GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Latest Report Of Volcanic Eruptions, Activity, Unrest And Awakenings – March 3-7, 2016! [PHOTOS + VIDEOS]

Strombolian eruption at Tungurahua on March 2, 2016. (Photo: E. Gaunt - OVTIGEPN)

March 7, 2016 - EARTH - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.


Tungurahua (Ecuador): The volcano is in a phase of mild to moderate strombolian activity. Incandescent bombs are ejected to the upper slopes of the volcano, generating avalanches. Ash plumes rise up to a few km above the crater and drift mostly in westerly directions.

Apparently, the large vent-clearing explosion on 27 Feb has opened the conduit to allow a sustained slow rise of magma and more gradual release of gas pressure in small discrete explosions (= strombolian activity).

In its latest report, IGEPN published a series of remarkable photos taken during cloud-free periods at night.



Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia): An explosion occurred at the volcano this morning, producing an ash plume that rose 3000 m above the summit. The eruption was accompanied by Ash falls occurred later in several nearby towns to the NW including Chinchiná, Villamaría, Manizales and Palestine.

Nevado del Ruiz' eruption column. (Photo: Luis Guillermo Velásquez / La Patria)

The regional La Nubia airport was closed today after noon.


Shiveluch (Kamchatka): The lava dome continues to be very active, generating frequent rockfalls and small glowing avalanches on the SW side as well as, more rarely, on the SE side as can be seen on today's time-lapse video.


WATCH: Time-lapse of Shiveluch.

A larger event might have taken place after dark, as Tokyo VAAC reported an ash plume to 18,000 ft (5.4 km) altitude this morning 08:20 UTC (17:20 local time in Kamchatka).



Copahue (Chile): The activity at the volcano, near-constant degassing with sometimes ash emissions, has decreased over the past weeks. Ash venting has become less frequent and intense, and the glow from E Agrio crater that had been visible at the crater disappeared.

Weak steam/ash plume from Copahue.

According to the Chilean scientists from SERNAGEOMIN who monitor the volcano, the current activity of the volcano is being caused by the interaction of a small volume of new magma under its highly active shallow hydrothermal system - none or little of this magma reaches the surface itself, but the heat transfer into the circulating fluids causes fragmentation by small explosions and the emission of gasses and particles (ash). This activity reflects in a continuous tremor signal of moderate intensity.

Scientists concluded that the new magma volume has been too small to greatly affect the internal balance in the hydrothermal system. Other geophysical parameters such as rate of degassing and deformation are mostly within normal levels of the volcano. It is therefore expected that the current activity continues in the coming weeks to months at fluctuating rates. This includes possible short-lived phases of more pronounced sporadic phreatic to strombolian explosions.




Chripoi (Kurile Islands, Russia): A new eruption might have taken place at the volcano this afternoon. Based on satellite imagery, Tokyo VAAC reported an ash plume to estimated 20,000 ft (6 km) altitude that drifted east.

Whether or not an eruption took place still needs to be confirmed.



Alaid (Northern Kuriles): A new eruption is occurring at the volcano, satellite images show. A pronounced steam plume with possible ash content can be seen drifting west from the volcano, at estimated 13,000 ft (4 km) altitude. In addition, NASA's MODIS and VIIRS sensors have been detecting an intense heat source from the volcano's summit lately.

Steam plume from Alaid volcano. NASA Suomi NPP satellite image

Bromo (East Java, Indonesia): The latest eruptive cycle of the volcano might have ended. No more eruptions (explosions, ash emissions) have been observed during the past 2 weeks and seismic activity has returned to normal levels as well, our friend Oystein Andersen from Jakarta reported.

Tokyo VAAC raised the aviation color code to orange.


Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands): The (probably) strombolian-type activity that had started a few days ago continues at the Otake crater and is visible as bright glow from neighboring islands.

Glow from Suwanose-jima's active crater.

Manam (Papua New Guinea): New activity has been reported from the volcano this morning. A pilot reported an ash plume at approx. 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude extending 50 km to the SE. A plume, along with a thermal signal, can also be seen on the latest satellite image.

Ash plume from Manam volcano

You can find photos and more detailed reports of the latest eruption at his website.


Telica (Nicaragua): The volcano has remained mostly calm during the past 24 hours. Sporadic weak ash emissions occurred at night, but glow could no longer be seen from the crater.

Ash emission from Telica.

