Mexico's Colima volcano, also known as the 'fire volcano', has erupted again.
January 17, 2016 - MEXICO - Mexico's Colima or "Fire" Volcano spewed a large column of gas and ash high into a blue sky on Saturday (January 16).
The ash cloud reportedly shot more than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) into the air.
The explosion at the volcanic crater was registered at 3:42 p.m. local
time (21:42 GMT).
Located in the southwestern Mexican state of Colima,
the Fire Volcano has been bursting to life since July 9 last year
including three eruptions on New Year's Eve.
The Fire Volcano, officially known as the Colima Volcano, is part of the
Pacific's Ring of Fire.
Mexico contains over 3,000 volcanoes, but only
14 are considered active.
Major eruptions in Mexican history have
included the 1953 eruption of the Paricutin Volcano in Michoacan, the
1982 eruption of Tacana Volcano in Chiapas and the 1986 eruption of the
Colima Volcano.
December 27, 2015 - MEXICO - Residents warned to watch for falling ash and rock
The Colima Volcano was looking lively for Christmas with eruptions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and again today.
Yesterday's sent ash and smoke skyward to a height of 2.2 kilometers,
prompting more warnings from federal Civil Protection authorities.
Falling chunks of rock of up to 50 centimeters in diameter and ash are
the two dangers to watch for by anyone in the vicinity of the volcano.
WATCH: Massive eruptions at Colima volcano.
Civil Protection, state authorities in Jalisco and Colima and the
University of Colima maintain ongoing monitoring of the active volcano,
also known as the Volcano of Fire, to keep area residents informed of
any danger.
In the event of ash fall, they say, a damp cloth or face mask should be
used to cover the nose and mouth and the use of contact lenses should be
avoided. The eyes and throat should be kept clean with pure water.
The volcano straddles Jalisco and Colima and has been erupting regularly. - Mexico News Daily.
December 25, 2015 - MEXICO - Mexico's Colima volcano marks Christmas Eve with a bang, spewing smoke and ash nearly 7,000 feet into the air three times over two days.
The Colima volcano in western Mexico spewed ash to a height of 2 kilometers (6,550 feet) above its crater on Thursday morning, the emergency management office in Jalisco state said.
The first ash column was emitted at 7:17 a.m. (1317 GMT), while the second was ejected at 11:25 a.m. (1725 GMT), both in a northeasterly direction.
The volcanic alert remains on yellow, although the emergency management office urged people to be aware of the possibility of falling ash and to follow recommendations such as covering doors and windows with wet towels and blocking sewers and storm drains.
The Colima volcano has an elevation of 3,860 meters (12,655 feet) above sea level and straddles the border between the western states of Jalisco and Colima.
Along with Popocatepetl in central Mexico, it is considered one of the country's most active volcanoes. EFE.
WATCH: One of Mexico’s most active volcanoes sends ashes & fire into the sky.
December 17, 2015 - MEXICO - Mexico's Colima or Fire volcano roared to life, spewing columns of gas
and ash into the sky early on 14 December.
The first explosion took
place in the early morning before sunrise and it was followed by another
blast at 8.06am local time.
The National Civil Protection Coordinator Luis Felipe Puente said on his
Twitter account that the column of ash and smoke rose 3,000 meters over
the crater, before it was pulled by winds heading southeast.
A third
outburst took place at 11.41am local time, with the column rising to
1,500 meters.
Located in the southwestern Mexican state of Colima, the Fire Volcano
has been exhibiting continuous activity since 9 July.
Officially known
as the Colima Volcano, it was previously active in January and February
of 2015 and is part of the Pacifics Ring of Fire.
Mexico contains over 3,000 volcanos, but only 14 are considered active.
Major eruptions in Mexican history have included the 1953 eruption of
the Paricutin Volcano in Michoacan, the 1982 eruption of Tacana Volcano
in Chiapas and the 1986 eruption of the Colima Volcano. - International Business Times.
December 6, 2015 - MEXICO - Mexico's Colima volcano has spewed a column of gas and ash into the sky in the latest of a series of intermittent eruptions.
Mexico's civil protection authorities said the column rose 2,500 metres
over the crater before it was pulled by winds heading north-east.
The explosion prompted the civil protection authorities to warn nearby
residents to watch for falling ash and to wear face masks when outdoors.
