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

View of the ash plumes from the explosion and pyroclastic flow from the west (Image: Bomberos Retalhuleu / CONRED)

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


Santiaguito (Guatemala): A strong explosion occurred from the active Caliente lava dome this morning around 10:30 local time. It genereated a pyroclastic flow that traveled down the southeast flank of the dome complex reaching a length of approx. 2-3 km. No damage or injuries were reported.

Ash plumes from both the explosion and the pyroclastic flow rose to an elevation of 17,000 ft (5.5 km) and produced moderate ash falls in the southern sectors of the volcano, in particular in the village and coffee farm of El Palmar. Authorities ordered preventive evacuations in areas to the S and SE closest to the volcano.

Santiaguito's pyroclastic flow this morning seen from NE near Santa Maria de Jesus (Image: Silverio Zum via Erick Colop/Twitter)

El Palmar under ash fall after the explosion (Image: Stereo100Noticias ‏@stereo100xela / twitter)

At the moment, it is unclear what exactly triggered the pyroclastic flow - collapse of ejected material or partial collapse of the upper parts of the dome itself, or, most likely, a combination of both. Whether the event was (as often) an isolated one or might be a first in a series of stronger explosions and collapses with more pyroclastic flows is impossible to know at the moment.

According to CONRED, this morning's eruption was preceded by 34 small to moderate explosions within 24 hours, a quite unusually high rate, suggesting that magma and/or gas supply into the dome has been elevated at the moment.


Soputan (North-Sulawesi, Indonesia): A larger explosive eruption was reported to have occurred about two hours ago (10:15 UTC). At 11:45 UTC, Darwin VAAC issued alerts to aviation about an ash plume that had risen to estimated 23,000 ft (7 km) altitude and has been drifting NW. Aviation color code was immediately raised to RED.

Picture allegedly showing an ash plume from Soputan today (from the first, smaller eruption; Source: Istimewa/Tribun Regional)

Forecast of ash plume from Soputan's eruption this morning (VAAC Darwin)

According to a local newspaper article, there were two eruptions today: a presumably smaller one (which did not cause any alerts) in the morning at 10:00, and a "terrific" eruption at 18:15 local time (or 10:15 GMT), which sent a large ash plume into the sky. Ash fall was reported from the areas at the feet of the volcano, but there seems not to have been any damage reported.



Alaid (Kuriles Islands, Russia): The most recent eruption of the volcano, which began in October last year, can be regarded as over and the aviation color code was lowered back to green.

Comparison of satellite images from July 2015 and January this year, showing that large parts of the summit crater have been filled by new lava
(Images: Nasa, annotations: Culture Volcan)

MODIS thermal signal from Alaid (MIROVA)

Satellite data compiled by Culture Volcan show no more heat emission from the volcano since January and visible satellite imagery now show that the crater has been partially filled with fresh lava from the eruption.



Pagan (Mariana Islands): Satellite data and ground-based observations from a field crew and local residents near Pagan indicated that steam-and-gas emissions have significantly decreased since March 2015. The Aviation Color Code and Volcano Alert Level were lowered to Unassigned on January 30.



Cotopaxi (Ecuador): On January 29, IG reported that in recent weeks superficial activity at Cotopaxi was characterized by minor steam emissions from the crater and sporadic gas emissions with minor amounts of ash.

The volcano's last eruption in November, 2015.

Sulfur dioxide emissions were less than 1,000 tons per day (pre-eruptive levels) and seismicity had almost returned to baseline levels. At 1843 on 24 January a plume with low-to-moderate levels of ash rose 700 m above the crater and drifted W. The emission coincided with a hybrid earthquake.


Chirpoi  (Kurile Islands, Russia): Satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 25, 27-28, and 30-31 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.


Macdonald (Austral Islands): Scientists and crew aboard CSIRO’s (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) Marine National Facility research vessel Investigator observed a plume rising from McDonald Island (the largest island) during the last week of January. Visual observations of the McDonald Islands are very rare due to its remote location.


Egon (Flores Island, Indonesia): Volcanic unrest has decreased at the volcano, making the likelihood of an impending eruption smaller. The volcano's alert level was lowered from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

"During 20 January-1 February seismicity at Egon was dominated by signals indicating emissions; shallow volcanic events had decreased.

RSAM values increased on 25 January but did not exceed values detected during the previous peak on 12 January; overall seismicity had declined. The Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and residents were advised to stay at least 1.5 km away from the crater."