Masaya (Nicaragua): The activity of the lava lake in the Santiago crater has been increasing in the past week. In a recent bulletin, INETER mentions that the previously two ponds in two adjacent vents have now joined, probably as a result of erosion by the violently degassing and convective lava.

The following video taken on the 1st of March gives a good impression:


WATCH: Activity at the Masaya lake.

Nevados de Chillán (Central Chile): A small eruption occurred at the volcano again yesterday, the first activity since the mild explosive activity on 7 February. Starting around noon, the volcano began to emit a steam plume of variable intensity, sometimes mixed with ash. The activity took place at one of the new craters that had formed in early February.

Eruption of Nevados de Chillan volcano

According to SERNAGEOMIN, seismicity and other monitored parameters had shown little fluctuations during most of February, but then started to increase at the end of the month, possibly related to a slowly ascending body of magma. Yesterday's new activity is likely the result of this and could be a precursor of more activity in the near to medium future.


Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): Based on Himawari-8 satellite data, Darwin VAAC reported an ash emission from the volcano at 7,000 ft (2.1 km) altitude last evening, creating a plume that drifted 100 km to the NE. Aviation color code is at Orange.


Kilauea (Hawai'i): The activity of the volcano remains essentially unchanged. Rising magma levels under the east rift zone briefly caused an overflow of lava that erupted from a spatter cone within the southern part of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō crater.

Thermal image of the lava overflow inside Kilauea's Pu'u 'O'o crater

This activity started around 8:15 a.m. local time yesterday (2 Mar), covered part of the crater floor and ceased at about 15:00 local time. No lava flowed beyond the crater. According to HVO, "this type of activity is not unusual for Puʻu ʻŌʻō, and does not reflect a significant change in the ongoing eruption".
At the summit caldera, rising magma levels temporarily brought the surface of the lava lake inside Halema'uma'u back in sight from the Jaggar Museum overlook in the early morning hours before receding.

Scattered surface flows remain active on the 'June 27th' flow field, all within about 6.0 km (4 mi) of Puʻu ʻŌʻō and do not currently threaten any nearby communities. Seismicity and deformation are within normal levels throughout the volcano.


Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): No significant changes in activity have occurred over the past weeks. Bright glow at the summit crater indicates that the lava dome in its inner crater continues to grow slowly.

Intermittent weak to moderate explosions (on average 2-3 per day) sometimes produce ash plumes that rise up to 1-2 km and rarely eject incandescent material outside the crater.


WATCH: Glow from Popocatepetl volcano.

Fuego (Guatemala): The volcano's activity started to drop again to normal levels (intermittent small explosions) yesterday evening - the most recent paroxysm has now ended.

View of Fuego volcano.

Barren Island (Indian Ocean): Weak eruptive activity continues at the summit vent of the remote and rarely directly observed volcano, satellite data indicates.

A thermal hot spot has been present regularly during recent weeks, and on cloud-free days, a steam-gas plume can often be seen drifting from the island that sometimes contains some ash.

Steam (and ash?) plume from Barren Island on March 1(red spot is a thermal anomaly detected by the VIIRS radiometer onboard NASA's Suomi NPP)

What exactly the activity is like is difficult to say, but most likely is mild strombolian activity and/or the occasional presence of a (very small) lava lake in the summit crater.

- Volcano Discovery .

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Latest Report Of Volcanic Eruptions, Activity, Unrest And Awakenings – March 28, 2015!

March 28, 2015 - EARTH - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka):  Another powerful vulcanian explosion occurred this morning at 10:03 local time at the volcano. An eruption column rose to approx. 10 km altitude.

Eruption column from Shiveluch this morning (photo: Y. Demyanchuck / www.volkstat.ru)

The eruption produced smaller pyroclastic flows from collapsing material at the base of the eruption column.


Aso (Kyushu): Explosive activity and ash emissions have decreased or ceased. Bright glow and intense steaming/degassing from the main vent in the Nakadake crater however suggest the presence of a small lava lake.

Glow from Aso's Nakadake crater

Kuchinoerabu-jima (Ryukyu Islands): Incandescence can be seen from the crater of the volcano, suggesting mild activity (e.g. release of very hot gasses) continues. Since its last eruption in August 2014 the volcano remains at alert level 3 (out of 5).