WATCH: Ash Cloud - Colima volcano spews plumes of smoke in Mexico.
Located in the south-western Mexican state of Colima, the volcano —
known locally as the Fire volcano — has been exhibiting continuous
activity since July 9.
The Colima volcano, which is part of the Pacific's Ring of Fire, was also active in January and February.
Mexico contains over 3,000 volcanos, but only 14 are considered active.
Major eruptions in Mexican history have included the 1953 eruption of
the Paricutin volcano in Michoacan, the 1982 eruption of Tacana volcano
in Chiapas and the 1986 eruption of the Colima volcano. - ABC News Australia.
November 25, 2015 - MEXICO - Mexico’s Fire Volcano is continuing its rampant activity
spitting out ash and instilling fear in both locals and visitors to
breathtaking effect. Webcams de Mexico has captured the latest stunning
Colima volcano activity.
A moderate explosion recorded Tuesday, shows the crater of one of the most deadly volcanoes in the world slowly steaming away when it suddenly erupts, sending debris into the air.
The heated material than falls on the slopes as flashes of volcanic lightning are seen before the ash is whipped up by the wind.
After the blast, which happened early Tuesday, the plume from the eruption spread roughly roughly one kilometer into the air.
Further eruptions saw the plume reaching roughly 2.5 km into the air.
The volcano continues to remain restless, after being home to a powerful eruption on November 16.
On this date, the plume of smoke and ash from the Fire Volcano reached some 3,000 meters into the air. Webcams de Mexico also offers footage of the spectacular explosion.
Since Colima’s continuous activity started in July, several precautionary evacuations have been ordered. It was previously active in January and February of 2015.
The Colima volcanic complex is the most prominent volcanic center of the Mexican Volcanic Belt. It consists of two volcanoes: Nevado de Colima towering 4,320 meters high in the north and the 3,850-meter-high Volcán de Colima in the south. - RT.
November 17, 2015 - MEXICO - Mexico's Colima volcano, also known as the Fire Volcano, erupted on
Monday sending a plume of smoke and ash some 9,842 feet into the air.
Located in the southwestern Mexican state of Colima, the volcano has
been exhibiting continuous activity since July 9 which has prompted
evacuations several times.
It was previously active in January and February of 2015 and is part of the Pacific's Ring of Fire.
Mexico contains over 3,000 volcanos, but only 14 are considered active.
Major eruptions in Mexican history have included the 1953 eruption of
the Paricutin Volcano in Michoacan, the 1982 eruption of Tacana Volcano
in Chiapas and the 1986 eruption of the Colima Volcano.
November 11, 2015 - MEXICO - Less than a week after a pair of eruptions, Mexicos Colima or Fire
volcano pulled of the feat again on Tuesday (10 November) morning, as
its period of activity continues.
According to officials, the first eruption occurred at 7.03am local
time, sending a column of ash and smoke some 2,500m into the sky.
National Civil Protection coordinator Luis Felipe Puente said on his
Twitter account that ash and smoke rose 2,000m above the crater of the
volcano during the second explosion, which occurred at 9.02am local
time.
Located in the south-western Mexican state of Colima, the Fire Volcano
has been exhibiting continuous activity since 9 July.
Over the past
months, nearby villages have been blanketed with thick coats of ash,
prompting evacuations.
Officially known as the Colima Volcano, it was previously active in
January and February and is part of the Pacifics Ring of Fire.
Mexico
contains over 3,000 volcanoes but only 14 are considered active. - IBT.
WATCH: Colima volcano has another double eruption.
The Colima volcano in western Mexico, erupted twice on Wednesday, shooting columns of ash up to 2,000 meters into the air.
April 16, 2015 - MEXICO - Mexico's Colima volcano has spewed a giant 3.5-kilometre-high (3,500 metres) column of ash that rained down on a nearby city, authorities say.
The
Jalisco state civil protection agency said a "moderate" quantity of ash
fell on Ciudad Guzman, a town near the western state of Colima, where
the volcano is located.
An increase in activity at the Colima Volcano has been seen since November 2014.
A civil protection official said there were no reports of damage or injuries in the city of 100,000 people.
Officials
urged the population to use masks if they venture out of their homes,
remove excess ash from rooftops so they do not collapse and cover water
drains.
