GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Volcanic White Island Erupts In The Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand - Alert Level Raised To 3 And Aviation Color Code To Orange!

White Island eruption in 2013. John Borren

April 28, 2016 - NEW ZEALAND - White Island erupted last night.

The volcanic island, off the coast of the Bay of Plenty, erupted yesterday between 9.30pm and 11pm, GNS Science said.

As a consequence of this activity the Volcanic Alert Level is now raised to Level 3 (Minor Volcanic Eruption) and the Aviation Colour Code to Orange.

No eruptive activity has been seen since about 11pm yesterday.

The eruption was accompanied by a moderately elevated seismic activity, GNS said. The seismic activity is now back to normal.

Material appears to have been deposited over north side of the crater floor and up onto north crater wall. There is not yet a clear view of crater area visible from cameras.

Volcanologists are monitoring the volcano and further information will be released as soon as it is available.

Over the last couple of weeks, GNS scientists have observed a fall of 2m in the water level of the crater lake.

However, they have not noted any changes in other monitored parameters, like the amount of volcanic gas being emitted, fumarole temperatures and the presence of volcanic tremor or earthquakes.

During a visit last week by GNS volcanologist Brad Scott he was able to confirm the lake level had dropped 2m in the last 2 weeks. The lake was now about the same level as it was in 2014. The drop in water level of the crater lake has revealed several islands or crater outlines and the lake temperature has increased 2C, from 56C to 58C, since February.

There had been a small decrease in the temperature of the hottest fumarole (169C to 161C) since February. The SO2 gas output has ranged between 90 and 480 tonnes per day (1.0 to 5.5 kg per second) of gas during the last 5 weeks. These are typical values for White Island.

The level of volcanic tremor continues to vary, but remains below those observed in 2012 when unrest was stronger and small eruptions occurred.



- New Zealand Herald.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Kanlaon Volcano Erupts In The Philippines - Remains Under Alert Level 1!

Kanlaon Volcano erupts.

March 30, 2016 - PHILIPPINES - The Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Oriental province erupted at 6:20 p.m. on Tuesday (March 29), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in an advisory.

The eruption that lasted for 12 minutes produced a volcanic plume 1500 meters above the crater and a "booming sound" was heard in some barangays near the volcano.

According to the same advisory posted on the agency's social media account, "traces of light ashfall were reported in Sitio Guintubdan, Brgy. Ara-al, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental."

According to Police Supt. Frankie Lugo, chief of the Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, several fire balls, which were coming from the crater of the volcano, started to flow following a booming sound.

A thick cloud also formed after the minor explosion but faded minutes later, Lugo said.


WATCH: Kanlaon volcano erupts.

The Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 1.

"It is at an abnormal condition and is in a period of current unrest," Phivolcs said in its advisory.

The local government units are not allowing people to enter the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Entry is strictly prohibited "due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phereatic eruptions."

Phivolcs also asked Civil Aviation authorities to advise pilots "to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as airborne as from a sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft."

Authorities are sill monitoring the volcano's activity as of posting time.

The volcano, which has been one of the most active in the country, last erupted on December 27, 2015. - CNN.

 

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Karymsky Volcano In Russia's Kamchatka Region Spews 3km High - Hours After Major Earthquake!

The volcano erupted within 48 hours of the major earthquake.
© QNA/NASA

February 1, 2016 - KAMCHATKA, RUSSIA - A HUGE volcano has seen a massive eruption of toxic ash and gas just hours after a major earthquake rocked the region, causing shopping centre evacuations.

The Karymsky volcano in Russian Kamchatka's eastern volcanic zone spewed ash up to 3km into the air, according to the Regional Emergencies Ministry.

Airlines have been placed on an "orange" warning to avoid the area following today's eruption.

It came less than 48 hours hours after a magnitude 7.3 earthquake tore through the region, followed by a series of at least seven less powerful aftershocks.

Terrified shoppers fled from a shopping mall after feeling the tremors inside.

The epicentre of the earthquake was within about 20 miles of the 1,486 metre-high magma mountain, prompting fears seismic activity is on the rise and there could be a catastrophic earthquake, volcanic eruption or both.

The quake struck an area close to the Ring of Fire, an arc of fault lines circling the Pacific Ocean.

It suffers many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, but the National and Pacific Tsunami Warning Centers have said there is no current risk of a tsunami from the powerful quake.

The area has seen much volcanic activity this month.