Glow from Shin-Dake crater

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): The volcano is currently in a very active phase. During the past 24 hours alone, at least 14 vulcanian explosions occurred, the largest of which produced ash plumes that rose to 11-13,000 ft (3-4 km) altitude.


Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): An ash plume from the volcano was observed last night, extending at 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude approx. 50 km to the NE (VAAC Darwin).


Colima (Western Mexico): Strong explosions continue to occur. An eruption at 08:20 local time this morning produced several pyroclastic flows that traveled down the western flank of the volcano:

Pyroclastic flow from Colima this morning

WATCH: Volcanic eruption at Colima.

Villarrica (Central Chile): Activity remains stable with intermittent mild strombolian explosions and light ash emissions.

Bright glow can be seen at night, suggesting that the magma column inside the conduit stands very high.

Volcano Activity Summary as of March 27, 2015:

Currently erupting:

Ambrym (Vanuatu): active lava lakes in several craters (updated 14 Aug 2013)
Aso (Kyushu): intense strombolian activity from main vent in Nakadake crater (updated 27 Mar 2015)
Batu Tara (Sunda Islands, Indonesia): strombolian explosions, ash plumes up to 500 m, extrusion of a small lava dome with rockfalls (updated 4 Nov 2014)
Colima (Western Mexico): Irregular small to moderately large explosions (updated 27 Mar 2015)
Copahue (Chile/Argentina): ash venting (updated 4 Dec 2014)
Dukono (Halmahera): thermal anomaly, probably small explosive activity in summit crater (updated 25 Mar 2015)
Erebus (Antarctica): active lava lake in summit crater (updated 8 Dec 2014)
Erta Ale (Ethiopia): active lava lake in northern pit crater, active hornito with intermittend flow in southern crater (updated 11 Jan 2013)
Fuego (Guatemala): intermittent strombolian explosions (updated 13 Mar 2015)
Ibu (Halmahera, Indonesia): stromolian and phreatomagmatic explosions (updated 14 Nov 2014)
Karangetang (Siau Island, Sangihe Islands, Indonesia): growing lava dome, incandescent avalanches (updated 5 Feb 2015)
Karymsky (Kamchatka): occasional small explosions, thermal anomaly (updated 25 Mar 2015)
Kilauea (Hawai'i): new lava flow from vents on NE flank of Pu'u 'O'o (updated 13 Aug 2013)
Nishino-shima (Volcano Islands, Japan): growing island (updated 19 Jan 2015)
Nyiragongo (DRCongo): active lava lake in summit crater (updated 26 Feb 2014)
Ol Doinyo Lengai (Tanzania): effusion of natrocarbonatite lava inside the crater (updated 8 Jul 2013)
Poas (Costa Rica): phreatic explosions (updated 14 Oct 2014)
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): degassing, sporadic explosions, slowly growing lava dome (updated 4 Mar 2015)
Rabaul (Tavurvur) (New Britain, Papua New Guinea): lava fountains, ash emissions from Tavurvur cone (updated 12 Sep 2014)
Raung (East Java): Large Strombolian explosions (updated 18 Mar 2015)
Reventador (Ecuador): intermittent weak to moderate explosions, occasional lava flows (updated 16 Mar 2015)
Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): ash venting, intermittent explosions (updated 27 Mar 2015)
Sangay (Ecuador): likely strombolian eruptions at summit crater (updated 13 Mar 2015)
Santiaguito (Guatemala): small explosions from the Caliente dome and active lava flow (updated 3 Feb 2015)
Semeru (East Java, Indonesia): growing lava dome, lava flow, strombolian activity (updated 26 Nov 2014)
Shiveluch (Kamchatka): growing lava dome (updated 26 Mar 2015)
Sinabung (Sumatra, Indonesia): continuing pyroclastic flows (updated 20 Feb 2015)
Soputan (North Sulawesi, Indonesia): active viscous lava flow, explosions, rockfalls, pyroclastic flows (updated 9 Mar 2015)
Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands): strombolian activity (updated 16 Feb 2015)
Villarrica (Central Chile): pulsating gas and ash emissions (updated 27 Mar 2015)
Yasur (Tanna Island, Vanuatu): ash emissions, weak strombolian explosions (updated 14 Aug 2013)
Zhupanovsky (Kamchatka, Russia): intermittent ash emissions (updated 25 Mar 2015)

Eruption warning / minor activity:

