Photos: volcanoes, landscapes, destinations, people and tours

A selection of recent aerial photos of Kos and Nisyros islands by (c) Tobias Schorr. Small drones like the DJI Air2s give an opportunity to an photographer to show the morphology of volcanoes and also the landscape of an area. It needs a lot of experience to create nice images. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Nisyros aerial photos April 2022 (44 imagine)

Photos from the tour to Kos and Nisyros in April 2022 (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Photos from the tour to Kos and Nisyros in April 2022 (24 imagine)

It is always a challenge to show the volcanic origin of an landscape. With modern technologies, like drones, the photographer can modulate the shape and character of an landscape with the light and position. These images were photographed with the DJI Air2s drone and HDR images. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Aerial photographs of Milos 2022 (87 imagine)

Naples & Vesuvius & Herculaneum & Pompeji May 2008 (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Naples & Vesuvius & Herculaneum & Pompeji May 2008 (108 imagine)

A tour to Lavrio and Milos island in September 2010. Tobias Schorr was guiding a small group to the ancinet mines of Lavrio and on the volcanic island of Milos. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Milos Sept. 2010 (141 imagine)

Photos from the guided tour to Kos and Nisyros island in October 2018 with Tobias Schorr. A geological and archaeological hiking tour to the most exciting places on Kos and Nisyros. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Nisyros Oct. 2018 (127 imagine)

A nice tour to Kos and Nisyros with the German guide Tobias Schorr. A geological highlight is the crater of Stefanos on Nisyros. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Nisyros Sept. 2014 (112 imagine)

Photos from the geological & volcanological tour to Cos and Nisyros in October 2013 with VolcanoDiscovery and the guide Tobias Schorr. A great experience of geology, archaeology, colours and local people! (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Nisyros October 2013 (127 imagine)

Photos of a small group of friends and frequent travellers with Volcanodiscovery to Cos & Nisyros island in Greece. Tobias Schorr was guiding the group to the most exciting geological and archaeological sites of both islands. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Nisyros May 2013 (105 imagine)

Nisyros April 2010 (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Nisyros April 2010 (84 imagine)

Photos from our geological hiking tour to Nisyros island in April 2008. Tobias Schorr was guiding the small group to the most exciting and most beautiful geological and archaeological sites of the volcanic island. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Nisyros tour in April 2008 (103 imagine)

An unique geological site in the valley of Sousaki near Agios Theodoros in Greece. An uplifting magma chamber has alternated sedimentary rocks and created some local vents of dacite near Loutraki town. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Sousaki volcano 2022 (28 imagine)

The area around Agios Theodoros and Loutraki is rich in signs of volcanism. There are probably magma chambers below the area. The last signs of volcanism are many small vents of dacite and andesite around Loutraki and the hydrothermal altered valley of Sousaki. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Sousaki volcano 2014 (47 imagine)

Photos of an excursion to the volcanic site of Sousaki with its strange geology. Even all rocks are alterated by volcanic fluids and gases, it is strange, that one can not really find typical volcanic rocks, like dacites or andesites. There are two caves with dangerous activity of gases like H2S, CO, CO2. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Sousaki volcano 2013 (20 imagine)

In January 2022 we had the great experience to enjoy Athens and its ancient sites being covered with a dense layer of snow. Aerial photos showed the beauty of the famous city. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Athens in snow January 2022 (16 imagine)

Photos from a tour to Lanzarote in January 2022 with the famous volcanoes, villages and landscapes. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Lanzarote January 2022 (36 imagine)

Aerial images of the German volcanoes in the nature park Siebengebirge near Germany's former capital city Bonn. (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Siebengebirge, Germany: aerial images Nov 2021 (18 imagine)

Our friend and guest on many volcano tours in the past Tilmann Ditting visited the eruption in mid October and shared some of his impressions. (Photo: Tilmann)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: impressions mid October 2021 (16 imagine)

During 5 Oct, activity remained essentially unchanged, but little wind caused lots of ash and dust being in the air in nearby areas. Lava fountaining was reduced compared to earlier on, although ash emissions remained significant and lava flows continued to advance at various fronts. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021:5 Oct - lava fountains (6 imagine)

After the reconfiguration of the vents the day before, caused by repeated collapses of parts of the crater walls, the eruption seemed more stable on 4 Oct. Intense explosive activity continued at decreased level from the vents, with pulsating lava fountains as well as lava effusion from the now breached crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 4 Oct - lava fountains and ash (48 imagine)

A surge of magma likely caused the northwestern wall of the main crater to collapse, leaving a steep-walled crater valley stretching from the previous summit crater to the area of the former flank vents. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 3 Oct - crater collapse and lava fountains (36 imagine)

During 2 Oct, the activity continued without significant changes. At the cone, the flank vents remained active with lava spattering or low fountaining to feed lava flows, while pulsating lava fountaining became again stronger at the summit vents.
The effusive vent north from the cone remained active with quiet lava effusion as well. Favorable wind conditions and a special permit from Guardia Civil provided us with unique observation opportunities from close range. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 2 Oct 2021 - lava flows and fountains (96 imagine)