The earthquake epicentre shown as a star on the map and the volcano site in red.  EARTHQUAKE.USGS.GOV

On January 19 Express.co.uk reported how the nearby Zhupanovsky volcano sent an ash cloud five miles into the sky, within hours of a major eruption in Indonesia, also on the Ring of Fire and on an interconnecting fault line.
In a report nine days earlier Sputniknews.com reported how the Shiveluch volcano, also within the Kamchatka range, sent ash four miles high.

Its article back then raised fears the big one was coming and said "Seismologists have previously predicted that volcanic activity in the area would continue to rise over time."

Shoppers who fled Saturday's nearby quake in fear, tweeted their reactions.

One of them, Ksenya Maksimova, on Twitter described an "unpleasant feeling ... when everything is shaking."

Others said they "almost died of fright."

Posting a smashed bottle of drink, Marina Brovkina, tweeted: "The earthquake broke our bottle of Bacardi."

Senya Mikhaylitskaya seemed less concerned, tweeting: "Cool earthquake! Our telly nearly fell over."

The Shiveluch volcano erupts in a powerful ash explosion.
GETTY

The Russian Emergencies Ministry said: "The epicentre was located in the region of Yelizovo, 84 km northwest of Yelizovo and 87 km northwest of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

"Inhabitants of populated areas felt the tremor at magnitude of 5.0." The US Geological Survey said: "A strong, deep 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked Russia's far eastern Kamchatka peninsula on Saturday."

It struck 64 miles north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, the capital city of Russia's Kamchatka Krai.

Anything over a seven magnitude is classed as a major earthquake, but due to the remote location, as yet there are no reports of casualties or significant damage.

The earthquake was reported as starting 91 miles below ground.

Buildings in the area have been built to withstand a force nine quake, but rescue teams still carried out searches in case.

An emergency services spokeswoman said: "There have been no reports of damage yet.

"We saw furniture and doors shake as well as swinging chandeliers."

Today's volcanic eruption is also in a remote location.

The ash cloud moved southwards by 66 miles towards Avacha Bay.

Karymsky is one of the most active volcanoes of a series of volcanoes in the central part of the Eastern volcanic belt of Kamchatka and is just 18 miles from the Pacific coast and 75 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Scientists say the world is currently in volcano season, and that the Earth should expect a world-changing catastrophic eruption from one of the super volcanoes across the planet within the next 80 years.

They worryingly added world leaders are woefully unprepared for the consequences.


WATCH: Karymsky's eruption in early 2015.

- Express.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Philippines' Kanlaon Volcano Erupts - Spews Ash Cloud 3,200 Feet High!

Kanlaon volcano. © GMA News

December 28, 2015 - THE PHILIPPINES - Kanlaon Volcano in Negros spewed ash again on Sunday afternoon.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the eruption lasted for five minutes.

It said the ash eruption started at 1:29 p.m. and ended at 1:34 p.m. Phivolcs said the gray ash spewed by Kanlaon was 3,281 feet.

The latest activity was accompanied by an "explosion type earthquake with rumbling sound," it added. In its bulletin on Kanlaon issued at 8 a.m., Phivolcs said it recorded six volcanic earthquakes from 8 a.m. of December 26 to 8 a.m. of December 27.

"Emission of moderate white steam plumes, 50 meters in height from the summit crater that drifted southwest, was observed," the bulletin added.

Alert Level 1 remains raised over the volcano, which means it is in a period of unrest.

It said reminded concerned local government units in Negros that "entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions."

It added: "Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit as airborne ash from a sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft." - GMA News.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Kanlaon Volcano Spews Ash Cloud In The Philippines - 4 Volcanic Earthquakes Recorded; Alert Level 1 Still In Effect!

Kanlaon volcano (file photo) © Jash Pacana

December 11, 2015 - THE PHILIPPINES - An ash eruption occurred at Kanlaon Volcano early morning on Friday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

In a bulletin posted 8 a.m., Phivolcs said in the past 24 hours, four volcanic earthquakes were recorded, two of which were accompanied by a low-energy ash eruption.
The ash eruption occurred at 5:13 a.m. and lasted for a minute based on visual observation.

"This produced a grayish to dirty-white cloud of ash reaching a height of 600 [meters] which then drifted southwest," Phivolcs said.

Traces of ash were observed on the southwest slope of the volcano along San Jose, La Castellana, it added.

Alert Level 1 is still hoisted over Kanlaon Volcano, as it remains in an abnormal condition and is in a period of current unrest.

Snapshots of Kanlaon Volcano Ash Eruption detected at 0513H (11 Dec 2015). #Kanlaon #PHIVOLCS #ActiveVolcanoes
Twitter: PHIVOLCS-DOST

The Phivolcs reminded local government units (LGUs) and the public that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited "due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions."