Bardarbunga (Central Iceland): Over the past few months, seismic activity at the volcano, mainly under the volcano's large, ice-covered caldera has been increasing again, suggesting that magma might be filling the volcano's reservoir underneath the caldera.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 300 shallow earthquakes of magnitudes up to 3.8 on the Richter scale were recorded, clustered in areas near the southern and northeastern caldera rim.

Earthquakes under and near Bardarbunga volcano since January 2016 (yellow circles = older than 2 days, red = past 48 hours)

Time vs depth of earthquakes since January 1, 2016

Another cluster of small earthquakes concentrates along the 2014-15 eruptive dyke 20 km to the NE of the volcano.

Whether or not, and if so, when the observed earthquake activity under the caldera could lead to another eruption of the volcano, now considered one of, if not even THE most active in Iceland, is impossible to predict.


Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): After several months of unusual calm, the volcano had a moderately strong vulcanian explosion from the Showa crater this morning. An ash plume rose to approx. 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude.

Eruption of Sakurajima volcano this morning (NHK)

Until the end of Sep 2015, Sakurajima had been producing such explosions, of varying intensity, at rates of typically 3-5 or more per day. This activity ceased around 28 Sep 2015 and until now, the volcano had only manifested surface activity in the form of minor ash emissions, degassing, as well as, very rarely, minor explosions. Whether the volcano is back to its previously typical behavior with more frequent and stronger explosions, as it had been during most of the recent years, remains to be seen.


Sinabung (Sumatra, Indonesia): Recently, explosions from the active summit lava dome have become more frequent, producing ash plumes that rose 1-2 km above the summit.

Explosion at Sinabung volcano yesterday (Image: Endro Lewa / Facebook)

Extrusion of viscous lava also continues at slow pace, generating small to moderate pyroclastic flows from time to time.


Fuego (Guatemala): Activity at the volcano is again increasing and seems to be heading towards another (the 3rd in 2016) paroxysm.

Glowing avalanches after an explosion of Fuego.

Explosions have become stronger, and possibly, one or several short lava flows are active on the upper flanks. The thermal output of the volcano, measured by NASA's satellite-based MODIS spectroradiometer, also shows a clear increasing trend.


- Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Latest Report Of Volcanic Eruptions, Activity, Unrest And Awakenings – March 25, 2015!

March 26, 2015 - EARTH - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.


Raung (East Java): Strombolian activity continues from the vents inside the summit caldera of the volcano. Raung's alert level of the volcano was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) a week ago.

Strombolian activity in Raung's crater in late Feb 2015 (photo: Andi / VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia)

An increasing number of volcanic-tectonic earthquakes had been detected. These quakes are indicators of rock breaking at depth, which can be caused by pressurized fluids, such as magma, intruding into the system.


Colima (Western Mexico): The volcano continues to produce sometimes strong vulcanian-type explosions that seem to have picked up in strength over the past days.

Eruption at Colima volcano this morning (photo: Hernando Rivera)

An eruption at 03:08 am local time produced fountaining of lava several hundred meters high and appears to have caused a small pyroclastic flow.

WATCH: Volcanic eruption at Colima - March 23, 2015.

Villarrica volcano (Central Chile): A steady stream of smoke and ash leaking from the Villarrica volcano has residents of a nearby town wondering if - or when - disaster might strike.

Chilean officials raised threat levels to orange on Wednesday due to increasing signs of activity in the 2840-meter tall volcano, leaving area residents fearful of an eruption.

'No one can sleep peacefully because the other day the eruption surprised us at 3 in the morning,' said Francisco Valenzuela, a tour guide in the nearby resort town of Pucon.

'The tourists are also a little uncertain,' Valenzuela said. 'Could something happen today? Could something happen tomorrow?'

A steady stream of smoke and ash being released from the Villarrica volcano.

The BBC reports that local authorities canceled classes for the more than 5,500 students in the area.

Many of the residents in towns and communities surrounding the volcano had to be evacuated earlier in the month, when lava and smoke erupted from the peak in the early hours of the morning.

'It was spewing lava and ash hundreds of meters into the air,' 29-year-old Australian tourist Travis Armstrong said. 'Lightning was striking down at the volcano from the ash cloud that formed from the eruption.'

