Merapi volcano (Java, Indonesia): continuing glowing rockfalls and lava dome growth
Wed, 13 Jan 2021, 21:30
21:30 PM | BY: T
Glowing avalanches from Merapi's lava dome last night (image: Andi Rosadi / VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia)

Merapi seen from the SW at night (image: Andi Rosadi / VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia)
According to the volcano observatory, the new lava dome was first visible emerging behind the crater breach on 4 January. During 4-7 January, 19 incandescent avalanches were observed; they traveled as far as 800 m downhill, but the risk of larger avalanches increases as the dome grows.
Deformation of the volcanic edifice continued as well: distance shortening was measured between separate points in the northwestern part of the volcano, reaching rates of 15 cm per day. The reason for this contraction could be the removal of magma from internal conduits into the dome. More than 1,300 residents have been temporarily relocated from their homes in threatened areas to evacuation centers.
The volcano's official alert level remains at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public is being warned to stay at least 5 km away from the summit.
Source: Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 6-12 January 2021
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Previous news
Wed, 13 Jan 2021, 21:00
Klyuchevskoy (Kamchatka): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Tokyo warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 22000 ft (6700 m) altitude or flight level 220 and is moving at 25 kts in E direction. ... read all
Wed, 13 Jan 2021, 19:36
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported a magnitude 4.2 quake in India near Mahur, Dima Hasao, Assam, only 20 minutes ago. The earthquake hit after midnight on Thursday 14 January 2021 at 12:15 am local time at a shallow depth of 15 km. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report. ... read all
Wed, 13 Jan 2021, 18:15
Wed, 13 Jan 2021, 18:00
Wed, 13 Jan 2021, 17:57
An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 occurred only 8 minutes ago 48 km west of Milford Sound, New Zealand, New Zealand's Earthquake Commission and Geological Survey (GeoNet) reported. ... read all
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