WATCH: Massive explosion at the Colima volcano.
The 3,860-metre mountain, also known as the Volcano of Fire, is among the most active in the country. - ABC News Australia.
The Colima Volcano (Volcán de Colima) pictured on March 29, 2015 with
lightning arcing through the ash plume. Credit and copyright: César
Cantú.
April 1, 2015 - MEXICO
- The Colima volcano in Mexico is active again, and has been spewing
out large plumes of ash nearly 3 kilometers into the air.
Astrophotographer César Cantú captured this spectacular picture of lightning slicing through the cloud of ash.
How
can lightning strike in an ash cloud? Through friction, particles of
the ash can charge each other by rubbing against each other during the
eruption. When the energy is discharged, it can create lightning bolts.
The volcano continues to produce strong vulcanian-type explosions, with ash plumes rising 2-3 km above the volcano. Credit: Hernando Rivera
The
Colima volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico, and is
also called ‘Volcán de Fuego’ or ‘Fire volcano.’ It has erupted more
than 40 times since the first documented eruption in 1576.
The
latest news on this current eruption is that local authorities have put
the volcano on a yellow alert, meaning the volcano is showing increased
activity, and residents who live nearby should prepare for a possible
evacuation.
Stay safe César, and thanks for sharing your image with Universe Today! See a larger version on his website here. - Universe Today.
February 19, 2015 - MEXICO - Mexico's Colima volcano is playing to the camera. Known locally as the Volcán Fuego
or Volcano of Fire, Colima's recent activity is being captured on video
and time-lapse photography as well as during monitoring flights around
the area.
WATCH: Eruption of lava at Colima volcano.
The latest blast, featured in this BBC clip, shows
a huge ash column climbing over a mile into the sky. Blankets of ash
covered villages as much as 15 miles away, but there was no structural
damage.
One of the most dangerous volcanoes in the region
Colima is one of themost active and potentially dangerous volcanoes in Central America.Located
on Mexico's west coast in the Mexican Volcanic Belt, the volcano has
been a magnet for geologists and volcanologists because of its regular
eruptions.
Records dating back to the sixteenth century show
that there have been more than 30 periods of eruptions since 1585,
including a violent explosion in 1919 and several major events in the
late 1990s.
After large eruptions in 2013 and 2014, Webcams De
Mexico set up cameras to capture the action. Concentrated scientific
studies of Colima's activity have been ongoing for over 20 years.
A history of violence
The Colima volcanic complex is made up of two main systems - Nevado de
Colima to the north and the smaller Volcán de Colima to the south.
Volcán de Colima is a relatively young stratovolcano with a caldera
more than two miles wide. There have been several major slope breaches
and failures over the years, often accompanied by large debris
avalanches. These breaches created thick layers of debris-avalanche
deposits on the slopes of the volcanic complex.
Colima's
ancient past is even scarier. Back in the late Pleistocene era, there
was a huge landslide at the site. Millions of tons of debris travelled
up to 80 miles, far enough to reach the Pacific Ocean. A vast area was
covered in landslide deposits.
With around 300,000 people
living within 25 miles of the volcano, Colima remains a constant danger
to the local population. There have been frequent temporary evacuations
of nearby villagers in recent years due to threatening volcanic
activity.
The official line is that the volcano presents little
risk to the population, but that won't be much consolation to those
living beneath the fiery mountain. - Red Orbit.
Eruption of Mexico's Colima volcano captured on webcam
January 22, 2015 - MEXICO
- A huge ash column exploded into the sky from one of Central America’s
most dangerous volcanoes on Wednesday, reaching airplane-level heights
of the atmosphere.
Mexico’s Colima volcano played host to a “strong vulcanian-type explosion”
at 9:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday. The mountain belched an ash
column more than 4 km above the summit, with volcanic matter rising to
29,000 ft (9 km). The resulting ash flow eventually drifted to the
northeast, Volcano Discovery reported.
A webcam focused on the active stratovolcano captured the powerful blast.
A small pyroclastic flow that descended the steep slope of the volcano was generated during the explosion.
The
Protección Civil (Civil Protection) said there is not a forecast of ash
falling in the region, which is located in southwestern Mexico,
according to Mashable. The volcano, which is also known as the ‘Volcano
of Fire,’ straddles the states of Colima and Jalisco.
