabuena, San Juan and other rural areas of Quero, Cevallos, Tisaleo and Mocha. ...more
Individual explosions observed during the night 19-20 Aug eject large incandescent bombs to heights of up to 500 m and to a radial distance of 1.5 km from the rim, mostly towards the NW and W. Constant turbine and rumbling noises accompany the activity and are heard around the volcano and as far as the towns of Ambato and Riobamba. [less]
The eruption of Tungurahua volcano continues with constant ash emission rising 1.5 km above the crater, intermittent moderate explosions, and produces pyroclastic flows of 1.5 km length. ...more
The seismic swarm at El Hierro island continues, but the number of quakes has been decreasing. Yesterday, only 8 weak quakes (all below M2) were recorded. Today there have been 5 quakes so far, and it seems that the strength of the earthquakes is increasing, the latest quake today being a M2.7 event at 20 km depth under the western tip of the island. [less]
Pyroclastic flow deposit from the evening of 18 Aug (IGEPN)
Tremor on current seismogram (RETU station) (IG)
The eruption continues with constant steam and ash emissions generating a plume 1.5 km above the crater, intermittent cannon-shot-like explosions of moderate strength, which eject blocks of considerable size, and pyroclastic flows reaching 1.5 km distance. During 19 Aug, 4 pyroclastic flows were counted that went towards the areas of Cusúa and La Pirámide. ...more
Strong ash fall were recorded in Pillate, San Juan, Santuario, Sabañag, Cahuají, Manzano, Choglontús, Bilbao, the upper area of Quero and the zone of Igualata. The eruptive activity is accompanied by a seismic signal that shows a constant high-energy tremor, and moderate to strong rumbling noises, audible as far as in the towns of Ambato and Riobamba. [less]
The earthquake swarm at El Hierro island in the Canaries seems to be ending or is at least decreasing. ...more
Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador has produced a small lava flow on the upper flank. Following the increase in activity since 16 August, lava has accumulated at the summit crater and overflown its rim. An ash plume is rising from the volcano to an altitude of 27,000 ft (around 7.3 km). [less]
Thermal images taken of the lava flow and mobilized incandescent blocks tumbling down from a notch in the crater wall on the northwestern flank of the volcano Tungurahua. (S. Vallejo / IGEPN)
Current seismic signal (RETU station) with saturated tremor visible on the spectrogram (IG)
At 19h36 (local time) on 18 August, a possible lava flow from the summit crater and incandescent lava blocks continuously tumbling down were observed using thermal imagery. ...more
The lava flow which some observers also reported seeing by naked eye is emerges from a breach in the sidewall of the crater on the upper NW flank and directed towards the Cusu gorge. Apparently the lava flow stopped after nearly 4 hours of motion, but bad weather conditions make detailed observations difficult. [less]
Webcam image of Popocatépetl on the morning of 19 Aug (CENAPRED)
A sharp increase in activity has been observed at Popocatépetl since yesterday. During 17-18 August, 176 mostly small explosions were observed (compared to values of 10-20 for the previous week), and 74 alone during the following 9 hours, i.e. about 1 every 8 minutes. ...more
The largest eruption occurred at 20:41 h local time yesterday and threw incandescent bombs to 800 m distance, which landed on the rim of the lower crater. Glow from the summit was visible during clear weather at night. After 19:00 h local time yesterday, a constant steam plume with small amounts of ash was being erupted and formed a plume rising about 2 km above the crater. [less]
The new earthquake swarm that started on 15 August at El Hierro islan continues in the same area at aroud 10 km depth beneath the western El Golfo coast, but seems to be decreasing. Yesterday, 58 quakes occurred, today so far 18 although this number is likely to rise. Tremor is low to none. ...more
A possible new eruption was reported from Grozny volcano on Iturup island in the Kuriles might have had its first eruption since 1989. [less]
Grozny volcano on Iturup island in the Kuriles might have had its first eruption since 1989 the Eruption Blog reports following an article in the Russian press. ...more
The reports indicate that an ash plume rose from Ivan Gronzy (Ivan the Terrible) lava dome inside the caldera and caused light ash fall in Goryachiye Klyuchi (9 km) and Kurilsk (25 km distance). [less]
A small swarm of quakes has been going on at Katla since yesterday. So far, 10 quakes have occurred today, including a M2.8 quake at 1.8 km depth 6.8 km E of Goðabunga.
