Archived volcano news list:
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008
On 18 August ash plumes from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 5.5-6.4 km (18,000-21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.
KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was slightly above background levels during 8-15 August. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly on the lava dome. Based on information from KEMSD and observations of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 15 August an eruption plume rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.
Based on analysis of satellite imagery and reports from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-19 August, low-level plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.4 km (5,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WNW and NW. During 16-18 August, RVO reported ashfall in areas downwind. Occasionally incandescence at the summit was observed and roaring noises were heard. Explosions also ejected incandescent lava fragments.
AVO reported that on 13 August low-level steam-and- ash plumes from Okmok were visible on satellite imagery drifting SE at altitudes of 3-4.6 km (10,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. During 14-17 August satellite observations were hindered due to cloud cover; seismic levels fluctuated possibly indicating that steam-and- ash emissions continued. During 18-19 August, ash plumes were seen on satellite imagery at altitudes of 3-4.6 km (5,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code at Orange.
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that a diffuse steam plume from Masaya drifted WSW on 12 August and a gas plume was detected on 18 August. Both plumes possibly contained ash.
Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that low-level ash plumes from Manam rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW during 16-17 August.
During 8-11 August, SERNAGEOMIN reported that fumarolic activity from the snow-free pyroclastic cones in Llaima's main crater was visible during periods of clear weather; resultant plumes drifted E. A 2-km long strip on the NE flank was black in color (snow-free) due to elevated temperatures. On 13 August, gas-and- ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.3 km (10,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. Later that day, incandescence from the crater accompanied the gas-and- ash emissions.
According to a news article, explosions and earthquakes from Anak Krakatau averaged 120 per day approximately during 11-17 August. Monitoring personnel observed active lava flows, ejecting rocks, and emissions of "smoke."
HVO reported that during 13-19 August, lava flowed SE through a lava tube system from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex to the Waikupanaha ocean entry. Earthquakes were in various locations along the Koa'e fault system, S and W of the caldera, beneath the summit, along the S-flank faults, and along the E and SW rift zones. The vent in Halema'uma'u crater continued to produce a predominantly white plume with minor ash content that drifted mainly SW.
Based on interpretations of seismic data, possible ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.1 km (10,200 ft) a.s.l. on 8, 10, 11, and 14 August. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a thermal anomaly in the crater on 11 August; clouds inhibited views on other days. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.
The Darwin VAAC reported that on 19 August an ash plume from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.
During 13-18 August, gray and white plumes from Colima were observed and rose to altitudes of 4-4.7 km (13,100-15,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW, W, and N.
KVERT reported that clouds prevented satellite image views of Chikurachki during 8-15 August. The level of seismicity was unknown because Chikurachki lacks dedicated seismic instruments. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.
It was reported that continuous emissions of gas-and- ash plumes from Chaitén were observed on 13 August.
ash-Plumes rose to an altitude of 2 km a.s.l., but later that day rose to greater altitudes of 6-7 km a.s.l. The increased activity did not correspond to any significant variation in seismicity. Plumes were emitted from two areas on the E and S flanks and were different colors; the area on the E flank produced steam plumes with minor ash content and the area on the S flank emitted darker ash plumes. The plumes drifted SW and caused ashfall in Chaitén town for several hours. The ash accumulation was 1.5 cm thick.
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-17 August ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.
A new lava extrusion from Soufrière Hills started from the W side of the lava dome between the 28 July lava-dome collapse event and 8 August, when a new channel of fresh rockfall material was seen below Gages Wall. During 8-15 August, seismicity and the rate of lava extrusion were generally low and sulfur dioxide emissions were elevated. On 14 August the W side of the dome was visible and the explosion crater that was generated on 28 July was almost completely filled with new lava. Lava spilled over the lower and W side of the crater and generated rockfalls below Gages Wall that were observed and heard from St. George's Hill. During 14-15 August, the scent of volcanic gases was noticeable at times in inhabited areas of Montserrat. The Hazard Level was 3.
A small seismic crisis beneath the summit of Piton de la Fournaise lasted a little more than two and a half hours on 15 August. Deformation was also detected at the top of Dolomieu and, coupled with the increase in seismicity, prompted OVPDLF to raise the Alert level to 1. Public access to the summit was prohibited. On 18 August, the Alert Level was lowered because seismicity had decreased and deformation was no longer detected.
It was reported that during 13-19 August seismic activity from Kasatochi was detected by stations on Great Sitkin, about 40 km W. On 17 August, the smell of sulfur was reported in the town of Adak.
A thermal anomaly was reported at Bezymianny's lava dome during 9-14 August and there have been some earthquakes. It is possible that hot pyroclastic avalanches occured. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Observations of satellite imagery and information from KEMSD was showing an eruption plume of 7.9 km altitude.
The Tokyo VAAC reported an eruption plume that on 14 August rose to an altitude of 3 km a.s.l. and drifted S.
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