After the opening of a second flank vent on the NW slope of the cone during the previous evening, another effusive vent opened during the night 30 Sep-1 Oct or early on 1 Oct outside the cone, a few 100 m north of it in a depression next to it.
Besides that, activity continued without significant changes with lava fountaining from the various vents at the cone and several active lava flows. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 1 Oct - concentric ash plumes (32 imagine)

With a special permit from the Civil Protection, Tom and a few other members of the Volcanological Society were granted short time access to the area in upper El Paraiso close to the vent.
During the day, activity had been at stable levels similar to the previous days, with continuous lava fountains from the flank vent, associated with effusion of several overlapping lava flows, as well as pulsating moderate jets of gas, ash and some lava bombs from the upper vents.
This activity changed short time after we had left in the later evening, with the opening of new vents and new lava flows further to the north of the ones seen here, destroying the places shown or at least making them inaccessible afterwards. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 30 Sep - lava from close (52 imagine)

In the late evening of 28 Sep, the main lava flow made a rapid advance to reach the sea and quickly started to build a new delta of land.
At the vents, activity remained more or less the same as during the past days - vigorous liquid lava fountains from the NW flank vent as well as gas- and ash-rich lava fountains from the summit vents. A large surface lava flow from the flank vent remained active and had its front in the area of Todoque. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 29 Sep - lava at the ocean (20 imagine)

Activity remained intense throughout the day, with sustained lava fountaining from the flank vent, strong pulsating tall gas-rich fountains from the summit vents and strong lava effusion both into the new flow from the flank vent as well into the main flow, that reached the sea late at night. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 28 Sep - peak of activity (24 imagine)

Early on 27 Sep, activity at the vents suddenly ceased completely, at least visually. Sporadic mild ash emissions and explosions restarted to occur around lunch, and became more frequent in the afternoon.
By early evening, the pause of the eruption (which might have been caused by a new intrusion at depth, disturbing the existing pathways) ended, as shown in the following sequence of images: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 27 Sep - eruption pauses and restarts (28 imagine)

On 26 Sep, the lava fountaining again increased in height. Typically, the principal summit vent produced tall, candle-like roaring jets that rose to up to 1000 m at times. The flank vent remained moderately active and continued to feed the northern lava flow visible in the pictures below from La Laguna. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 26 Sep - candle-like tall lava fountains (16 imagine)

During 25 and 26 Sep, the activity continued with no significant changes - tall lava fountains from the main vents in the cone's summit crater, lava flow emission from the flank vent that had opened on 24 Sep, as well as lava effusion into the main flow presumably through lava tubes.
Compared to 23-24 Sep, the lava fountaining decreased significantly on 26 September morning, only to pick up in the evening again.
The photos were taken from viewpoints to the SW and NW of the vent in the night 25-26 Sep and on 26 Sep morning: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: 25-26 Sep - lava fountains and cone growth (24 imagine)

Around noon on Sep 24, a series of very strong explosions with shock waves and loud detonations were recorded at the cone; likely this was when the upper conduit inside it became occasionally blocked by large gas bubbles. The increased pressure lead to the opening of two closely spaced vents on the lower NW flank of the cone, from where new lava flows started to erupt.
The opening of these vents was accompanied by the formation of a new collapse crater above the northernmost of the two vents. Similar events were to be repeated in the coming days, and a week later, the flank crater was finally merged with the main crater. The vent at the bottom of this new crater quickly became one of the protagonists of the eruption at that stage: it produced vigorous spattering and was feeding a fast-flowing new surface lava flow that traveled along and enlarged the northern margin of the total lava flow field.
Even with the new effusive activity just tens of meters below, the summit vent continued to produce gas-rich lava fountains from now at least 3 vents close to each other in the summit crater. Initially the height of the fountain seemed to have decreased when the flank vent opened, but later regained in strength again, and continued to reach several hundred meters in height at similar levels as before.
The pictures show the activity from the cone, the lava fountaining and lava effusion from the new flank vent in the evening of 24 Sep. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: Sep 24 - new vent opens on cone (36 imagine)

The activity remained fairly stable until noon of 24 Sep, characterized by sustained tall (4-500 m or more) lava fountaining, generating an eruption column and ash plume that rose 2-3 km, as well as constant lava effusion from the main vent. The latter formed a channeled surface flow that traveled about 1-2 km west from the vent, while a (probably more significant) part was likely directed into lava tubes feeding the flow field further below, which continued mostly to thicken and spread laterally.
The following pictures mostly show the lava fountain and ash plume from various angles at distances from 3-8 km during the morning of 24 Sep. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: Sep 24, lava fountains (52 imagine)

La Palma's active Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted again on 19 Sep 2021, after 50 years of slumber. Tom Pfeiffer and a small group of friends from the Volcanological Society were lucky enough to be able to reach the island on the 4th day of eruption via a Condor flight from Munich.
During 22-23 Sep, the eruption was characterized by near-continuour, rapidly pulsating and moderately tall lava fountains from the main vent, along with large lava bubble explosions and associated shock waves. Lava effusion continued to occur mostly directly into the main lava tube and lava flow, which continued to mostly spread laterally and thicken in the area of Todoque, rather expanding it than pushing its front much forward towards the ocean. This would change in the course of the week...
(Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