It said civil aviation authorities should also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano's summit, warning that airborne ash from a sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. - ABS-CBN News.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Alert Level 1 Issued For Four Restive Volcanoes In The Philippines - PHIVOLCS!

Mount Bulusan.

December 2, 2015 - THE PHILIPPINES - Four volcanoes in the country —Taal, Kanlaon, Mayon, Bulusan —remain under Alert 1, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Monday.

Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island, in a state of unrest and in an abnormal condition following a minor steam explosion last week, was recorded having 11 volcanic earthquakes since Sunday.

Weak to moderate emission of white steam plumes that rose up to 50-meter high above the summit crater has been monitored.

PHIVOLCS has strictly enforced the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) in areas around and near the four volcanoes due to further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

Civil aviation authorities were also asked to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcanoes’ summit as airborne ash from a sudden eruption can be hazardous.

Mayon Volcano in Albay Province, meanwhile, had one volcanic earthquake recorded since Sunday with moderate emission of white steam plumes was also observed.

Although alert level 1 in Mayon volcano means that no magmatic eruption is imminent, PHIVOLCS strongly advised the public to keep the 6-kilometer radius PDZ due to the perennial life-threatening dangers of rockfalls, landslides in the middle and upper slopes, sudden ash puffs and steam-driven or phreatic eruptions from the summit.

Likewise Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon and Taal Volcano in Batangas were also observed in an abnormal condition.

The alert in Bulusan indicates that hydrothermal processes are underway beneath the volcano that may lead to steam-driven eruptions.

People living within valleys and along river or stream channels, especially on the southwest and northwest sector of the volcano should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Meanwhile, the alert level in Taal Volcano means that hazardous eruption is not imminent.

The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone and settlement in the island is strongly not recommended. - Manila Times.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Steam Explosion At Mount Kanlaon In Central Philippines - Maybe Precursor To An Eruption, Alert Level Raised!

Philippines raises volcano alert level after explosion.

November 24, 2015 - THE PHILIPPINES - A steam explosion at one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines may be a precursor to an eruption, officials warned Tuesday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised its alert levels after the explosion occurred at Mt. Kanlaon in the central Philippines.

"Alert level 1 status currently prevails over Kanlaon Volcano, which means that it is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest," the institute said.

"Local government units and the public are strictly reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions."

The institute reported that the explosion had occurred in a crater at the summit for eight minutes at 9.55 p.m. (1355 GMT) Monday, based on visual observation.

It added that the volcano had produced a 1-1.5 kilometer (0.6-0.9 mile) high white plume of smoke and a clear rumbling sound.

Four volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon have been recorded in the past week alone, and after Monday's explosion, volcanic tremors were recorded for five hours.

Civil aviation authorities advised pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit, as a sudden eruption might endanger aircraft.

Kanlaon is the third most active volcano in the Philippines, having erupted 26 times since record-keeping began -- including an eruption in 1996 that killed three mountain climbers.

The institute has been monitoring three other volcanoes in the Philippines north it says are showing restive signs. - AA.

 

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Kamchatka's Karymsky Volcano Spews Ash Up To Altitude Of 2 Kilometers - Ash Plume Spreads 40 Kilometers Southwest; Alert Level Raised; Tourists Warned Against Trips To The Area!

March 12, 2014 - KAMCHATKA, RUSSIA - One of the most active volcanoes on Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula, Karymsky, has spewed ash to an altitude of two kilometers above sea level, emergencies ministry’s regional department reports referring to data supplied by the Kamchatka Volcanic Response Team (KVERT).

ITAR-TASS/Igor Vainshtein

“An ash plume has spread 40 kilometers south-west of the volcano,” it reported, saying ash posed no threat for the local population. “The nearest settlement Koryaki is located 115 kilometers away,” the report said. Meanwhile, tourists have been warned against trips to the area. The volcano has been assigned the ’orange’ aviation color code, second after the highest — red code, warning about the hazard eruptions may pose to aircraft.

Karymsky is among the most active volcanoes on Kamchatka. Its height is 1,536 meters above sea level. The volcano is situated 30 kilometers from the Pacific coast and 125 kilometers north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. There are no settlements located close to the volcano. The giant has been active since January 1996. - ITAR-TASS.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Intensified Activity - The Indonesian Government Raises The Status On Another 19 Volcanoes To Alert Level, Second-Highest Category!

