Foto: vulcani, paesaggi, persone, destinazioni e tour / VolcanoDiscovery

Our friend Ronny from Belgium sent us a selection of his recent tour to the eruption in Iceland during 26 May-3 June 2021: (Photo: Ronny Quireyns)

Fagradalsfjall eruption (Iceland): lava fountains and lava flows May-June 2021 (35 imagine)

Our Iceland expedition organizer Chris Hug-Fleck sent us his impressions from his first visits to the Fagradalsfjall eruption in May 2021. Look here if you like join one of our tours in Iceland! (Photo: World-Geographic)

Fagradalsfjall eruption (Iceland): lava fountains and lava flows May 2021 (16 imagine)

The northeastern Germany's Saarland and adjacient parts of Rheinland-Pfalz are saw very intense volcanic activity in the Permian period, approx. 280 million years ago. Both large-scale magmatic intrusions as well as important volcanic activity on the surface of the back-then desert-like landscapes created important plutonic (intrusive) bodies (such as granites, diorites etc) as well as a vast plateau of lava flows and pyroclastic rocks that covered older sediments (mainly sand- and mudstones).
Today, this layer of magmatic rocks forms a beautiful plateau of small mountains and hills reaching approx. 4-600 m elevation and carved by carved by gentle valleys such as the Nahe valley. The exposed and eroded volcanic and plutonic rocks are rich in a variety of minerals, in particular quartz and agate. Exploration and treatment of these minerals gave rise to an important mineral-cutting industry that flourished for centuries especially in the area around Idar-Oberstein, which became (and in parts still is) a hot-spot for mineral treatment and trade.
During a visit in Aug 2020, Tobias and Tom explored some of the hidden volcanic treasures of the northern Saarland (St. Wendel region). (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

St. Wendel region, Saarland: traces of old volcanic activity, impressions Aug 2020 (20 imagine)

Participant Jay Ramji kindly sent us some of his great photos he took during the Volcanoes & Spices tour to northern Indonesia's active volcanoes in Nov 2019:
Link: Jay's photo website (Photo: Jay Ramji)

Volcanoes & Spices - volcanoes of northern Indonesia: tour photos Nov 2019 (21 imagine)

Milos is one of the most scenic and geologically interesting islands of the Mediterranean. Here are some impressions from our geologic walking tour on Milos in May 2018. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Milos Island, Greece: tour photos May 2018 (124 imagine)

Massive lava flows showing some of the most impressive columnar jointed prisms are exposed in the canyon of the Azat River, beneath the village of Garni, famous for its preserved Roman temple. The excursion from the temple down into the river valley should not be missed if you're interested in geology and visit the area. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Symphony of Stones - prismatic lavas at Garni, Armenia (23 imagine)

Some impressions from various excursions during our Walking and study tour in Armenia, taken during the pilot trip in June 2019. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Armenia 2019: tour photos (95 imagine)

Participant and team member Andrej Nikiforov witnessed the ongoing activity in Anak Krakatau's crater lake during the Krakatau Volcano Special tour in Nov 2019. Here some impressions: (Photo: AndreyNikiforov)

Krakatoa volcano, Nov 2019: eruptions from Anak Krakatau and impressions (40 imagine)

Impressions from our pilot tour to the northern Kuril Islands in July 2019: we spent a full day and night on Onekotan Island, famous for the Tao-Rusyr caldera containing scenic Krenitzyn Peak volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: Onekotan Island (20 imagine)

Miscellaneous impressions from our pilot tour to the northern Kurile Islands in July 2019: views from the NW shore of Paramushir towards Alaid, Kuntomintar volcano on Shiashkotan and very clear sunset views from the Okhotsk Sea towards Chikurachiki, Fuss and Alaid volcanoes. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: impressions (36 imagine)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: Shelikhov Bay, Paramushir Island (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: Shelikhov Bay, Paramushir Island (36 imagine)

A selection of Markus Heuer's photos taken during the tour to Italy's volcanoes in Oct 2019: (Photo: Markus Heuer)

Volcanoes of Italy tour Oct 2019: impressions by Markus Heuer (72 imagine)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: Severo-Kurilsk (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: Severo-Kurilsk (20 imagine)

Impressions from our pilot tour to the northern Kurile Islands in July 2019: we spent a few days in Severo-Kurilsk at the feet of active Ebeko volcano. Ebeko has been in continuous eruption for several years, consisting in intermittent mild to moderate explosions and ash emissions. During our visit, it erupted approx. once every 1-2 hours. Ebeko has a highly developed hydrothermal system with intense fumarolic activity, producing very impressive and active fumaroles near its summit cone. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: Ebeko volcano (44 imagine)

Impressions from our pilot tour to the northern Kurile Islands: from Atlasof Island we spend a full day and night sailing to reach Raikoke the following day. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: sea impressions from Alaid, Chikurachki, Fuss, Kharimkotan volcanoes (39 imagine)

During our pilot expedition to the northern Kuriles in July 2019, we managed to reach the very remote and isolated island of Raikoke, which had just had a major eruption 3 weeks earlier. The eruption had transformed a previously lush, completely green island full of life into a hellish ash desert: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: Raikoke volcano (16 imagine)

Impressions from our pilot tour to the northern Kurile Islands: after a few days on Paramushir Island, we sailed to Atlasof Island, formed by the mighty stratovolcano of Alaid, the highest peak in the Kuriles and one of its most active volcanoes. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kurile Islands, July 2019: Alaid volcano (20 imagine)

Some impressions taken during our recent Kamchatka expedition in Sep 2019: Excursion to the saddle between Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes:
Go to: Part 1: Karymsky, Mutnovsky and Gorely | Part 2: Tolbachik to Shiveluch | Part 3: Tolbachik (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka, land of volcanoes and colors: impressions Sep 2019 - part 4: Koryaksky and Avachinsky (24 imagine)

Some impressions taken during our recent Kamchatka expedition in Sep 2019: visit of Tolbachik volcano from the south during 13-14 Sep 2019, during a rare window of exceptionally clear weather, with visibility over hundreds of kilometers.
Go to: Part 1: Karymsky, Mutnovsky and Gorely | Part 2: Tolbachik to Shiveluch | Part 4: Avachinsky & Koryaksky (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka, land of volcanoes and colors: impressions Sep 2019 - part 3: Tolbachik (88 imagine)

Some impressions taken during our recent Kamchatka expedition in Sep 2019: the plateau between the northern and southern volcanoes groups, with fantastic and rare views of 6 volcanoes at once: Ushkovsky, Klyuchevskoy, Kamen, Bezymianny, Zimina, Tolbachik... We then traveled to the north side of Klyuchevskoy and on to erupting Sheveluch. Photos taken during 9-13 Sep 2019.
Go to: Part 1: Karymsky, Mutnovsky and Gorely | Part 3: Tolbachik | Part 4: Avachinsky & Koryaksky (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka, land of volcanoes and colors: impressions Sep 2019 - part 2: Tolbachik to Shiveluch (64 imagine)

Some impressions taken during our recent Kamchatka expedition in Sep 2019: Karymsky, the great Mutnovsky gorge and a visit on a lava flow field at Gorely volcano:
Go to: Part 2: Tolbachik to Shiveluch | Part 3: Tolbachik | Part 4: Avachinsky & Koryaksky (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka, land of volcanoes and colors: impressions Sep 2019 - part 1: Karymsky, Mutnovsky and Gorely (40 imagine)