Augustine (Cook Inlet (SW Alaska))
Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): ash emissions, lava dome growth (updated 27 Mar 2015)
Bezymianny (Central Kamchatka Depression): steaming, weak seismic activity (updated 3 Jul 2014)
Etna (Sicily, Italy): sporadic weak ash emissions from New SE crater (updated 19 Apr 2014)
Heard (Australia, Southern Indian Ocean): possibly lava lake in summit crater (updated 5 Dec 2014)
Kavachi (Solomon Islands): no eruption since 2007 (updated 16 Jun 2014)
Kerinci (Sumatra): seismic unrest (updated 5 Jun 2013)
Kirishima (Kyushu): degassing, alert lowered (updated 25 Oct 2014)
Kliuchevskoi (Kamchatka): degassing, probably mild strombolian activity in summit crater (updated 26 Mar 2015)
Krakatau (Sunda Strait, Indonesia): degassing (updated 31 Mar 2014)
Kuchinoerabu-jima (Ryukyu Islands): steaming, incandescence at main crater (updated 27 Mar 2015)
Lokon-Empung (North Sulawesi, Indonesia): small explosions, lava flow? (updated 13 Sep 2014)
Lopevi (Vanuatu): eruption warning (updated 16 Dec 2014)
Manam (Papua New Guinea): seismic unrest (updated 20 Mar 2015)
Mayon (Luzon Island): steaming (updated 18 Dec 2014)
Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia): ash emissions (updated 16 Dec 2014)
Nyamuragira (DRCongo): active lava lake (updated 29 Nov 2014)
Ontake-san (Honshu): steaming, low seismic activity (updated 18 Dec 2014)
Pacaya (Guatemala): ash emissions (updated 7 Feb 2015)
Papandayan (West Java): strong hydrothermal activity, increased seismicity (updated 6 May 2013)
Pavlof (Alaska Peninsula, USA): steaming, elevated seismic activity (updated 22 Dec 2014)
Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): new eruption on 4 Feb 2015 (updated 16 Feb 2015)
Rasshua (Central Kuriles)
Rincón de la Vieja (Costa Rica): phreatic explosions from crater lake (updated 21 Sep 2014)
Sacabaya (Northern Chile, Bolivia and Argentina)
San Cristobal (Nicaragua): possible ash emission on 11 April (updated 9 Mar 2015)
San Miguel (El Salvador): elevated seismic activity, pulsating gas emissions (updated 28 Jan 2015)
Shishaldin (United States, Aleutian Islands): mild explosive activity, intermittent more intense phases (updated 20 Mar 2015)
Slamet (Central Java): intense strombolian explosions (updated 12 Jan 2015)
Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): weak strombolian activity at summit vents (updated 13 Mar 2015)
Tungurahua (Ecuador): steaming, sporadic small explosions (updated 4 Mar 2015)
Turrialba (Costa Rica): ash eruptions (updated 16 Mar 2015)
Ubinas (Peru): sporadic ash emissions (updated 20 Mar 2015)
Ulawun (New Britain, Papua New Guinea): degassing, ash venting (updated 5 Aug 2013)

 - Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Latest Report Of Volcanic Eruptions, Activity, Unrest And Awakenings – January 21, 2015!

January 21, 2015 - EARTH - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.


Colima (Western Mexico): A strong vulcanian-type explosion occurred this morning at 09:15 from the volcano's summit. An ash column rose more than 4 km above the summit, reaching eventually estimated approx. 29,000 ft (9 km) altitude and drifting NE.

Initial stage of the eruption at Colima this morning (photo: Sunao (Tom) Tobaru ‏@coloneltobaru / twitter)

A small pyroclastic flow that descended the steep slope of the volcano was generated during the explosion.

Ash fall occurred in Tuxpan, Zapotiltic and Ciudad Guzmán in the Jalisco district.


Hunga Ha'apai (Tonga): A volcanic eruption taking place in the Pacific archipelago of Tonga has created a new island, though scientists say it could soon sink back into the ocean.

The volcano has been erupting for approximately a month in the ocean, 65 kilometers northwest of Tonga’s capital, Nukualofa, located on the main island of Tongatapu.

The island, which has not yet been named, is around 1.8 kilometers by 1.5 kilometers and rises around 100 meters above the sea.

FILE PHOTO: Smoke is seen after an underwater volcano erupted in Hunga Ha'apai, Tonga March 18, 2009.(Reuters / Matangi Tonga)

Better update your maps, Tonga now has 177 islands, thanks to volcano.

