Eruption of Piton de la Fournaise: update

The eruption at Piton de la Fournaise volcano on La Réunion island continues, sending lava flows down the steep flank of the volcano's E flank towards the sea. A brief pause during the eruption occurred between 21 and 23 Feb., where lava emission and eruption tremor were at very low levels, and many believed the eruption was actually over. The following is a report from Thomas Staudacher, head of the volcano observaotry of Piton de la Fournaise:

"After a periode of low activity, eruption tremor increased again from Monday, Feb 21 and is actually at a quite high level. Two eruption sites were active, the first one being the principal vent at 1600 m altitude above la Plaine des Osmondes, a second vent is active from the northern caldera wall at about 1200 m altitude within the Plaine des Osmondes. The first vent is releasing a volcanic plume and several pahoehoe type lava flows, but no lava fountains are visible. The second vent releases also very fluid pahoehoe lava flows with a quite large debit. The associated lava flows cover a large area within the Plaine des Osmondes and smaller lava flows reach now about 600 m altitude in the Grand Brûlé."

Links and photographs:
- Journal de l'Ile, the largest newspaper of La Réunion.
- IMaz Press,- press photos from La Réunion

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