Earthquake/Eruption

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Volcanic Eruptions

18.07.2010 Hawaii - Kilauea
Eruptions continue at the summit and east rift zone at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii. A lava pond is active in Halamaumau crater at the summit. Lava continues to erupt from the east rift zone and flow through tubes towards the coast. The lava flow has advanced to the intersection of Highways 130 and 137 at Kaimu. On 16th July the sulphur dioxide emission rate from the summit remained elevated at 700 tons/day.
Geologic Summary: Kilauea volcano, which overlaps the east flank of the massive Mauna Loa shield volcano, has been Hawaii's most active volcano during historical time. Eruptions of Kilauea are prominent in Polynesian legends; written documentation extending back to only 1820 records frequent summit and flank lava flow eruptions that were interspersed with periods of long-term lava lake activity that lasted until 1924 at Halemaumau crater, within the summit caldera. The 3 x 5 km caldera was formed in several stages about 1500 years ago and during the 18th century; eruptions have also originated from the lengthy East and SW rift zones, which extend to the sea on both sides of the volcano. About 90% of the surface of the basaltic shield volcano is formed of lava flows less than about 1100 years old; 70% of the volcano's surface is younger than 600 years. A long-term eruption from the East rift zone that began in 1983 has produced lava flows covering more than 100 sq km, destroying nearly 200 houses and adding new coastline to the island.

18.07.2010 Vanuatu - Yasur Volcano
Activity remains high at Yasur volcano, Vanuatu. Since the beginning of 2010 there have been high levels of activity with lava bombs being ejected around the crater rim. The western side of Tanna Island has received ashfall.
Geologic Summary: Yasur, the best-known and most frequently visited of the Vanuatu volcanoes, has been in more-or-less continuous strombolian and vulcanian activity since Captain Cook observed ash eruptions in 1774. This style of activity may have continued for the past 800 years. Yasur, located at the SE tip of Tanna Island, is a mostly unvegetated 361-m-high pyroclastic cone with a nearly circular, 400-m-wide summit crater. Yasur is largely contained within the small Yenkahe caldera and is the youngest of a group of Holocene volcanic centers constructed over the down-dropped NE flank of the Pleistocene Tukosmeru volcano. The Yenkahe horst is located within the Siwi ring fracture, a 4-km-wide, horseshoe-shaped caldera associated with eruption of the andesitic Siwi pyroclastic sequence. Active tectonism along the Yenkahe horst accompanying eruptions of Yasur has raised Port Resolution harbor more than 20 m during the past century.

17.07.2010 Guatemala - Pacaya Volcano
Activity at the summit of Pacaya volcano has been increasing, after a month of quiet. Seismometers recorded 97 explosions in the 24 hours to 16th July. Most ejected material is falling inside the crater. There are some pyroclastic flows down the south flank of the volcano. There is a small amount of ash emission from the crater. Pacaya volcano had a large summit eruption, and flank lava flow in May and June 2010.
Geologic Summary: Eruptions from Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, are frequently visible from Guatemala City, the nation's capital. Pacaya is a complex basaltic volcano constructed just outside the southern topographic rim of the 14 x 16 km Pleistocene Amatitlán caldera. A cluster of dacitic lava domes occupies the southern caldera floor. The post-caldera Pacaya massif includes the Cerro Grande lava dome and a younger volcano to the SW. Collapse of Pacaya volcano about 1100 years ago produced a debris-avalanche deposit that extends 25 km onto the Pacific coastal plain and left an arcuate somma rim inside which the modern Pacaya volcano (MacKenney cone) grew. A subsidiary crater, Cerro Chino, was constructed on the NW somma rim and was last active in the 19th century. During the past several decades, activity at Pacaya has consisted of frequent strombolian eruptions with intermittent lava flow extrusion that has partially filled in the caldera moat and armored the flanks of MacKenney cone, punctuated by occasional larger explosive eruptions that partially destroy the summit of the cone.

17.07.2010 Russia - Kliuchevskoi Volcano
Explosive and effusive eruptions continue at Kliuchevskoi volcano in Russia. On July 9, 12, 14-15 strombolian eruptions occurred, and a plume reached an altitude of 22,000 ft. On 14th July an eruption plume extended 45 km NW of the volcano. Seismicity remained high during the past week.
Geologic Summary: Kliuchevskoi is Kamchatka's highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 6000 years ago, the beautifully symmetrical, 4835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. Kliuchevskoi rises above a saddle NE of sharp-peaked Kamen volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred at Kliuchevskoi during the past roughly 3000 years, with most lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3600 m elevation. The morphology of its 700-m-wide summit crater has been frequently modified by historical eruptions, which have been recorded since the late-17th century. Historical eruptions have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included numerous major explosive and effusive eruptions from flank craters.

09.07.2010 Indonesia - Earthquake next to Krakatau Volcano
Today, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred at Krakatau volcano in Indonesia. The earthquake epicentre was located at a depth of 73 km, 7 km NE of Anak Krakatau.
Geologic Summary: The renowned Krakatau volcano lies in the Sunda Strait between Sumatra and Java. The historic eruption of 1883 destroyed much of Krakatau Island, forming a submarine caldera and producing detonations that were heard as far away as Australia.

09.06.2010 Philippines - Activity at Taal Volcano
Taal volcano in the Philippines has been showing signs of unrest. Since 26th April volcanic earthquakes have increased. Between 11-24 May the temperature in the crater lake increased by 2-3 dec C. The composition of Main Crater Lake water has shown above normal values of Mg/Cl, SO4/Cl and Total Dissolved Solids. There has been ground steaming accompanied by hissing sounds on the northern and northeast sides of the main crater. PHIVOLCS has raised the status of the volcano to Alert Level 2, which indicates the volcano is undergoing magmatic intrusion which may lead to an eruption. The main crater has been placed off limits due to the risk of an eruption.
Geologic Summary: Taal volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some of its most powerful historical eruptions. In contrast to Mayon volcano, Taal is not topographically prominent, but its prehistorical eruptions have greatly changed the topography of SW Luzon. The 15 x 20 km Talisay (Taal) caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 sq km surface lies only 3 m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 m, and several eruptive centers lie submerged beneath the lake. The 5-km-wide Volcano Island in north-central Lake Taal is the location of all historical eruptions. The island is a complex volcano composed of coalescing small stratovolcanoes, tuff rings, and scoria cones that has grown about 25% in area during historical time. Powerful pyroclastic flows and surges from historical eruptions of Taal have caused many fatalities.

05.06.2010 Iceland - Eyjafjallajokull Volcano (Update)
Eruptions have finished at Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland. There is only a small amount of steam emitting from the summit crater. A few small shallow earthquakes are being recorded under the ice cap. Volcanic tremor has almost reduced to pre eruption levels.

01.06.2010 Vanuatu - Yasur Volcano
Eruptions have increased at Yasur volcano, Vanuatu. As of 27th May 2010 the alert status has been increased to Level 3. This means that visitors are not permitted within 500 m of the crater. Volcanic bombs are being ejected from the crater and there is ashfall in surrounding villages. An ash plume covers 100 nautical miles square and reached a height of 1.8 km. New Caledonia’s domestic airline has cancelled or delayed several flights to Mare and Lifou in the Loyalty Islands. Air Vanuatu has not canceled flights.

Until June 1st 2010 we are on holiday!

21.04.2010 Iceland - Eyjafjallajokull Volcano (Update)
Ash emissions from Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland are decreasing as parts of the glacier have melted, allowing lava to reach the surface without magma-water interaction. This will be good news for travelers because it will help clear skies over Europe. However volcanic eruptions are unpredictable, and activity can change without warning. Some airlines are not taking any new bookings on flights to Europe until the middle of May, as the backlog of travelers need to be cleared first.

14.04.2010 Iceland - Eyjafjallajokull Volcano (Update)
A new eruption occurred today at Eyjafjallajokull volcano, Iceland. The eruption was accompanied by earthquakes and has opened up a new vent. Glacial flooding has occurred on both sides of Gígjökull. Flow in the Markarfljót river has increased significantly and the water level has risen by 84 centimeters. Magma is melting its way through the icecap producing a circular ice free area by the summit 200 meters in diameter. Iceland’s highway No. 1, is closed between Skógar and the crossroads to Gunnarsholt east of Hella. About 45 people in Langidalur valley north of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier have been isolated by the eruption, and 800 people were evacuated.
Geologic Summary: Eyjafjöll (also known as Eyjafjallajökull) is located immediately west of Katla volcano. Eyjafjöll consists of an E-W-trending, elongated ice-covered basaltic-andesite stratovolcano with a 2.5-km-wide summit caldera. Fissure-fed lava flows occur on both the eastern and western flanks of the volcano, but are more prominent on the western side. Although the 1666-m-high volcano has erupted during historical time, it has been less active than other volcanoes of Iceland's eastern volcanic zone, and relatively few Holocene lava flows are known. The sole historical eruption of Eyjafjöll, during December 1821 to January 1823, produced intermediate-to-silicic tephra from the central caldera.