La Palma volcano eruption 2021: Sep 22-23, first impressions (24 imagine)

A powerful Plinian explosive volcanic eruption took place about 13,077 years ago (or at about 11,057 BC) at the Laacher See caldera in the Eifel (western Germany). It was one of Central Europe's largest eruptions during the past 100,000 years and ejected around 20 cubic kilometers of ash and pumice into an eruption column that rose to at least 20 km height, comparable to the Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines in 1991.
The Laacher See is considered dormant today. Signs of volcanic life can be found at the lake shore in form of CO2 emissions.
The products of the eruption 13,000 years ago left thick deposits of pumice and welded ignimbrite, that has been used as building material since Ancient times. Here are some impressions of the area, taken during a series of excursions: (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Eifel volcanic field (Germany): Laacher See caldera, ignimbrite, gas emissions July 2008 (28 imagine)

Addis Ababa with over 2,7 million inhabitant is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa in Amharic means "new flower". Here are a few impressions of street life and the city Tobias took while preparing for our Desert, Salt and Volcanoes expedition to the Danakil in Nov 2016: (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: impressions from Nov 2016 (9 imagine)

Armenia is a very varied and photogenic country and full of geological wonders. Here are some impressions from parts of the our latest tour to Armenia taken by volcanologist Dr. Tom Pfeiffer who accompanied a small group who "dared" traveling in Corona-times and found that life still goes on if one forgets about it all: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Armenia: Volcanoes, History and Culture tour impressions May-June 2021 (150 imagine)

Mt Ararat volcano is not only one of the most iconic and largest potentially still active volcanoes in the world, but certainly one that has more connections to history, religion, myths, culture and politics in the Caucasus-Middle East region than any other mountain as well. One of the many beliefs around it refers to the Bible's tale of Noah. According to it, its summit was the first to emerge as new land when the Deluge receded and Noah could land again here, starting to populate the new world...
Even though its location became part of the Turkish state in 1920 following the Turkish-Armenian war and intervention of Russia, it remains an important national symbol of the Armenian people, whose original population area was much larger than today's country, and had Ararat quite in its center. Today, from many points in western Armenia, it remains a mighty background of the scenery.
The pictures were taken during our latest small group tour to Armenia's geological and cultural highlights. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Armenia: views of Mt Ararat volcano during our tour in May-June 2021 (8 imagine)

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Bronze-Age town near Akrotiri on Santorini Island, covered by volcanic ash during the Minoan eruption around 1600 BC and partially excavated since 1956, are a great number of marvelous frescoes that might rank among the most inspiring pieces of art from the 2nd millennium BC, but also provide a unique insight into life and culture at the heyday of the Minoan and Cycladic culture.
Extremely well-made reproductions of the original frescos (which are stored and partially exhibited in both the Archeological museum of Athens and Fira on Santorini) were first presented on Santorini during the 1st International Symposium on the Wall Paintings of Thera in 1997, in beautiful pumice caves and rooms of the Petros M. Nomikos Conference Centre.
The reproductions in this exhibition were marvelously matched with the inspiring architecture of the rooms they are shown, providing a fantastic way to immerse oneself into life of at the time of the eruption in the Bronze Age. Unfortunately this exhibition ended a few years ago. The original frescos are now stored in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Photographer and Santorini expert Tobias Schorr documented this brilliant exhibition: (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Santorini volcano (Greece): frescoes from the Bronze-Age town at Akrotiri (24 imagine)

Francesco Tomarchio sent us a small selection of his photos he took during the remarkable and very powerful lava fountaining episode from Etna's New SE crater on 31 July-1 Aug 2021.
Link/credits: Francesco's page on facebook (Photo: FrancescoTomarchio)

Etna volcano (Italy): lava fountains during the 52nd paroxym at the New SE crater during 31 July-1 Aug 2021 (5 imagine)

With a small group, photographer and tour guide Tobias Schorr visited the island of Santorini for our Pearl of the Aegean tour in May 2021. Here are some of his impressions: (Photo: Tobias Schorr)

Santorini Island (Greece): spring time impressions May 2021 (52 imagine)

Our friend volcano photographer and expedition organizer Diego Rizzo from Guatemala shared some of his impressions taken at Fuego and Pacaya volcanoes during Feb-May 2021. Both volcanoes have been in permanent activity during the past years and provide fantastic opportunities for tours to see active volcanoes from close. (Photo: Diego Rizzo)

Pacaya and Fuego volcanoes, Guatemala: impressions Feb-May 2021 by Diego Rizzo (16 imagine)

During a visit in mid to late July 2021, Stromboli was showing very regular and typical strombolian activity from several vents. Most notably though, the NE cone produced quite impressive eruptions at intervals of 15-20 minutes. Overall, activity at the volcano in this period was low to medium.
Interested in a tour to the volcano and take such pictures yourself? Join our Stromboli to Etna volcano tour!
Images taken on the evening of 19 July 2021 (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Stromboli volcano (Eolian Islands, Italy): strombolian activity July 2021 (9 imagine)

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)

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