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Wed, 1 Feb 2012, 00:01
Cleveland Volcano (Aleutian Islands) is showing renewed activity, which was observed in satellite data, and AVO is raising the Aviation Color Code to Orange and the Alert Level to Watch. A new lava dome has been observed in the summit crater, and as of 30 January 2012 was approximately 40 meters (130 feet) in diameter. There have been no observations of ash emissions or explosive activity during this current lava eruption. Read more...The lava dome that formed throughout the fall-winter of 2011 was largely removed by the explosive activity on 25 and 29 December, 2011. It remains possible for intermittent, sudden explosions of blocks and ash to occur at any time, and ash clouds exceeding 20,000 feet above sea level may develop. Such explosions and their associated ash clouds may go undetected in satellite imagery for hours. If a large, explosive, ash-producing event occurs, seismic, infrasound, or volcanic lightning may be detected by local and regional monitoring networks. There is no real-time seismic monitoring network on Mount Cleveland. [less]
- More about Cleveland volcano
Wed, 1 Feb 2012, 00:01
CVGHM lowered the Alert Level for Papandayan from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 31 January.
- More about Papandayan volcano
Tue, 31 Jan 2012, 11:34
The swarm of earthquakes in the Cretan Sea 50 km SW of Santorini seems to be decreasing. Talking with Dr. Athanassios Ganas, head of the Athens Geodynamic Institute, and others, there is a consensus that the quakes are tectonic in origin and not related to volcanic activity (after all, their location is far from the Santorini volcanic system).
- More about Santorini volcano
Tue, 31 Jan 2012, 00:07
If anyone is interested in a 5-7 days excursion to Santorini in February, please get in touch. Read more...
We plan to have a look at Nea Kameni, photograph the island in winter, and of course, look after local sources and information about the current seismicity and the questions related to a possible eruption in a near or medium future. Santorini merits a visit in winter anyway. It will probably be stormy, wet and cold, but perfect to appreciate its raw beauty without tourists. [less]
- More about Santorini volcano
Tue, 31 Jan 2012, 00:01
A small glacial flood occurred at Grimsvotn volcano in Iceland on 29 January 2012. The cause of the flood was probably not volcanic, but strong rainfalls and unusually high temperatures that caused melting of large amounts of snow. The flood damaged parts of the Ring Road between Núpsvötn and Gígjukvísl in the Skeiðarársandur flood plain and and east of Gígjukvísl.
- More about Grímsvötn volcano
Mon, 30 Jan 2012, 23:14
- More about Santorini volcano
Mon, 30 Jan 2012, 17:58
- More about El Hierro volcano
Mon, 30 Jan 2012, 16:32
The seismic swarm 50 km SW of Santorini continues with a smaller number of quakes than in the first 2 days. 10 Quakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, including a 3.9 magnitude last night at 31 km depth at 22h46:33 GMT. Interestingly, no quakes seem to occur inside the caldera or in the immediate vicinity of Santorini since the swarm to the SW has started. This clearly shows that there is some relationship. What nature this has, is speculation. Read more...
In a TV interview earlier today, a seismologist from the Athens Observatory confirmed the widespread (public) opinion that these earthquakes 50 km SW are no longer normal, and that "everything could happen" (not mentioning what), and critisized fellow scientists who have been saying that the quakes were normal.
At the same time, Houliaras said that these quakes have nothing to do with the volcano (which we don't agree, since there is a correlation between the absence of quakes under the volcano and the seismic swarm off the island). He said that before June 25, 2011, only earthquakes magnitute 4 and above where recorded on Santorini (!) and that the increase in the seismic activity was due to the presence of more seismographs on the island. We leave it to the reader to interpret this statement.. [less]
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At the same time, Houliaras said that these quakes have nothing to do with the volcano (which we don't agree, since there is a correlation between the absence of quakes under the volcano and the seismic swarm off the island). He said that before June 25, 2011, only earthquakes magnitute 4 and above where recorded on Santorini (!) and that the increase in the seismic activity was due to the presence of more seismographs on the island. We leave it to the reader to interpret this statement.. [less]
- More about Santorini volcano
Mon, 30 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about Katla volcano
Mon, 30 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about El Hierro volcano
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Mon, 30 Jan 2012, 00:01
A new weak thermal anomaly located inside Nabro's summit caldera was detected on 29 Jan on satellite infrared images by MODVOLC. It suggests that some sort of activity still goes on there.