Adding to the threat of ash and lava, the peak is covered by a glacier cap and snow, causing some officials to worry the eruption could cause mudslides or force rivers to flood and jump their banks.

The peak, located about 500 miles south of Santiago, is a popular hiking destination for tourists who could until recently peer into the crater and wonder about the volcano's destructive capacity

Smoke and lava: An eruption earlier this month triggered an evacuation, and residents worry it could happen again

'This is not a fireworks show,' according to Rodrigo Alvarez, director of the National Service of Geology and Mining, who directed everyone - but especially tourists - not to stray near the volcano.

Volcanic hazard map for the current activity at Chile’s Villarrica. Areas marked in red are the highest hazard areas. SERNAGEOMIN

The peak, located about 500 miles south of Santiago, is a popular hiking destination for tourists. With the last large eruption occurring in 1984, tourists could until recently peer into the crater and wonder about the volcano's destructive capacity.

Chile's president, Michelle Bachelet, visited Pucon after the first eruption to check on safety preparations and declare a state of emergency for area farmers in order to provide aid.

'You never know when an eruption will take place but what we do know is that the activity is lower, that's visible,' Bachelet said earlier in the month.

The residents who have returned home remain wary of the volcano, but many believe they can spot a warning sign in time to evacuate again safely.

'We are here everyday following it in the morning and afternoon to see if there's some change,' said Pablo Mendez. 'Something that would give us some minutes to evacuate.' 

UPDATE: Weak intermittent strombolian activity at the summit crater and occasional small ash emissions continue.  In its latest report from yesterday, SERNAGEOMIN mentioned a decrease in tremor and observed emissions.

An exclusion zone of 5 km radius around the crater is in place as the activity can increase abruptly at any time.


Dukono (Halmahera, Indonesia):  An ash emission this morning was observed on satellite imagery (Darwin VAAC).


Karymsky volcano (Kamchatka): Intermittent strombolian to vulcanian explosions continue to occur at the volcano.

Occasionally, such as this morning, the resulting typically smaller ash plumes are large enough to be reported in Tokyo VAAC's volcanic ash advisories.

Karymsky is one of the world's few volcanoes having been in persistent activity for centuries.


Zhupanovsky volcano (Kamchatka):  A relatively large ash emission from the volcano was reported this morning by Tokyo VAAC. Based on MTSAT satellite imagery, an ash plume rose to estimated 27,000 ft (8 km) altitude and extended east.


Ngauruhoe (North Island): Since the eruption of Tongariro and White Island in 2012-13, things have been quiet at New Zealand’s volcanoes. Only three volcanoes have been on Level 1/Green alert status (some restlessness, but no eruption imminent): Ruapehu, White Island and Tongariro. However, Ngauruhoe* has joined this list after an increase in earthquakes under the volcano over the past few weeks. This isn’t the first earthquake swarm under Ngauruhoe since its last eruption in 1975-77 that produced copious ash and lava flows. There have been 5 different periods of unrest, including a 4 year period between 2006-2010, none of which lead to an eruption. However, Ngauruhoe’s busy volcanic history means that any seismic unrest needs to be closely watched. Between 1950-1977, the volcano produced 15 different eruptions between VEI 1-3 (small to moderate). The current prognosis from GNS Science volcanologists is that this swarm will not likely lead to an eruption, but if the seismicity becomes more intense, that assessment might change.

New Zealand's GNS Science reports an increase in earthquakes under the volcano, interpreted as weak signs of volcanic unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level was raised to level 1 (minor volcanic unrest), but no eruption is expected in the near future.

Earthquakes (yellow and red circles) near Ngauruhoe during the past 14 days

If Ngauruhoe were go start erupting, you can catch the action on the GeoNet webcam.

* Note: GNS Science separates Ngauruhoe and Tongariro for monitoring purposes, but the Global Volcanism Program lists their activity together because it is though that the two edifices are really vents of the same magmatic system.



Shiveluch (Kamchatka):   Activity at the volcano remains elevated. A series of moderate explosions occurred over the past days, producing ash plumes that rose to 23-27,000 ft (7-9 km) altitude (Tokyo VAAC).

Eruption from Shiveluch

Chirpoi (Kurile Islands, Russia): A thermal anomaly continues to be visible at the summit of Snow volcano on cloud-free satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remains at Yellow.