Amazing photos of an eruption that's spawned a new island in Tonga.

The Tongan volcano has created a substantial new island since it began erupting in December.

A volcano has created a new island in Tongo.

“It's quite an exciting site, you get to see the birth of an island. Visually it was quite spectacular, but there was no big sound coming with it, no boom. It was a bit eerie,” said Nico Fournier, a New Zealand volcanologist, reported AP.

When the volcano stops erupting, the ocean will likely erode the Island in just a few months, as it is made mainly of loose scoria and not lava, which is much more durable. The ocean around the new island is fairly shallow, up to 200 meters deep.

Fournier added that the volcano was mainly emitting steam and that the small amount of ash it was emitting was rising only around 2 kilometers into the air.

As a result of the ash, flights in the vicinity of the Pacific archipelago were halted for several days last week.


Kliuchevskoi (Kamchatka): The eruption at the volcano has intensified during the past 24 hours.

Glow from Klyuchevskoy's eruption, note the lava flow on the upper flank

A sustained ash plume, generated by near-continuous strombolian explosions or lava fountains, is rising 1.5-2 km from the volcano's summit, reaching approx. 24,000 ft (7.2 km) altitude, and drifting WSW.

A lava flow is descending on the upper western flank now.


Aso (Kyushu): Ash-rich strombolian activity continues from the Nakadake crater with little changes over the past weeks.

Ash plume from a strombolian explosion in Aso's Nakadake crater this morning

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): The volcano remains in a comparably active phase (compared to most of past year), producing 1-5 vulcanian explosions per day.

Ash column from an eruption at Sakurajima yesterday

Ash plumes have been reaching 8-11,000 ft (2.4-3.3 km) altitude, i.e. 1-2.5 km above the crater.


Karymsky (Kamchatka): More explosions have occurred at the volcano. Tokyo VAAC reported ash plumes to 7-12,000 ft (2.1-3.6 km) elevation drifting SE.

Modis / Aqua satellite view over Kamchatka this morning

Zhupanovsky (Kamchatka, Russia): Mild ash emissions are visible on latest satellite images.

Today's clear weather over Kamchatka allowed MODIS satellites to take a shot with all 4 currently active volcanoes: Zhupanovsky, Karymsky (ash emissions from explosions), Klyuchevskoy (lava flow and ash plumes), and Shiveluch north of the latter, also with ash emissions.


Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands): Intermittent, probably strombolian activity persists at the On-take crater. JMA reported a small explosion from the volcano yesterday, but bad weather conditions don't allow clear webcam images.


Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): A volcanic ash plume to estimated 12,000 ft extending 20 nautical miles to the NE was detected by Darwin VAAC this morning.


Soputan (North Sulawesi, Indonesia): The eruption of the volcano continues. The new lava flow seems to have descended almost to the base of the summit cone, accompanied by abundant glowing rockfalls. Intermittent explosions, although decreasing in intensity during the past 2 days, still produce ash emissions that reach 3-4 km altitude.

Soputan's activity yesterday (?) (Photo: Ist / Manado Express)

The volcano remains at level 3 (out of 4, "Siaga") and the Aviation Color Code at Red.

So far, the impact of the eruption has been limited to light ash fall in some nearby villages, mainly Silian and Lobu. No evacuations have been ordered.


Dukono (Halmahera): Abundant ash emissions occur from the volcano. A plume stretching 50 km to the SW was seen on MTSAT imagery by Darwin VAAC this morning.

- Volcano Discovery | RT.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Volcano Report For May 27, 2014 - Major Updates On Shiveluch, Etna, Bagana, Batu Tara, Sinabung, Shishaldin, Popocatépetl, Santiaguito, Pacaya, Fuego, Momotombo, San Miguel, Ubinas, And Heard! [PHOTOS+GRAPHS+MAPS]

May 27, 2014 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe, courtesy of  Volcano Discovery.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka): The volcano remains very active, growing its lava dome which occasionally looses some of its mass due to avalanches and explosions.

Eruption from Shiveluch this morning in Kamchatka.

A stronger eruption occurred at the volcano this morning producing an ash plume that rose to 33,000 ft (10 km) altitude and drifted to the SE.


Etna (Sicily, Italy): Weak strombolian activity continues with little variation from the New SE crater. A slightly increasing trend of tremor amplitude can be observed over the past days.