- More about Nabro volcano
Mon, 30 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about Etna volcano
Sun, 29 Jan 2012, 17:37
New photos from Nyiragongo volcano 22-25 Jan 2012 expedition
http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/photos/nyamuragira/22-25jan12-activity.html (the activity from the new East Kimanura vent)
http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/photos/nyiragongo/eruption2011-12/expedition.html (expedition and people) [less]
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http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/photos/nyiragongo/eruption2011-12/expedition.html (expedition and people) [less]
- More about Nyamuragira volcano
Sun, 29 Jan 2012, 16:01
The location of the earthquakes SW of Santorini
Greek media start to pick up the story and become increasingly interested:
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- More about Santorini volcano
Sat, 28 Jan 2012, 15:41
The unusual seismic swarm in progress at a location ca. 50 km SW of Santorini is continuing. Up to now, 22 quakes between 2 and 4.9 magnitude have been recorded by the Hellenic Seismic networks for 28 January 2012. Read more...What exactly is happening is unclear, but it is almost certain that it is not a normal tectonic earthquake with aftershocks. [less]
- More about Santorini volcano
Sat, 28 Jan 2012, 00:01
Strombolian erution late on 27 January as seen on the webcam
Explosions were observed at 19:54, 20:05, 20:54, 21:11 and 22:40 local time according to Etna Walk who monitor the webcam of INGV. The explosions ejected bombs up to a few tens of meters above the crater rim and mostly fell back inside.
At the time of writing, no changes in harmonic tremor are visible, and it is still unclear whether the start of strombolian activity heralds a new paroxysm - as it has done so 19 times before in the past 12 months - or not. The next hours and perhaps days will give an answer to it. [less]
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At the time of writing, no changes in harmonic tremor are visible, and it is still unclear whether the start of strombolian activity heralds a new paroxysm - as it has done so 19 times before in the past 12 months - or not. The next hours and perhaps days will give an answer to it. [less]
- More about Etna volcano
Sat, 28 Jan 2012, 00:01
Webcam image of Popo showing the glow at the summit crater (CENAPRED)
Authorities recommend a safety distance from the volcano of 12 km radius, and the alert level remains at "yellow". [less]
- More about Popocatépetl volcano
Fri, 27 Jan 2012, 15:55
NASA image of the lava flows from the eruption taken on 23 Jan 2012.
The second vent complex, which had started to form at the NE end of the eruptive fissure in late Dec or early Jan with about one week of constant fountaining, consists of probably 3 coalescent cones.
The middle and largest of them contained a crater filled with boiling lava, i.e. a small lava lake, which was strongly spattering every few seconds. The lava lake itself was not visible, but could be inferred from the strong glow and the hissing degassing noise of exploding gas bubbles that ejected liquid spatter bombs in all directions. [less]
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The middle and largest of them contained a crater filled with boiling lava, i.e. a small lava lake, which was strongly spattering every few seconds. The lava lake itself was not visible, but could be inferred from the strong glow and the hissing degassing noise of exploding gas bubbles that ejected liquid spatter bombs in all directions. [less]
- More about Nyamuragira volcano
Fri, 27 Jan 2012, 11:29
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit about 50 km SW of Santorini on 26 Jan at 04:24:58 GMT. The quake was 28.7 km and most likely of tectonic origin. The location is 48 km SW of Santorini at the end of a tectonic fault defining a graben SE of Santorini and the eastern boundary of the volcanically active SW-NE zone comprising the volcanic vents of the Christiania Islands, Santorini itself, the submarine Kolumbos volcano and several minor submarine vents NE of Kolumbo.
- More about Santorini volcano
Thu, 26 Jan 2012, 12:09
Since Monday 23 January 2012, there has been an intensification of Sangay volcano's activity, as indicated by reports from pilots who reported the presence of ash from the volcano drifting S-SE. In addition, satellite images from 24 Jan show the presence of thermal anomalies at the volcano. Read more...
Sangay is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador, in frequent activity since the 17th century when it was discovered. However, due to its very remote location, at the eastern end of the Andes cordillera, its monitoring is limited to occasional field observations and observations by aircraft and from satellite. [less]
- More about Sangay volcano
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Wed, 25 Jan 2012, 00:01
The eruption from the Cordón Caulle rift zone continued at a low level. On 18, 20, and 22-23 January plumes observed with a web camera rose 2.5-7 km above the crater and on 18, 20, and 22-24 January satellite images showed ash plumes drifting 25-110 km NE, E, SE, and W. The Alert Level remained at Red. Read more...(Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 17-24 Jan) [less]
- More about Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano
Sat, 21 Jan 2012, 19:12
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory today celebrates 100 continuous years of monitoring at Kīlauea volcano with a Public Open House -- only Vesuvius has a longer record, dating back to 1841! In fact the first scientific monitoring in Hawai'i was conducted in 1911 by Frank Perret, an Honorary Assistant to the Vesuvius Observatory, in preparation for Thomas Jaggar to establish HVO in 1912. They are hosting many activities today in celebration, if you are in the Kīlauea area! Read more...