Manam (Papua New Guinea): Activity at the volcano remains low, with only internal (seismic) unrest detected recently. The latest Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report from 11-17 March 2015 writes:

"RVO reported that activity at both Manam's Southern Crater and Main Crater was low during 1-18 March although inclement weather made crater observations difficult; no noises were reported. Seismicity had slowly and erratically increased since 28 February, peaked on 13 March and remained at that level through 15 March, and then increased again through 18 March. The seismicity was characterized by small-to-moderate, sub-continuous, and continuous volcanic tremor. Discrete low-frequency earthquakes were also recorded."



Shishaldin (United States, Aleutian Islands): Seismicity at the volcano continues to be above background, and according to AVO, "low-level activity", i.e. weak strombolian activity for example, could be occurring at the summit crater. Webcam imagery show only minor steaming.

Aviation Color Code remains at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.


Ubinas (Peru): The Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) and Observatorio Volcanológico del Sur (OVS) reported sporadic ash emissions on 17 March.

During 10 February-17 March seismicity at Ubinas was generally low, although a hybrid event was detected on 11 March.

Two main sources of seismicity were located 1 km W of the crater at depths of 1-3 km and 2 km NW at depths of 1-5 km. Water-vapor emissions rose as high as 1.5 km above the crater. Sporadic ash emissions were observed on 17 March. (from: Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 11-17 March 2015)


Kliuchevskoi (Kamchatka):  Mild activity is again occurring at the summit vent of the tall stratovolcano. Aviation color code is orange.

Degassing plume from Klyuchevskoy this morning (KVERT)

KVERT reports that the "moderate explosive eruption of the volcano continues: gas-steam plumes containing small amount of ash are observing. Satellite data showed: ash plumes rose up to 5 km a.s.l. and drifted about 90 km to the north-east and east of the volcano; a weak thermal anomaly was noted over the volcano."



Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): The volcano remains in a very active phase with 5-10 daily explosions. An eruption on 16 March produced an ash plume to 14,000 ft (4.2 km) altitude, i.e. rising approx. 3 km above the Showa crater.



Aso (Kyushu): Weak strombolian activity from two vents continue at the Nakadake crater, accompanied by abundant steam and minor ash emissions.

Weak strombolian eruption at Aso's Nakadake crater

Turrialba (Costa Rica): The volcano has remained calm at the surface, but seismic activity continues to be elevated. According to OVSICORI-UNA, new explosions with strong ash emissions should be expected in the near future.


Reventador (Ecuador): The recent lava flow on the southwestern flank, that had started early on 11 March and had reached a length of approx. 1500 m, seems no longer to be active, or has decreased a lot. Occasional small explosions continue to occur at the summit vent.

Infrared image of Reventador volcano on 15 Mar (IGEPN)

-  Volcano Discovery | The Daily Mail  | Wired.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Latest Report Of Volcanic Eruptions, Activity, Unrest And Awakenings – February 7, 2015!

February 7, 2015 - EARTH - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.

Etna (Sicily, Italy): Stunning visuals out of YouTube show Italy's Mount Etna erupting in grand fashion earlier this month.

The Sicily volcano started erupting on January 31 and  proceeded to spew a mixture of lava and ice, along with large plumes of smoke for two days.

WATCH: Italy's Mount Etna volcano erupts in a spectacular display.

 

The video above depicts the eruption between January 31 and February 2 of this year.


Sakurajima (Japan): A mysterious 'milky' rain has been falling over the Pacific Northwest that is baffling meteorologists.

The volcano has been particularly active this month. Last week it sent a 5km ash plume billowing into the sky

Residents of Washington, Oregon and Idaho have been filling up glasses of the unusual substance trying to determine what it could be.

One strong possibility is that the weather system has been infected by eruptions from Japan's Sakurajima volcano.

The volcano has been particularly active over the past month.

WATCH: Massive eruption at Sakurajima.

Last week it sent an ash plume of three miles billowing into the sky.

It is the most active Sakurajima has been all year, with up to three or four explosions a day, according to Volcano Discovery.

Following a particularly violent eruption on Thursday, some speculated that Russia's Shiveluch volcano could have sent ash into the sky that was blown across the Pacific Ocean, as well.

In the past two weeks, eight eruptions have been recorded.

The Walla Walla County office in Washington corroborated those suggestions in a Facebook post.

'We have received reports of "white stuff" on vehicles,' officials wrote.

'The ash is more than likely from Volcano Shiveluch in Kamchatka Krai, Russia, which spewed an ash plume to about the 22,000-foot level in late January. 

