MVO reported that during 20-27 February activity from the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level. On 24 February, a pyroclastic flow traveled E as far as the previous Tar River Valley coastline. The next day, a pyroclastic flow that traveled halfway down Tyre's Ghaut produced a small ash plume that drifted W.
KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was at background levels during 21-28 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. Lava flows continued to be active on the S and N flanks.
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 26 February an eruption from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex produced an ash plume that drifted SW. On 27 February and 2 March, INSIVUMEH reported that explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.8-3.4 km (9,200-11,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.
AVO reported that during February 25-March 3 seismic activity at Redoubt was variable. On 25 February, a small mud flow originating from a melt hole in the Drift Glacier traveled several hundred meters. Satellite images revealed that the next day another mudflow traveled several kilometers and covered a large portion of the Drift Glacier.
HVO reported that during 25 February-3 March lava flowed SE from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex through a lava tube system, reaching the Waikupanaha ocean entry and occasionally producing explosions. A sizable collapse of the Waikupanaha bench was seen by a visitor on 28 February. Thermal anomalies noted during most days on the coastal plain suggested surface flows.
KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was at background levels during 21-28 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. On 24 February, pilots reported a dark plume near the volcano that rose to altitudes of 2.1 km (6,900 ft) a.s.l.
INGEOMINAS reported that on several occasions during 25 February-2 March white gas plumes from Galeras with variable ash content rose to a peak altitude of 5.4 km (17,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNW. On 3 March, the Alert Level was lowered from II (Orange; "probable eruption in term of days or weeks") to III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity").
During 25 February-3 March, white and gray plumes from Colima rose to altitudes of 3.9-4.5 km (12,800-14,800 ft) a.s.l.
Wed, 25 Feb 2009, 06:00
On 2 March, AVO raised the Volcano Alert Level for Okmok to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow because of increased seismicity. Short bursts of volcanic tremor at an average rate of one per hour had been detected during the previous 24 hours, an increase above the typical background level. The events were the first sign of significant seismic activity at the volcano since the cessation of the last eruption in August 2008.
Read allWed, 25 Feb 2009, 06:00
KVERT reported that during 25 February-4 March seismic activity at Koryaksky was at background levels. Observers reported that during 3-4 March gas plumes containing a small amount of ash rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 200 km ENE.
Read allWed, 25 Feb 2009, 06:00
On 24 February, SERNAGEOMIN reported that an overflight of Chaitén's Domo Nuevo 1 and Domo Nuevo 2 lava-dome complex revealed that a large amount of material from the 19 February partial dome collapse had accumulated in the basal ring depression surrounding the dome complex and throughout the Chaitén (Blanco) River valley. Most of the collapsed material originated from Domo Nuevo 1. Steam plumes with little ash content rose from the N part of Domo Nuevo 2 and steam and brown ash plumes were emitted from a central spine complex.
Read allWed, 25 Feb 2009, 06:00
Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions from Sakura-jima during 28 February-1 March. On 1 March, plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S.
Read allFri, 20 Feb 2009, 12:00
Chaitén volcano experienced an increase in activity over the past few weeks. Yesterday, around 11 am local time on 19 Feb., a largere section of the growing lava dome in the crater collapsed, triggering a large pyroclastic flow that came close to the already largely abandoned town of Chaitén. According to press reports, heavy ash falls occurred in the area and the evacuation of the remaining residents of the town is under way. ONEMI reports the eruption of a considerable column of ash.
Read allThu, 19 Feb 2009, 10:29
Galeras volcano's activity descreased after the eruption on 14 February and INGEOMINAS lowered the alert level from Red (highest) to Yellow.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
Based on a SIGMET notice and a pilot observation, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 23 February an ash plume from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 6.2-7.6 km (20,500-25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. Ash was not seen on satellite imagery.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
The IG reported that, although cloud cover occasionally prevented visual observation during 18-24 February, ash plumes from Tungurahua were seen and rose to altitudes of 6-8 km (19,700-26,200 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted mainly W and NW. Ashfall was reported almost daily and was noted in areas to the SW, W, and NW.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
JMA reported that Suwanose-jima erupted explosively on 18 February; a colored plume rose 400 m above the crater and drifted E. Two explosive eruptions occurred the next day. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions on 20 and 21 February.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
MVO reported that during 13-20 February activity from the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level. Four rockfalls were detected and seismicity had increased slightly compared to previous weeks. On 16 February, heavy rainfall triggered a small pyroclastic flow on the N side of the lava dome and a substantial lahar NW in the Belham River.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was at background levels during 13-20 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,100 ft) a.s.l. Lava flows continued to be active on the S and N flanks.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 18 February a dense ash plume from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted W. On 20 February, INSIVUMEH reported that an explosion produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 3.2 km (10,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-23 February ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, W, and NW.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 18-24 February; the plumes occasionally contained slight amounts of ash.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
HVO reported that during 18-24 February lava flowed SE from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex through a lava tube system, reaching the Waikupanaha ocean entry and occasionally producing explosions. On 17 February, four large explosions that accompanied a collapse of the Waikupanaha bench ejected rocks and spatter 275 m inland. Lava also entered the ocean at Waha'ula during 18-20 February, and at a second point further E, named Poupou, starting on 18 February.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
KVERT reported that during 13-20 January seismic data from Karymsky was unavailable and clouds prevented satellite image observations. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Based on information from KEMSD and observations of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 21-22 February eruptions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 3-4.3 km (10,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
The IG reported four moderate phreatic explosions from Guagua Pichincha were detected by the seismic network during 16-17 February, following a few days of slightly increased seismicity and rainfall. IG recommended that visitors stay out of the caldera.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 18 February ash plumes from Fuego rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW. On 20 and 24 February, INSIVUMEH reported that explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.1-4.7 km (13,500-15,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 6-8 km SW.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 20-21 February ash plumes from Barren Island rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 75-90 km WNW, NW, and N.
Read allWed, 18 Feb 2009, 06:00
JMA lowered the Alert Level for Sakura-jima from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 19 February because deformation was absent, seismicity was low, and no eruptions occurred after 5 February. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 22 February an explosion produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N.
Read all