Fortunately for them but unfortunately for us, Kīlauea herself seems to be in a depressurization phase, with short-lived pulses of building pressure which are keeping the eruption going. However, the location of active lava flows has retreated into off-limits areas, and we await the return of sustained pressure before lava flows become accessible again. However, there is still magnificent glow from the hidden lava lake in Halema`uma`u, well worth seeing from the Jaggar Museum after dark and still included in our tours! [less] read all
Fortunately for them but unfortunately for us, Kīlauea herself seems to be in a depressurization phase, with short-lived pulses of building pressure which are keeping the eruption going. However, the location of active lava flows has retreated into off-limits areas, and we await the return of sustained pressure before lava flows become accessible again. However, there is still magnificent glow from the hidden lava lake in Halema`uma`u, well worth seeing from the Jaggar Museum after dark and still included in our tours! [less]
- More about Kilauea volcano
Sat, 21 Jan 2012, 12:05
Eruption from the lava lake on 2 Jan 2012 (Erebus Volcano Observatory)
- More about Erebus volcano
Fri, 20 Jan 2012, 09:11
Bathymetry of the new submarine cone
Compared to the latest survey in November, when it had a depth of 150 m, this means that the cone has only grown about 20 m and most of the material erupted was used to build up the circumference and sediments around it. If the eruption continues at the rate it has been over the past months, it will probably take several years to breach the surface.
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- More about El Hierro volcano
Thu, 19 Jan 2012, 17:11
Since yesterday, the activity at the El Hierro submarine volcano had been increasing, which could be seen on the harmonic tremor signal and the active jacuzzi above the vent on the ocean surface. The activity included strong bursts of harmonic tremor thought to be caused by hydromagmatic (magma-water) explosions. Read more...About 2 hours ago, all activity has suddenly stopped and only a very weak signal is left. Similar pauses so far have not meant the end of the eruption, rather a temporary blockage of the conduit. The next hours or few days will tell whether and how the eruption continues. [less]
- More about El Hierro volcano
Thu, 19 Jan 2012, 00:01
A small earthquake swarm started in Hengill volcano on 17 Jan 2012 in the area of the Orkuveita Reykjavíkur hydrothermal plant that has been pumping down cold water into the ground. So far the largest earthquake is just M2.0 and at depth of around 5 km. Read more...
More at Small earthquake swarm in Hengill volcano (Jón Frímann volcano and earthquake blog) [less]
- More about Hengill volcano
Thu, 19 Jan 2012, 00:01
IG reported a new episode of activity and increased seismicity from Tungurahua during 11-17 January. On 12 January ashfall was reported in Manzano (8 km SW), Cahuají (8 km SW), and Choglontus (13 km WSW). Read more...A lahar descended the Achupashal drainage, carrying blocks up to 1 m in diameter, and caused the road to Baños (9 km N) to be closed. Cloud cover prevented observations of the crater. On 13 January ash-and-gas emissions were observed, and ash plumes rose as high as 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. Ash-fall was reported in Palitahua (6 km SSW) and roaring noises were heard in Cusúa (8 km NW) and Manzano.
On 14 January ash emissions rose 500 m above the crater and drifted WSW; ashfall was reported in Choglontus, Palitahua, and Manzano. Clouds obscured views on 15 January; however ashfall was reported in Palitahua and Manzano. Lahars descended drainages in Juive (NW) and Pondoa (N), carrying blocks 10-20 cm in diameter. [less]
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On 14 January ash emissions rose 500 m above the crater and drifted WSW; ashfall was reported in Choglontus, Palitahua, and Manzano. Clouds obscured views on 15 January; however ashfall was reported in Palitahua and Manzano. Lahars descended drainages in Juive (NW) and Pondoa (N), carrying blocks 10-20 cm in diameter. [less]
- More about Tungurahua volcano
Thu, 19 Jan 2012, 00:01
A new small ash eruption occurred today (19 Jan 2012), recorded along with an increase in seismicity. The eruption lasted about 20 minutes.
- More about Turrialba volcano
Thu, 19 Jan 2012, 00:01
Fuego volcano produced explosions observed on 11-13 and on 16 January, which produced ash plumes rising 400-1000 m above the crater. Shock waves and rumbling sounds accompanied the explosions and rattled windows and roofs in nearby villages. Read more...Rock avalanches traveled SW into the Ceniza drainage and on the W, S, and SW flanks. At night on 13 and 16 January incandescence was visible from the crater.
(Source: Smithsonian / GVP weekly activity report) [less]
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(Source: Smithsonian / GVP weekly activity report) [less]
- More about Fuego volcano
Thu, 19 Jan 2012, 00:01
Seismic activity continued at a moderate level at Karymsky during 6-13 January. Possible ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4.2 km (13,800 ft) a.s.l. Satellite imagery showed a thermal anomaly at the volcano during 5-11 January and weak ash plumes that drifted 40 km E and NE on 6, 7, and 11 January.
