Volcanic activity world-wide 24 August 2012: Tungurahua, Etna, El Hierro, Long Valley, Shiveluch, Popocatépetl, Fuego, Santiaguito, Nevado del Ruiz, Batu Tara, Sakurajima

Tungurahua volcano's activity remains at similar moderate levels as yesterday, lower than compared to a few days ago. Explosions every few hours are accompanied by strong cannon-shot noises and eject glowing bombs to up to 500 m height. Steam and ash plumes rise up to 4 km above the crater. Light ash fall was reported to the W and NW in the sectors of Chacauco, Cotaló and El Tablón.
The volcanic tremor is at medium levels. 61 tremor pulses and 120 long-period events were registered over 24 hours.

Etna volcano: Explosive activity from Bocca Nuova continues, at least intermittently.

Slightly increased seismic activity continues at El Hierro. 5 more small quakes at about 20 km depth occurred at El Hierro island so far today.

A small earthquake swarm has developed at the southern margin of the Long Valley caldera in California, just north of Convict Lakes. The largest was a 2.5 event at 10 km depth. The activity falls well within normal levels. Slight inflation has been measured during past months.

Popocatépetl remains at relatively low levels of activity. During 9 hours, only 7 weak explosions of mostly steam and gas were observed. A steam plume rises about 700 meters above the crater.


Santiaguito had 2 moderate explosions early this morning which produced ash clouds rising 700 m. Glow from the lava dome, and avalanches from the active lava flows were reported.

It seems that Fuego has decreasing activity. There were no reports of explosions and the lava flow towards Taniluyá canyon is now only 150 m long, which would mean it is now less than half what it was only a few days ago (500 m). The second lava flow towards Ceniza canyon is still active as well.

Nevado del Ruiz volcano produces a strong SO2 plume visible on yesterday's NOAA image. The Manizales observatory's website could not be accessed today for reports, but local newspaper articles mention an 800 m steam plume and continuous ash venting. High alert remains at place for the volcano.

Reventador volcano produces a 700-900 m high steam plume. No seismic data are currently available, as the station is damaged.

No eruptive activity or significant unrest was detected at the volcanoes in Northern Mariana Islands. Pagan volcano is only steaming.

Sheveluch volcano, Kamchatka: Growth of the lava dome, the active flow on the north-eastern flank of the lava dome, strong steaming and hot avalanches characterize the current activity of the volcano. No reports of major explosions, however, such could occur any time.

Batu Tara (Sunda Islands, Indonesia) has NOT had an ash cloud reported today. This is news!

Sakurajima volcano had only 1 weak explosion (ash rising to 7,000 ft / 2.1 km altitude) reported during the past 24 hours.