'It has been deposited in a wide spread area, including Washington and Oregon.' 

But the National Weather Service of Spokane, Washington, is still investigating.


WATCH: Above the clouds, ash bellows from volcano erupting in Japan.

'The truth is that we really don't know where it came from!' the NWS Spokane said on Facebook.

'We are continuing to investigate and have reached out to other offices for assistance in recreating atmospheric flows from the past several days. We've also reached out to other agencies that may have collected samples appropriate for testing.'


Soputan (North Sulawesi, Indonesia): The eruption continues at the volcano. It feeds a viscous lava flow about 500 m long on the volcano's upper western flank.

Active lava flow at Soputan volcano (image: newzulu.com)

Intermittent explosions and incandescent rockfalls accompany this activity.


Fuego volcano (Guatemala): Explosions remain frequent and often strong, producing ash plumes that rise 1-1.3 km above the crater and are accompanied by shock waves that rattle roof and windows in nearby villages.


Suwanose-jima volcano (Ryukyu Islands, Japan): An eruption from the volcano was reported this morning by Tokyo VAAC.


Pacaya volcano (Guatemala):  Small ash emissions continue, probably from mild, deep-seated strombolian activity in the new pit inside Mackenney crater described a week ago.


Villarrica (Central Chile): Magma has reached the surface of the inner summit crater. Strombolian activity has formed a new small cone containing a small lava lake in its open vent. This followed a strong increase in volcanic tremor to about 20 times background level starting since Thursday. Glow from the volcano's top has become visible at night.

A new cone has formed around the vent in Villarrica's summit crater seen during an overflight yesterday (image: metalesrojos valpo @met_valpo / twitter)

An overflight confirmed the presence of lava inside the deep pit at the summit crater. SERNAGEOMIN raised the alert level of the volcano to yellow.

So far, this activity represents a very typical state of the volcano. If it remains like this, it does not pose significant threats to the surroundings unless activity strongly increases, which could result in the generation of lahars (mud flows due to meltwater from the summit) in particular. These could threaten the areas of the towns of Villarrica, Pucón, Curarrehue and Panguipulli. Chile's civil protection ONEMI has issued a pre-alert, still coded as green, as a precaution.


Barren Island (Indian Ocean): As the Culture Volcan blog pointed out, a weak thermal anomaly was detected on satellite data above the volcano yesterday. The hot spot is weak, but could indicate some sort of activity occurring at the volcano. What could be a plume is visible on other satellite imagery, but for now, there is no confirmation of volcanic activity.

Hot spot detected at Barren Island via MIROVA

Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): A new eruption has started at the volcano, following a brief seismic crisis that started early this morning.

View of the eruption (OVPF webcam)

Lava flow from Piton de la Fournaise

According to OVPF, the new (fissure) vent should be located between Bory, Dolomieu and Rivals craters on the upper flank of the Dolomieu main cone. A lava flow is descending SSW and has already reached the base of the Dolomieu crater, i.e. the floor of the enclos. Its length is more than 1 km.


Kliuchevskoi (Kamchatka): Strombolian explosions of small to moderate size and an active lava flow on the volcano's upper flank continue.

Klyuchevskoy's lava flow last night on KVERT's webcam

Zhupanovsky (Kamchatka, Russia): Moderate intermittent explosive activity continues at the volcano. Satellite images detected ash plumes drifting 160 km SW and SE at altitudes of 5-6 km (16,400-19,700 ft) a.s.l. during 22 and 25-26 January, and a thermal anomaly over the volcano during 23 and 25-27 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange. (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 28 January-3 February 2015)


Chirpoi (Kurile Islands, Russia): A weak thermal anomaly at the summit of Snow volcano continues to be detected on satellite data.


Chirinkotan (Northern Kuriles): SVERT reported that weak steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were detected in satellite images on 31 January.

Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 26 January-2 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow. (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 28 January-3 February 2015)


Aso (Kyushu): No significant changes have occurred at the ongoing strombolian eruption from Asosan's Nakadake Crater althugh its intensity seems to have decreased.

Stronger strombolian eruption at Aso on 3 Feb (Kyoto Univ. crater webcam)

Incandescent material from intermittent explosions is sometimes ejected onto the crater rim, and plumes rise up to approx. 1 km above the crater.