Ash fall did occur within the Jalisco cities of Tuxpan, Zapotiltic and Ciudad Guzmán, Volcano Discovery reported.
WATCH: Colima volcano erupts.
The
caldera similarly erupted in November, shooting an ash column 5 km into
the air. Frequent small-to-moderate explosions occurred at the
volcano's summit lava dome on Sunday.
The Colima volcano ‒ the
Colima Volcanic Complex’s most prominent volcanic center, located in the
western Mexican Volcanic Belt ‒ has had more than 30 periods of
eruptions since 1585, including several significant eruptions in the
late 1990s. - RT.
March 02, 2014 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.
Tungurahua (Ecuador):
The volcano had a short burst of activity on 26 Feb, producing a series
of moderate explosions and small pyroclastic flows reaching up to 400 m
on the northern and northwestern flanks. Ash plumes rose up to 2.5 km
above the crater. Since then, the volcano has been mostly quiet and only
had minor emissions.
Eruption of Tungurahua on 26 Feb and small pyroclastic flows (image: S. Storm OVT/IGEPN)
IGPEN reported continuing inflation at the top
of the volcano since 15 Feb as well as long-period type earthquakes,
which could indicate influx of gasses and magma in this area of the
volcanic edifice.
Current tremor amplitude (ECPNZ station, INGV Catania)
Lava continues to
flow from the vents at the eastern flank of the New SE crater and
produces overlapping flows, typically a few 100 m long, near the rim of
and on the upper slope into the Valle del Bove.
WATCH: A small surge in lava effusion occurred during the past hours and can be seen at the end of the following time-lapse:
Karymsky (Kamchatka):
The volcano continues to have strombolian to vulcanian explosions. Some
of them are large enough to produce ash plumes visible on satellite
imagery, such as one on 28 Feb (ash plume to 7,000 ft reported by VAAC
Tokyo).
Kelud (East Java):
No new explosions have occurred recently and the alert status of the
volcano was lowered to 2 (Waspada, "watch") on a scale of 1-4.
Part of Kelut's crater area on 25 Feb (image: Pasang Mata)
A
picture of parts of the crater area, taken from the caldera rim on 25
Feb, appeared on the net and shows what is described as a 15 m wide
crater left by the 13 Feb eruption (but this seems rather small).
Dukono (Halmahera):
Eruptions at the volcano continue, probably strombolian explosions of
increased size. An ash plume was seen on satellite data reaching 12,000
ft (3.6 km) altitude and drifting 55 nautical miles (90 km) to the S
(VAAC Darwin).
Kilauea (Hawai'i): Last night a swarm of very deep earthquakes occurred in the area of
Punalu`u on the SW flank of Kilauea in the Ka`u district of the Big
Island!
Cleveland (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): No further eruptions occurred since the 2 small explosions on 25 Feb, but similar events are possible at any time.
The
remote volcano is not monitored on the ground, which makes it
impossible to describe the status of the volcano in detail or make any
forecasts.
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): The volcano's activity increased yesterday. CENAPRED counted no less
than 544 small to moderate emissions during the 24 hours between 25-26
Feb.
Aerial view of Popocatépetl's summit with the new pit crater (image: CENAPRED)
The new lava dome, about 20-30 m wide, inside Popocatépetl's crater
Current
activity at the volcano is low with only occasional small puffs of ash.
CENAPRED published an aerial picture showing the new (so far very
small) lava dome in the crater.
The agency also reports 50
exhalations during 24 hours, which seems high compared to reported
averages of 5-10 per day during recent weeks. However, it appears that
the type of events included in these counts has changed and now includes
ALL visible emissions of steam, gas or ash, however small.
Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala):
The activity has remained unchanged, dominated by slow extrusion and
avalanches of blocky lava mainly from the SE and NE flanks of the
Caliente dome.
Santiaguito's Caliente lava dome yesterday morning
The volcano observatory mentions occasional weak to
moderate explosions with ash plumes rising up to 500 m from the dome and
warns of the possibility of pyroclastic flows (generated by collapse of
lava flows).
Pacaya (Guatemala): Mild strombolian eruptions occur at intervals of 5-10 minutes from the Mackenney crater.
Fuego (Guatemala): Activity at the volcano has remained similar to the previous weeks, but decreased somewhat.