February 03, 2014 - INDONESIA - The government has raised the status on another 19 volcanoes in the country to alert level — the second-highest category — in the wake of the Mount Sinabung eruption in North Sumatra that killed 16 people on Saturday.

Besides the 19 new additions, three volcanos have been on high alert status since last year. They include Lokon and Karangetang in North Sulawesi and Rokatenda in East Nusa Tenggara.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) issued the raised status on Monday for the 19 volcanoes, which are scattered across the archipelago, but has yet to call for the evacuation of populations living nearby.

The 19 volcanoes are Kelud, Ijen, Bromo, Semeru and Raung in East Java; Lewotobi Perempuan in East Nusa Tenggara; Ibu, Gamkonora, Dukono and Gamalama in North Maluku; Soputan in North Sulawesi; Sangeang Api in West Nusa Tenggara; Papandayan in West Java; Dieng in Central Java; Seulewah Agam in Aceh; Talang and Marapi in West Sumatra; Anak Krakatau in Banten; and Kerinci in Jambi.

Indonesia is among the world’s most seismically active countries, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin. The 19 volcanoes are among about 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia.

Mt. Sinabung has been sporadically erupting since September.

Though the alert level for the 19 volcanoes had been raised, Sutopo called on nearby residents not to panic.

“Volcanoes erupt in stages, they won’t suddenly erupt. Their activity can be categorized from normal to waspada [alert] to siaga [high alert] to awas [danger, the highest level],” he said on Monday.

He said that the BNPB was now keeping an eye on Mount Kelud, whose status was raised to alert following intensified volcanic activity.

The BNPB decision to raise the status of Mt. Kelud had triggered panic among local residents.

Local officials in Kediri have issued a warning to people living close to Mt. Kelud to stay outside a 2-kilometer radius set by the The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG).

On Saturday, at least 16 people were killed and three others severely injured due to pyroclastic clouds emitted by Mt. Sinabung.

Previously, the volcano’s ongoing eruptions had claimed the lives of 31 evacuees from various illnesses such as depression, asthma and hypertension.

Rescuers had to halt operations due to fears of further eruptions. Currently, the evacuation zone is between 5 and 7 km on the southeast slope of the volcano.

Sixteen villages had to be evacuated following the eruptions.

Meanwhile, responding to the BNPB report, Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono called on people living close to the volcanoes to remain calm.

“[The raising of the alert status] is to raise awareness among government officials and members of the public so that they can anticipate the worst from the early stage,” Agung said as quoted by Antara news agency.

Agung said that the population in a disaster zone should heed government instructions to evacuate in the event of a volcanic eruption.

“We ask for cooperation from residents. If the local government decides to evacuate their neighborhood they have to follow the procedures,” Agung said.

The country has been battered by a string of natural disasters in recent months.

Authorities in a number of disaster-prone regions have been warned about the potential for worsening disasters, including landslides and floods, due to heavy rains nationwide.

In West Java, the PVMBG advised that people living in landslide-prone areas in Ciramba and Mekarmulya subdistricts, Cikalong district, Cianjur, should be relocated.

In Jombang, East Java, 14 people were buried by a landslide on Monday. Seven bodies have been recovered, while the other seven remain missing.

In Semarang, a landslide displaced 32 families from the Tangkil Baru residential complex in Sukorejo subdistrict, Gunungpati district, whose houses were destroyed.

Last week, sections of the Java’s northern coastal highway were inundated by floodwaters causing a major traffic disruption.

In East Java, the flooding disrupted traffic from Situbondo to Surabaya.

The flooding also inundated a section of the northern coastal highway connecting Semarang and Jakarta, causing massive traffic jams in some areas.  - The Jakarta Post.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Global Volcano Report For October 2, 2013 - Intense Earthquake Swarm At Iceland's The Tjörnes Fracture Zone; Alert Level Raised At Lewotobi In The Flores, Indonesia; Satellite Image Shows Steam Plume From Eruption At Jebel Zubair In The Red Sea!

October 02, 2013 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe, courtesy of  Volcano Discovery.


Tjörnes Fracture Zone (North of Iceland): An intense earthquake swarm has been going on offshore North Iceland, 10 km NW of Gjögurtá, since 25 September.

Location of recent quakes at the TFZ.

This morning, 2 earthquakes reaching magnitude 3 and 3.2 occurred at 06:14 and 07:41. In total, more than 1000 quakes have been recorded by IMO.

Depth vs time of earthquakes at the TFZ.

The depths of the quakes vary from about 15 km depth (crust-mantle boundary) to near surface. The area is located on an active fault line related to rifting, and a possible cause of the earthquake swarm could be a magmatic intrusion.