Photographs taken by volcanologist Dr Ingrid Smet when she observed Stromboli’s volcanic activity from 24 to 26 July 2019. During this time span, the volcano remained at a level of higher than usual activity with very frequent Strombolian explosions. Some of these were so strong that at night one could observe the glowing bombs from the village. The lava flows that occurred after the 3 July paroxysm were also still active on the upper parts of the western edge of the Sciara.
See also: Eyewitness report of the activity (Photo: Ingrid)

Stromboli volcano, Italy: elevated activity 24-26 July 2019 (31 imagine)

Etna volcano eruption 30 May-3 June 2019 - movies (Photo: Emanuela / VolcanoDiscovery Italia)

Etna volcano eruption 30 May-3 June 2019 - movies (0 immagine)

The onset of the new subterminal flank eruption followed by a private evening excursion to the active fissure. Our two customers had booked a summit tour several months before, and were lucky to be able to observe the active lava flow from close up.
See also: videos from the eruption (Photo: Emanuela / VolcanoDiscovery Italia)

Etna volcano: subterminal flank eruption May-June 2019, lava flows on 3 June 2019 (32 imagine)

Photos taken during our recent Etna Discovery tour in late May 2019. Our group was lucky to witness the short eruption of Etna which started 30 May and ended a few days later. Photos taken by Tobias Schorr. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Etna Volcano Discovery: tour photos May 2019 (159 imagine)

The oldest volcanic rocks on Santorini are found in the SW part of the island, in the area of Akrotiri (Loumaravi) complex and near the lighthouse (Cape Akrotiri). They consists dominantly of andesitic and dacitic domes and flows as well as large amounts of mostly fine-grained, silica-rich and bright-in-color submarine volcanic breccia and ashes. Hydrothermal alteration is common, leading to reddish and greenish secondary minerals in the tuffs.
A great way to observe these features is to take the beach shuttle boat from Akrotiri (opposite Nikolas Cave tavern) to the Black Beach via the Red and White Beaches.
Images taken during excursions on 11 and 17 May 2019. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: Loumaravi (24 imagine)

Balos is a small bay and beach on the caldera side near Akrotiri. It can be accessed from a trail leading down from the caldera rim above or following the coast, starting at the caldera beach with its access road. Both can be combined to a highly interesting short round trip of about 1-2 hours.
It is one of Santorini's least crowded and best places to swim inside the caldera. Until today, it is also used as a small harbor and boat shelter, as well as a famous place to collect capers. Most likely, the Balos Bay was already used as harbor in Minoan times. Remnants of Minoan building had been found on the cliff above during the 19 and 20th centuries (but unfortunately construction and erosion have by now destroyed most of it).
Geologically, it is also of particular interest: along the coast, the cliffs expose an old basaltic-andesitic cinder cone in cross section where a transition from water-magma interaction (phreatomagmatic activity) to purely strombolian-type eruptions (magmatic activity) is brilliantly recorded. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: Balos hike (20 imagine)

Impressions from our geologic walking tour on Santorini during 3-11 May 2019: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, 3-11 May 2019 Fascination Volcano tour photos (119 imagine)

A selection of photos taken during the Santorini walking tour 4-12 May 2019 by our photographer and tour guide Tobias Schorr. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: tour photos May 2019 (134 imagine)

Before going to Fira for our caldera hike to Oia during our geologic walking tours, we decided to make an additional stop in the traditional village of Vothonas, one of the most scenic and still largely untouched-by-tourism on the island. It is located at the feet of the northern slopes of the Pirgos hill. It had developed from cave-house settlements in the area where several of the large characteristic pumice canyons meet to a form a broad valley. Besides an excellent place to study the traditional cave-house architecture, it offers excellent outcrops of the massive pumice layer from the 1600 BC eruption. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: impressions from Vothonas (20 imagine)

Normally, our last excursion during the geologic walking tour leads us to the non-volcanic basement, which forms the highest mountain Profitis Ilias and its neighbor Mesa Vouno, where the Ancient Greek city of Thera was located and whose excavated ruins are certainly a highlight that should not be missed during a visit to Santorini.
Spectacular views, very interesting geological formations, and - in spring - extraordinary spring colors by the rich flora, wait for you. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: hike from Pirgos to Prof. Ilias, Ancient Thera to Perissa (92 imagine)

Santorini Fascination Volcano tour photos Sep 2006 (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Fascination Volcano tour photos Sep 2006 (50 imagine)

On one of the days during our geologic walking tours, depending on sea and weather conditions, we take the time to visit the historic volcanic islands of Nea and Palea Kameni in depth. The following shows some impressions from this excursion from 1 May 2019, and includes a dramatic weather display in the afternoon, caused by the arrival of moist warm air masses from Africa. Fortunately, this remained only a visual display and played out entirely high above in the atmosphere without affecting the ground. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: excursion to Nea and Palea Kameni (68 imagine)

Another excursion during the geologic walking tour is the 12 km hike from Fira to Oia, a classic walk considered one of the best and most scenic hikes in the world and one of particular geologic interest as well. It leads through the elegant streets of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia as well as old mule paths, and for most of the time offers breathtaking views over the northern caldera of Santorini, which was the site where the violent Minoan volcanic eruption around 1600 BC took place and reshaped the island forever. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: hike from Fira to Oia along the caldera (36 imagine)

On our second excursion during the geologic walking tour, we visit the most interesting sites along the southern caldera, an abandoned pumice quarry, as well as the excavated Minoan town near Akrotiri. The images here show the first part of a tour as on 30 April. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: Caldera hike (36 imagine)

Normally, our first excursion during the geologic walking tour, we visit the area of the oldest volcanic rocks of Santorini found in the SW peninsula near Akrotiri and the lighthouse. It is a very varied walk along beaches, the caldera, through fields on old, mostly forgotten trails and mule tracks. Geologic highlights include spectacular submarine tuffs and lava domes, often with fantastic hydrothermal alterations. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: tour on Akrotiri peninsula (48 imagine)

The winter 2018-19 was particularly rainy in Greece. As a result, Santorini island was exceptionally green even at the end of April, when Tom guided our regular geologic walking tour on the island. Images taken on 27 and 28 April: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santorini Island, Greece, spring 2019: spring time at the caldera (20 imagine)

Katharina kindly sent us a selection of the photos she took during the tour in the Saronic Gulf in Mar-April 2019: (Photo: Katharina)

Methana & the Saronic Gulf: tour photos April 2019 by Katharina W. (30 imagine)

Impressions from one of the most interesting volcanic areas of Greece, taken during our recent tour to the Saronic Gulf in April 2019, by Tobias Schorr. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Land of Theseus - Methana & the Saronic Gulf: tour photos April 2019 (59 imagine)

Impressions from Santorini Island during a geologic study tour in March 2019. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Santorini Island in spring - tour photos March 2019 (92 imagine)

Spring in Greece is an explosion of colors, dominated by hundred shades of green and yellows. Meadows full of flowers, silver-green olive groves and the blue sea are everywhere.
One area of particular beauty is the Saronic Gulf which also includes one of Europe's least known active volcanoes, the Methana lava dome complex. The photos presented were taken on 9 and 10 April 2019, following a tour to Methana & the Saronic Gulf. We also arrange private excursions to this highly interesting area, starting in Athens or other places nearby, for 2-4 persons and suggested length of 2-3 days. Please contact us if you are interested! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Methana & the Saronic Gulf - spring impressions (April 2019) (116 imagine)