Explosion at Fuego volcano this morning
Explosions
of small to moderate size occur at irregular intervals (approx 1-2 per
hour), eject incandescent material to up to 200 m above the crater and
cause impressive glowing avalanches on the upper slopes. Shock waves can
be felt in several kilometers distance. Ash plumes rise several 100 m
and drift 5-10 km before dissipating.
San Miguel (El Salvador):
Seismic and degassing activity at the volcano decreased during the past
days at bit, but remain elevated. The gas plume reached 100 m above the
crater and drifted S-SW yesterday.
Tremor intensity at San Miguel volcano (MARN)
MARN continues to record frequent
micro-earthquakes concentrated below the northern flank, indicating
rock fracturing by internal (possibly magma-related) pressure.
February 27, 2014 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.
Poas (Costa Rica):
The crater of Poas Volcano expelled material 300 meters into the air at
noon on Tuesday. The phenomenon, called a phreatic explosion, occurred
due to a reaction between magma and water at the southern border of the
lake inside the volcano.
The explosion at the Poás crater lagoon was registered by OVSICORI’s webcam at 12:03 p.m. on
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014. (Screengrab from OVSICORI’s webcam)
However, this was not an eruption and the volcano did not spew lava.
Instead, a column of steam, gas and other materials formed and spouted
out the top of the volcano, confirmed the Volcanological and
Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI).
María
Martínez Cruz, a volcanology and geochemistry expert with OVSICORI, said
the event can be considered “normal for the volcano’s activity,
although explosion heights like the one recorded Tuesday are not that
common.” This type of explosion, called phreatic, occurs when the volcano’s magma contacts
water in the crater’s lagoon and evaporates quickly through fissures.
That action results in an blast of steam, water, ash and small rocks.
“[The
volcano] has been calm for several months. It’s only releasing a lot of
gas. This is part of the natural phenomenon, throwing tall columns of
gas into the air, steam, the colors of the [volcanic] lake,” said Juan
Dobles, administrator of the Poás Volcano National Park. Currently there
is no risk to visitors since most materials dissipate in the wind,
Martínez added. Poás Volcano National Park is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. every day, and visitors can walk to a lookout point to get a scenic
view of the volcano. The Poás Volcano National Park is the second most
visited in the country after Manuel Antonio National Park in the
Pacific.
See a sequence of pictures taken from OVSICORI’s webcam at Poás Volcano:
A few seconds later the column of vapor and other materials covered the lagoon.
(Screengrab from of OVSICORI’s webcam)
One minute later the vapor and gases column began descending. (Screengrab from of OVSICORI’s webcam)
So-called cypressoide-type jets of
water, mud, and solid blocks were ejected in circular directions from
the
crater lake to heights of approx. 400 m. The webcam that captured
the event was covered with mud.
The steam reached the webcam lens. The crater area of Poás must
currently be regarded as a high-risk zone.
The fumarole at the lake
shore is emitting glow at night, indicating high temperature gasses
escaping there.
(Screengrab from of OVSICORI’s webcam)
The expelled materials formed a thick layer that completely covered the webcam lens. According
OVSICORI-UNA, seismicity
has not shown significant changes, although the phreatic explosion
left a
signal. (Screengrab from of OVSICORI’s webcam)
Martínez, who is part of an expert group currently monitoring the activity
at Poás, added that they have been monitoring the volcano closely since
an increase in the crater’s temperature was detected in recent years.
The increase could be an indicator of volcanic activity. Martínez
explained that the average temperature of the Poás crater in the last 50
years has been 92 degrees Celsius (198 Fahrenheit), but in 2013 they
recorded temperatures between 200-400 degrees Celsius (392-752 degrees
Fahrenheit).
“Today’s explosion reached 720 degrees Celsius
(1,328 ºF), which is the second highest after those recorded between
June-September 2011 when we recorded temperatures up to 890 degrees
Celsius (1,634 degrees Fahrenheit),” she said. Poás also recorded
activity in 2010 and in February last year, when other materials from
phreatic explosions reached the visitors area.
Shiveluch (Kamchatka):
Although no larger explosions or dome collapses have occurred in the
past days, the activity at the volcano remains intense and such events
could happen any time again. The clear weather today showed the active
lava dome still grows on both sides, produces smaller avalanches and an
intense steam plume that sometimes contains volcanic ash.