Manam (Papua New Guinea): RVO reported that activity at both Manam's Southern Crater and Main Crater was low during 1-31 January; diffuse white vapor emissions were observed rising from both craters during brief clear views.

Incandescence from Main Crater fluctuated from weak to bright during 19 and 23-27 January. (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 28 January-3 February 2015)


Karangetang (Siau Island, Sangihe Islands, Indonesia): Since 10 Jan 2015, the volcano has been active again. A lava dome is growing at the summit, producing incandescent avalanches.

Glowing avalanches from Karangetang volcano yesterday (photo: Andi Rosadi / VolcanoDiscovery Indonesia)

Our correspondent Andi who visited the volcano during the pst days wrote: "Mt Karangetang spews lava flows and the status has been raised again into level 3. According to the seismic recordings from the observatory post, there are harmonic tremor and volcanic quakes, indicating the ongoing dome building. A warning was issued to the local population to prepare for possible evacuations."


Ruapehu (North Island): The crater lake temperature has been increasing since early December 2014, rising from 15 to over 40 deg C. This is not seen as a sign that an eruption is to be expected in the near futures and the alert level remains at level 1, meaning minor unrest only.

The volcano's lake undergoes frequent cycles of cooling and heating. It seems that the lake is now at the peak of the current cycle. Similar temperatures were recorded in March 2011 and April 2014, before the lake cooled again.
 

Colima (Western Mexico): After being a bit lower during the past week, activity has picked up again today.

Explosion at Colima

The volcano had a series of small to moderate explosions ejecting ash plumes reaching up to 2-3 km above the crater:

WATCH: Colima volcanic activity.

 
Reventador (Ecuador): Activity with sporadic small explosions from the active dome continues. Seismic activity is at moderate levels.


 - Volcano Discovery | Daily Mail | The Weather Network.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Latest Report Of Volcanic Eruptions, Activity, Unrest And Awakenings – January 15, 2015!

January 15, 2015 - EARTH - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano (Tonga, Tonga Islands): Disrupts more flights

Ash erupting from the volcano off Tonga in the South Pacific. Photo / Matangi Tonga

Further volcanic eruptions have disrupted more flights to and from Tonga this evening.

In the third day of flight disruptions, Air New Zealand confirmed that a return service scheduled for this evening has been postponed due to volcanic activity.

The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano, which is about 63km north of the kingdom's capital city, Nuku'alofa, spewed a plume of ash 9km into the sky, disrupting air travel to and from Tonga since Tuesday.

It left hundreds of travellers and holidaymakers stranded.

Today Air New Zealand ran two return services between Auckland and Tonga, the airline said. One was the carrier's regularly scheduled service, and the second was an additional service scheduled to fly those left stranded by the ash cloud.

Volcanic ash plume from the Hunga Haapai volcanic eruption (VAAC Wellington)

"A second additional service that was scheduled to depart for Tonga this evening has been postponed due to volcanic activity and now has a scheduled departure time of 8am tomorrow," the airline said.

Meanwhile, the deputy secretary at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Taaniela Kula, said the recent eruptions were from a new vent close to Hunga Ha'apai.

"The size of the vent is about 400 to 500 metres wide and the depth of the vent is down to 90 metres," Mr Kula told One News.

It was fairly active, erupting every five minutes with ash flying up to 500 metres, he said.

The volcanic material had formed a new island more than a square kilometre in size - bigger than Hunga Ha'apai, One News reported.

Pacaya volcano (Guatemala): New activity

Weak incandescent spot, but no degassing from Mackenney crater on 8   Jan 2015
(Landsat 8 image / processed by Rudiger Escobar Wolf @rudigerescobar /   twitter)

The volcano is becoming active again. In a special bulletin yesterday, INSIVUMEH reported that ash emissions occurred from the volcano.

Seismicity has been above normal and elevated temperatures were measured at the Mackenney crater, but also, surprisingly, at the older Cerro Chino cone ( north of the former one). Whether this is the precursor of a stronger eruptive phase in the near future cannot be predicted, but is a possibility and would not be surprising, given that the volcano is one of Central America's most active.

A satellite image from 8 January already indicates the presence of a thermal anomaly at the Mackenney crater, but did not show any degassing.

