Worldwide Volcano News and Updates

It was reported that clouds had prevented visual observations of Llaima during 29 August-2 September. On 3 September, fumarolic plumes that originated from three points on the pyroclastic cones in the main crater drifted N. An explosion produced an ash plume that also drifted N; ash deposits on the N flank suggested previous emissions. On 4 September gas plumes from the main crater drifted W. Gas-and-steam plumes were emitted during 5-7 September. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at YellowIt was reported that during 3-9 September, lava flowed SE through a lava tube system from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex, reaching the Waikupanaha ocean entry and one further to the E. On 5 September, geologists saw multiple surface flows during an aerial observation: four on the coastal plain, and a large 'a'a flow and a small pahoehoe flow in the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision. It was reported that during 3-9 September seismic activity from Kasatochi was low. Vigorous steam-and-gas plumes rose above the crater and drifted up to 32 km downwind. On 4 September the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow. Weak thermal anomalies were detected on 5 and 7 September.

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It was reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 29 August-5 September. Explosions may have generated ash plumes to an altitude of 3.8 km (12,500 ft) and the analysis of satellite imagery revealed ash plumes drifting SE on 29 Read all

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It was reported that during 3-5 September two moderately vigorous plumes from Chaitén were visible on a web camera and rose to altitudes of 2.1-3.1 km. The plumes drifted NW, N, SE, and S. Based on web camera views, analysis of satellite imagery, and information from the Puerto Montt Flight Information Region (FIR), the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 3-6 and 8 September, ash plumes rose continuously to altitudes of 1.5-3 km (5,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, ESE, and SE.

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After several weeks of elevated explosive activity at the summit of Kilauea volcano, the Halema'uma'u vent which opened on March 19 has doubled in size to a current diameter of 65 m (215 ft), allowing scientists hovering above on September 9 the first views of a now-exposed lava lake about 100 m (330 ft) below the vent rim. The lava lake, estimated to be 50 m (160 ft) in diameter, was seen to be roiling, bubbling, and overturning, with its surface level rising and falling as a result of gas pistoning, periodic bursts that release coalescing gas bubbles from beneath the lake's frozen crust in an explosion of lava rock and spatter. Read all

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Soufrière Hills volcano produces small pyroclastic flows going down the Tar River on the East flank of the lava dome, which continues to grow with lava extrusion on its western part.

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On 18 August ash plumes from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 5.5-6.4 km (18,000-21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.

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KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was slightly above background levels during 8-15 August. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly on the lava dome. Based on information from KEMSD and observations of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 15 August an eruption plume rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

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Based on analysis of satellite imagery and reports from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-19 August, low-level plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.4 km (5,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WNW and NW. During 16-18 August, RVO reported ashfall in areas downwind. Occasionally incandescence at the summit was observed and roaring noises were heard. Explosions also ejected incandescent lava fragments.