08.04.2010 Indonesia/NTT - Activity at Egon Volcano
There has been a marked increased in seismic activity at Egon volcano, Indonesia since 28th March 2010. Visual observations show thin white emissions rising 10 m above the crater. People are advised to avoid the crater, and be careful within 2 km of the summit on the SW side of the volcano. The alert status at Egon volcano has been raised from Level 1 (Normal) to Level II (Waspada).
Geologic Summary: Gunung Egon volcano sits astride the narrow waist of eastern Flores Island. The barren, sparsely vegetated summit region has a 350-m-wide, 200-m-deep crater that sometimes contains a lake. Other small crater lakes occur on the flanks of the 1703-m-high volcano, which is also known as Namang. A lava dome forms the southern 1671-m-high summit. Solfataric activity occurs on the crater wall and rim and on the upper southern flank. Reports of historical eruptive activity prior to explosive eruptions beginning in 2004 were inconclusive.

07.04.2010 Indonesia - Major Earthquake (Mag 7.7)
Today, a major earthquake hit northern Sumatra, Indonesia at 05:15 am local time. The magnitude 7.7 earthquake had an epicentre 215 km SW of Medan, and 70 km offshore. A local tsunami watch was issued. The closest volcano to the epicentre is Toba, which erupted 72,000 years ago with one of the earth's largest documented eruptions.

05.04.2010 Mexico - Major Earthquake (7.2)
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Mexico-California border at 3:40 pm local time on 4th April 2010. The earthquake was felt as far away as Los Angeles. One person was reported killed. The closest volcano to the epicentre is Pinacate 175 km ESE.

22.03.2010 Russia - Eruption at Shiveluch volcano
KVERT reported that during 12-19 March seismic activity from Shiveluch was above background levels, possibly indicating ash plumes rising to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. Hot avalanches were seen at night. Gas-and-steam plumes sometimes containing ash were seen on 12, 13, 15, and 16 March; plumes seen in satellite imagery on 13 and 16 March drifted 90 km E and SE. Analyses of satellite imagery revealed a large daily thermal anomaly from the lava dome. Based on information from KVERT, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 21 March an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. The Aviation Color Code level remained at Orange.
Geologic Summary. The high, isolated massif of Shiveluch volcano (also spelled Sheveluch) rises above the lowlands NNE of the Kliuchevskaya volcano group and forms one of Kamchatka's largest and most active volcanoes. The currently active Molodoy Shiveluch lava-dome complex was constructed during the Holocene within a large breached caldera formed by collapse of the massive late-Pleistocene Strary Shiveluch volcano. At least 60 large eruptions of Shiveluch have occurred during the Holocene, making it the most vigorous andesitic volcano of the Kuril-Kamchatka arc. Frequent collapses of lava-dome complexes, most recently in 1964, have produced large debris avalanches whose deposits cover much of the floor of the breached caldera. Intermittent explosive eruptions began in the 1990s from a new lava dome that began growing in 1980. The largest historical eruptions from Shiveluch occurred in 1854 and 1964.

21.03.2010 Iceland - Activity at Eyjafjoll Volcano (Update)
An eruption began under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier on 21st March 2010. Locals reported lava fountaining and a lava flow from the glacier. Residents were evacuated. The eruption was limited to an area with little ice, so the threat of a flood was reduced. All flights to and from Iceland have been cancelled because of the eruption. There is a 120 mile radius no fly zone around the volcano.
Geologic Summary: Eyjafjöll (also known as Eyjafjallajökull) is located immediately west of Katla volcano. Eyjafjöll consists of an E-W-trending, elongated ice-covered basaltic-andesite stratovolcano with a 2.5-km-wide summit caldera. Fissure-fed lava flows occur on both the eastern and western flanks of the volcano, but are more prominent on the western side. Although the 1666-m-high volcano has erupted during historical time, it has been less active than other volcanoes of Iceland's eastern volcanic zone, and relatively few Holocene lava flows are known. The sole historical eruption of Eyjafjöll, during December 1821 to January 1823, produced intermediate-to-silicic tephra from the central caldera.

06.03.2010 Iceland - Activity at Eyjafjoll Volcano
An earthquake swarm began under Eyjafjoll volcano in January 2010. There was a 40 mm inflation of the volcano. At the beginning of March 2010 over 3000 earthquakes were measured in a 24 hour period, with a maximum at magnitude 3.1. The last eruptions at Eyjafjoll volcano were in 1821-23.
Geologic Summary: Eyjafjöll (also known as Eyjafjallajökull) is located immediately west of Katla volcano. Eyjafjöll consists of an E-W-trending, elongated ice-covered basaltic-andesite stratovolcano with a 2.5-km-wide summit caldera. Fissure-fed lava flows occur on both the eastern and western flanks of the volcano, but are more prominent on the western side. Although the 1666-m-high volcano has erupted during historical time, it has been less active than other volcanoes of Iceland's eastern volcanic zone, and relatively few Holocene lava flows are known. The sole historical eruption of Eyjafjöll, during December 1821 to January 1823, produced intermediate-to-silicic tephra from the central caldera.

04.03.2010 Indonesia - Activity at Semeru Volcano
Activity has increased at Semeru volcano in Indonesia. Harmonic tremor recorded at the volcano over the past few months November 2009 - 98, December 2009 - 148, January 2010 - 313, February 2010 - 298. In February 2010 ash emissions occurred on 41 occasions and reached a maximum height 200 m above the crater. On 28th February, lava avalanched 750 m from Jonggring Seloko crater. Between April 2009 and 1st March 2010 the activity at Semeru volcano changed to predominately ash emissions. Since 25th February 2010 lava avalanches have resumed at the volcano. People are advised to stay more than 4 km from the volcano on the SE side, and not approach the summit from other sides.
Geologic Summary: Semeru, the highest volcano on Java, and one of its most active, lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the Tengger caldera. The steep-sided volcano, also referred to as Mahameru (Great Mountain), rises abruptly to 3676 m above coastal plains to the south. Gunung Semeru was constructed south of the overlapping Ajek-ajek and Jambangan calderas. A line of lake-filled maars was constructed along a N-S trend cutting through the summit, and cinder cones and lava domes occupy the eastern and NE flanks. Summit topography is complicated by the shifting of craters from NW to SE. Frequent 19th and 20th century eruptions were dominated by small-to-moderate explosions from the summit crater, with occasional lava flows and larger explosive eruptions accompanied by pyroclastic flows that have reached the lower flanks of the volcano. Semeru has been in almost continuous eruption since 1967.

28.02.2010 Chile - Great Earthquake (Update)
The Great earthquake in Chile has produced numerous aftershocks along a 600 km line from Santiago to Temuco. There are 21 active volcanoes close to the earthquake epicentres. It is possible that volcanic activity may increase in the area as a result of the earthquakes. The tsunami wave traveled 11,000 km.
Measured tsunami heights and arrival times (27th Feb, UTC):
Talcahuano, Chile 2.9 m, 06:53 UTC.
Easter Island 0.35 m, 12:05 UTC.
Papeete, Tahiti 0.16 m, 18:10 UTC.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands 0.15 m, 19:18 UTC.
San Diego, USA, 0.13, 20:36 UTC.
Kahului, Maui, 0.98 m, 21:47 UTC.
Port Vila, Vanuatu, 0.4 m, 22:46 hr.
Norfolk Island, Australia, 0.4 m, 23:00 UTC.
Gold Coast, Australia, 0.2 m, 02:00 UTC (28th Feb).

27.02.2010 Chile - Great Earthquake (magnitude 8.8)
A great earthquake (magnitude 8.8) hit off the coast of Chile, at 3:34 am on Saturday 27th February 2010. A Tsunami warning was issued for the coast of Chile and Peru. A tsunami watch was issued for Ecuador, Colombia, Antarctica, Panama and Costa Rica. Sea level reading indicated a tsunami was generated and hit the coast of Chile with a height of 1.3 m. Large earthquakes sometimes cause nearby volcanoes to erupt. Volcanoes within 200 km radius of the earthquake epicentre include: Nevados de Chillan, Resago, Lomas Blancas, Nevado de Longavi, Laguna del Maule, San Pedro-Pellado, Cerro Azul, Descabezado Grande, Calabozos, and Planchon-Peteroa.

26.02.2010 Japan - Major Earthquake (magnitude 7.0)
A major earthquake (magnitude 7.0) hit the Ryukyu Islands, south of Japan, today at 20:31 UTC (Saturday 27th February at 5:31 am local time). The earthquake triggered a local tsunami warning for areas within 100 km of the epicentre. The closest volcano to the earthquake epicentre is Tori-shima 200 km north.