WATCH: Volcanic activity at the Shiveluch volcano - Timelapse video.
Marapi (Western Sumatra, Indonesia):
Another ash eruption occurred at the volcano this afternoon at 16:15
local time. According to local news quoting the local VSI volcano
observatory spokesman, the eruption today was the largest in a series
since the alert status had been raised on 3 August last year. Ash fell
in a radius of 3 km where some villages are located.
Also according
to the article, the volcano has had a total of 57 recorded eruptions
since January 2014. Since all of these have been small, and Indonesia is
very used to small volcanic eruptions, they hardly make any news at all
(while such an event at other volcanoes would).
The alert status remains unchanged at 2 out of 4.
People were recommended to avoid exposure to ash if possible and wear dust masks.
Kilauea (Hawai'i): Seismic tremor levels were low w/ dropouts starting 12:30pm
yesterday-32 earthquakes recorded earthquakes at Kilauea Volcano the
past 24hrs
Veniaminof (Alaska Peninsula, USA): Seismicity at the volcano remains slightly above background. No other unusual activity has been seen recently.
An ash cloud puffs from Mount Cleveland on March 14, 2013. Researchers detected two small explosions on Monday
and Tuesday and confirmed the presence of an ash plume, but did not raise the alert level beyond yellow. NASA Photo
Monday and the second at 1:35 a.m. Tuesday. The AVO said the explosions were brief, and were detected by infrasound and lightning alarms. A small ash cloud -- the presence of which was confirmed by satellite -- was estimated to be drifting at an altitude of about 16,000 feet above sea level. “These explosions are typical of eruptive activity of Cleveland over the past few years,” reported AVO. “There may be a heightened chance of additional ash emissions in the coming weeks.
Because these explosions were brief and there is no sign of ongoing eruption, Cleveland remains at Volcano Alert Level/Aviation Color Code YELLOW/ADVISORY.” The 5,676-foot peak, also known as Mount Cleveland, is in Alaska's Aleutian Islands and has erupted numerous times in recent years. Its alert level was briefly raised to orange for a week in January, before being lowered to yellow again Jan. 10.
Popocatépetl (Mexico):The volcano's activity increased yesterday. CENAPRED counted no less
than 544 small to moderate emissions during the 24 hours between 25-26
Feb.
Aerial view of Popocatépetl's summit with the new pit crater (image: CENAPRED)
An overflight with the support of the Navy yesterday afternoon
showed that the most recent lava dome (number 48) had been destroyed by
this activity. At its place, a new funnel shaped pit, approx 80 m deep
was seen. At the bottom of this crater, a new lava dome of 20-30 m
diameter already made its appearance.
The elevated activity had been preceded by volcano-tectonic
earthquakes of magnitude 2.6 and 1.6 yesterday and the day before. The
volcano's alert level remains unchanged at "Yellow phase 2".
Nyiragongo (DRCongo):
After a pause of 2 years, Congo's Virunga National Park opens again
this month. The Virunga National Park, founded in 1925, is Africa's
oldest and one oldest national park and home to some of the last
surviving mountain gorillas, but also two of the world's most
interesting and most active volcanoes, Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira.
Nyiragongo's lava lake.
We all hope that the situation continues to stabilize and we can again offer expeditions to these volcanoes, probably already this summer (planned for July 2014). Stay tuned with us if you're interested in visiting!
February 24, 2014 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.
Kelud (East Java): On February 21st, a MODIS hot spot is visible at the crater, suggesting that a new lava
dome could be forming there. This would be the effusive continuation of
the recent explosion on 13 Feb, as magma with much less gas content
continues to arrive at the vent.
The crater of Kelut on 18 Feb (Photo by Suwarno, a local photographer, via Oystein Lund Andersen)
Activity
at the volcano has decreased two days later, but it is still unknown what exactly the
situation at the vent is, whether or not a new lava dome is forming
there. The thermal hot spot visible on satellite data could also be
caused by hot gasses.
MODIS hot spot at Kelut volcano (ModVolc, Univ. Hawaii)
A picture showing the new crater at the place of the 2007 lava dome has emerged on our friend Øystein Lund Andersen's website, but of course, it is impossible to see what the bottom of the new pit looks like.
Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands):
Activity has been higher today. The volcano had several smaller
explosions today. Plumes rose to altitudes of approx 2,000 ft (1.8 km).
Glow from an eruption at Suwanose-jima volcano (JMA webcam)
WATCH: Suwanose-jima volcanic activity.
Kilauea (Hawai'i): The south spatter cone at Pu'u 'O'o erupted lava across the crater
floor from about 6 pm yesterday and about 2 am this morning.
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico):
Activity at the volcano has remained unchanged and is currently low.
The number of explosive emissions of generally weak size is typically
less than 10 per day. SO2 emissions remain elevated and glow at night is
visible as a further indicator that magma continues to rise slowly to
the crater.
Small explosion at Popocatépetl yesterday (CENAPRED
Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala):
Activity at the volcano remains similar to the previous weeks. Effusion
of lava keeps the flows at the eastern and southeastern sides of the
Caliente dome active, where avalanches occur. No explosions were
reported by the observatory this morning.
Fuego (Guatemala):
Strombolian activity remains intense, with ejections often reaching
150-200 m above the crater and producing abundant incandescent
avalanches. Thanks to the new webcam,
this activity can now be followed much better and in near-real time.
This is an example time-lapse showing this morning's activity at the
volcano:
WATCH: Fuego volcanic activity.
Tungurahua (Ecuador):
Activity remains at moderate to high levels according to the
Geophysical Institute (but is considerably lower than earlier this
year). Occasional explosions produce ash plumes of approx 1-2 km height
and light ash fall was reported from the Pillate sector yesterday.
Ash explosion from Tungurahua this morning
Etna (Sicily, Italy):
Activity has remained more or less unchanged. The lava flows from the
fissure vents on the eastern flank of the New SE crater continue to be
weakly alimented and produce overlapping smaller flows. Most of them
only reach only few hundred meters length, and rarely descend into the
steeper western wall of Valle del Bove. As a result, most lava
accumulates in the less steep area at the foot of the cone.
The lava flows at Etna this evening
Weak
intermittent strombolian activity continued at the summit vent. Tremor
has risen a bit over the past 24 hours, but overall is low.
Nishino-shima (Volcano Islands): The island continues to grow by progressing lava flows into several
directions, as the latest images by the Japanese Coast Guard from 16 Feb
show. Its highest peak, formed by the western of the 2 active vents,
was measured at 66 m, i.e. it now reached almost twice the height of the
peak of the old island. The new addition has more than doubled the size
of the island so far.
Aerial view of Nishinoshima on 16 Feb 2014 (Japan Coast Guard)
It also formed a black-sand beach on the NE
shore of the old part, as a result of lava fragments washed up by
currents and waves.
Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan):
The volcano has increasingly strong explosions. A vulcanian eruption
this evening around 23:10 local time (see video) produced an ash column
rising approx 3 km and was accompanied by abundant eruption lightning
and ejections of lots of incandescent material. Constant ash emissions
constant ash emissions (probably from deep-seated strombolian activity)
has been following the explosion.
WATCH: Sakurajima volcanic activity.
Sinabung (Sumatra, Indonesia): Activity remained similar to the previous days with an overall decreasing tendency. Slow lava extrusion continues to feed the viscous lava lobe, where small rockfalls occur at the sides and its front.
WATCH: Sinabung volcanic activity.
Dukono (Halmahera):
Elevated strombolian, perhaps weak vulcanian-type activity at the
volcano continues to produce frequent ash plumes at approx. 2 km
altitude.
San Miguel (El Salvador): The situation has remained essentially unchanged and the volcano has
(not yet) erupted again. Seismic activity remains high and continues to
increase overall, while surface activity consists of pulsating gas
emissions reaching a height of 200 m.
February 21, 2014 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.
Nishino-Shima (Izu Islands, Japan): The island continues to grow by progressing lava flows into several
directions, as the latest images by the Japanese Coast Guard from 16 Feb
show.
Aerial view of Nishinoshima on 16 Feb 2014 (Japan Coast Guard)
Direction of lava flows from the active vents
Current outline (red) of the island compared to previous stages
Its highest peak, formed by the western of the 2 active vents,
was measured at 66 m, i.e. it now reached almost twice the height of the
peak of the old island. The new addition has more than doubled the size
of the island so far.