Lewotobi (Flores): Following an increase in seismic activity recorded since 28 September, VSI raised the alert level to 2 ("Waspada","watch") on a scale of 1-4. No changes in surface activity, degassing from fumarole vents, has been noted.


Jebel Zubair (Red Sea): As of yesterday morning when the latest MODIS satellite image was taken from the area, the eruption continued with little changes.

WATCH: A video has appeared showing the activity (from distance) on the first day of the eruption:

Complete Earthquake list (worldwide) for October 2, 2013.

- Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Global Volcano Report For July 29, 2013 - Updates On Shiveluch, Sakurajima, Karangetang, Ambrym, White Island And Tungurahua!

July 29, 2013 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.

Shiveluch volcano.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka): Activity has been elevated during the past days. Several explosions and / or dome collapse events have sent ash plumes to about 20,000 ft (6 km) elevation during the past days.


Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): Activity remains high - explosions occur at more-than-usual frequency from the Showa crater. An eruption on 27 July produced an ash plume rising to 18,000 ft (5.7 km) altitude, i.e. an eruption plume about 4.5 km tall.


Karangetang (Siau Island, Sangihe Islands, Indonesia): VSI has decreased the alert level from 3 (Siaga, Alert) (since 8 August 2011) back to 2 (Waspada, watch). No lava emissions/ejections have been observed since 7 July and seismic actity has been decreasing over the past weeks. No hot spot is visible on satellite imagery.


Ambrym (Vanuatu): A seismic swarm at the volcano was detected on 26 July, but no evidence of unusual activity at the surface has been detected. The lava lakes inside Benbow and Marum remain active.


White Island (New Zealand): The seismic crisis ended on 28 July with no eruption. Degassing remains elevated and incandescence is still visible from the dome in the crater.

Seismic signal from White Island on 28 July (GeoNet)

Tungurahua (Ecuador): During the past days, a further increase in activity of the volcano occurred, characterized by the generation of large explosions and a constant ash eruption column, and several small to big explosions that generated strong vibrations and rattled windows in villages near the volcano. An eruption at 07:23 (local time) on 28 July generated a small pyroclastic flow that affected the upper north and north east flank of the volcano.

Constant ash emissions produce a an ash column of up to 1.5 km height, drifting westwards. Ash fell in the town of Mocha... [read more]


Complete Earthquake list (worldwide) for July 29, 2013.

- Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Alert Level Raised To Yellow At Russia's Ketoi Volcano - Thermal Anomaly Detected!

July 26, 2013 - RUSSIA -  SVERT raised the alert level to yellow after a weak thermal anomaly has been detected on satellite data at the summit of the volcano. No other details about possible activity are currently known.

Ketoi volcano forms a 10 km wide island 19 km NE of Simushir Island across Diana Strait in the Kurile Islands. The first historical eruption of Pallas Peak, during 1843-46, was its largest. Strong fumarolic activity was observed on the northern flank of Pallas Peak in the 1980's.

Background:
The volcano's structure is very complex and includes a mostly buried 5-km-wide Pleistocene caldera exposed only on the NE side. A younger 1172-m-high stratovolcano forms the NW part of the island, but cut by a horst-and-graben structure containing 2 fumarole fields.

A 1.5-km-wide freshwater lake (Lake Malakhitovoye) fills an explosion crater in the center of the island.

Pallas Peak  is a large andesitic cone in the NE part of the caldera and truncated by a 550-m-wide crater containing a brilliantly colored turquoise crater lake. Lava flows from Pallas Peak overtop the caldera rim and descend nearly 5 km to the SE coast. - Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: GNS Vulcanologist Predicts "Little Or No" Warning Before Tongariro Eruption In New Zealand?!

February 15, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - Further eruptions at Tongariro may occur with "little or no warning", according to a GNS vulcanologist.

GNS Science said today that activity at Tongariro remains low, but steam and gas plumes from the Te Maari area are always present.

Tongariro erupting on November 21. GNS.

"Tongariro has had no eruptive activity since the explosion on 21 November 2012."

Earthquake activity has been negligible since before the November 2012 eruption and the flux of volcanic gases has remained relatively stable for several months.

"After the eruption in November 2012 we had to consider the possibility that Tongariro might have entered an eruptive episode similar to one that occurred in the 1890s," GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott said.

"However, we do not know if further eruptions will occur or if the Te Maari crater area will just quietly discharge steam for several years. If further eruptions do occur we have to expect that they might have little or no warning."