05.02.2010 Japan - Eruption at Fukutoku-Okanoba Volcano
An underwater eruption occurred 5 km north-northwest of Iwo Jima Island, Japan on 3rd February. The eruption was observed by Japanese coast guard. Ash and steam was visible rising 100 m above the ocean surface. Yellow-green colour was visible on the ocean surface in December 2009. The volcano last erupted in 2005. A temorary island has formed on three occasions.
Geologic Summary: Fukutoku-Okanoba is a submarine volcano located 5 km NE of the pyramidal island of Minami-Iwo-jima. Water discoloration is frequently observed from the volcano, and several ephemeral islands have formed in the 20th century. The first of these formed Shin-Iwo-jima ("New Sulfur Island") in 1904, and the most recent island was formed in 1986. Fukutoku-Okanoba is part of an elongated edifice with two major topographic highs trending NNW-SSE and is a trachyandesitic volcano geochemically similar to Iwo-Jima.

22.01.2010 Vanuatu - Eruption at Gaua Volcano
Small eruptions continue at Gaua volcano in Vanuatu. Yesterday, ash emissions reached an altitude of 10,000 ft, and drifted south. Ash has been continuously emitted since 14th December 2009.
Geologic Summary: The roughly 20-km-diameter Gaua Island, also known as Santa Maria, consists of a basaltic-to-andesitic stratovolcano with an 6 x 9 km wide summit caldera. Small parasitic vents near the caldera rim fed Pleistocene lava flows that reached the coast on several sides of the island; several littoral cones were formed where these lava flows reached the sea. Quiet collapse that formed the roughly 700-m-deep caldera was followed by extensive ash eruptions. Construction of the historically active cone of Mount Garat (Gharat) and other small cinder cones in the SW part of the caldera has left a crescent-shaped caldera lake. The symmetrical, flat-topped Mount Garat cone is topped by three pit craters. The onset of eruptive activity from a vent high on the SE flank of Mount Garat in 1962 ended a long period of dormancy.

10.01.2010 Costa Rica - Eruption at Turrialba Volcano (Update)
A new crater has formed on the eastern side of the summit of Turrialba volcano, Costa Rica, along with a new fissure 65 x 20 m in diameter on the western side of the summit. Blocks from the eruption on 5th January were ejected towards the west. Thirty-six people have been evacuated from the slopes of the volcano. Residents are being warned to stay at least 6 km from the crater.
Geologic Summary: Turrialba, the easternmost of Costa Rica's Holocene volcanoes, is a large vegetated basaltic-to-dacitic stratovolcano located across a broad saddle NE of Irazú volcano overlooking the city of Cartago. The massive 3340-m-high Turrialba is exceeded in height only by Irazú, covers an area of 500 sq km, and is one of Costa Rica's most voluminous volcanoes. Three well-defined craters occur at the upper SW end of a broad 800 x 2200 m wide summit depression that is breached to the NE. Most activity at Turrialba originated from the summit vent complex, but two pyroclastic cones are located on the SW flank. Five major explosive eruptions have occurred at Turrialba during the past 3500 years. Turrialba has been quiescent since a series of explosive eruptions during the 19th century that were sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows. Fumarolic activity continues at the central and SW summit craters.

08.01.2010 Democratic Republic of Congo - Nyamuragira Volcano
The volcano erupted on Jan 2nd 2010 and the eruption continues at Nyamuragira volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In only 4 days lava has traveled 21 kilometers, and is only 7 kilometers from the Goma-Sake road. Four craters were active at the beginning of the eruption. The lava flows are still within the boundaries of Virunga National Park. Volcanologists from Goma said lava could reach the Goma-Sake road within 2 to 3 days. Chimpanzees of Tongo have not been harmed.
Geologic Summary: Africa's most active volcano, Nyamuragira (also spelled Nyamulagira) is a massive basaltic shield volcano N of Lake Kivu and NW of Nyiragongo volcano. Lava flows from Nyamuragira cover 1,500 sq km of the East African Rift. The 3058-m-high summit is truncated by a small 2 x 2.3 km summit caldera that has walls up to about 100 m high. About 40 historical eruptions have occurred since the mid-19th century within the summit caldera and from numerous fissures and cinder cones on the volcano's flanks. A lava lake in the summit crater, active since at least 1921, drained in 1938. Twentieth-century flank lava flows extend more than 30 km from the summit, reaching as far as Lake Kivu.

06.01.2010 Costa Rica - Volcanic Eruption at Turrialba
Today, an eruption occurred at Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica. The eruption emitted ash and gas. The volcano had been showing signs of activity since the weekend. Twenty people were evacuated. This is the first eruption at the volcano since 1866.

05.01.2010 Philippines - Volcanic Activity at Mayon Volkano
Activity continues at Mayon volcano, Philippines. Over the past day 21 rockfall events were recorded by seismographs, and were related to lava avalanches. The alert status of Mayon volcano was lowered from 4 to 3 on 2nd January.

04.01.2010 Solomon Island Region - Mayor Earthquake
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit 22 km ENE of Coleman Seamount in the Solomon Islands at 9:36 am local time on 4th January 2010. A tsunami possibly hit uninhabited Tetepare Island. Landslides occurred on Tetepare and Rendova islands. More than 500 homes were destroyed in Marovo. Kavachi is an active undersea volcano 88 km SE of the earthquake epicentre.

2009

December 24th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
Eruptions continue at Mayon volcano, Philippines. Lava fountains have reached a height of 500 m above the summit. Lava is flowing down the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. Seismiometers measured 815 volcanic earthquakes over the past day. One hundred twenty four booming and rumbling sounds were heard over the past 24 hours. Sulphur dioxide emission was 5, 737 tonnes/day.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


December 20th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
Today, Mayon volcano has been raised to level 4 alert (out of maximum 5). This means that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within days. An extended danger zone has been declared in a radius of 8 km from the summit at the southern sector and 7 km at northern sector. Areas outside of this Extended Danger Zone should prepare for evacuation in the event explosive eruptions intensify. Over the past day 222 volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Mayon volcano, Philippines. One explosion occurred which produced a plume rising 500 m above the summit. Harmonic tremors were continuously recorded by the seismic instruments. There was an intense crater glow at night and incandescent lava continuously rolled down the slopes. A lava flow extends 4.5 kilometers downslope from the crater along Bonga-Buyuan Gully. Sulphur Dioxide emission increased from 2,034 to 7,024 tonnes per day. At least 40,000 people have been evacuated from the danger zone surrounding Mayon volcano. Evacuation centers have been set up in Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Guinobatan towns; and Legazpi, Tabaco and Ligao Cities. Residents are being removed from a 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano. A lahar risk is present on the southern side of the volcano, and residents have been warned to avoid river channels, especially after periods of rainfall. Lahars following the 2006 eruption of Mayon volcano killed 1200 people.


December 18th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Eruption (Update)
An increase in eruptions has occurred at Mayon volcano, Philippines over the past day. A total of 248 volcanic earthquakes and tremors were recorded by the seismic network. Fifty of these events were explosions. The explosions produced dark gray to dark brown ash columns that reached a maximum height of 1 km above the summit and drifted southwest. The lava flow has reached 3 km down slope from the crater, and incandescent fragments from the lava dome continuously roll down Bonga Gully reaching about 4 km down slope. Sulphur Dioxide emission rate is still high at 1,065 tonnes per day.


December 17th 2009
Russia/Kamchatka - Bezymianny Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
An explosive eruption occurred at Bezymianny volcano, Kamchatka, between 21:45 UTC on 16th December 16 and 04:00 UTC on 17th December 2009. Seismic activity at the volcano decreased significantly after 04:00 UT on 17th December. Ashfall occurred at Kozyrevsk village. Satellite images showed ash plume extending 350 km north-west of the volcano.
Geologic Summary: Prior to its noted 1955-56 eruption, Bezymianny volcano had been considered extinct. The modern Bezymianny volcano, much smaller in size than its massive neighbors Kamen and Kliuchevskoi, was formed about 4700 years ago over a late-Pleistocene lava-dome complex and an ancestral volcano that was built between about 11,000-7000 years ago. Three periods of intensified activity have occurred during the past 3000 years. The latest period, which was preceded by a 1000-year quiescence, began with the dramatic 1955-56 eruption. This eruption, similar to that of Mount St. Helens in 1980, produced a large horseshoe-shaped crater that was formed by collapse of the summit and an associated lateral blast. Subsequent episodic but ongoing lava-dome growth, accompanied by intermittent explosive activity and pyroclastic flows, has largely filled the 1956 crater.