Canary Islands: tour photos Feb 2019 (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Canary Islands: tour photos Feb 2019 (164 imagine)

Thomas Spinner (abenteuer-vulkan.de) sent us some impressions from the Karangetang Volcano Special tour 11-16 Feb 2019: (Photo: Thomas Spinner)

Karangetang volcano special 11-16 Feb 2019 (8 imagine)

Impressions from the beautiful area of Methana and the Saronic gulf in the winter, taken by photographer and tour guide Tobias Schorr.
If you like to get to know this fantastic destination for a walking holiday in one of Europe's archeologically most interesting regions with Tobias, have a look at our tour "Land of Theseus". (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Methana & the Saronic Gulf in Dec 2018 (53 imagine)

In January 2019, magma levels inside Stromboli volcano's conduits rise almost to the rim, producing spectacular activity from several vents. In particular, a large cinder cone has been growing from the NE vent.
The photo shown here illustrate this activity as observed during the evening of 20 Jan 2019. You can find a activity report here.
See also: video page (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Stromboli volcano (Italy): elevated activity in Jan 2019 (20 imagine)

Expedition leader Galih observed Merapi on 10 Jan and documented the growing lava dome, which is becoming increasingly dangerous, as glowing rockfalls have becoming larger and more frequently, prone to produce pyroclastic flows.
Photos were taken from the south east side of Merapi in around 4 km distance from the crater. (Photo: Galih Jati)

Merapi volcano (Central Java, Indonesia): growing lava dome and glowing rockfalls Jan 2019 (8 imagine)

On 17 Oct, explosions were particularly violent at Anak Krakatau. We show a series of images of a spectacular explosion captured from close range by boat. 2 months later, the cone of Anak Krakatau collapsed into the sea on the evening of 22 Dec 2018, triggering a catastrophic tsunami (more info).
Continued activity that accumulated more and more weight on the cone, built on top of a steep underwater slope in the SW (left in the images), and shaking by explosions like this might well have been the final trigger for that tragic event. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatoa volcano eruption Oct 2018: dangerous vulcanian explosion from close (24 imagine)

Our Etna specialist Emanuela climbed Etna earlier today, witnessing the onset of the new flank eruption in the upper Valle del Bove: (Photo: Emanuela / VolcanoDiscovery Italia)

Etna volcano (Italy): flank eruption 24 Dec (Christmas) 2018, first images (16 imagine)

Expedition organizer Galih observed the activity of the volcano during 12-16 Nov. It was characterized by strong ash emissions and occasional vulcanian-type explosions often accompanied by rare volcanic lightning: (Photo: Galih Jati)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia): eruption Nov 2018 - volcanic lightnings (8 imagine)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia): Nov 2018 videos (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia): Nov 2018 videos (1 immagine)

Our latest tour to Krakatau during 18-24 Nov rewarded participants with a night filled with fireworks, observed from a paradise beach. What a view! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia) Nov 2018 eruption: a night on the beach (28 imagine)

During 20-21 Nov, activity changes significantly: explosions became more rich in ash and contained much less and much less brighter lava bombs. As well, the intervals between individual events gradually increased overall, reaching up to about 2 hours by 22 Nov afternoon although phases of more frequent activity still occurred.
The most likely cause is that the magma column continued to drop internally and thus favored the formation of a more robust blockage, which in turn favored the occurrence of strong vulcanian-style explosions with less fresh incandescent material, but many fragments of the plug. This process is possibly helped at depth by water seeping into the walls of the conduit (so-called phreatomagmatic activity) as the interior pressure dropped.
Visible activity almost completely ceased during the night 22-23 Nov and picked up only again in the afternoon of 24 Nov, when we saw it from the volcano observatory on our way back. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia) Nov 2018 eruption: vulcanian activity (36 imagine)

Various images taken between 20-23 Nov, showing various activity decreasing from very strong (20 Nov) to almost absent at the end of our stay (23 Nov). (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia) Nov 2018 eruption: miscellaneous (20 imagine)

The activity observed on 19 Nov continued in a more or less similar way during 20 Nov, although the frequency of explosions had decreased to typically 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes. As the size of explosions observed during the 36 hours we had been on the island group did not exceed a certain threshold (ejecting bombs to the sea), a part of our group decided to take the calculated risk and spend some time on a favorable viewing spot behind the forest and near the shore of Anak Krakatau.
When eruptions eventually started to increase significantly, we left.
Disclaimer: visiting such spots during eruptive phases of Krakatau is very risky and you should be aware that no place on the island of Anak Krakatau is safe from bombs - unexpected large explosions can occur with no warning at any time. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia) Nov 2018 eruption: a magic night on the island (44 imagine)

At the end of the paroxysm during 17-19 Nov, we spent several hours on the boat in about 700 m straight-line distance from the crater, to observe near-continuous explosive activity in the afternoon and evening of 19 Nov. It ranged from weak fountaining to mild to strong strombolian explosions with or without significant ash emissions: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia) Nov 2018 eruption: continuous activity on 19 Nov (32 imagine)

We managed to arrive at Krakatau at the end of a very intense phase of activity between 17-19 Nov, which produced a new lava flow that reached the sea along a 150 m wide stretch on the southern shore of Anak Krakatau. At the time of our arrival, the effusion rate must have stopped just hours before at most, but the flow front was still active: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano (Indonesia) Nov 2018 eruption: lava flow into the sea (25 imagine)

Ronny shared some of his photos from our recent expedition to Krakatau, showing the "normal" life during such a trip: (Photo: Ronny Quireyns)

Krakatau expedition Oct 2018 - Ronny's tour photos (24 imagine)

Most autumns we organise a 15 days study and walking tour to the volcanoes of Southern Italy, starting in Naples where we visit Vesuvius and the Phlegrean fields before sailing of to the Aeolian islands to explore Lipari, Vulcano and Stromboli before our grand finale on the summit of Mt Etna in Sicily. Besides an unrivaled diversity of volcanic deposits, structures and phenomena this tour also includes many archaeological, relaxing, cultural and gastronomic excursions - combining all the best aspects of southern Italy! Our 12 - 26 October 2018 tour was guided by volcanologist Dr Ingrid Smet who put together the below photo diary of the trip - we hope you enjoy it! (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Volcanoes of Italy - The Grand Tour: photo diary of our October 2018 tour (212 imagine)

Santorini is not only a highlight when it comes to present a natural showcase of fantastic geology and volcanic history deeply interwoven with Europe's ancient history, but it is also a very photogenic island. Tobias Schorr presents a selection of photos taken during our Santorini walking tour in Oct 2018: (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Santorini, Greece: tour photos Oct 2018 (80 imagine)

Impressions from our Walking tour to Nisyros island in Oct 2018: (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Nisyros Island, Greece: tour photos Oct 2018 (70 imagine)

Impressions from our Tour to Kamchakta during Sep 2018: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka Sep 2018: tour photos (96 imagine)

Kamchatka not only has impressive and very large volcanoes, but offers unspoiled nature that enchants the visitor with its colors, both in the small and large: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka Sep 2018: land of colors (56 imagine)

A nice excursion from Petropavlovsk is to take one of the boat tours around the Avacha Bay. Here are some impressions from a tour in Sep 2018: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Boat tour in the Avacha Bay - Sep 2018 (24 imagine)