- More about Karymsky volcano
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Thu, 19 Jan 2012, 00:01
The lava dome growth of Santiaguito continues at moderate levels. Sporadic explosions produce ash clouds that rise up to 600-800 m above the lava dome and mostly drift SW. A viscous lava flow is active on the SE flank. Block avalanches are generated from the front of the lava flow and on the SW flank, accompanied by rumbling noises.
- More about Santiaguito volcano
Thu, 19 Jan 2012, 00:01
KVERT reported that low levels of seismic activity were detected at Shiveluch during 6-13 January. Satellite imagery showed a daily thermal anomaly over the lava dome. Ground-based observers noted that a viscous lava flow continued to effuse in the crater that was formed during a 2010 eruption and hot avalanches from the lava flow were observed at night with a web camera. Moderate fumarolic activity at the lava dome was observed all week except on 10 January. Read more...
(from: Smithsonian / GVP weekly activity report) [less]
- More about Shiveluch volcano
Wed, 18 Jan 2012, 23:04
Some impressions from our recent visit to El Hierro Island while waiting for the eruption to become more vigorous...
- More about El Hierro volcano
Wed, 18 Jan 2012, 19:29
- More about Santorini volcano
Wed, 18 Jan 2012, 09:37
We have now more precise details from what happened at Erta Ale yesterday, and can confirm that the attack was not on Dallol as we suspected, but on the crater rim of Erta Ale volcano. Read more...For years now, this has been a popular camping spot for tourists visiting the spectacular lava lake. According to our correspondents in Addis, who are in satellite phone contact with guides on location in the area, the attack happened on Tuesday around 01:00 Am local time.
5 people at least were shot dead by a group of armed rebels from Eritrea, who suddenly opened fire on the group. The victims include tourists 2 each from Germany and Hungary and 1Austrian. Their bodies have arrived in Semera town, the capital city of the Afar Region, and are now being transported to Addis. [less]
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5 people at least were shot dead by a group of armed rebels from Eritrea, who suddenly opened fire on the group. The victims include tourists 2 each from Germany and Hungary and 1Austrian. Their bodies have arrived in Semera town, the capital city of the Afar Region, and are now being transported to Addis. [less]
- More about Erta Ale volcano
Wed, 18 Jan 2012, 00:01
The new island seen on January 15, 2012 (NASA Earth Obbservatory)
The island, whose name yet needs to be published, belongs to Yemen.
If it consists of sufficiently large quantities of hard lava flows instead of loose ash and scoria, it will probably resist wave eruption long enough to become a permanent feature in the archipelago, but it will certainly take some time before it can possibly be inhabited (if anyone wants to live there anyway...).
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If it consists of sufficiently large quantities of hard lava flows instead of loose ash and scoria, it will probably resist wave eruption long enough to become a permanent feature in the archipelago, but it will certainly take some time before it can possibly be inhabited (if anyone wants to live there anyway...).
Comparison of NASA images of the same island at different stages
- More about Jebel Zubair volcano
Wed, 18 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano
Wed, 18 Jan 2012, 00:01
11-17 January steam-and-gas emissions rose from Popocatépetl volcano. The plumes contained small amounts of ash during 13-17 January. Crater incandescence was observed at night during 16-17 January.
- More about Popocatépetl volcano
Wed, 18 Jan 2012, 00:01
The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 11-17 January explosions from Sakura-jima produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.2-2.4 km (4,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and SE. On 14 January a pilot observed an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S.
- More about Sakurajima volcano
Tue, 17 Jan 2012, 18:42
Harmonic tremor signal 17 Jan 2012 (IGN) Read more...
Harmonic tremor signal 17 Jan 2012 (IGN)
It seems the eruption is increasing again: Tremor today is at significantly higher levels than during the past weeks and there is a beautiful stain and a strong Jacuzzi at the surface as signs of the ongoing activity. [less]
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It seems the eruption is increasing again: Tremor today is at significantly higher levels than during the past weeks and there is a beautiful stain and a strong Jacuzzi at the surface as signs of the ongoing activity. [less]
- More about El Hierro volcano
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Tue, 17 Jan 2012, 02:13
Reinhard sent us photos from the recent expedition to Erta Ale and Dallol volcano in the Danakil desert (Ethiopia) in Nov/Dec 2011.
- More about Erta Ale volcano
Mon, 16 Jan 2012, 22:02
Lava fountain from Nyamuragira during our tour on 8 Jan 2012
- More about Nyamuragira volcano
Mon, 16 Jan 2012, 18:15
As our group who just came back reports (see last post below), the eruption of Nyamuragira seems to have intensified again. Read more...We are planning an expedition to see this eruption in the next week. If you are interested, please get in touch with us as soon as possible!