Te Maari Crater eruption on Mt Tongariro. Photo / Ben Fraser.

GNS Science head vulcanologist Gill Jolly said it was difficult to be certain what would happen in the next few months.

"We expect that eruptions substantially larger than that in August 2012 should give us some warning signs."
In recent weeks GNS Science has received several reports describing unusually strong steam emission from the Te Maari crater area.

"Some of these can be attributed to weather conditions but others probably reflect natural variability in the steam and gas emission rates." - Stuff.

NOTE: Thanks to Brian Colarusso for contributing to this post.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Major Explosion At The Paluweh Volcano In Flores, Indonesia - Ash Plume Rising To 43,000 Feet Altitude!

February 03, 2013 - INDONESIA - A large ash plume rising to 43,000 ft (about 13 km) altitude and extending 175 nautical miles to the south was spotted last night by VAAC Darwin.

Paluweh's active lava dome with moderate ash venting in early December.

The likely cause is either a major dome collapse triggering a large pyroclastic flow or a vulcanian explosion of the lava dome. According to the first local press articles, an explosion has occurred last night at 23:36 local time. People from the north coast of Flores (17 km distance to the south) reported having heard rumbling and detonation sounds and seen incandescent lava ejections.

A cloud of ash drifted over Flores and deposited about half a millimeter of fine ash in areas of the north coast. People were advised to stay home and wear dust masks. No reports were found about the situation on Palueh Island itself. The aviation alert level of the volcano was raised to Red. - Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Experts Warn White Island Activity Could Lead To Large Eruption!

January 22, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - Volcanic activity at White Island is the most "vigorous" in years and could mean a large explosive eruption is imminent, GNS Science says.  The volcano, off the Bay of Plenty coast, is the country's most active and showed heightened signs of unrest last year.  But it is the increased hydrothermal activity in the last three weeks which is of "significant concern", GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott says.

"I don't think I've seen anything this strong since the late 90s and 2000s."  The activity then led to a large eruption in July, 2000.  "The hydrothermal activity is some of the most vigorous I have seen at White Island for many years. This type of activity usually leads to stronger volcanic activity and is a significant concern," Scott said.  "Increases in hydrothermal activity often leads to explosive eruptions and that can be quite dangerous for visitors."  The activity may mean an eruption is imminent, but there is also a chance it could cease.  The volcano poses no threat to the mainland, however, as it is 48 kilometres from shore.  But White Island is a popular tourist attraction, with boat and flight tours heading there daily.  If it does explode, ash may reach the mainland and Bay of Plenty locals might smell gas, Scott says.  Scott's observations were based on a visit to the island yesterday.

Hydrothermal activity in the small 'hot lake' had increased, large amounts of sediment had surfaced and vivid white steam and gas was flashing from the base.  This was the sort of activity that had been increasing since late 2012 and was now semi-continuous, Scott says.  The lava dome that was first observed in late November has not changed since earlier this month.  There were elevated levels of volcanic tremors, likely generated by the hydrothermal activity, Scott says.  As usual, the volcano could erupt with little or no warning.  - TVNZ.

WATCH: White Island activity could lead to large eruption.

WATCH: White Island Hydrothermal Activity - January, 2013.

PLANETARY TREMORS: Scientists Warn Of Another Mount Tongariro Eruption - Continuous Feature Of Emissions And Gas Plumes!

January 21, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - Scientists are warning Mount Tongariro may erupt again as the Department of Conservation looks at re-opening the remainder of the iconic Tongariro Crossing next month. GNS Science say emissions of steam and a gas plume have been a continuous feature of the mountain since the August 2012 eruption. Scientist Tony Hurst said the volcano is still in an "active" state.

Te Maari Crater eruption on Mt Tongariro. Photo / Ben Fraser.

"Therefore we have to be prepared there will be other events like that without any warning," said GNS Scientist Tony Hurst. The risk of another eruption is causing concern for the Department of Conservation as it prepares to reopen the northern section of the Tongariro Crossing which was damaged in the August eruption. Department of Conservation Ruapehu Area Manager Jonathan Maxwell told ONE News the eruption had not dampened the popularity of the 19.4 kilometre walking track. He said DOC was forced to close an access way to the track shortly before Christmas when tourists began flocking to the area. "It's become a destination so in the end total anarchy broke out with cars and buses," said Maxwell. "There were wing mirrors being knocked off and cars damaged as well as people trying to park in incredibly stupid places."