Photos of eruptions during our Oct 2018 tour to Krakatau by expedition organizer Galih (see also Krakatau Volcano Special): (Photo: Galih Jati)

Krakatau volcano - eruption Oct 2018 - Galih's photos (5 imagine)

Images from an excursion to Mutnovsky volcano on 16 Sep 2018, as part of our Kamchatka volcano expedition. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Mutnovsky volcano (Kamchatka) - tour potos Sep 2018 (32 imagine)

Images were taken during 11-14 Sep when we stayed in the volcanologists' station at remote Karymsky volcano as part of our Kamchatka volcano expedition. The volcano had a large eruption the morning before we arrived, and then remained more or less calm during our stay, with only intense steaming and some minor ash emissions. Glow from the crater and still warm bombs visible on infrared camera were seen during the first night.
See also: Jiri's video of the ash eruptions on 12 Sep (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Karymsky volcano (Kamchatka) - tour potos Sep 2018 (20 imagine)

Some impressions from our tour to Kamchatka's volcanoes in Sep 2018: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka, northern group of volcanoes in Sep 2018: Tolbachik, Klyuchevskoy, Kamen, Bezymianny, Shiveluch (24 imagine)

Ivana Dorn presents a selection of her pictures taken during the Sakurajima Volcano Special tour 25-29 March 2018: (Photo: Ivana Dorn)

Sakurajima volcano March 2018: Ivana's photos (20 imagine)

Along with a small group of our recent Vanuatu Volcano Tour, expedition leader Yashmin (see also his website vanuatu-expedition.com) and his group had perfect conditions to observe the very active lava lakes in Ambrym's Benbow and Marum craters from close: (Photo: Yashmin Chebli)

Ambrym volcano, Vanuatu: lava lakes in Sep 2018 (12 imagine)

Much of the activity of Krakatau we observed could be best described as mild to strong stormbolian activity always rich in ash, occurring at irregular intervals of few minutes to few tens of minutes: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano: eruption Oct 2018 - strombolian activity (16 imagine)

Along with a small group, Tom Pfeiffer stayed on the island group during a Volcano Special tour from 13-19 Oct. Some impressions from the volcano and the tour: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano: eruption Oct 2018 - miscellaneous (32 imagine)

Along with a small group, Tom Pfeiffer stayed on the island group during a Volcano Special tour from 13-19 Oct: the volcano's activity during this time fluctuated between phases of mild to strong ash venting along with occasional strombolian activity, as well as intermittent powerful vulcanian-type explosions. In this section, some impressions of the violent vulcanian explosions are shown: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Krakatau volcano: eruption Oct 2018 - vulcanian explosions and lightning (20 imagine)

Krakatau volcano: eruption Oct 2018 - ash venting (24 imagine)

Our latest group on the Krakatau to Bali tour was lucky enough to catch the latest eruption of Krakatau in its full splendor. We present a small selection of photos taken by expedition leader Galih showing the spectacular strombolian activity from the summit crater.
If you're interested in visiting Krakatau with us, please check the Krakatau Volcano Special expedition page. (Photo: Galih Jati)

Krakatau volcano in eruption Sep 2018 - tour photos from our expedition leader Galih Jati (12 imagine)

Below you find a photo gallery with exceptional images captured by one of our very enthusiastic volcano adventurers, Stefan Tommassini (www.fotografie-mit-seele.de), during his travels to the Danakil desert with our Ethiopian volcanologist and expedition leader in January 2018. The photographs include aerial drone images of the colourful salt deposits, hydrothermal hot springs and acid ponds in Dallol as well as the lava lakes on both eruption sites on Erta Ale shield volcan; the summit caldera with the north and south craters and the flank eruption site which has been active since 20 January 2017. If you are interested in traveling to this exceptional part of our planet, check out our 14 days 'Desert, salt and volcanoes' expedition! (c)

Erta Ale volcano & Dallol (Ethiopia): Jan 2018 photos by Stefan Tommasini (58 imagine)

The photographs presented here are taken by VolcanoDiscovery team member and geologist Dr Ingrid Smet during one of our 7 days volcano adventures on Hawaii. During a morning excursion on 22 Mar 2018 our small group found a number of active pahoehoe lava flow fronts at the bottom of the pali which they observed and photographed for 3,5 hours.
These lava flows originate from the tube system of the so-called "61g" lava flow episode of Kilauea volcano, which started in late May 2016 and fed an active ocean entry during July 2016 - Nov 2017. In the past 4 months, the lava tube has been producing surface flows of varying size above and on the pali as well as near its base. By mid March 2018 they had advanced enough to allow spectacular observations of active lava flow fronts after a relatively tough hike of ca. 3 hours across the older lava fields.
(Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Kilauea volcano, Hawai'i: lava flows 22 March 2018 (53 imagine)

A small VolcanoDiscovery group was on a 7 days volcano adventure during the 10th anniversary of a continuous active lava lake inside Halema'uma'u crater in Kilauea's summit caldera. Since the reappearance of lava inside Halema'uma'u crater on 19 March 2008 the level of the active lava lake has been fluctuating a lot and is sometimes visible from the Jagger Museum lookout some 1 km away from the vent. There was also lava spattering from gas bubbles exploding through the surface of the lake in mid March 2018. (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Kilauea volcano, Hawai'i: Halemau'uma'u lava lake March 2018 (13 imagine)

Geologist and VolcanoDiscovery tour guide Dr Ingrid Smet took a small group of travelers on a 7 days exploration of Kilauea shield volcano on the Big Island, Hawaii, from 17 to 23 March 2018. Below you find her photo diary of the VolcanoAdventures tour 'Pele's Fire and Myths' which explores both historic eruption sites of Kilauea as the ongoing volcanic activity at its summit and East Rift Zone as well as local fauna and flora, traditions and mythology.
Check our next group departures if you want to join in on one of our Hawaii volcano adventures and explore these fascinating volcanoes with one of our experienced volcano guides! (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Hawaii - Kilauea volcano: tour photos March 2018 (127 imagine)

In March 2018, lava continued to flow through the tube system of the so-called "61g" lava flow episode of Kilauea volcano, which had started in late May 2016 and fed an active ocean entry during July 2016 - Nov 2017.
Since then, the lava tube has been producing surface flows of varying size above and on the pali as well as near its base.
The pictures presented here were taken by team member geologist Dr Ingrid Smet during a morning excursion on 16 Mar 2018. They show sluggish surface lava flows, as have been typical for the past weeks in this area near the base of Pulama pali. (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Kilauea volcano, Hawai'i: lava flows 16 March 2018 (28 imagine)

Methana opposite Athens in the Saronic Gulf of Greece is one of Europe's least known active volcanic areas. The peninsula consists of a group of overlapping prehistoric and one historic (around 238 BC) lava domes that overlie limestone basement.
An underwater eruption occurred off the northern coast in around 1700 AD.
Methana is known for its hot springs and uncrowded, beautiful green rural landscape. Team member photographer Tobias Schorr who has lived more than 10 years in Methana and knows the peninsula better than anyone recently spent countless hours documenting each of the more than 30 lava domes of Methana with his drone from the air. Here are the results: (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Methana volcano, Greece: aerial photos of the lava domes (56 imagine)

Java, Indonesia: Impressions (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Java, Indonesia: Impressions (71 imagine)

