Worldwide Volcano News and Updates

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 all

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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 all

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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 all

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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 all

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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 all

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Galeras volcano's activity descreased after the eruption on 14 February and INGEOMINAS lowered the alert level from Red (highest) to Yellow. Read all 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 all

• More about Ubinas volcano

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 all

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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 all

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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 all

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