GNS Scientists are also concerned neighbouring Mt Ruapehu may be due to erupt. Gas samples show there could be a blockage underneath the volcano's surface. The blockage could burst and erupt without warning. Tourism operator Stewart Barclay from Adrift Outdoors said tourism on Mt Ruaphu and Mt Tongariro is reliant on the findings of GNS scientists. "We can't do anything until the scientists scratch their heads and reckon it's all safe to go up," said Barclay. DOC has closed the area within 2km of the centre of crater lake at the summit of Mt Ruapehu.- TVNZ.

WATCH: Hopes over full Tongariro Cross reopening.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Volcanic Mountains On Eruption Alert In New Zealand - Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu and White Island On Watch!

January 16, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - The steam and super-heated gases which have been pouring from the side of Mt Tongariro since its two surprise eruptions last year are set to be a feature of the volcano for years.  And nearly two months since Mt Tongariro last blew, GNS volcanologists say there's every chance of another sudden eruption, just as at neighbouring Mt Ruapehu and White Island to the north.  Fresh activity at all three volcanoes last year forced authorities to raise their alert levels, which have since been reduced.  The latest check by GNS showed steam and gas plumes at the Te Maari craters on Mt Tongariro's northern face - the site of eruptions in August and November - had become a continuous feature at the site.  The gas was coming from a large fumarole and crack in a cliff just east of the Upper Te Maari crater, while the main Upper Te Maari crater was also discharging gas but at a lesser rate.  Volcanic gas from the plume, which could still be smelled downwind of the volcano, was stronger on some days because of atmospheric conditions.

Te Maari Crater eruption on Mt Tongariro. Photo / Ben Fraser.

Volcanologists expected these plumes to linger for several years.  The puffs of steam had occasionally led to excited reports of eruptions, GNS volcanologist Dr Craig Miller said.  A section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, between Emerald Lakes and Ketetahi Rd, remained closed and Dr Miller said trampers should stay cautious when on the mountain.  "We still expect there could be a November type eruption."  The Department of Conservation reported large numbers of visitors to Tongariro National Park this summer, with vehicle congestion forcing the temporary closure of Mangatepopo Rd.  Adrift NZ tour guide Stewart Barclay, who chairs a group of 30 users of Mt Tongariro, said business was up because of the volcanic activity and would likely increase further when the crossing was fully open.  Meanwhile, the alert level at White Island was lowered from two to one this month, reflecting the end to an eruptive cycle that began in August, more than a decade after its last eruption.

 Scientists visiting the island on New Year's Day found a small lava dome that had risen throughout the cycle had not grown since previous inspections the month before.  Temperatures measured at the dome and at a nearby hot lake, which had reached 200C to 240C and 70C to 80C respectively, had also not changed. It suggested magma was not pushing out the cooler plug blocking it, Dr Craig Miller said.  "It's a bit like an old tube of toothpaste with a dry cap on top. If you stop squeezing it stops coming out.  "But we think there's still probably a lot of magma at a shallow depth - and while it remains there, there's always the potential for things to happen."  A similar process was likely occurring at Mt Ruapehu, where the crater lake was remaining worryingly docile despite fiery temperatures just below.  Since March last year, lake temperatures had hovered between 20C and 25C while temperatures beneath ranged between 700C and 800C.  The lake's temperature had reached 40C in previous years, and its stability suggested gases were being blocked, bringing the potential of a sudden and violent blow.  A 2km exclusion zone around the summit remained in place.  "Mt Ruapehu is still in a state of heightened unrest and people should be aware that it can do things with very little warning," Dr Miller said.  "It's got the ability to throw rocks large distances and send lahars down the mountain."

Volcano watch:

White Island
This week downgraded from alert level two to one (out of five). A recently-established lava dome has stopped growing, but scientists say a column of magma not far beneath still poses a threat.

Mt Ruapehu
Remains at alert level one with an exclusion zone around the summit. A suspected blockage below the crater lake may be causing a gas build up that could result in sudden eruption.

Mt Tongariro
Remains at alert level one with part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing closed. Emitting large amounts of gas and sulphur dioxide and scientists still expect a repeat of the last eruption in November. - NZ Herald.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: "Mount Doom" - More Eruptions Tipped as New Zealand's Tongariro Volcano Disrupts Flights!

November 25, 2012 - NEW ZEALAND -  Lingering ash from a volcanic eruption in New Zealand disrupted flights across parts of the North Island on Thursday, as scientists warned the mountain could blow again at any time. Mount Tongariro, in the centre of the North Island, erupted for the second time in four months on Wednesday after lying dormant for more than a century, spewing a column of ash three kilometres (1.9 miles) into the atmosphere.