Nyiragongo volcano & Mountain gorillas: tour photos Jan 2018 by Michael Wareham (Photo: Michael Wareham)

Nyiragongo volcano & Mountain gorillas: tour photos Jan 2018 by Michael Wareham (10 imagine)

After a pause of 2 days with almost no ash emissions, mild explosive activity resumed on 24 Feb evening (but could not be well observed then due to heavy cloud cover). The lava flow activity continued with little changes, although seemed to decreased gradually during the days were were still there (until 27 Feb):
[previous: Part 1 - lava flows] (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Mayon volcano, Philippines: eruption 2018 (part 2, 25-27 Feb) - explosive activity (36 imagine)

Mayon started to erupt again in January 2018, producing several lava flows on the southern and southeastern flanks along with frequent episodes of weak to strong lava fountaining and associated ash plumes, as well as pyroclastic flows triggered by collapse of the lava flow fronts.
Since the eruption seemed to be relatively long-lasting, we decided to visit the volcano during 22-27 Feb. Activity had decreased to mostly quiet lava effusion when observed during the first days (22-25 Feb):
[next gallery: Part 2 - explosions] (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Mayon volcano, Philippines: eruption 2018 (part 1, 22-25 Feb) - lava flows (36 imagine)

Some impressions of our 'Desert, salt and volcanoes' expedition to Erta Ale and Dallol from 13 to 26 January 2018 - all images taken by participant Anastasia Ganuschenko. The new fissure eruption site which opened up on Erta Ale's flank a year before is still very active; now that some of the early lavas cooled down one can get very close to some of the lava lakes and hornitos that are still active. And thanks to the rainfall that finally came after about 4 years of drought the colourful scenery with salt deposits, acid lakes and small geysirs at the hydrothermal site of Dallol was once again looking its best!

Besides the 14-days tour group departures that we organise to this destination from mid November through to mid March we also offer customised tours at chosen dates for small groups and individuals. Please contact us through email for more information on such private expeditions to Erta Ale and Dallol! (Photo: Anastasia)

Erta Ale volcano + Dallol: tour photos Jan 2018 by Anastasia Ganuschenko (25 imagine)

Upon request we organised a privately guided 3 days geology tour on the island of Santorini from 8 to 10 February 2018 of which tour guide and geologist Dr Ingrid Smet compiled this selection of photographs.
The islands looked very different from summer time when they are overrun by tourists and the heat has dried up most vegetation. Although the weather is of course less sunny and with higher chances of rain and clouds - and strong winds which sometimes result in the cancellation of all flights - it is well worth visiting Santorini in the winter time to take in the unique and quiet atmosphere and see the colourful winter and early spring flowers...

For many years now we organise 8-9 day group tours to Santorini both in autumn and springtime (Fascination Volcano tour) but if you can also contact us for a private multiple day tour at any custom date. (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Santorini Island, Greece: February 2018 geology tour (106 imagine)

During our expedition to Kamchatka in Sep 2017, Gorely was one of the first volcanoes we visited. Thanks to the fact that it is a shield volcano, the climb to its summit is relatively easy, not very steep, but about 10 km to walk (2-3 hours). Views on the landscape along the way and into its various craters are stunning. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Gorely volcano, Kamchatka: climb and impressions Sep 2017 (40 imagine)

A group of VolcanoDiscovery visited Yasur volcano as part of their Round The World volcano tour and stayed at the volcano during 19-22 November. The activity was at normal levels with frequent small to moderately strong strombolian explosions from multiple vents at intervals of often less than one minute. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Yasur volcano (Tanna Island, Vanuatu): Nov 2017 activity (60 imagine)

The pictures were taken by our friend Gian Schachenmann during an overflight of the volcano in early Dec and show the ongoing eruption of natrocarbonatite lava inside the crater of the 2007 cinder cone occupying the active northern crater of Lengai volcano. (Photo: Gian Schachenmann)

Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano (Tanzania): active crater and natrocarbonatite lava in early Dec 2017 (7 imagine)

Nisyros island is located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea next to Turkey. Together with the isles of Kos and Yali, it represents one of the main active volcanic centra in Aegean Sea, along with Santorini and Milos. One of our VolcanoDiscovery tour guides, Ingrid Smet, made a short reconnaissance trip there at the end of September 2017. Judging from her photographs it seems another perfect destination for one of our Volcano Adventures as it offers all the classic ingredients of active volcanic phenomena, interesting culture, authentic traditions, excellent food, beautiful scenery, nice hiking and relaxing beaches! (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Nisyros Island, Greece: impressions of our September 2017 reconnaissance trip (66 imagine)

Ivana took part in our tour to Krakatau to Bali in June and presents us a selection of her pictures.
"The photos are in a chronological order ... By looking at the photos again I feel the same excitement as it was during the tour. It was amazing!"
Photo copyrights: Ivana Dorn (Photo: Ivana Dorn)

Krakatau to Bali (Java, Indonesia) tour June 2017: photos by Ivana Dorn (68 imagine)

During 3-18 Sep 2017, Tom and 10 participants went on our first pilot tour to Kamchatka. Overall, the tour was fantastic!
Highlights included a 3 days stay at remote Karymsky volcano, exceptionally good weather conditions for Gorely, Mutnovsky, Uzon and Valley of Geysers, Klyuchevskoy volcano, a large explosion from Sheveluch, great company and lots of fun! The following is a quick first impression of the tour in pictures sorted chronologically. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka volcano tour Sep 2017 - tour diary (191 imagine)

This photo diary is a compilation of images from different participants on our 12 - 18 April 2017 Kilauea Volcano Special guided by geologist Ingrid Smet. It also includes photographic documentation of the unofficial ´pilot´ extension that the small group undertook afterwards to explore the other sites, nature, wildlife, scenery and gastronomy of the Big Island.

During their stay on Hawaii the Kamukona lava ocean entry that started in July 2016 was still ongoing so that they had the chance to observe this volcanic acitivity from land, on the sea and in the air. They also watched on a different occasions the lava lake inside Halema´uma´u crater inside Kilauea´s summit caldera, which was at such a high level that the lava spattering could be seen from ca 2 km distance. Unfortunately there were no on-land lava break outs that they could get to as was the case for the March 2017 Kilauea Volcano Specials. (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Kilauea Volcano Special, Hawai'i: tour photos April 2017 (231 imagine)

Ingrid Smet´s photo diary of our 4-11 June 2017 Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition in Rwanda and DR Congo, as well as some safari images of the 2 days extension she afterwards undertook in Akagera National Park. (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Nyiragongo volcano & Mountain gorillas: tour photos of our June 2017 expedition (218 imagine)

A selection of photos taken during our Expedition to Erta Ale and Dallol in early February 2017 by participant Stefan Tommasini - Fotografie mit Seele (website). This Danakil expedition was particulary unique: on one hand a new eruptions started at a fissure on Erta Ale´s flank which let to the partial collapse of the active craters in the summit caldera; on the other hand it was pouring with rain when our group was at Dallol, which is known to be the hottest and driest place on earth... The rain however intensified the colours and activity at Dallol´s hydrothermal deposits, and the flank eruption created a vast lava field with multiple lava lakes and pahoehoe flows. (You can find a short overview of the 2017 flank eruption and Erta Ale volcanic activity update at the end of June 2017 through this link) (c)

Erta Ale + Dallol Feb 2017 - photos of the flank eruption at Erta Ale by Stefan Tommasini (15 imagine)