There has not been much change in volcano activity worldwide, and as we're on tour, our reports will be less frequent until next week. ...more
A new earthquake swarm has started yesterday at El Hierro volcano. It is located at about 10 km depth, i.e. only half the depth of previous swarms, and just north off the western El Golfo coast. So far, more than 50 (mostly very small around magnitude 1) quakes have been registered since yesterday. A small increase in tremor is visible as well. [less]
The Geophysical Institute of Ecuador (IG) has posted a special report summarizing the recently increased activity of Tungurahua volcano: ...more
"Until last week activity remained at moderate to low levels with small pulses of activity lasting a few days. This quickly changed from Sunday 5 August, when there were two explosions of moderate size. Friday 10 morning there was an explosion of small magnitude, after which the volcano remained with seismic tremor for more than 5 hours, accompanied by roars of different intensity and emissions of water vapor with moderate to low amounts of ash, accompanied by roars of different intensities. [less]
This is what a (small) 2.7 earthquake in 25 km distance at 20 km depth looks like on the seismogramms of Santorini and gives an idea about how sensitive they are.
Ash-rich strombolian explosions are spotted from Bocca Nuova at Etna volcano (Italy). Tremor is low. ...more
A small swarm of earthquakes could be noted at Long Valley caldera during 12-13 Aug About 30 (very small mostly below M1) quakes occurred clustered in an area near Mammoth Lakes in the W part of the caldera. However, such small swarms are quite normal for Long Valley and their number is not a significant increase of activity. [less]
An important increase of Tungurahua's activity can be seen on online data. VAAC Washington reports an ash plume at 20,000 ft (6 km) altitude moving WNW, and a strong SO2 plume is visible on satellite imagery. ...more
The tremor signal from Tungurahua increased strongly over night and suggests a phase of elevated activity going on. [less]
Terra image of the Havre plume and pumice, taken on the morning of July 18, 2012. (NASA Earth Observatory & Eruptions Blog).
The source of the recently observed giant pumice raft in the Kermadec Islands was most likely identified as the largely unknown Havre Seamount. ...more
Erik Klemetti (Eruptions Blog) and Robert Simmon (NASA Earth Observatory) "looked back through images of the area and found an ash plume and the beginning of a pumice raft on July 18, 2012, between Macauley Island and Volcano W." According to Klemetti, the eruption appears to have started with an explosive phase during around 18-20 July, then paused and probably resumed around or before 11 August, when the recent pumice was observed. [less]
Possibly volcanic SO2 plumes over Costa Rica on 11 Aug (NOAA)
Activity has decreased at White Island. Ash emissions have been lower than in the previous days. Gas measurements showed that all volcanic gases were at levels lower than the previous measurement on August 1. ...more
Tongariro volcano has stayed calm with and GNS scientists think that the most likely scenario is that the 6 Aug eruption was a single event and will not be followed by new eruptions in the near to medium future. [less]
Etna volcano (Italy): The tremor signal has stayed calm, but weak strombolian activity or spattering from the vent inside the Bocca Nuova is probably continuing. Interestingly, a few relatively large quakes (around M3) have occurred on the NE flank near (or on?) the Pernicana fault this morning and it will be interesting to monitor the NE rift zone in the coming months. ...more
Judged from the seismic signals, the frequency and size of explosions at Stromboli is at high levels today. [less]
Earthquakes often precede eruptions, sometimes by only hours, and sometimes by several months. While most seismic activity at volcanoes is not necessarily followed by an eruption, almost all eruptions are preceded and sometimes accompanied by earthquake activity at shallow depths near the volcano. Therefore, recording earthquakes near active and dormant volcanoes is an important tool in monitoring and eruption prediction.