Strombolian explosion at Etna's NSEC (Radiostudio7 webcam)

Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): Explosive (likely strong strombolian-type) eruptions continue at the volcano. An ash plume to estimated 10,000 (3 km) altitude was observed extending 35 nautical miles to the west this morning (VAAC Darwin).


Batu Tara (Sunda Islands, Indonesia): A few explosions were again strong enough to produce plumes that were spotted on satellite imagery recently.


Sinabung (Sumatra, Indonesia): Weak lava extrusion continues to add material to the viscous lava lobe, which at the same time looses some of its mass in occasional small rockfalls from its front and the sides. These sometimes result in small pyroclastic flows.


Shishaldin (United States, Aleutian Islands): Low-level eruptive activity likely continues, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, although no direct observations could be made during the past 24 hours. Seismic signals suggest occasional small explosions. The alert status remains orange.


Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): No significant changes have occurred in the volcano's activity during the past weeks. Magma continues to rise, at fluctuating rates, slowly into the summit crater, producing weak intermittent explosions and glow at night.

Small ash explosion at Popocatépetl yesterday.

A small swarm of earthquakes with 6 volcano-tectonic quakes of magnitudes 2.6, 2.7, 1.8, 3.0, 2.6 and 3.0 occurred during 25-26 May.

The alert level remains unchanged at "Yellow Phase 2". (CENAPRED)


Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala): A new viscous lava flow has started to slowly descend through the ravine on the eastern flank of the Caliente dome. Rock falls and strong degassing accompany this activity.


Pacaya (Guatemala): The volcano remains quiet. INSIVUMEH reports only a continuous degassing plume reaching about 50 m above the crater.


Fuego (Guatemala): Explosive activity has been weaker recently, with pulses of strombolian explosions ejecting incandescent material to up to 100 m above the crater. Effusive activity continued to feed the lava flow towards Barranca Taniluyá. This morning, it was still about 100 m long.


Momotombo (Nicaragua): A strong swarm of earthquakes occurred at shallow (1-10 km) depths beneath the southern flank of the volcano during Sunday-Monday.

Map of recent earthquakes at Momotombo volcano

The largest quake was a magnitude 4.1 event.

While the quakes could be related to magmatic intrusions, they more likely represent aftershocks from April's twin M6 earthquakes.


San Miguel (El Salvador): Seismic activity remains at elevated levels and the volcano emits strong pulsating gas and steam puffs rising to approx. 800 m. Heavy rainfalls have been causing damage due to mud flows in the areas at the feet of the volcano.

Current seismic activity at San Miguel (VSM station, MARN)

No further ash emissions were mentioned in SNET's latest report, but reported that ground observers heard noises of what could be falling ejecta from explosions at the volcano. This could not be confirmed.


Ubinas (Peru): Steam and weak ash emissions continue at the volcano, but have decreased over the past days along with weaker seismic activity.

Steam and ash plume from Ubinas today

Heard (Australia, Southern Indian Ocean): Some activity has probably resumed (or continued) at the remote volcano. The latest MODVOLC images show a significant hot spot at the summit crater.

MODIS hot spots at Heard Island (MODVOLC, Univ. Hawaii)

While the nature of the activity cannot be determined with certainty, the absence of ash on the snow-covered flanks of the volcano visible on satellite imagery, suggests that the activity is not or only weakly explosive and could consist in turn in the presence of a small lava lake.


Complete Earthquake list (worldwide) for May 27, 2014.

- Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Global Volcano Report For November 16, 2013 - Updates On Etna, Sakurajima, Bagana, Sinabung, Klyuchevskoy, Colima And Copahue!

November 16, 2013 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe, courtesy of  Volcano Discovery.


Etna (Sicily, Italy): Intense strombolian activity is occurring at the New SE crater. Tremor has been climbing slowly, and it seems more and more likely that the next paroxysm is about to start in a near future.

Strombolian explosion at the NSEC

Current tremor signal (ESLN station, INGV Catania)

Steam rings from Etna's New SE crater on November 15, 2013.

WATCH: Etna volcano activity - November 15, 2013.

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): VAAC Tokyo reports continuous ash emissions and some relatively large explosions with plumes reaching 12,000 ft (3.6 km) altitude last evening.


Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): An explosion this morning produced an ash plume to 9,000 ft (2.7 km) altitude this morning, VAAC Darwin reported.


Klyuchevskoy (Kamchatka): Explosive activity at the summit crater has intensified. The volcano produces a near constant steam and ash plume of fluctuating size. The ash plume reaches about 21,000 ft (6.3 km) altitude drifting east.

Ash plume fro Klyuchevskoy on November 15, 2013.

Sinabung (Sumatra, Indonesia): Explosions continue to become gradually stronger. Two powerful vulcanian explosions occurred on 14 Nov producing ash plumes rising to about 12,000 ft (3.6 km) and causing small pyroclastic flows. More than 5000 people have been evacuated so far.


Colima (Western Mexico): Activity has increased recently, judging from recent pcitures of the volcano. Abundant rockfalls and lava flows descend the flank of the steep cone. It appears that growth of the lava dome has resumed in speed and overflows the rims of the crater.

Colima volcano early on November 15, 2013.
(Photo: Bullriv Colima Rivera via facebook)

Copahue (Chile/Argentina): New ash emissions started yesterday shortly before noon (local time) and have been more or less continuous since then. The low-level ash plume is drifting NW.

Ash emission from Copahue on November 15, 2013.

SERNAGEOMIN mentions that seismic activity has remained above background, with a total of 18684 recorded earthquakes during October, most of them at depths less than 10 km.


WATCH: Copahue volcano ash emissions - November 15, 2013.

Complete Earthquake list (worldwide) for November 16, 2013. 2013

- Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Global Volcano Report For November 14, 2013 - Updates On Sakurajima, Etna, Klyuchevskoy, Aso, Bagana, Sinabung, Popocatépetl, Reventador, Jebel Zubair And Heard! [PHOTOS+VIDEOS]

November 14, 2013 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe, courtesy of  Volcano Discovery.


Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): The volcano has picked up activity again.

Vulcanian explosion from Sakurajima this morning with lightning in the ash plume.

Over the past days, the Showa crater has been producing near-constant ash emissions and several vulcanian explosions with ash plumes rising up to 14,000 ft (4.2 km) altitude.


WATCH: Sakurajima volcano eruption with lightning.

Etna (Sicily, Italy): Activity at the New SE crater has decreased during the night, but probably weak strombolian explosions still occur from time to time. At the moment, weather is very bad and visible observations difficult. The tremor decreased as well, but has gained again and continues to show an overall increasing trend, similar to the days before the 10-11 Nov paroxysm.

Current tremor signal (ESLN station, INGV Catania)

Tremor amplitude (EFTI station), cut off in the morning of November 11th, when the station was covered by lava.

WATCH: Etna volcano activity on November 13 -14.

The last recorded signal from the Torre del Filosofo seismic station (ETFI), showing the tremor intensity at unprecedented levels. If the eruption size is more or less proportional to the integral of the tremor amplitude, this illustrates the size of the paroxysm:


Klyuchevskoy (Kamchatka): The volcano remains active. It produces a variable but often intense steam plume with possibly some ash.

Giant steam ring (ring vortex) rising from Klyuchevskoy this morning

On webcam images, there are sporadic small explosions visible, suggesting that weak strombolian activity continues at the summit. A large steam ring was produced this morning (see image / video) - similar to what we have observed at Etna last Monday.


WATCH: Klyuchevskoy volcano produces steam ring.

Aso (Kyushu): The Japan Meteorological Agency reported in its latest activity summary (for September 2013) a seismic crisis that started on 23 September evening. An survey of SO2 emissions 2 days later showed an increase of gas release as well, suggesting a magmatic intrusion was taking place. No eruption has taken place since then.

Japanese volcanologists immediately raised the alert level from 1 to 2, as there is a possibility of sudden explosions that could throw blocks to distances of perhaps as far as 1 km. The new alert level means that the active Nakadake 1 crater is currently closed for access.

In late September seismicity remained high, but with a declining trend. No other information was given in the report.


Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): Explosions continue. An ash plume was spotted this morning at 9,000 ft (2,7 km) altitude extending 60 nautical miles to the west.


Sinabung (Sumatra, Indonesia): Eruptions seem to increase. Over the past days, ash explosions have occurred at rates of 1-2 per day. Ash plumes rose to 10,000-12,000 ft (3-3.6 km) altitude. At least one pyroclastic flow occurred on 11 Nov, reaching about 1 km length.