$A selection of photographs taken by Ingrid Smet during our June 2017 Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition in the DR Congo which included a 3 days / nights stay on Nyiragongo volcano. On 6 June the group completed their hike to the summit in dry weather (the people coming up in the next two days were not so lucky) but had to wait a few hours for a first glance onto the red hot lava lake until the clouds around the stratovolcano´s summit and the thick volcanic gasses inside the caldera had temporarily lifted. The next 2 days (7 and 8 June) visibility into the caldera was usually best in the mornings and at intervals during the night, with more clear circumstances in the early morning and right through to dawn and sunrise on the 8th of June. The world´s largest lava lake (about 220 m across) is situated some 400 m below the rim of Nyiragongo´s summit caldera (a diameter of 1.2 km). When visible, the surface of the active lava lake was continuously in motion as exploding gas bubbles create small degassing fountains that recycle the cold black crust back into the red hot liquid lava. Strong degassing also occurred from the edges of the lava lake, the 2016 hornito and along the southern fracture zone. (Photo: Ingrid Smet)$

Nyiragongo volcano (DR Congo): expedition to the lava lake (June 2017) (40 imagine)

During the first part of June, activity at Stromboli volcano was one of the most intense periods during several years. At most times, up to 6 or 7 vents were active, most notably the two eastern vents, closely followed and sometimes surpassed by the two western vents.
The following pictures were taken on 9, 11, and 16 June, from various viewpoints and give an idea of this activity.
Link: tours to Stromboli volcano (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Stromboli volcano (Eolian Islands, Italy), June 2017: strong activity (60 imagine)

After a relatively rainy winter 2016/17, spring on the Greek islands was fantastic! Santorini, one of the most famous islands of the Cyclades, was no exception and offered a paradise for photographers: flowers and green everywhere, with the blue and white of the traditional houses and chapels. The following photos were taken during our Santorini photo tour in April 2017.
Photo copyright: Tobias Schorr / Nature Discovery Tours. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Santorini (Greece): spring on the island (April 2017) (104 imagine)

Images taken during boat trips early dawn on 15 and 17 March 2017. The fire hose was strongest on the first day, but increased a lot again on 18 March, before stopping and turning into a lava fall a few days later. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): ocean entry at night and dawn (March 2017) (32 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): overview and geologic features (c)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): overview and geologic features (16 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): tour photos (March 2017) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): tour photos (March 2017) (20 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): colors (March 2017 (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): colors (March 2017 (24 imagine)

A selection of images of the g61 lava flow in March 2017 - active and frozen lava flows of pahoehoe type with ropy and toe structures. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): phoehoe lava flows (March 2017) (80 imagine)

For almost 3 months in early 2017, Kilauea volcano was the site of one of the most spectacular and rarest volcanic phenomena: a "fire hose" or lava hose shooting into the ocean. A major bench and cliff collapse on New Year 's Eve 2016 exposed the main active lava tube which had been feeding the ocean entry at rates of up to several cubic meters of very fluid, hot (approx. 1200 deg C) lava. The lava has been traveling underground from the vent on the east rift zone to the coast at 10 miles distance.
The collapse on 31 Dec also affected the submarine part of the coast, creating a very steep submarine slope. It took almost 3 months before the continuous addition of lava finally succeeded to create a new lava delta (bench), allowing the lava to encase itself, stopping the "fire hose" effect.
The pictures on the lower part of this page show one of the last days of the life of the fire hose (18 Mar) when a surge in the tube caused it to be particularly violent. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): the fire hose (March 2017) (56 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava at dark (March 2017) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava at dark (March 2017) (24 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): summit lava lake (Mar 2017) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): summit lava lake (Mar 2017) (16 imagine)

When hot, liquid lava at temperatures near 1200 deg C, directly coming from the lava tube, meets its arch-enemy water, the reaction is often violent: a battle of elements, generating ever-changing (so-called littoral) explosions in a chaos of steam, fragmented lava pieces which become new black sand, and colors.
The pictures were taken during 12-18 March from several viewpoints on water and on land. Among hundreds of similar photos, it was impossible to choose only a few, even though they cannot even come close to the fascination of watching it from relatively close. Few sights have impressed and mesmerized me as much as this battle between Pele and her sister Nā-maka-o-Kahaʻi, goddess of the sea. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava meets water - littoral explosions (Mar 2017) (92 imagine)

Impressions from a morning boat tour to the Kamokuna ocean entry on 13 March 2017 during our latest Kilauea Volcano Special tour. We were lucky enough to be there during the last week when the spectacular fire hose was still active.

A special thanks goes to the competent and friendly crew from Kalapana Cultural Tours, in particular to captains Ikaika and Andrew, who we think provide the best service by far among the competition! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava ocean entry 13 March 2017 (32 imagine)

Paul Reichert who took part in one of our latest Volcano Specials in January 2017 was lucky to witness one of Erta Ale volcano's most spectacular and intense eruptive phases in decades.
A surge of magma from depth (probably a small rifting episode) caused the lava lake in the southern pit crater of the caldera to overflow, build up a broad shield, before it collapsed, following the draining of the lake through a system of flank fissures 2-4 km downhill from 21 Jan - a mere day after Paul and his group had left.
The following is a selection of pictures of Paul, in approximate chronological order and annotated using the valuable field reports by Richard and our geologist expedition leader Enku who, along with Paul, were lucky enough to see this once-in-a-lifetime event. A big thank you goes to all of the three for sharing their information and images!
Watch the videos: 16 Jan | 17 Jan | 18-19 Jan (Photo: Paul Reichert)

Erta Ale volcano (Ethiopia): overflowing lava lake 16-19 Jan 2017 (56 imagine)

Our guest Jens-Wolfram E. who participated (for his second time!) in the most recent Danakil expedition, although still traveling, sent us a first selection of "fresh images" from both Erta Ale and Dallol: (Photo: Jens-Wolfram Erben)

Erta Ale volcano + Dallol hydrothermal field Dec 2016 - Jan 2017 impressions (8 imagine)

Expedition leader Yashmin sent us some impressions from the recent tour to Ambrym and Tanna in Sep 2016. You can find more at:
www.youtube.com/user/VolcansEruptions (movies) and
Yashmin's website. (Photo: Yashmin Chebli)

Vanuatu volcano expedition Sep 2016: tour photos (32 imagine)

Impressions from a full-moon night at the Jagger museum's lookout (Kilauea, Hawai'i) in November 2016. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea (Hawaii): lava lake impressions (Nov 2016) (14 imagine)

On 11 July 2015, a large dome collapse triggered the second largest block and ash pyroclastic flow of the 21st century (surpassed by Merapi in 2010 only), filling and devastating the Montitlán river valley on Colima's south side to a length of about 10 km.
We visited the deposit approx. 16 months later, in Nov 2016 (compare these to photos taken few days after it was deposited). This fresh, the deposit is a fantastic geologic showcase. It provides extremely interesting insights into the dynamics of this kind of pyroclastic density currents and its origin: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Colima volcano (Mexico): July 2015 Montitlán pyroclastic flow deposit a year later (24 imagine)