Location of the quakes this morning (the 2 quakes of M3.0 and 3.2 at 04:50 and 05:04 are nearly at the same spot and form one dot on the map)
Three significant shallow earthquakes (0-4 km depth) of magnitudes around 3 occurred this morning today on the NE flank of Etna volcano, W and SW of the town of Linguaglossa. ...more
The quakes are very near or on the Pernicana fault system (visible as the E-W to ENE-WSW escarpment NE and E of Etna's summit area) which controls the gravitational downwards movement and spreading (on the order of 1-2 cm/ year) of the eastern and southern flank sector of the volcano's edifice. This fault system is capable of "opening" fissures giving way to flank eruptions, in particular to activate the NE rift zone. This happened during the 2002-03 eruption, when rapid movements along this fault caused an W-E extension totaling more than 1 meter in places, extensive ground fracturing, and helped and probably triggered (or was triggered by?) the injection of a dike (magma) that erupted during the violent flank eruption end of Oct 2002. It will be interesting to see if more quakes occur in the near future and if ground deformation is detected in this area. If so, this could be an early warning sign towards a possible new flank eruption on the NE rift. [less]
SO2 plume from Nyiragongo / Nyamuragira 10 Aug (NOAA)
New Zealand continues to dominate the volcanic news. ...more
A thrid volcano has erupted, this time to the NE in the Kermandec archipel. A large 26,000 square km sized pumice raft was detected yesterday. It is speculated that the new eruption is from submarine Monowai volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the region and erupts almost every 1-2 years. [less]
Tungurahua's activity has the volcano was elevated yesterday and considered as "moderate" by Instituto Geofisico (IG), who noted that there was a change in seismic activity, represented by the presence of tremor signal corresponding to steam and ash emissions and a small explosion. ...more
In the morning during short periods of clear weather, IG observed steaming. There was ashfall in the Choglontús sector and its surroundings. [less]
A satellite image from 10 Aug showing the pumice raft off Raoul Island in the Kermadec Islands (Image: Aqua/MODIS 2012/223 08/10/2012 01:30 UTC (NASA), annotations: Eric Klemetti / Eruptions Blog)
A submarine eruption has taken place a few days ago in the Kermandec Islands. The eruption was not directly observed, but a new large pumice raft has been spotted by NZ navy and others. The pumice is drifting 85 nautical miles south-west of Raoul Island on Thursday night (9 Aug). ...more
The raft is 250 nautical miles long in length and 30 nautical miles wide, about 26,000 squake kilometer in size, i.e. roughly the size of Belgium, and can be seen on satellite pictures. This suggests that the eruption was significant in size. It is not exactly known from which of the submarine volcanoes the eruption was from, but the most likely candidate is the Monowai seamount nearby, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the region and has in the past had eruptions almost every one or 2 years. [less]
Tongariro volcano has remained calm. GNS scientists measured elevated levels of SO2 and other volcanic gasses, which suggests that magma is accumulating beneath the volcano. ...more
It is possible, that the Aug 6 eruption was only a precursor to a pending magmatic eruption, which could even be large, if the size of initial phreatic activity is in proportion to the proper magmatic eruption. [less]
Seismic recording showing "tremor" under Nea Kameni ?
Looking at recent seismic plots, one might get the impression that volcanic tremor is visible on the seismic recordings of Santorini volcano. However, there should be a big questionmark to this interpretation.
During the past days, the number of quakes beneath El Hierro has shown an increase. Since 7 Aug, 10 small quakes have been recorded at depths mostly between 10-22 km, i.e. significantly shallower than during the seismic swarm in late June-early July. The largest quake was a M2.4 yesterday at only 3 km depth beneath the western ridge of the island under the Tanganasoga volcanic system.