Dukono volcano (Halmahera, Indonesia): Activity update

Ash emissions continue. A stronger phase of activity last night produced a plume at estimated 7,000 ft (2.1 km) extending 25 km to the southeast. (Darwin VAAC)

Stromboli volcano (Eolian Islands, Italy): Activity update

Emissions of gas from Stromboli volcano (INGV Catania)

No strombolian activity has been observed recently, only rare emissions of hot gas and diluted ash occur from time to time at the summit vents.

CO2 emissions have decreased recently, but remain well above background, indicating that new magma is rising at depth.

Access to the summit area is still closed, no excursions can be offered at the moment.

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): Lava flow remains stalled

Map showing the location of the lava flow near Pahoa as of January 6, 2015 (HVO/USGS)

HVO reports that "the tip of the June 27th lava flow remained stalled; however, active surface breakouts up slope of the front continued.

A narrow flow lobe about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) upslope of Pahoa Marketplace continued to advance toward the north-northeast. This morning, Civil Defense reported that this lobe has advanced about 14 m (15 yds) since yesterday."

Bardarbunga volcano (Iceland): Eruption continues with little changes

Map of the Nornahraun lava field as of 10 Jan 2015 (Univ. Iceland)

Lava effusion continues at high rates and enlarges the lava field, now covering more than 84 square kilometers.

It has crossed the track Dyngjufjallaleið and stretched onto the older lava of Þorvaldshraun.

Lava is mainly flowing through a closed channel to the eastern edge of the lava field, about 15 km from the crater. Another tube system is transporting lava to the northern part.

Seismicity under the Bardarbunga central volcano's caldera remains strong. Subsidence of the caldera continues as well, at approx. 25 cm per day.

Fogo volcano (Cape Verde): Eruption seems to be ending

The eruption seems to be coming to an end. There are no new reports of lava effusion or explosive activity at the vents since 8 January, when small strombolian explosions could still be observed.

Gas emission measurements show a clear decreasing trend as well, but it is still too early to declare the end of the eruption because the possibility of a new batch of magma rising from depth cannot be ruled out yet.

Klyuchevskoy volcano (Kamchatka): Activity increases, lava flow

Eruptive activity, strombolian explosions from the summit vent, has picked up during the past 1-2 days. A lava flow is now active on the southeastern flank and ash plumes have been reaching 28,000 ft (8.5 km) altitude. KVERT raised the volcano's alert level to orange.

Glow from the lava flow on Klyuchevskoy volcano yesterday

MODIS thermal image of Klyuchevskoy on 9 Jan 2015

Incandescent material from the explosive summit activity is ejected to several hundred meters above the crater. Relatively intense ash emissions have been causing ash fall in up to 30 km distance to the west of the volcano.

Chirpoi volcano (Kurile Islands, Russia): Activity update

A thermal anomaly remains visible on cloud-free satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Chirinkotan volcano (Northern Kuriles, Kuril Islands): Activity update

Minor activity persists at the volcano. A thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in cloud-free satellite images on 30 December. Aviation Color Code remains at Yellow.

Slamet volcano (Central Java, Indonesia): Activity update

PVMBG reported that during 1 November-5 January white plumes rose at most 1.5 km above Slamet's crater. RSAM values fluctuated but decreased overall in December through 5 January.

Deformation and geochemical data showed no significant changes. The Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 5 January. Residents and tourists were warned to not approach the crater within a radius of 2 km. (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 31 December 2014-6 January 2015)

Tangkubanparahu volcano (West Java, Indonesia): Activity update

The volcano was placed on higher alert level (2 on a scale 1-4) on 31 Dec, as signs of volcanic unrest have recently been increasing (deformation, seismic activity).



An exclusion zone of 1.5 km radius around the crater is in place.

Shishaldin volcano (United States, Aleutian Islands): Activity update

Seismicity at the volcano remains slightly elevated, but no signs of significant activity have been noted recently, only some steam emissions were observed occasionally. AVO maintains Aviation Color Code "Orange" and Volcano Alert Level "Watch".

Fuego volcano (Guatemala): Strong explosions

During the past days, explosive activity has been relatively intense at the volcano.

Strong explosion at Fuego volcano

Ash plume from an eruption at Fuego

Strong strombolian-type explosions have been occurring at rates of 6-8 per hour, sometimes ejecting incandescent bombs to more than 1000 m above the crater and producing glowing avalanches. Some of these reached the vegetation and caused small fires.

Ash plumes rose to 1-1.5 km above the crater and drifted 10-15 km to the west and southwest.

- Volcano Discovery | NZ Herald.