Planned tour date: 21 Jan (arrival in Kigali) - 25 Jan (back to Kigali) [less]
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Planned tour date: 21 Jan (arrival in Kigali) - 25 Jan (back to Kigali) [less]
- More about Nyamuragira volcano
Mon, 16 Jan 2012, 10:11
The VolcanoDiscovery group at the erupting flank cone of Nyamuragira volcano (8 Jan 2012)
Our expedition group just returned from a visit to the area on 8 Jan and a series of spectacular images and videos is now available.
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Lava fountains from Nyamuragira volcano (8 Jan 2012)
Lava fountain and the active lava flow emerging from the breach of the erupting flank cone of Nyamuragira volcano (8 Jan 2012)
- More about Nyamuragira volcano
Sun, 15 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about Cerro Negro volcano
Sun, 15 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about Momotombo volcano
Sun, 15 Jan 2012, 00:01
Andi sends a message from a recent visit "El Hoyo has a large hole to the right of the main hole on its face smoking strongly."
- More about Las Pilas volcano
Sat, 14 Jan 2012, 16:34
The eruption south of El Hierro is continuing, but has calmed down during the past days. In contrast to one week ago, there has been little visible surface activity at the stained area above the submarine vent near La Rrestinga. Volcanic tremor is at low, but constant levels, and indicates that lava continues to be erupted at depth.
- More about El Hierro volcano
Sat, 14 Jan 2012, 09:44
The Observatory Simológico Volcano of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA) confirmed that a new ash eruption occurred at Turrialba volcano in the afternoon around 15h20 on 12 Jan. Read more...The eruption was first noticed by park rangers and local residents.
During the previous day, numerous rumblings could be heard from the mountain. According to OVSICORI-UNA, the eruption started between 3:10 and 3:20 pm and produced an ash plume from a vent on the southeast flank of the main crater in an area known as "La Quemada". [less]
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During the previous day, numerous rumblings could be heard from the mountain. According to OVSICORI-UNA, the eruption started between 3:10 and 3:20 pm and produced an ash plume from a vent on the southeast flank of the main crater in an area known as "La Quemada". [less]
- More about Turrialba volcano
Sat, 14 Jan 2012, 00:01
KVERT reported moderate seismic activity at Kizimen during 6-13 January and a large thermal anomaly that was detected daily in satellite images. Video and satellite observations indicated both continued effusion of a large lava flow on the E flank and accompanying hot avalanches. Read more...
Video data showed strong gas-and-steam activity all week, and on 11 January satellite images showed a gas-and-steam plume that drifted 40 km E. [less]
- More about Kizimen volcano
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Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 10:33
Turrialba volcano (Costa Rica) opened a new vent on 12 January 2012 as the result of an overpressure on the southeast flank of the West Crater. Read more...This decompression event released ash that was carried by the wind at least up to Tres Rios (27km SW from the vent). As a consequence the Comisión Nacional de Emergencias and the Turrialba Volcano National Park's administration declared a yellow alert and closed the access, which is still the case on January 17th. [less]
- More about Turrialba volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
IG reported that staff conducting fieldwork at Reventador during 6-7 January observed constant emissions of gas-and-steam rising about 300 m above the crater and drifting WNW. The emissions originated from a growing lava dome that was a few tens of meters above the crater rim and almost filled the base. Read more...
(USGS/Smithsonian Weekly Activity Report (3-10 Jan 2012) [less]
- More about Reventador volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
A possible ash plume from Sangay was reported on 8 January.
- More about Sangay volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
IG reported a decrease in activity from Tungurahua during 4-10 January. Read more...
On 4 January steam plumes rose as high as 500 m above the crater and drifted W. Additional steam plumes observed on 8 January also drifted W.
(USGS / Smithsonian Weekly Activity report 3-10 Jan 2012) [less]
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(USGS / Smithsonian Weekly Activity report 3-10 Jan 2012) [less]
- More about Tungurahua volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
INSIVUMEH reported that on 6 and 10 January weak explosions from Fuego generated ash plumes that rose 300-600 m above the crater and drifted 10 km WNW and 15 km SW, respectively. Rumbling noises were detected several kilometers away. Incandescence emanated from the crater at night and avalanches descended the S, SW, and SE flanks
- More about Fuego volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
KVERT reported that seismic activity continued at a moderate level at Karymsky during 30 December-6 January and indicated that possible ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. Satellite imagery showed a thermal anomaly on the volcano all week. An ash cloud 10 km long and 2 km wide drifted 56 km SSE on 1 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.