Tongariro volcano in New Zealand has stayed calm. First analysis of the ash confirms that the eruption did not produce any significant amount if at all of fresh magma, and therefore was so-called phreatic. ...more
Small ash emissions continue at White Island. GSN scientists made a visit to the island early today and confirmed that the volcano was in eruption and producing a small plume of ash from the vent in Crater Lake. This is the first ash since February 2001. [less]
Location of the larrger recent earthquakes under Sotarà
The summit of Sotarà volcano on an INGEOMINAS photo from Oct 2011
The recent increase in seismic activity under Sotarà volcano promted INGEOMINAS to raise the alert level from yellow (unrest) to orange (eruption warning) yesterday afternoon. ...more
The increase had been detected on June 24, 2012 and since that date, 6891 earthquakes have been recorded, i.e. an average of 150 quakes per day. Most of them (5177) are of very small magnitude, but the remaining 1714 quakes were of significant energy (local magnitudes 0.1-2.2) and concentrated in an area between 0.1 and 5 km northeast of the volcanic summit at depths between 2 and 6 km. None of these events were felt by inhabitants of the communities surrounding the volcano Sotará. [less]
Webcam view of the crater of White Island on 9 Aug (GeoNet)
Small ash emissions continue at White Island volcano. GSN scientists made a visit to the island early today and confirmed that the volcano was in eruption and producing a small plume of ash from the vent in Crater Lake. This is the first ash since February 2001. ...more
GeoNet stresses that it is a small eruption (at least so far), but visitors to the island are at high risk. [less]
New Zealand's 2 currently active volcanoes dominate the volcano-related headlines of news in the world: ...more
A new eruptive phase started on White Island this morning with ash venting from the Crater Lake, where a new cone is beeing built, GNS scientists observed. [less]
Seismic signal of White Island at the start of the new eruption (GeoNet)
Spectrum of the seismic signal showing tremor (GeoNet)
A new eruption has started from White Island volcano early today. An ash plume is rising to 4-6000 ft (1.3-1.8 km) altitude. The eruption consists of ash venting from a new cone that is beeing built in the Crater Lake, and followed a sharp DECREASE in tremor. ...more
Ash eruption and rock avalanche from the lava dome early on 7 Aug
Seismic signal STG1 station on 7 Aug 12-24:00 GMT
Santiaguito's activity has been on the increase since last night. INSIVUMEH reports moderately strong explosions with incandescent material were observed frequently and generated ash plumes rising to 800 m drifting SW. ...more
Constant small rock avalanches are generated from the fronts of the blocky lava flows on the southern flanks of the Caliente lava dome. The increased activity is well visible as intense shaking on the current seismic recordings. [less]
This morning, NZ scientists could use a brief window of clear weather to make an overflight of the eruption area which was found to be just below the Upper Te Mari crater, where new steam vents were observed. At the moment, Tongariro is calm, but eruptions could resume any time.
- The eruption started at 11:52 PM (NZ time) and lasted about 30 minutes. ...more
- There was no significant precursory activity (such as sudden tremor) indicating an immediate eruption (although seismic activity had been increased since a few weaks ago). - The eruption WAS followed by 15-20 minutes of strong seismic activity instead. [less]
Etna (Italy): Strombolian activity continues at varying levels. Following a phase of weak activity during 4-6 Aug, an increase of activity was observed at the Bocca Nuova during the night 6-7 Aug. [less]
Seismic signal early on 7 Aug (OLL station, INGEOMINAS)
The seismic signals from Nevado del Ruiz indicate tremor, associated with gas and minor ash emissions at low level. ...more
Additionally, there are earthquakes indicating rock fracturing, possibly caused by magma movements within the volcanic edifice north of Arenas crater. The most significant event was at 3:11 (local time) and had a magnitude of 1.2 ML located on the east and less than 1 km from the Arenas crater. [less]
Glow from the growing lava dome of Popo early on 7 Aug (CENAPRED webcam)
CENAPRED reports 9 small to moderate explosions during 11-20:00 on 6 Aug. ...more
The largest of these was relatively powerful and occurred at 17:58 local time. It produced an ash and steam plume 4.5 km height and thus reaching flight level 300 (30,000 ft / 10 km altitude). The plume drifted SW and possibly caused light ash fall in that direction. The Washington VAAC reports that the ash in the upper layers at 30,000 ft quickly dissispated, but maintains an alert for ash at flight level 230 (23,000 ft or 7 km altitude). [less]
We got great news from our friend and team member Luca Montagni from New Zealand, reporting that Mt. Tongariro volcano has been erupted 11:50 p.m. in the night of Monday/Tuesday 7-8 August. Due to the bad weather there are no visible observations possible that moment.