December 15th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
More than 30,000 people have been evacuated from an eruption of Mayon volcano in the Philippines. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level for the Mayon volcano Monday night to 3 out of a maximum 5, indicating a larger eruption could occur "within days to weeks." There are at least 50,000 people who need to be moved to a safer location. Most of the residents that are targeted for forced evacuation are on the southern side of the volcano around Camalig, Daraga and some parts of Legazpi City. The volcano is showing signs of increased activity, including an increase in volcanic earthquakes, strong crater glow, and lava flows.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


November 26th 2009
Vanuatu - Gaua Volcano
Volcanic Activity
An increase in activity at Gaua volcano, Vanuatu has forced the evacuation of over 300 people from three villages on the west coast of Gaua Island. People have been suffering from respiratory problems in the last few days as a strong wind has carried the gas and ash over villages. Two boats from the police and health department in Torba are starting to evacuate people this morning. Negotiations are taking place with ships owners to help with the evacuation because the two motor boats cannot carry enough people. Chiefs from two villages, Namasari and Lembot, from the east of Gaua met yesterday about housing the relocated people. The National Disaster Management Office has maintained the level of alert on 2 (out of a maximum 4) but during the past days, a fall and gas emission has increased.
Geologic Summary: The roughly 20-km-diameter Gaua Island, also known as Santa Maria, consists of a basaltic-to-andesitic stratovolcano with an 6 x 9 km wide summit caldera. Small parasitic vents near the caldera rim fed Pleistocene lava flows that reached the coast on several sides of the island; several littoral cones were formed where these lava flows reached the sea. Quiet collapse that formed the roughly 700-m-deep caldera was followed by extensive ash eruptions. Construction of the historically active cone of Mount Garat (Gharat) and other small cinder cones in the SW part of the caldera has left a crescent-shaped caldera lake. The symmetrical, flat-topped Mount Garat cone is topped by three pit craters. The onset of eruptive activity from a vent high on the SE flank of Mount Garat in 1962 ended a long period of dormancy.


November 22nd 2009
Colombia - Galeras Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
An eruption occurred at Galeras volcano, Colombia on 20th November 2009, causing 1000 evacuations. The eruption occurred at 8:37 am and was accompanied by sound which was heard by residents surrounding the volcano. The eruption column was estimated at 10 km high and drifting north. The seismic signal associated with the eruption was lower than that recorded during the eruption of 30th September 2009. The locals were taken to shelters in Pasto, the capital of Narino department on the border with Ecuador. Traffic restrictions have affected the highway linking Pashto to areas close to Galeras. The eruption caused ashfall in Pashto and surrounding villages.
Geologic Summary: Galeras, a stratovolcano with a large breached caldera located immediately west of the city of Pasto, is one of Colombia's most frequently active volcanoes. Major explosive eruptions since the mid Holocene have produced widespread tephra deposits and pyroclastic flows that swept all but the southern flanks. A central cone slightly lower than the caldera rim has been the site of numerous small-to-moderate historical eruptions since the time of the Spanish conquistadors.


November 11th 2009
Indonesia/Bali - Batur Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
Hiking trail has been closed at Batur volcano in Bali, Indonesia due to fears of an eruption. Since 1st November 2009 there have been 53 deep and 83 shallow volcanic earthquakes. Evacuation will be necessary if the alert level is raised to the next higher level. Currently residents are allowed to continue activities around the volcano, but should stay away from the summit area. Batur volcano is a popular tourist location on Bali, and offers spectacular views of one of the world's most impressive calderas. The last eruption of Batur volcano was in 2000 when ash emissions reach a height of 300 m above the summit.
Geologic Summary: The historically active Batur volcano is located at the center of two concentric calderas NW of Agung volcano. The outer 10 x 13.5 km wide caldera was formed during eruption of the Bali (or Ubud) Ignimbrite about 29,300 years ago and now contains a caldera lake on its SE side, opposite the satellitic cone of 2152-m-high Gunung Abang, the topographic high of the Batur complex. The inner 6.4 x 9.4 km wide caldera was formed about 20,150 years ago during eruption of the Gunungkawi Ignimbrite. The SE wall of the inner caldera lies beneath Lake Batur; Batur cone has been constructed within the inner caldera to a height above the outer caldera rim. The 1717-m-high Batur stratovolcano has produced vents over much of the inner caldera, but a NE-SW fissure system has localized the Batur I, II, and III craters along the summit ridge. Historical eruptions have been characterized by mild-to-moderate explosive activity sometimes accompanied by lava emission. Basaltic lava flows from both summit and flank vents have reached the caldera floor and the shores of Lake Batur in historical time.


November 11th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Today, an ash eruption occurred at mayon volcano. An explosion earthquake lasting 3 minutes was accompanied by rumbling noises and ejection of incandescent fragments on the upper slopes. Ash fell on the southwest side of the volcano. Twenty volcanic earthquakes were recorded over the past 24 hours.
A 6 km radius Permanent Danger Zone and 7 km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano are off limits due to the threat of explosions and rockfalls.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


November 9th 2009
Indonesia/Bali - Batur Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Volcanic earthquakes have increased significantly at Batur volcano on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Shallow volcanic earthquakes measured at the volcano were: 11 in September, 20 in October, 7 between 1-7 November, and 53 on 8th November. Yesterday, the alert status at Batur volcano was increased from I (Normal) to II (Waspada).
Geologic Summary: The historically active Batur volcano is located at the center of two concentric calderas NW of Agung volcano. The outer 10 x 13.5 km wide caldera was formed during eruption of the Bali (or Ubud) Ignimbrite about 29,300 years ago and now contains a caldera lake on its SE side, opposite the satellitic cone of 2152-m-high Gunung Abang, the topographic high of the Batur complex. The inner 6.4 x 9.4 km wide caldera was formed about 20,150 years ago during eruption of the Gunungkawi Ignimbrite. The SE wall of the inner caldera lies beneath Lake Batur; Batur cone has been constructed within the inner caldera to a height above the outer caldera rim. The 1717-m-high Batur stratovolcano has produced vents over much of the inner caldera, but a NE-SW fissure system has localized the Batur I, II, and III craters along the summit ridge. Historical eruptions have been characterized by mild-to-moderate explosive activity sometimes accompanied by lava emission. Basaltic lava flows from both summit and flank vents have reached the caldera floor and the shores of Lake Batur in historical time.


October 17th 2009
Reunion - Piton de la Fournaise Volcano
Volcanic Activity
A seismic crisis began at Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Reunion Island on Wednesday 14th October 2009. The swarm generated 338 earthquakes with a maximum magnitude of 2.3. The trend of gradual deformation continues, with about 1.5 cm of displacement in two weeks. No change in gas chemistry has been detected. Data analysis suggests the process of magmatic intrusion continues at depth. This significant seismicity has been associated with small deformation of the northern flank of Dolomieu. Small avalanches have occurred inside Dolomieu, particularly towards the end of the seismic crisis. Alert Level 1 remains in place. Public access to the volcano summit, and helicopter landing on the volcano are prohibited.


October 16th 2009
Indonesia - Krakatau Volcano
A large earthquake (magnitude 6.1) hit 60 km SSW of Krakatau volcano Indonesia. The earthquake's focus was at a depth of 50 km and located in the Sunda Strait under Panaitan Island. Krakatau volcano has been erupting in May 2009. The earthquake is related to the Sunda subduction zone. The earthquake was felt with an intensity of III-IV at Krakatau Volcano Observatory. According to the results recorded at Gunungapi Seismometer Krakatoa in Pasauran, the earthquake hit at 16:53:06 pm, and had a duration of 601 seconds, with a maximum amplitude of 70 mm and aftershocks at
17:01:24 had a duration of 171 seconds with a maximum amplitude of 69 mm. At Gede volcano observation post the earthquake was felt with an intensity of III, and had a duration of 300 seconds. People have been advised to stay alert to the occurrence of aftershocks, where the energy is usually smaller than the main earthquake. The earthquake did not cause a tsunami, because although the earthquake was centered in the ocean, its depth over 50 km and magnitude was not large enough to produce a deformation of the ocean floor.
Geologic Summary: The renowned volcano Krakatau (frequently misstated as Krakatoa) lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 AD, formed a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of this ancestral volcano are preserved in Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently Rakata, Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes, and left only a remnant of Rakata volcano. This eruption, the 2nd largest in Indonesia during historical time, caused more than 36,000 fatalities, most as a result of devastating tsunamis that swept the adjacent coastlines of Sumatra and Java. Pyroclastic surges traveled 40 km across the Sunda Strait and reached the Sumatra coast. After a quiescence of less than a half century, the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) was constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan. Anak Krakatau has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927.