The first of our Danakil expeditions of the 2016-2017 winter season turned out to be an unexpected success - not only because of the flawless logistics and organisation or the friendliness with which local Ethiopians welcome international travelers, but also thanks to the very high activity at Erta Ale and Dallol!
At Erta Ale, the lava lake has been overflowing multiple times a day, sometimes even continuously, constructing a large new area of fresh pahoehoe lava flows on the caldera floor. Our main guide and organiser, Ethiopian geologist Enku, has been regularly visiting this location but never saw it this active and impressive in his 20 years experience.
And also Dallol seems to have stepped up its game: after the slow drying out and shrinking of the hydrothermal activity at this unique location between 2010 and 2015, last year´s rains had transformed it back to is former colourful and fascinating self - and this active area is still growing even in the past few weeks.
Below we gladly share with you a number of images that our participants Hans en Jooske kindly send us days after returning home from their Danakil volcano adventure. (Photo: Hans and Jooske)

November 2016 tour photos: Erta Ale & Dallol by Hans en Jooske (19 imagine)

Impressions from a beautiful morning spent observing the summit lava lake and walking around the caldera through Steam Vents and Sulfur Banks to Volcano House. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea (Hawaii): lava lake & summit Nov 2016 (32 imagine)

A selection of pictures taken during a morning boat tour (Kilauea Volcano Special) in November. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea (Hawaii): lava flowing into the sea 12 Nov 2016 (32 imagine)

During our recent Volcano Special during 18-22 Nov, we observed the activity of Colima volcano from close:
It was characterized by the continued weak extrusion of a viscous lava flow from the active, flat summit lava dome (see aerial photos). Explosive activity was only minor and limited to mostly small events at irregular intervals (often more than few hours), but fluctuated noticeably from day to day. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Colima volcano (Mexico): lava flow and stars (18-22 Nov 2016) (16 imagine)

During our Volcano Special tour to Colima last week, Ingrid and other 3 participants took a scenic overflight in a small charter plane in order to have a closer look at the active lava dome and its viscous flow on the southern flank. A selection of aerial photos from various angles taking while circling the volcano several times at different altitudes is shown. (Photo: Ingrid Smet)

Colima volcano (Mexico): aerial photos 20 Nov 2016 - new lava dome and flow (24 imagine)

Impressions from our recent tour to Vulcano, Stromboli, Etna (Oct 2016). (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Stromboli to Etna Oct 2016 - tour photos (36 imagine)

Impressions of volcanoes and landscapes (N-Sulawesi, Halmahera, Siau Island) during our Volcanoes and Spices volcano tour in northern Indonesia. Photos taken by participant Thomas Spinner. (Photo: Thomas Spinner)

Volcanoes and Spices tour Sep 2016: photos by Th. Spinner (60 imagine)

Life returns slowly after destruction by lava flows. In this area, 30 years ago, there was dense rain forest until it was invaded by lava flows from the early stages of the Pu'u 'O'o rift zone eruption.
Dead, half-burnt tree trunks and branches still lie around, some having left molds in the lava.
Among the first plants to colonize the barren lava desert are small ferns whose green stands out from the dark or silvery pahoehoe textures. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Sep 2016 tour - life returns to lava (16 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Kamokuna sea entry 17 Sep 2016 (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Kamokuna sea entry 17 Sep 2016 (16 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): fire and water (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): fire and water (32 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Sep 2016 tour - miscellaneous (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Sep 2016 tour - miscellaneous (16 imagine)

A second boat tour in the morning of 14 Sep resulted in spectacular views of the numerous lava flows entering the sea thanks to exceptionally good wind conditions - southerly winds pushed the heavy steam plume inland.
[go to part 2] (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava sea entry - boat tour 14 Sep 2016 (1) (32 imagine)

A selection of photos during our Krakatau to Bali photo tour, by German photographer Uwe Ehlers. For more photos by Uwe, please look at his website geoart.eu! (Photo: Uwe Ehlers / geoart.eu)

Krakatau to Bali photo tour May 2016: photos by Uwe Ehlers (75 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava sea entry - boat tour 14 Sep 2016 (2) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava sea entry - boat tour 14 Sep 2016 (2) (24 imagine)

Active lava breakouts were present about 2 km inland in the coastal flat in mid September 2016. Although the sea entry was the main attraction, a short hike to these flows was a welcome break. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): pahoehoe lava flows (20 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava lake Sep 2016 (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava lake Sep 2016 (16 imagine)

Impressions from Kilauea's caldera with the active lava lake inside the Halema'uma'u crater in mid Sep 2016. The level of the lake was so high that the lava could be easily seen from the HVO observatory's Jagger lookout. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): caldera and lava lake Sep 2016 (16 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Kamokuna lava sea entry Sep 2016 (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Kamokuna lava sea entry Sep 2016 (20 imagine)

Impressions from the Kamokuna lava sea entries on a morning boat tour on 11 Sep, taking during the recent pilot Kilauea Volcano Special tour. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava sea entry - boat tour 11 Sep 2016 (52 imagine)

Nyiragongo volcano July 2006 expedition (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Nyiragongo volcano July 2006 expedition (36 imagine)

Photos of Kawah Ijen, the acid turquoise crater lake, sulfur deposits, the mining operation and workers at the site carrying baskets full of raw sulfur. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Ijen volcano: crater lake & sulphur mining (32 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Pu'u 'O'o crater lava lake Mar 2006 (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Pu'u 'O'o crater lava lake Mar 2006 (12 imagine)

Kilauea volcano (Hawai'i): lava flows down the Pulama Pali on 1 July 2016 (Photo: Michael Dalton)

Kilauea volcano (Hawai'i): lava flows down the Pulama Pali on 1 July 2016 (8 imagine)

Our friend and filmmaker Michael Dalton (Volcanic Odysseys) is currently on Hawai'i and sent us some images of the new lava flows advancing SE fro Pu'u 'O'o, reaching Pulama Pali on 29 June 2016.
"Amazing day yesterday on the Pali, very spectacular and at times fast moving flows. We caught some incredible surges. The flow with the burning trees had to be moving close to 1ft a second during the fast surges that last 10 minutes or so." (Photo: Michael Dalton)

Kilauea volcano (Hawai'i): lava flows descending on Pulama Pali June 2016 (12 imagine)

Tilmann, one of the participants on our Solar Eclipse & volcano tour in Indonesia sent us a selection of photos of the eclipse on 9 March 2016, taken from Makian island, where people could enjoy a spectacular show thanks to great clear skies. (Photo: Tilmann)

Solar Eclipse 2016 in Indonesia: impressions (12 imagine)

During our Colima Volcano Special in January 2016, we spent several days and nights to observe the volcano's ongoing intermittent explosive activity.
Due to reasons not well understood, Colima's eruptions in the past few months have been unusually rich in eruption lightnings that develop in the ash plumes, even during smaller explosions, something that had not been observed during a phase of similarly intense explosive activity a year ago (photos). (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Colima volcano (Mexico), Jan 2016: eruptions (24 imagine)

Some impressions from our recent volcano tour to Guatemala, from 20 Dec 2015 - 2 Jan 2016: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Guatemala volcano expedition Dec 2015: tour photos (56 imagine)

Cerro Quemado (="Burned Peak"), is the youngest of several vents of the Almolonga volcanic complex. Its last eruption in 1818 produced an extensive field of block lava and a complex dome. Located immediately south of Quezaltenango and beautifully vegetated by pine forest, it is a popular half-day excursion from the city. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Guatemala tour Dec 2015: Cerro Quemado (8 imagine)