Since Sunday morning, frequent ash emissions have been observed from Bocca Nuova. These are produced by ash venting and strombolian explosions from the cone in the eastern pit crater. During observations last night (5 Aug), strombolian activity was fluctuating between stronger and weaker phases on a roughly hourly rhythm.
White Island volcano has erupted like its web cam captured. Visitors are warned that further and stronger eruptions are possible. The (hydrothermal?) eruptions occour without warning and also the alert level has changed to 2 because of the experiencing signs of elevated unrest above known background levels. There was no ash eruption yet. The alert level has also changed from one to two due to "minor eruptive activity". It follows a code change last week when scientists discovered water levels in Crater Lake rose by about 3m to 5m overnight and the number of tremors had increased. There was a particularly stronger seismic episode recorded Sunday morning, ending in a volcanic earthquake at 4.54am that day. "It's told that it is now at similar levels to before the weekend." ...more
The last "gentle eruption" took place in early 2001. There have been also "moderate-sized explosions" in July 2000 with fresh lava. [less]
Strong spattering and a lava flow from the new cone in the eastern vent of Bocca Nuova on the evening of 3 Aug 2012
No major volcanic activity is happening at the moment. Here are some updates on current activity at some volcanoes, most of which are semi-permanently active: ...more
Etna (Italy): An increase of activity started on the evening of 3 Aug. We observed increasing strombolian activity and near-continuous spattering in the Bocca Nuova, and strong SO2 emissions from the New SE crater. [less]
Aerial view of the re-filling Crater Lake at White Island (GeoNet)
Crater Lake on March 6 2012 (GNS Science)
White Island volcano has been showing increased activity recently: ...more
The Crater Lake at the volcano started to re-fill and is showing vigorous degassing. Recent measurements confirmed that an increase in sulphur gas emissions and the presence of minor volcanic tremor. The latest report from GeoNet on 2 Aug writes: [less]
Yasur (Vanuatu) has shown an increase in activity and was set on alert level 3, meaning that the access to the crater is currently closed, as bombs are falling outside the crater rim and into the car park area. ...more
In Papua New Guinea, Manam volcano has been highly active recently, producing strong intermittent explosive activity and occasional pyroclastic flows. [less]
The activity at Yasur volcano has shown a significant increase in July, the latest USGS / Smithsonian bulletin points out: ...more
Following an assessment during 7-12 July, the Geohazards Observatory team concluded that explosive activity at Yasur had slightly increased, becoming stronger and more frequent, and shifting from Strombolian to sub-Plinian. [Remark: Sub-Plinian is probably esaggerated and would imply ash columns of 10 km and more height, which are almost certainly not occurring. ] [less]
Sakurajima volcano in eruption - Photo of the Month 2012 by Richard Roscoe
We congratulate Richard to his image from Sakurajima volcano in Japan selected as Photo of the Month Aug 2012 and congratulate him with a 100 EUR voucher.
Etna (Italy): The strombolian activity in Bocca Nuova continues and the intracrater cone slowly grows. At the moment, the tremor is slowly rising, suggesting an increase in activity. ...more
Activity at Stromboli (Eolian Islands) is at normal levels, with frequent (once every few minutes), but not exceptionally large explosions from several of the summit vents. [less]
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