Mt. Tongariro, in the centre of the North Island, erupted for the second time in four months. A massive plume of ash billows up into the sky as the volcano erupts at Tongariro National Park, 300 km (186 miles) north of Wellington.
Photo: Stefan Keller/Reuters.

Air New Zealand said flights to Rotorua resumed early on Thursday but services to Taupo and Gisborne would be subject to cancellations and delays until the ash cloud cleared, likely later in the day. “The airline is working with the relevant authorities to safely make adjustments to flight routes to ensure aircraft remain clear of any ash and keep providing a safe service to the travelling public,” it said. The official monitoring body GNS Science said the volcano, which was used as a backdrop to Peter Jackson’s hugely successful The Lord of the Rings films, was quiet overnight but remained unpredictable. “We (can) expect another eruption of similar size at any time during the next few weeks,” volcanologist Brad Scott said.

“Eruptions are not expected to escalate in size.” Just days before the mountain rumbled to life, scientists warned that neighbouring Mount Ruapehu was ready to erupt as pressure builds in a subterranean vent. They said there was no warning before the Tongariro blast and could not say if the activity at the two volcanoes was linked. No injuries were reported from Wednesday’s eruption but about 50 hikers scrambled for safety as ash billowed from the mountain. With two volcanoes now active, the Department of Conservation said walking tracks and a number of roads in the Tongariro National Park had been closed until further notice. New Zealand lies on the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire”, where the Earth’s tectonic plates collide, making it a hotspot for volcanic and earthquake activity. A eruption at Mount Ruapehu in 1953 caused New Zealand’s worst rail disaster when it triggered a massive mudslide that washed away a bridge, causing a passenger train to plunge into a river with the loss of 151 lives. - Live Mint.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Signs of Unrest - New Zealand's Mount Ruapehu Could Erupt "With Little or No Warning"!

November 24, 2012 - NEW ZEALAND - GNS says the risk of Mt Ruapehu erupting has not changed despite an eruption on nearby Mt Tongariro earlier this week.

The Crater Lake on Mt Ruapehu. Source: Supplied.

Samples taken from Ruapehu's crater lake this week show signs of unrest beneath the surface and scientists say it could erupt at any time with little or no warning. This follows an eruption on Mt Tongariro on Wednesday which threw an ash cloud three kilometres into the sky. Scientists said they were not sure whether activity at both volcanoes was linked. Regular sampling is taken of the Ruapehu crater lake as the analysis of the gas contained in the lake's water can provide information about the temperature below.

The results from samples taken on Wednesday suggest that the temperature at depth in Ruapehu is still higher than it was a few months ago. GNS says as the lake temperature remains low this indicates that gas may be trapped beneath the lake. If pressure increases underground GNS said this could lead to an eruption, similar to one in 2007. Meanwhile, Mount Tongariro is quiet but scientists warn it could blow again within days. The ash cloud from the eruption has cleared, allowing flights from the central North Island to resume. Scientists say the volcano is in a state of unrest and the risk of another sudden blast remains significantly high. - TVNZ.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: "Mount Doom" - Volcano's Smell Drifts 100km From Tongariro!

November 22, 2012 - NEW ZEALAND - GNS says Mt Tongariro is still emitting sulphurous gas but has stopped spewing ash, and volcanic activity remains low after yesterday's eruption. The smell from the volcano has been noticed in Manawatu and Hawke's Bay, the areas downwind from the Te Maari crater. Scientist's say the smell may be noticed up to 100km away from the volcano, and could cause minor irritation to people's eyes, skin and throats.

GNS Science is closely monitoring the activity at the volcano following its eruption, and will be looking to see if the temperature from gas samples increases. Further similar eruptions are expected in the coming weeks. "The volcano is in a state of unrest and in that state it can erupt, and it can erupt without any warning," volcanologist Brad Scott told ONE News. "That unrest is going to continue for many weeks many months." Scott said an eruption at Mount Tongariro on August 6 was "vent clearing" because the vent was blocked "so that was naturally more explosive". "Now we've got a more open vent environment that makes it easier for eruptions to occur we can't get such high overpressure and therefore the explosions won't be as explosive or as large as August." A team from GNS flew over the volcano this afternoon and said the eruption has caused no significant change to the crater.

The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code at Orange. Scientists are not the only ones monitoring Tongariro, a number of tourists have travelled to Tongariro eager to see what might happen. Police are advising them to put their safety first. - TVNZ.

WATCH: GNS Timelapse of Mount Tongariro's Eruption.