Guatemala tour Dec 2015: Lake Atitlán (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Guatemala tour Dec 2015: Lake Atitlán (16 imagine)

Our recent Guatemala volcano tour coincided with the beginning of another (the 14th in 2015) paroxysm at Fuego volcano, which we observed from close during 29 Dec - 1 Jan. We used two different viewpoints at the base of the volcano, at approx. 5 and 7 km distances: first from near the INSIVUMEH volcano observatory (SW flank, first 3 rows of pictures), and from the SE (last pictures). The latter was chosen instead of initially planned Acatenango because of very bad weather and the presence of a new lava flow on that side.
Many thanks for support goes to the friendly staff from OVFGO/INSIVUMEH, in particular Edgar Barrios! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Fuego volcano Dec 2015 - strong strombolian activity and pyroclastic flow deposits (24 imagine)

Impressions of Santiaguito volcano's activity during 26-28 Dec 2015 from our Guatemala volcano tour when we spent two nights on the summit of Santa Maria, more than 1000 m above the active lava dome - one (if not THE) best volcano observation spots in the world! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Santiaguito Dec 2015: eruptions from Caliente (36 imagine)

Impressions of Pacaya volcano's activity during 21-22 Dec 2015 from our Guatemala volcano tour. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Pacaya volcano Dec 2015: active intra-crater cone (16 imagine)

Selection of photographs taken on the 23rd of November 2015 during our first Danakil volcano expedition of this winter season! Image credits to Jim Keir, who participated on this tour and kindly shared these images with us. (Jim´s Ethiopia 2015 gallery)

It seems that this phenomenal hydrothermal system is increasingly becoming drier (more shades of yellow-orange-brown and less green colours) in comparison to the photographs taken in December 2010 following a particularly rainy period. What could be causing this gradual ´´dehydration´´ of the Dallol hot springs?

Despite the fact there are currently 3 companies which will be extracting groundwater for the mining of potash from the local salts (used as fertiliser), neither one of them has actually started the production phase of their mining activities. So it is unlikely that they are the (main) reason for the slowly drying out of the Dallol hydrothermal field. A conversation with the chief of the local Afar village of Hamadela, discussing the influence of growing tourist numbers on his people and their ways of living, brought to light the area´s staggering drought problem. Whereas 18 months is the longest time span within his life (ca 45 years) over which there was no rain falling in the Dallol area, there has now been no rain for over 50 months... The fact that the only influx of water over the past 4 years has been rain run-off from the surrounding plateaus into the Dallol depression, instead of locally falling rain, therefore seems to be a more likely cause. After all, the colourful Dallol hotsprings have only been regularly visited and photographed over the past decade, so not a lot is known about the hydrothermal system´s long term life cycles and changes. Careful monitoring will hopefully result in a better understanding of this hydrothermal system so that it can be preserved as well as possible for future generations. (Photo: jimkeir)

Danakil expedition Nov 2015 - Dallol photos by Jim Keir) (44 imagine)

An illustrated diary from our recent tour in November 2015, by participant/co-guide Dr. Ingrid Smet (who unfortunately had to skip Dallol due to illness)
Read also her comments about the tour,- recommended for anyone planning a trip into the Danakil! (Photo: Ingrid)

Desert, Salt & Volcanoes: tour photos from the November 2015 Danakil expedition by Ingrid Smet (230 imagine)

Some impressions from our Nyiragongo expedition in July 2015 (photos by Yashmin Chebli) (Photo: Yashmin Chebli)

Nyiragongo lava lake & mountain gorillas: tour photos July 2015 (16 imagine)

Batu Tara volcano Nov 2015: expedition impressions (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Batu Tara volcano Nov 2015: expedition impressions (32 imagine)

Batu Tara volcano Nov 2015: strombolian activity (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Batu Tara volcano Nov 2015: strombolian activity (16 imagine)

Batu Tara volcano Nov 2015: vulcanian explosions (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Batu Tara volcano Nov 2015: vulcanian explosions (16 imagine)

Impressions of Dukono volcano (Halmahera Island) as seen during our Volcanoes and Spices volcano tour in northern Indonesia. Photos taken on 31 Oct 2015 by our expedition leader Andi. (Photo: Andi / VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia)

Dukono volcano Oct 2015 (7 imagine)

With a small group we climbed Raung during 14-15 August 2015. The hike involves approx. 20 km trekking and almost 2000 m climbing along a mostly overgrown path as only few people visit this spectacular volcano, even though it is one of Indonesia's most active ones.
We might have witnessed the end of the large 2015 summit eruption, which during June-early August produced large lava flows, lava fountains and significant ash plumes. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Raung volcano (East Java, Indonesia): photos August 2015 (20 imagine)

Sinabung volcano videos: 24-28 July 2015 pyroclastic flows (c)

Sinabung volcano videos: 24-28 July 2015 pyroclastic flows (1 immagine)

A visit in the (evacuated) exclusion zone approx. 4 km from the summit, near the destroyed village of Sukameriah on 27 July 2015. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Sinabung volcano photos July 2015: pyroclastic flow damage (24 imagine)

Impressions of the volcano taken during our recent tour to Sinabung. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Sinabung volcano photos July 2015: the volcano and its surroundings (32 imagine)

Sinabung volcano photos July 2015: lava dome and pyroclastic flows (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Sinabung volcano photos July 2015: lava dome and pyroclastic flows (32 imagine)

Impressions from the evacuated area near San Antonio and La Yerbabuena (west side), affected only by ash fall, and the still hot deposit of the unusually large pyroclastic flow from 11 July, near Monte Grande on the southern slope. The images were taken only 3 days after it had been deposited. Miraculously, no human victims were claimed, but many livestock were lost. The deposit will pose a significant lahar hazard during heavy rainfalls to come. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Colima volcano (Mexico) July 2015 photos: evacuations and Monte Grande pyroclastic flow (20 imagine)

Pictures taken during an overflight on 16 July 2015. They show the active lava flow, the path of the recent pyroclastic flows, in particular the 10 km long one from 11 July, rockfalls, and the new crater configuration after the (pre-11 July) dome had collapsed, giving way to the new lava flow on the southern flank. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Colima volcano (Mexico) July 2015: aerials (32 imagine)

Colima volcano (Mexico) July 2015: glowing rockfalls and lava flow (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Colima volcano (Mexico) July 2015: glowing rockfalls and lava flow (20 imagine)

Batu Tara volcano: pyroclastic flow on 3 July 2015 video (c)

Batu Tara volcano: pyroclastic flow on 3 July 2015 video (1 immagine)

Batu Tara volcano 30 June - 4 July 2015: video clips of eruptions (c)

Batu Tara volcano 30 June - 4 July 2015: video clips of eruptions (1 immagine)

See also: Eruption pictures | Eruption videos taken during the same expedition to Batu Tara (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Batu Tara volcano expedition June-July 2015: impressions (32 imagine)

During our Batu Tara volcano expedition we stayed on the island from 30 June - 4 July 2015 and found the volcano in similar activity (strombolian) as during our other visits in Nov 2012 and 2014. However, during the night 2-3 July and early on 3 July, a phase of increased activity resulted in the formation of small pyroclastic flows caused by collapsing material ejected during the explosion and/or accumulated on the crater rim.
See also: Expedition, camp & volcano | Video clips of eruptions (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Batu Tara volcano 30 June - 4 July 2015: eruptions (36 imagine)

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