October 14th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
Heavy rains at Mayon volcano, Philippines, have created lahars which reached Paddang and Camalig towns in Legaspi City and some areas of Darraga town. Residents were evacuated from hazardous areas as heavy rain continues to be produced from a low pressure system located 70 kilometers northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar. The rains have mobilised volcano debris from previous eruptions of Mayon volcano.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


October 2nd 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
Thirty-five earthquakes were detected at Mayon volcano, Philippines over the past 24 hours. There has been a total of 82 earthquakes at the volcano since 27th September. The presence of tremor indicates that magma is moving under the volcano. Mayon is showing restlessness with earthquakes, ground deformation, gas emission and crater glow. Sulphur dioxide emissions from the volcano varied from 392-445 tons per day for the past three days. Leveling results indicated a 6 mm inflation at the Tabaco City side of the volcano. PHIVOLCS recommends a 6 km permanent danger zone and 7 km extended danger zone be off-limits to any human activity due to threat of sudden explosions and rockfalls. Residents living near channels, gullies and low-lying areas have been warned about possible lahars
.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


October 1st 2009
Colombia - Galeras Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
An explosive eruption occurred at Galeras volcano, Colombia at 9:14 am on 30th September 2009. The eruption was accompanied by acoustic waves. National Parks staff at the western rim of the volcano reported two explosions with the ejection of incandescent material at the active cone. An ash column reached a height of 8-11 km above the summit. Sulphur dioxide measurements made between 9:30 and 10:00 am showed high levels between 1100 and 9300 tons/day. Ashfall was reported in the Municipalities of Sandona, Ancuya, Linares, La Llanada, and Sotomayor. The eruptive event was similar in size to that of 20th February 2009. After the eruption seismicity decreased. Due to the presence of magma close to the surface, and the history of the volcano, INGEOMINAS has raised the alert status to the highest level
.
Geologic Summary: Galeras, a stratovolcano with a large breached caldera located immediately west of the city of Pasto, is one of Colombia's most frequently active volcanoes. The dominantly andesitic Galeras volcanic complex has been active for more than 1 million years, and two major caldera collapse eruptions took place during the late Pleistocene. Long-term extensive hydrothermal alteration has affected the volcano. This has contributed to large-scale edifice collapse that has occurred on at least three occasions, producing debris avalanches that swept to the west and left a large horseshoe-shaped caldera inside which the modern cone has been constructed. Major explosive eruptions since the mid Holocene have produced widespread tephra deposits and pyroclastic flows that swept all but the southern flanks. A central cone slightly lower than the caldera rim has been the site of numerous small-to-moderate historical eruptions since the time of the Spanish conquistadors.


October 1st 2009
Vanuatu - Gaua Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Gaua volcano in Vanuatu is showing signs of unrest. During the past few days the volcano has emitted large quantity of "smoke". People on the island have noticed a strong sulphur smell. Residents have been advised to stay away from Mt Garet cone. An eruption of Gaua volcano in 1973 forced the temporary evacuation of the island.
Geologic Summary: The roughly 20-km-diameter Gaua Island, also known as Santa Maria, consists of a basaltic-to-andesitic stratovolcano with an 6 x 9 km wide summit caldera. Small parasitic vents near the caldera rim fed Pleistocene lava flows that reached the coast on several sides of the island; several littoral cones were formed where these lava flows reached the sea. Quiet collapse that formed the roughly 700-m-deep caldera was followed by extensive ash eruptions. Construction of the historically active cone of Mount Garat (Gharat) and other small cinder cones in the SW part of the caldera has left a crescent-shaped caldera lake. The symmetrical, flat-topped Mount Garat cone is topped by three pit craters. The onset of eruptive activity from a vent high on the SE flank of Mount Garat in 1962 ended a long period of dormancy.

September 28th 2009
Indonesia (Java) - Dieng Plateau
Volcanic Activity
A phreatic explosion occurred at Sileri crater, Dieng volcano, Indonesia on evening 26-27 September 2009. The eruption lasted for 15 seconds. Between 1-19 September there were 2 volcanic earthquakes, 20-23 September 1 volcanic earthquake, 24th September 1 volcanic earthquake, no volcanic earthquakes on 25-26 September. The explosion was heard at a distance of 2 km from the crater. During the phreatic eruption, mud was ejected to a radius of 140m. Temperature of water in Kawah Sileri remained fairly constant at about 70 deg C. There was no emissions of toxic gas at the eruption site and surroundings. The alert level at the volcano remains at "Normal". No evacuations were ordered. People are advised to stay at least 500m away from the craters Sileri, Sinila, Timbang, Siglagah, and Sikidang. The last eruption at Dieng volcano occurred at Kawah Sibanteng on 15th January 2009.
Geologic Summary: The Dieng plateau in the highlands of central Java is renowned both for the variety of its volcanic scenery and as a sacred area housing Java's oldest Hindu temples, dating back to the 9th century AD. The Dieng volcanic complex consists of two or more stratovolcanoes and more than 20 small craters and cones of Pleistocene-to-Holocene age over a 6 x 14 km area. Prahu stratovolcano was truncated by a large Pleistocene caldera, which was subsequently filled by a series of dissected to youthful cones, lava domes, and craters, many containing lakes. Lava flows cover much of the plateau, but have not occurred in historical time, when activity has been restricted to minor phreatic eruptions. Toxic volcanic gas emission has caused fatalities and is a hazard at several craters. The abundant thermal features that dot the plateau and high heat flow make Dieng a major geothermal prospect.


September 15th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
Three minor ash explosions occurred at the summit crater of Mayon Volcano in Philippines today at 5:37 am local time. The eruptions lasted for 3 minutes and produced a brown ash column which rose 700 m above the summit. Eleven volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours. Mayon volcano remains at level 2 alert. A 6 km radius Permanent Danger Zone, and 7 km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano remain in place.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


August 29th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
There has been an increase in volcanic earthquakes at Mayon volcano, Philippines. Yesterday there were 13 volcanic earthquakes, and 68 measured between 17-23 August. Crater glow at night can be seen with the naked eye.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to
2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


August 23rd 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
Sulphur dioxide emission increased to 752 tons per day at Mayon volcano in Philippines. Mayon produced two volcanic earthquakes today. Between 10 to 16 of August 57 volcanic earthquakes were recorded. The crater glow was at Intensity 2 and its steaming activity still remains at moderate levels. Ground deformation shows no change compared to June 2009, but still inflated by 8mm compared to February 2008 baseline data. PHIVOLCS has warned active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar-prone in the southeast sector should be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. A 6 km radius Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano and the 7 km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano remain off-limits due to the threat from sudden explosions and rock fall from the upper slopes.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


August 21st 2009
Mexico - Popocatepetl Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
An Eruption of Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico occurred yesterday with ash emission rose to an altitude of 27,000ft (8.200m). Access is restricted to a radius of 12 km from the crater. The road between Santiago Xalitzintla (Puebla) and San Pedro Nexapa (Mexico State), including Paso de Cortes, is open only to controlled traffic.
Geologic Summary: Volcan Popocatepetl, whose name is the Aztec word for smoking mountain, towers to 5,426 m 70 km SE of Mexico City and is North America's second-highest volcano. Frequent historical eruptions have been recorded since the beginning of the Spanish colonial era. A small eruption on 21 December 1994 ended five decades of quiescence. Since 1996 small lava domes have incrementally been constructed within the summit crater and destroyed by explosive eruptions. Intermittent small-to-moderate gas-and-ash eruptions have continued, occasionally producing ashfall in neighboring towns and villages.


August 18th 2009
Indonesia - TALANG Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Yesterday, the Alert level increased to 3 (Siaga) at Talang volcano. This follows a series of tectonic earthquakes in Mentawai, 130 km SSW on 16th August, and an increase in tremor at the volcano.
Geologic Summary: Talang, which forms a twin volcano with the extinct Pasar Arbaa volcano, lies ESE of the major city of Padang and rises NW of Dibawah Lake. Talang has two crater lakes on its flanks; the largest of these is 1 x 2 km wide Danau Talang. Most historical eruptions have not occurred from the summit of the volcano, which lacks a crater. Historical eruptions from Gunung Talang volcano have mostly involved small-to-moderate explosive activity first documented in the 19th century that originated from a series of small craters in a valley on the upper NE flank.


August, 16th 2009
Indonesia - Strong Earthquake
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, today at 2:38 pm local time at epicentre. The epicentre was located 130 km SW of Talang Volcano. Talang volcano last erupted in early 2005 following the great sumatran earthquake in late 2004.


August 9th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity (Update)
Ashfall was reported at Tabaco City and areas of Guinobatan town, surrounding Mayon volcano in the Philippines. Seismic activity did not indicate an eruption, and visual observations were not possible due to meteorological cloud in the area. There is a possibility that strong winds mobilised old ash deposits, or rockfalls caused the ashfall. In the past 24-hour observation period, PHIVOLCS reported 1,308 tons of sulfur dioxide emission from the volcano. Mayon remains at alert level 2, and there is a 6 km permanent exclusion zone, and 7 km extended danger zone at the southeast flank of the volcano. If the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raises the volcano alert to level 3, 13,458 families or 47,018 people from the two cities and five towns would be evacuated to safer areas. People are advised to avoid the danger zone due to risk of pyroclastic flows, explosions and lava flows. Village leaders around the volcano have been issued with mountain bikes, megaphones, whistles, pocket-sized AM/FM transistor radios, flashlights and basic life support kits, to assist any evacuation. At Pinatubo volcano north of Manila, heavy rains caused mudflows which killed 12 climbers.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


August 6th 2009
Indonesia Volcano IBU
Volcanic Activity
Seismic activity and eruptions have increased at Ibu volcano in Indonesia.
Since mid July 2009, between 20 and 37 eruption earthquakes were recorded daily. This increased to 82 events on 4th August. Between 15th July and 4th August, eruptions produced a white-grey plume which rose 400 m above the summit. A lava dome continues to grow and can be seen from the village of Duono. Incandescent material is visible during some eruptions. The alert level at Ibu volcano was raised from Waspada (level II) to SIAGA (level III) on 5th August 2009. A 2 km exclusion zone is in place around the crater.
Geologic Summary: The truncated summit of Gunung Ibu stratovolcano along the NW coast of Halmahera Island has large nested summit craters. The inner crater, 1 km wide and 400 m deep, contained several small crater lakes through much of historical time. The outer crater, 1.2 km wide, is breached on the north side, creating a steep-walled valley. A large parasitic cone is located ENE of the summit. A smaller one to the WSW has fed a lava flow down the western flank. A group of maars is located below the northern and western flanks of the volcano. Only a few eruptions have been recorded from Ibu in historical time, the first a small explosive eruption from the summit crater in 1911. An eruption producing a lava dome that eventually covered much of the floor of the inner summit crater began in December 1998.