It also formed a black-sand beach on the NE shore of the old part,
as a result of lava fragments washed up by currents and waves.
Kelut (East Java, Indonesia): A MODIS hot spot is visible at the crater, suggesting that a new lava
dome could be forming there. This would be the effusive continuation of
the recent explosion on 13 Feb, as magma with much less gas content
continues to arrive at the vent.
MODIS hot spot at Kelut volcano (ModVolc, Univ. Hawaii)
The volcano itself remains relatively calm and produces only a
degassing plume. So far, no clear picture has been available about what
exactly is going on at the crater itself (e.g. whether a new lava dome
is forming).
Degassing plume of Kelut yesterday (photo: Aris Yanto)
The biggest problem at the moment are lahars, mud flows
that form when rain water mixes and remobilizes loose deposits. These
mud flows can carry boulders of meter size and are extremely destructive
(imagine flowing cement with mixed-in large debris of all sorts). It is
estimated that approximately 50 million cubic meters of tephra deposits
from the 13 Feb eruption could be remobilized by the rains in the
coming days, weeks and months to come. Areas most at risk are river
valleys and their river banks.
Shiveluch (Kamchatka):
Activity at the volcano remains elevated. The lava dome extrudes
currently 2 lobes of viscous lava, a larger one on the NW side and a
smaller one on the SE side, which seems to have appeared around 16 Feb.
The active parts of the dome suffer frequent small to moderate-sized
avalanches (mainly from the NW side). Bright glow can be seen at night.
A larger collapse on 18 Feb caused a pyroclastic flow that reached a
length of approx. 3 km and an ash plume that rose to 23,000 ft (7 km)
altitude.
WATCH: Shiveluch volcano activity - February 16-20.
Chirinkotan (Northern Kuriles):
SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was observed in
satellite images on 12 and 15 February, and steam-and-gas emissions were
observed on 16 February. Cloud cover obscured views on other days
during 11-17 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow. (Info From: Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 12-18 February 2014)
Aso (Kyushu):
JMA reported that a very small explosion from Asosan's Nakadake Crater
occurred on 16 February and yesterday morning. In both cases, a steam
plume with some ash rose 300 m above the crater rim and drifted S. The
Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).
Small ash emission from Aso yesterday
Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan):
Eruptions have been stronger again during the past days. In the 4 days
since 16 Feb, at least 6 vulcanian-type explosions were recorded with
ash plumes rising up to 12,000 ft (3.7 km) altitude.
Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands): An explosion occurred at the volcano yesterday, VAAC Tokyo reported. The height of the ash plume was unknown.
Dukono (Halmahera):
New ash plumes were spotted this morning by VAAC Darwin on satellite
imagery. Ash clouds at approx. 7,000 ft (2.1 km) altitude drifted 80
nautical miles to the east. Probably strombolian activity seems to be
relatively intense at the volcano.
Kilauea (Hawai'i): 43 earthquakes were strong enough to be located beneath Kilauea Volcano
in the past 24 hours - 9 of them were on the south flank faults! (February 19)
The
tiltmeter at Pu`u `O`o recorded the start of DI deflation tilt at 9 pm
yesterday - around 14.5 hours after the summit DI deflation tilt! (February 18)
Poas (Costa Rica): A very small phreatic or hydrothermal eruption occurred a week ago.
OVSICORI-UNA shared a picture showing a geyser-like ejection of mud from
the crater lake.
Small mud eruption at Poás on 14 Feb (Image: OVSICOR-UNA via faceook)
Activity in any case seems to have risen. Karin
Leonard who lives at Poas wrote us:
"Poas in Costa Rica is becoming active, there are reports on the
local news. We feel lots of tremors and rotten egg gas is more common.
The latest earth quakes are not showing. Often the reports show Nicaragua but should say Costa Rica ...
Karin Leonard, Grecia, Costa Rica
We are just below Poas by about 21 kilometer by roads".
Tungurahua (Ecuador):
Overall, the volcano's visible activity has continued to decrease with
fewer and weaker explosions, although seismic activity remains moderate
to high. The strongest explosion in the past days was one yesterday
evening that produced an ash column rising 3 km, a powerful cannon-shot
explosion sound. Bombs fell around the crater at distances of 500 m.