- More about Karymsky volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
KVERT reported moderate seismic activity at Kizimen during 30 December-6 January and a large thermal anomaly that was detected daily in satellite images. Video and satellite observations indicated both continued effusion of a large lava flow on the E flank and hot avalanches. Video data also showed strong gas-and-steam activity.
- More about Kizimen volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
CENAPRED reported that during 4-10 January steam-and-gas emissions rose from Popocatépetl; the plumes contained small amounts of ash during 4-5 January and 8-10 January. On 5 January two explosions generated incandescence in the crater.
- More about Popocatépetl volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
The eruption from the Cordón Caulle rift zone, part of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcanic complex, continued at a low level. Read more...Plumes observed with a web camera rose 2 km above the crater on 6 January. Satellite images showed ash plumes drifting 50 km S on 6 January and 300-450 km SE during 8-9 January. Clouds prevented views on the other days. [less]
- More about Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 4-10 January explosions from Sakura-jima produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.7 km (5,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, SE, and S. On 7 January an ash plume rose to an altitude 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, then later dissipated.
- More about Sakurajima volcano
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Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
KVERT reported that moderate seismic activity was detected at Shiveluch during 30 December-6 January. Satellite imagery showed a daily thermal anomaly over the lava dome. Ground-based observers noted that a viscous lava flow continued to effuse in the crater that was formed during a 2010 eruption. Moderate fumarolic activity at the lava dome was observed during 30-31 December and on 2 and 4 January; clouds prevented observations on the other days of the week.
- More about Shiveluch volcano
Fri, 13 Jan 2012, 00:01
The Tokyo VAAC reported an explosion from Suwanose-jima on 12 January.
- More about Suwanose-jima volcano
Wed, 11 Jan 2012, 18:28
For a about 6 months now, seismic activity beneath Santorini has been elevated, but this is nothing unusual to happen at an active volcano (which Santorini has always been not to forget). Read more...The last eruption was in 1950 and nobody knows when the next one will be. Based on current levels of seismic activity, we have no clue to predict anything and the current activity seems far from alarming. [less]
- More about Santorini volcano
Wed, 11 Jan 2012, 11:54
New images were released from NASA, showing the rapid growth of a new island in the Zubair archipelago in the Red Sea. Read more...
This new satellite image, acquired January 7, 2012, suggests that the eruption has risen nearly completely above water. A plume of steam, other volcanic gases, and ash spews from a distinct cone. The land surrounding the vent has grown, and is now about 530 by 710 meters (1,700 by 2,300 feet) across. Once above water, past eruptions in the Zubair Islands were primarily effusive, with relatively runny lava forming thin lava flows.
In contrast to the fragmented rock that forms when lava interacts directly with water, lava that solidifies on land is tough, so this new island is likely to be permanent. [less]
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In contrast to the fragmented rock that forms when lava interacts directly with water, lava that solidifies on land is tough, so this new island is likely to be permanent. [less]
- More about Jebel Zubair volcano
Wed, 11 Jan 2012, 11:05
avalanches of ash and incandescent blocks produced by the growth of the volcanic dome of the volcano Santiaguito Caliente - Guatemala in January 2012 (Yashmin Chebli)
- More about Santiaguito volcano
Wed, 11 Jan 2012, 00:01
Andi just returns from a visit to the summit of Telica: Read more...
"Telica is emitting lots of gas from the main vent and side walls. You can hear like a jet sound from the main vent and it glows red at night." [less]
- More about Telica volcano
Tue, 10 Jan 2012, 11:06
he eruption continues with little changes. The stain and jacuzzi above the submarine vent are active and a number of seaming hot lava blocks are arriving at the surface ("lava balloons"). Harmonic tremor is at constant and slightly higher levels than yesterday.
- More about El Hierro volcano
Tue, 10 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about Telica volcano
Mon, 9 Jan 2012, 23:55
Many steaming lava blocks with orange flames of buring escaping gasses have been observed in the past days floating to the surface above the submarine vent south of El Hierro where the eruption that has started in October 2010 goes on. Read more...A similar event occurred in early 1999 near Terceira Island in the Azores. A comparison between the two eruptions explains the nature of the steaming and burning "lava balloons" as they were called then and again, now.
Special Thanks to earthquake-report for bringing up the interesting story! [less]
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Special Thanks to earthquake-report for bringing up the interesting story! [less]
- More about El Hierro volcano
Mon, 9 Jan 2012, 22:25
The seismic unrest beneath Santorini which had started in July 2011 continues into 2012, greeting the world with a small swarm of quakes beneath the caldera. Read more...