Several 1000 people have been evacuated from nearby villages at the foot of the volcano and a (dangerously small) 3 km exclusion zone around the volcano is in place.


Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Activity has remained stable at low levels. CENAPRED reported 61 weak emissions of mostly steam, gas and only occasionally minor amounts of ash during the 24 hour observation interval between 12-13 Nov.


Reventador (Ecuador): The activity consisting of sporadic small to moderate explosions continues but has decreased after 2 November. On that day, a small pyroclastic flow descended on the west flank of the active cone, reaching a length of 300-400 m. Explosions produced plumes of up to about 2 km height and light ash fall occurred in San Rafael village located 8 km east of the volcano.

Explosion and small pyroclastic flow from Reventador on November 2, 2013.

The following webcam time-lapse show the activity during 2-3 Nov when the weather was unusually clear. There are small explosions and a small tornado next to the cone caused by turbulence between ambient and rising hot air.


Jebel Zubair (Red Sea): Signs of weak continuing or renewed activity could be spotted again on recent satellite data after few weeks with no evidence of activity.

MODIS / Terra satellite image on the 11th of November, showing the gas plume and discolored water plume

The attached MODIS / Terra satellite image from 11 Nov shows a gas plume drifting NE from the new island as well as a discolored water plume extending south. The discolored sea water is likely caused by dissolved volcanic gasses (H2S in particular).

The absence of steam suggests that there is no lava entering the sea and no submarine effusive activity.


Heard (Australia, Southern Indian Ocean): A thermal hot spot was visible on satellite data from 9 Nov, suggesting that some activity continues or has resumed at the remote volcano.

MODIS hot spot data (past 7 days) for Heard volcano (ModVolc, Univ. Hawaii)

Complete Earthquake list (worldwide) for November 14, 2013.

- Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Global Volcano Report For November 5, 2013 - Updates On Klyuchevskoy, Etna, Bagana, Manam, White Island And Fuego!

November 05, 2013 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe, courtesy of  Volcano Discovery.


Klyuchevskoy (Kamchatka): Tremor and degassing have increased with respect to the last report from KVERT. A steam plume rises about 2 km above the crater and a thermal anomaly over the volcano is visible on satellite data. This suggests that some volcanic activity (perhaps strombolian) has resumed (or continues).

Current view of Klyuchevskoy volcano (KVERT webcam).

Etna (Sicily, Italy): While the summit craters have remained calm, seismic activity shows continuing unrest at the volcano. A number of relatively shallow earthquakes occurred this morning under the volcano.

Location of the 2.9 earthquake under Etna this morning.

The only quake located by an international agency was a 2.9 magnitude event at 05:30 (GMT) at 18 km depth under the SW flank, while the other earthquakes were too small to be included, but appear to be shallower. More precise data will hopefully be available soon from INGV Catania.


Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): A relatively large SO2 plume from the volcano today indicates a surge in activity (ash explosions, strombolian activity?).

SO2 plume from Bagana volcano (NOAA).

Manam (Papua New Guinea): Elevated SO2 emissions are visible today on NOAA satellite data.


White Island (New Zealand): No further eruptive activity has occurred since the moderate eruption on the evening of 11 October 2013. Seismic activity and gas flux from the volcano have been at a low level since the eruption. The Aviation Colour Code has been lowered from Yellow to Green. (GeoNet).

Current webcam image of White Island (GeoNet).

Fuego (Guatemala): The volcano observatory of INSIVUMEH reports an increase in activity today: A new lava flow started to descend on the southern flank towards the Trinidad canyon and currently has a length of 100 m. Another branch towards the Ceniza canyon is 50 m long. From both flow fronts, incandescent avalanches detach with run-out lengths of up to 500 m.

The risk of pyroclastic flows triggered by collapse of the steep lava flow fronts is elevated.

Current seismic signal from Fuego volcano (FG3 station, INSIVUMEH).

Accompanied by elevated seismic activity, more and stronger explosions have occurred today. Ash plumes rose up to 800 m height above the crater and often produced loud shock waves that rattled roofs and windows of houses in villages Panimaché, Morelia and Panimaché II.

There are constant degassing sounds similar to a locomotive, and incandescent material is ejected to heights of 125-200 meters above the crater, generating avalanches on the upper slopes.


Complete Earthquake list (worldwide) for November 5, 2013.

- Volcano Discovery.