August 5th 2009
Philippines - MAYON Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Sulphur dioxide emission rate has doubled to 1,977 tons per day at Mayon volcano in Philippines. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has recommended that people not enter the permanent danger zone due to the possibility of an eruption. Police and military are manning checkpoints to enforce the non-entry zone. Alert Level 2 (moderate unrest) remains at the volcano.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


July 30th 2009
Indonesia (Komba Island) - BATU TARA Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 23 July an ash plume from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km W. On 27 and 28 July, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far away as 150 km NW.
Geologic Summary: The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea about 50 km north of Lembata (formerly Lomblen) Island contains a scarp on the eastern side similar to the Sciara del Fuoco of Italy's Stromboli volcano. Vegetation covers the flanks of Batu Tara to within 50 m of the 748-m-high summit. Batu Tara lies north of the main volcanic arc and is noted for its potassic leucite-bearing basanitic and tephritic rocks. The first historical eruption from Batu Tara, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.


July 24th 2009
Indonesia (Flores Island) - Egon Volcano
Volcanic Activity
The Alert Level for Egon was lowered to 1 (on a scale of 1-4) on 16 July due to the continued decrease in earthquake activity since 12 May. Small steam plumes were occasionally visible when the weather was clear.
Geologic Summary: Gunung Egon volcano sits astride the narrow waist of eastern Flores Island. The barren, sparsely vegetated summit region has a 350-m-wide, 200-m-deep crater that sometimes contains a lake. Other small crater lakes occur on the flanks of the 1,703-m-high volcano. A lava dome forms the southern 1,671-m-high summit. Reports of historical eruptive activity are inconclusive. A column of "smoke" was often observed above the summit during 1888-1891 and in 1892. Strong "smoke" emission in 1907 reported by Sapper (1917) was considered by the Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World (Neumann van Padang, 1951) to be an historical eruption, but Kemmerling (1929) noted that this was likely confused with an eruption on the same date and time from Lewotobi Lakilaki volcano.


July 19th 2009
Chile - Chaitén Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Eruptive activity continues at Chaiten volcano in Chile. Growth of the summit lava dome creates an explosion and pyroclastic flow hazard. Adjacent valleys contain pyroclastic material which may be mobilised after heavy rain and create lahars. Chaiten volcano remains on alert level RED.
Geologic Summary: Chaitén is a small, glacier-free caldera with a Holocene lava dome located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado. A pyroclastic-surge and pumice deposit considered to originate from the eruption that formed the elliptical 2.5 x 4 km wide summit caldera was dated at about 9400 years ago. A rhyolitic, 962-m-high obsidian lava dome occupies much of the caldera floor. Obsidian cobbles from this dome found in the Blanco River are the source of prehistorical artifacts from archaeological sites along the Pacific coast as far as 400 km away from the volcano to the north and south. The caldera is breached on the SW side by a river that drains to the bay of Chaitén, and the high point on its southern rim reaches 1122 m.


July 12th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Mayon volcano in the Philippines has been raised from Alert Level 1 (low level unrest) to Alert Level 2 (moderate unrest). Beginning June 2009 seismic activity increased to the same level when a phreatic explosion occurred last August 2008. Ground uplift of one centimetre has been measured, and a summit glow was visible from Lignon Hill Observatory. An aerial survey on 8th July, 2009, showed a cone-shaped pile of hot, steaming old rocks at the summit. The low frequency volcanic earthquakes and ground uplift may indicate that new magma is rising towards the surface. A 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano are off-limits at Mayon volcano.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


July 5th 2009
Philippines - Mayon Volcano
Volcanic Activity
There are signs of unrest at Mayon Volcano in the Philippines after an increase in summit crater glow has been observed. This is caused by a rise in magma levels at the volcano. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has also recorded an inflation of the volcano. Alert level one is maintained at Mayon volcano and residents and tourists are advised not to enter the 7 km radius extended danger zone.
Geologic Summary: The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2462 m above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees that are capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from strombolian to basaltic plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas. Mayon's most violent eruption, in 1814, killed more than 1200 people and devastated several towns.


June 22nd 2009
Indonesia/Lombok - Rinjani Volcano
Ongoing Volcanic Activity
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 21 June ash plumes from Rinjani rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km N.
Geologic Summary: Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3,726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the E, but the W side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the E end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake.


June 17th 2009
Indonesia/Lombok - Rinjani Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Base on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-12 and 16 June ash plumes from Rinjani rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 15-55 km W and WSW.
Geologic Summary: Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3,726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the E, but the W side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the E end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake.


June 6th 2009
Indonesia - Sangeang Volcano
Volcanic Activity
There has been an increase in activity at Sangeang volcano in Indonesia, with increasing numbers of volcanic earthquakes and tremor. White emissions are visible rising 25 m above the summit. The alert status of Sangeang Api Volcano has been raised from normal to Waspada (Level II).
Geologic Summary: Sangeang Api volcano, one of the most active in the Lesser Sunda Islands, forms a small 13-km-wide island off the NE coast of Sumbawa Island. Two large trachybasaltic-to-tranchyandesitic volcanic cones, 1949-m-high Doro Api and 1795-m-high Doro Mantoi, were constructed in the center and on the eastern rim, respectively, of an older, largely obscured caldera. Flank vents occur on the south side of Doro Mantoi and near the northern coast. Intermittent historical eruptions have been recorded since 1512, most of them during in the 20th century.


June 1st 2009
Indonesia - Karangetang Volcano
Volcanic Activity
An eruption occurred at Karangetang volcano, Indonesia on 31st May. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from near the volcano, due to fears of pyroclastic flows. The volcano is located at the northern end of Siau island, north of Sulawesi.
Geologic Summary: Karangetang (also known as Api Siau) lies at the northern end of the island of Siau, N of Sulawesi, and contains five summit craters strung along a N-S line. One of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, Karangetang has had more than 40 recorded eruptions since 1675. Twentieth-century eruptions have included frequent explosions, sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows and lahars.


May 21st 2009
Saudi Arabia - Harrat Lunayyir Volcano
Activity
A series of earthquakes occurred near Harrat Lunayyir volcano in north east Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 19th May 2009. The largest earthquake measured magnitude 5.7. The earthquakes produced cracks in the ground. A total of 2,289 people, including 326 families, were evacuated from a 20 km radius around the volcano, 240 km north of Madinah. Evacuees were housed in Yanbu. The evacuations took place as 30 earthquakes were recorded between 3 and 5.4 on the Richter scale. Local authorities have announced the closure of schools for two weeks starting Saturday in Umlaj.
Geologic Summary: Harrat Lunayyir is a basaltic volcanic field in NW Saudi Arabia, east of the Red Sea port of Umm Lajj. It contains about 50 volcanic cones that were constructed over Precambrian crystalline rocks along a N-S axis. Harrat Lunayyir is one of the smallest of the Holocene lava fields of Saudi Arabia, but individual flow lobes radiate long distances from the center of the Harrat, and flows reached the Red Sea in two places. Lava flows are basaltic to basanitic in composition, and the Holocene flows are alkali olivine basalts. One of the cones may have erupted around the 10th century AD or earlier.


May 8th 2009
Chile - Chaitén Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Dome growth continues in the summit crater at Chaiten volcano, Chile. The surface morphology of the dome is complex and uneven. The central pinnacle of the dome has broken into three main blocks. The tallest spine is 100 m high. Continuing rapid growth of the dome creates a collapse risk with the subsequent hazard of block and ash flow down the Chaiten River valley. Seismic activity remains high at the volcano. Chaiten volcano remains on the highest alert level - RED.
Geologic Summary: Chaitén is a small, glacier-free caldera with a Holocene lava dome located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado. A pyroclastic-surge and pumice deposit considered to originate from the eruption that formed the elliptical 2.5 x 4 km wide summit caldera was dated at about 9400 years ago. A rhyolitic, 962-m-high obsidian lava dome occupies much of the caldera floor. Obsidian cobbles from this dome found in the Blanco River are the source of prehistorical artifacts from archaeological sites along the Pacific coast as far as 400 km away from the volcano to the north and south. The caldera is breached on the SW side by a river that drains to the bay of Chaitén, and the high point on its southern rim reaches 1122 m.