The slightly increased number of quakes is concentrated on the volcano-tectonic Kameni line, which stretches SW-NE through the caldera and extends outside, especially to the NE where the submarine volcano Kolumbo is located 8 km off the coast. The alignment defines a tectonic graben structure underlying Santorini and has been used for rising magma for nearly all past eruptions of the volcano. [less]
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Mon, 9 Jan 2012, 00:01
The remote Lewotolo stratovolcano on Lomblen island in Indonesia is getting more and more active, with reports of "black columns of smoke" coming out from its crater, which probably translates to first ash eruptions happening. Read more..."Rumbling sounds are heard around the mountain" and a strong smell of sulfur is noticed. Now in the rainy season, the main risk will likely be lahars.
Jakarta Post reports that about 500 people residing near Mount Lewotolo have evacuated their homes voluntarily, and that providing shelters for them is difficult. [less]
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Jakarta Post reports that about 500 people residing near Mount Lewotolo have evacuated their homes voluntarily, and that providing shelters for them is difficult. [less]
- More about Lewotolo volcano
Mon, 9 Jan 2012, 00:01
Andi reports from his visit to Masaya volcano on 7 January 2012: Read more...
"There is no incandescence currently as part of the wall near the vent collapsed into it. Local people are expecting an eruption to clear it. One can hear churning and avalanches and there is quite a bit of gas you bed to put the mask on or you can only stay 10-15 min on lookout. The dormant crater next door looks like has a small lava dome in it which is slowly rising. The trees and plants don't grow properly maybe because of CO2 in this crater?" [less]
- More about Masaya volcano
Sun, 8 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano
Fri, 6 Jan 2012, 11:45
The eruption seems to be gaining strength again. The "jacuzzi" on the water surface above the submarine vent near La Rrestinga is quite active today with lots of foam and smoking lava blocks visible on the webcam. Read more...
Correspondingly, the harmonic tremor has significantly increased and shows signs of underwater steam explosions (the bursts in the signal). A M1.8 earthquake 16 km below the southern rift zone occurred yesterday at 1 am. [less]
- More about El Hierro volcano
Fri, 6 Jan 2012, 10:48
NASA satellite image of the eruption area of Nyamuragira taken on 3 Jan 2012
Nyamuragira (also spelled Nyamulagira), is a massive basaltic shield volcano located north of Goma (DR Congo) and near the other active volcano, Nyiragongo, famous for its permanent lava lake.
Nyamuragira is one of Africa's largest and most active volcanoes. Its current eruption started in November 2012 from a flank vent located in an uninhabited area about 10 km ENE side of the volcano's summit.
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Nyamuragira is one of Africa's largest and most active volcanoes. Its current eruption started in November 2012 from a flank vent located in an uninhabited area about 10 km ENE side of the volcano's summit.
False-color image showing Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcano (3 Jan 2012)
- More about Nyamuragira volcano
Fri, 6 Jan 2012, 00:01
- More about Sakurajima volcano
Fri, 6 Jan 2012, 00:01
Lascar volcano in northern Chile was placed on heightened alert status YELLOW, after SERNAGEOMIN detected a swarm of over 300 small earthquakes between 4 and 5 January.
- More about Lascar volcano
Thu, 5 Jan 2012, 16:59
Webcam picture (Etna Trekking), captured by Mark Burns for Eruptions Blog.
Strombolian activity started late in the evening of 4 January, but was difficult to observe due to dense cloud cover. The activity increased slowly during the whole night, with more frequent and more powerful single explosions and ejected glowing bombs up to several 100 m height above the crater rim.
At around 4 am , a lava flow started to emerge from the SE fissure cutting through the cone, announcing the slow start of the spectacular paroxysmal phase.
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At around 4 am , a lava flow started to emerge from the SE fissure cutting through the cone, announcing the slow start of the spectacular paroxysmal phase.
Lava fountain at dawn during the 1st paroxysm of Etna volcano (photo courtesy: Francesco Pappalardo / www.flickr.com/photos/cicciofarmaco)
Heavy bombardment of glowing scoria and bombs on the fresh snow on the east flank of the New SE cone (photo courtesy: Marco Restivo / www.flickr.com/photos/marcorestivo/)
- More about Etna volcano
Thu, 5 Jan 2012, 10:29
Incandescence from glowing lava arriving at the sea surface
There are now some nice clips on youtube showing this phenomenon.
It suggests that the submerged cone is now significantly closer to the surface than it was in late November and December, but there is no way to predict whether and when it might breach at all. [less]
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It suggests that the submerged cone is now significantly closer to the surface than it was in late November and December, but there is no way to predict whether and when it might breach at all. [less]
- More about El Hierro volcano
Thu, 5 Jan 2012, 10:00
For 70 Euro, a child can attend school for a year. Geamolio loves her new solar light.
in 2011, two expeditions from VolcanoDiscovery could see for themselves and an idea was born: We will give scholarships to school children.
The environment benefits, and also the health of the people: They need less fire inside the huts, therefore, there is less smoke, the cause of chronic bronchitis.
Most children on Matupit Island near Rabaul dont have the money to attend school.
- More about Rabaul (Tavurvur) volcano
Show more news
Thu, 5 Jan 2012, 00:01
Our friend Andi who climbed Concepción on 5 Jan, writes: Read more..."degassing but there is ash fall on the towns on the north side as little as 3 days ago. The crater rim was very warm with fresh ash but no visibility as winds about 150km/h been bad weather here recently." [less]
- More about Concepción volcano
Thu, 5 Jan 2012, 00:01
The activity of Galeras volcano during 28 December - 3 January 2012 consisted in steaming from both the main crater and two craters to the N and SW (Paisita and Chavas).
- More about Galeras volcano
Thu, 5 Jan 2012, 00:01
The remote Lewotolo volcano in the Flores Sea was placed on alert on 2 January, after an increase in seismic activity and incandescence was observed on 2 January.
- More about Lewotolo volcano
Wed, 4 Jan 2012, 19:43
Surtseyan eruption at the newly formed island in the Red Sea
- More about Jebel Zubair volcano
Wed, 4 Jan 2012, 11:08
Each time we think that the submarine eruption south of El Hierro is subsiding, it regains strength shortly afterwards. Read more...During the past week, and in particular today, steaming lava blocks have again appeared above the submarine vent at the ocean surface, showing lava is still being erupted below.
The stain on the surface has been well visible at times, with sometimes bubbly foam rising to create wonderful abstract natural paintings of colors and lines when seen from the air. [less]
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The stain on the surface has been well visible at times, with sometimes bubbly foam rising to create wonderful abstract natural paintings of colors and lines when seen from the air. [less]
- More about El Hierro volcano
Wed, 4 Jan 2012, 00:01
Fieldwork at Poás on 16 December showed new geyser activity from a vent on the N flank of the lava dome that formed in 2011. A water-and-mud fountain rose 5-6 m high, flowed into the lake, and built a terrace along the S shore. Read more...
Gas-and-steam plumes rose from the lava dome.
(Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 28 December-3 January 2012) [less]
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(Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 28 December-3 January 2012) [less]
- More about Poas volcano
Wed, 4 Jan 2012, 00:01
Buenos Aires VAAC reported a pilot observing an ash plume from Callaqui at 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 2 January. No ash could be detected on satellite images without cloud cover and it is likely that the observation was strong fumarolic activity rather than an actual eruption.
- More about Callaqui volcano
Tue, 3 Jan 2012, 23:53
After almost a week with no accessible lava, pressure returns to Kīlauea as seen in this link's plot of ground tilt. At the same time, lava flows are again accessible via an extreme, 8-mile round-trip hike with a steep climb to private property in Royal Gardens. The hike will get easier and less dangerous once this renewed pressure pushes lava back onto the coastal flats, so stay tuned! Contact us for details on current conditions and accessibility!
- More about Kilauea volcano
Tue, 3 Jan 2012, 11:36
The Alaska Volcano Observatory has lowered the alert level for Cleveland volcano from ORANGE (eruption imminent) to YELLOW (watch), after no activity has been detected at the volcano in the past days. Read more...The alert was raised to ORANGE on 29 Dec after an ash cloud, probably produced by a single explosion of Cleveland volcano, had been detected on satellite imaginary. The ash plume was found approximately 80 KM/50 miles north of the volcano and moving ESE at a height of 15,000 ft (ca. 5 km) ASL. [less]
- More about Cleveland volcano
Mon, 2 Jan 2012, 21:42
Mofettes at the shore of the Laacher See volcano crater lake, showing that the magmatic system beneath the crater is degassing (nothing unusual!). (Photo: Tobias Schorr)
Unfortunately, what the Daily Mail writes, is more dark fantasy than anything else. There is no scientific background to assume that an eruption in a foreseeable future could be in the making in this area.
To read more and why, please have a look at the brilliant post about it on Dr. Erik Klemetti's Eruptions Blog. [less]
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To read more and why, please have a look at the brilliant post about it on Dr. Erik Klemetti's Eruptions Blog. [less]
- More about Laacher See volcano
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More on VolcanoDiscovery
Earthquake monitor: Lists and maps of earthquakes in the world in near real time. Country lists, earthquake archive, and I-felt-it reports.
Photos taken on our our tours. - volcano adventures, group photos, expedition and camp life, people and impressions.
Etna's steam rings: A collection of fantastic vortex rings ("smoke rings") we observed recently on Etna.
Current activity of Bardarbunga volcano, Iceland: An intense seismic crisis started at Bárdarbunga volcano on 16 August 2014 and is continuing at the time of writing (23 Aug). It may or may not lead to a volcanic eruption, possibly under the Vatnajökull ice cap.
Follow updates as news come in!
Follow updates as news come in!