May 6th 2009
Indonesia - Krakatau Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Eruptions are continuing at Krakatau volcano in Indonesia from a crater on the SW side of the cone. A volcanic ash advisory from Darwin VAAC reported ash to 10,000 drifting NW of the volcano. Today the level of alert at Krakatau was raised from Waspada (Level 2) to Siaga (Level 3), out of a maximum level 4. A renewed period of eruptions began at Krakatau on 19th March 2009, when 19 explosions were recorded. Between 1-25 April 2009 there have been 4060 explosions. Number of explosion earthquakes measured are 30 April 229, 1 May 324, 2 May 318, 3 May 250, 4 May 403, 5 May 371, and 6 May 132 (until midday). Shallow volcanic earthquakes, and tremor have been recorded. Visual observations from Rajabasa District in Sumatra in April reported ash emissions from 50-1000 m above the summit. From 1-24 April booming noises were heard from Sumatra 174 times, 83 times from 25-29 April. No sounds were heard between 30th April and 6th May. Incandescent material and ash are being emitted to a radius of 500 m from the crater. Pyroclastic flows may reach a distance of 700 m from the crater. Ash is falling 5 km from the volcano. Requests from the Indonesian Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation request people stay at least 2 km from the volcano. Local communities are still allowed to fish outside the 2 km danger zone radius. Communities in the coastal province of Banten and Lampung are requested to remain calm and not fear a tsunami.
Geologic Summary: The renowned volcano Krakatau (frequently misstated as Krakatoa) lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 AD, formed a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of this ancestral volcano are preserved in Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently Rakata, Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes, and left only a remnant of Rakata volcano. This eruption, the 2nd largest in Indonesia during historical time, caused more than 36,000 fatalities, most as a result of devastating tsunamis that swept the adjacent coastlines of Sumatra and Java. Pyroclastic surges traveled 40 km across the Sunda Strait and reached the Sumatra coast. After a quiescence of less than a half century, the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) was constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan. Anak Krakatau has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927.


May 2nd 2009
Indonesia/Lombok - Rinjani Volcano
Volcanic Activity
An increase in seismic activity has been reported at Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok. On 2nd May there were three explosion earthquakes recorded. A white plume was emitted 1000 m above the eruption point. The alert level at the volcano has been raised from Normal (Level I) to Waspada (Level II). The summit has been closed to climbers. Residents need to beware of lahars.
Geologic Summary: Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the east, but the west side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the east end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake.


April 25th 2009
Chile - Chaitén Volcano
Volcanic activity
Seismic activity at Chaiten volcano in Chile remains high, with earthquakes reaching a maximum magnitude 4.5. Dome growth continues in the summit crater. Ash emissions rose to a height of 1.5 km above the crater. During the week of 15-21 April, there were only two days where the summit was cloud free. The volcano remains on the highest alert level - RED.
Geologic Summary: Chaitén is a small, glacier-free caldera with a Holocene lava dome located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado. A pyroclastic-surge and pumice deposit considered to originate from the eruption that formed the elliptical 2.5 x 4 km wide summit caldera was dated at about 9400 years ago. A rhyolitic, 962-m-high obsidian lava dome occupies much of the caldera floor. Obsidian cobbles from this dome found in the Blanco River are the source of prehistorical artifacts from archaeological sites along the Pacific coast as far as 400 km away from the volcano to the north and south. The caldera is breached on the SW side by a river that drains to the bay of Chaitén, and the high point on its southern rim reaches 1122 m.


April 24th 2009
Indonesia - Slamet Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Slamet volcano in Indonesia has begun erupting this week. The number of explosion earthquakes detected were 49 on 19th April, 97 on 20th April, 163 on 22nd April, and 52 yesterday. Emissions were visible rising 800 m above the summit. Slamet volcano was raised to level 3 alert (Siaga), and the summit has been closed to climbers.
Geologic Summary: Slamet volcano, Java's second highest volcano at 3428 m and one of its most active, has a cluster of about three dozen cinder cones on its lower SE-NE flanks and a single cinder cone on the western flank. Slamet is composed of two overlapping edifices, an older basaltic-andesite to andesitic volcano on the west and a younger basaltic to basaltic-andesite one on the east. Gunung Malang II cinder cone on the upper eastern flank on the younger edifice fed a lava flow that extends 6 km to the east. Four craters occur at the summit of Gunung Slamet, with activity migrating to the SW over time.


April 21st 2009
Indonesia - Slamet Volcano
Volcanic Activity
An increased number of earthquakes have been recorded at Slamet volcano in Indonesia. Brown plumes were observed rising 50 m above the summit. The summit area has been closed to climbers. Today, Slamet volcano was raised to level 2 alert (Waspada).
Geologic Summary: Slamet volcano, Java's second highest volcano at 3428 m and one of its most active, has a cluster of about three dozen cinder cones on its lower SE-NE flanks and a single cinder cone on the western flank. Slamet is composed of two overlapping edifices, an older basaltic-andesite to andesitic volcano on the west and a younger basaltic to basaltic-andesite one on the east. Gunung Malang II cinder cone on the upper eastern flank on the younger edifice fed a lava flow that extends 6 km to the east. Four craters occur at the summit of Gunung Slamet, with activity migrating to the SW over time.


April 14th 2009
Chile - Chaitén Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Seismic activity has increased at Chaiten volcano since 8th April 2009. The trend increased further from 11-12 April with earthquakes up to magnitude 4.5 recorded. The increased number of earthquakes is associated with growth of the summit lava dome. Dome collapse remains a hazard, and may generate ash and block flows which can affect the valleys below the summit. The volcano remain on the highest level of alert - RED.
Geologic Summary: Chaitén is a small, glacier-free caldera with a Holocene lava dome located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado. A pyroclastic-surge and pumice deposit considered to originate from the eruption that formed the elliptical 2.5 x 4 km wide summit caldera was dated at about 9400 years ago. A rhyolitic, 962-m-high obsidian lava dome occupies much of the caldera floor. Obsidian cobbles from this dome found in the Blanco River are the source of prehistorical artifacts from archaeological sites along the Pacific coast as far as 400 km away from the volcano to the north and south. The caldera is breached on the SW side by a river that drains to the bay of Chaitén, and the high point on its southern rim reaches 1122 m.


April 12th 2009
Galapagos Islands - Fernandina Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
A new eruption began at Fernandina volcano. The seismic station at Puerto Ayora did not record any earthquakes associated with the eruption. The eruption was observed by rangers from Galapagos National Park, and a tourist boat in the early hours of Saturday morning (local time). An eruption column with low ash content was visible on satellite images extending 300 km west of the volcano. Satellite images show several hotspots at Fernandina volcano, which may indicate lava flows. Personnel from the Galapagos National Park on Isabela Island are making a flight over the volcano, to ascertain more precisely the location of the eruption centre, and assess the extent of the lava flows and their likely impact to the fauna and flora of the area. The last eruption of Fernandina volcano occurred in 2005, when lava flows originated from a fissure on the south-eastern flank of the volcano and descend without reaching the sea.
Geologic Summary: Fernandina, the most active of Galápagos volcanoes and the one closest to the Galápagos mantle plume, is a basaltic shield volcano with a deep 5 x 6.5 km summit caldera. The volcano displays the classic "overturned soup bowl" profile of Galápagos shield volcanoes. Its caldera is elongated in a NW-SE direction and formed during several episodes of collapse. Circumferential fissures surround the caldera and were instrumental in growth of the volcano. Reporting has been poor in this uninhabited western end of the archipelago, and even a 1981 eruption was not witnessed at the time. In 1968 the caldera floor dropped 350 m following a major explosive eruption. Subsequent eruptions, mostly from vents located on or near the caldera boundary faults, have produced lava flows inside the caldera as well as those in 1995 that reached the coast from a SW-flank vent. Collapse of a nearly 1 cu km section of the east caldera wall during an eruption in 1988 produced a debris-avalanche deposit that covered much of the caldera floor and absorbed the caldera lake.


April 8th 2009
Chile - Llaima Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Eruptions continue at Llaima volcano in Chile. The volcano has been covered in cloud and continuous eruption have been detected. Ashfall was reported east of the volcano and seismicity has remained constant.
Geologic Summary: Llaima, one of Chile's largest and most active volcanoes, contains two main historically active craters, one at the summit and the other, Pichillaima, to the SE. The massive 3125-m-high, dominantly basaltic-to-andesitic stratovolcano has a volume of 400 cu km. A Holocene edifice built primarily of accumulated lava flows was constructed over an 8-km-wide caldera that formed about 13,200 years ago, following the eruption of the 24 cu km Curacautín Ignimbrite.


April 4th 2009
Chile - Llaima Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Llaima volcano in Chile erupted yesterday (April 3rd 2009) after several months of low seismic activity. On 2nd April at 16:00 hrs (local time) there was an increase in amplitude and frequency of long period earthquakes reaching 45 to 60 per hour. This increase in seismicity remained constant until 18:00 hrs on 3rd April, and then evolved to a continuous seismic tremor of low frequency. The slight increase in seismic activity recorded on 2-3 April was associated with weak emissions of vapour. From 20:30 hrs on 3rd April, eyewitnesses reported a glow in the main crater. At 21:00 hrs, the tremor increased, while at 22:45 hrs weak strombolian explosions occurred in the main crater. Until 06:00 hrs on 4th April, moderate strombolian eruptions occurred every 1-3 seconds, from two cones in the crater. Incandescent material was ejected 700 m above the crater. Muddy water has been reported in rivers draining the volcano. Melting of snow and ice from the eruption is creating a lahar hazard. Twelve people have been evacuated from Conguillio national park, which has been closed.
Geologic Summary: Llaima, one of Chile's largest and most active volcanoes, contains two main historically active craters, one at the summit and the other, Pichillaima, to the SE. The massive 3125-m-high, dominantly basaltic-to-andesitic stratovolcano has a volume of 400 cu km. A Holocene edifice built primarily of accumulated lava flows was constructed over an 8-km-wide caldera that formed about 13,200 years ago, following the eruption of the 24 cu km Curacautín Ignimbrite.


April 4th 2009
Papua New Guinea - Rabaul Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Eruptions continue at Rabaul volcano in Papua New Guinea. During the week of 27th March to 2nd April there were occasional strong ash emissions from Tavurvur crater, accompanied by roaring noises. A crater glow was visible at night. Ash fell over Rabaul town on 2nd April, and drifted SE on other days. Generally, deflation was measured at the caldera, but there were periods of inflation during the past 2 weeks. People are advised to stay at least 2 km from the volcano due to risks from explosive activity.
Geologic Summary: The low-lying Rabaul caldera forms a sheltered harbor once utilized by New Britain's largest city. A powerful explosive eruption in 1994 forced its abandonment. The 8 x 14 km caldera is widely breached on the east, where its floor is flooded by Blanche Bay. Two major Holocene caldera-forming eruptions took place as recently as 3500 and 1400 years ago. Several post-caldera cones, including Tavurvur, the bare cone on the right horizon, have erupted during historical time.


March 30th 2009
Indonesia - Krakatau Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Activity has increased at Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia. Between 19-23 March 2009, an average of 6 shallow volcanic earthquakes were measured per day, compared to 2 per day over the past year. On 24th March, 31 shallow volcanic earthquakes were measured, and 62 earthquakes on 25th March, when visual observations showed white-gray emissions rising 400 m above the crater. Anak Krakatau remains at level 2 alert (waspada). A 1 km exclusion zone has been placed around the crater of Anak Krakatau. Locals have been advised that fishing is still permitted around the island.
Geologic Summary: The renowned volcano Krakatau (frequently misstated as Krakatoa) lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 AD, formed a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of this ancestral volcano are preserved in Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently Rakata, Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes, and left only a remnant of Rakata volcano. This eruption, the 2nd largest in Indonesia during historical time, caused more than 36,000 fatalities, most as a result of devastating tsunamis that swept the adjacent coastlines of Sumatra and Java. Pyroclastic surges traveled 40 km across the Sunda Strait and reached the Sumatra coast. After a quiescence of less than a half century, the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) was constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan. Anak Krakatau has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927.


March 18th 2009
Tonga - Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai Volcano
Undersea Eruption
An undersea eruption occurred west of the islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai in Tonga. The eruption was visible from Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga. Steam and ash was emitted more than 1 km high. Residents said the steam and ash column first appeared on Monday morning, after a series of sharp earthquakes were felt in the capital, Nuku'alofa. Large amounts of pumice erupted by the volcano may reach beaches in Fiji in a short period of time.
Geologic Summary: The small islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai cap a large seamount located about 30 km SSE of Falcon Island. The two linear andesitic islands are about 2 km long and represent the western and northern remnants of a the rim of a largely submarine caldera lying east and south of the islands. Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai reach an elevation of only 149 m and 128 m above sea level, respectively, and display inward-facing sea cliffs with lava and tephra layers dipping gently away from the submarine caldera. A rocky shoal 3.2 km SE of Hunga Ha'apai and 3 km south of Hunga Tonga marks the most prominent historically active vent. Submarine eruptions were reported here in 1912 and 1937 and from a fissure 1 km SSE of Hunga Ha'apai in 1988.


March 14th 2009
Colombia - Galeras Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Galeras volcano in Colombia erupted yesterday 13th March forcing the evacuation of 3000 people. The explosive eruption occurred at 3:55 pm local time during a period of heavy rain and cloud which prevented visual observations. An eruption plume reached a height of 8 km above the summit, and drifted northwest. The seismic energy released was larger than the eruptions on 17th January 2008 and 20th February 2009. The eruption was heard from nearby communities of San Cayetano, Anganoy (Municipio de Pasto), San José de Bomboná and San Antonio (Municipio de Consacá). Ashfall was reported at Al Oriente Pasto (east and north), Anganoy, San Cayetano y Mapachico (north and northwest), Pachindo, Barranco, El Rodeo, the towns of Florida and Sandona. A strong smell of sulphurous gas has been reported in some areas.
Geologic Summary: Galeras, a stratovolcano with a large breached caldera located immediately west of the city of Pasto, is one of Colombia's most frequently active volcanoes. Major explosive eruptions since the mid Holocene have produced widespread tephra deposits and pyroclastic flows that swept all but the southern flanks. A central cone slightly lower than the caldera rim has been the site of numerous small-to-moderate historical eruptions since the time of the Spanish conquistadors.


March 7th 2009
Indonesia/Java - Semeru Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Increased activity has been reported at Semeru volcano in Indonesia. Between 6th February and 4th March 2009 there were 873 explosion earthquakes registered, with an average of 34 events per day. On 5th March there was one period of tremor recorded. On 6th March one episode of tremor was recorded accompanied by booming sounds which were heard at Semeru observatory. On 6th March at 10:28 hr a booming noise was heard while the summit was covered in cloud. Semeru is at level 2 alert (Waspada) out of a maximum of 4. Explosions occur at an interval of 20-30 minutes, with ash emissions 100-400 m above Jonggring Seloko crater. So far the current eruptions have not been accompanied by pyroclastic flows, but this remains a danger. Areas which may be affected by pyroclastic flows include inhabited areas of Rowo Baung, Supit, Pronojiwo, Urip, and Umbulandi Urang Supit. Rowo Baung and Supit are the nearest villages to the eruptive centre, 9 km from the peak of Gunung Semeru. There is a potential threat to sand mining activities at Supit and Rowo Baung. Recommendations from the Indonesian Centre of Volcanology and Geology are that people avoid the area 4 km SE of the active crater due to the threat of pyroclastic flows. People are advised not to climb to the summit peak (Mahameru). Residents should prepare for possible ashfall. Aircraft should beware of explosion hazards, and ash emissions.
Geologic Summary: Semeru, the highest volcano on Java, and one of its most active, lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the Tengger caldera. The steep-sided volcano, also referred to as Mahameru (Great Mountain), rises abruptly to 3676 m above coastal plains to the south. Frequent 19th and 20th century eruptions were dominated by small-to-moderate explosions from the summit crater, with occasional lava flows and larger explosive eruptions accompanied by pyroclastic flows that have reached the lower flanks of the volcano. Semeru has been in almost continuous eruption since 1967.


February 22nd 2009
Colombia - Galeras Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Last Friday (20.02.2009), an eruption occurred at Galeras volcano at 7:05 am, local time. The eruption was accompanied by shock waves, and vibrations in several villages located in the catchment area of the volcano. There were at least two explosions, and emission of incandescent material, along with a sulphurous smell. The initial eruptive event was associated with a seismic signal which lasted for approximately 13 minutes. Wind direction according to the weather station installed at the top of Galeras, is toward the west coast. There are reports of ash fall in areas of the municipalities of Sandona, Consacá and Ancuya, located on the western flank of Galeras. The eruptive column showed three levels of dispersion. The column reached a height of about 8 km, with dispersal to the east, at an altitude of 2.500 m, the plume of ash was to the west, and between these two levels, the ash moved north. This dispersion was due to variable wind conditions at different altitudes. After the eruption there was a decrease in seismic activity, characterized by the presence of a few events associated with fluid dynamics and low energy levels. Due to the presence of magmatic material at the surface and taking into account the evolution of the current activity, it is possible for new eruptive episodes. The volcanic warning level at Galeras was raised from III/Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity") to I/Red; "imminent eruption or in progress". According to news articles, authorities ordered the evacuation of about 8,000 people living on the slopes, but few went to evacuation shelters.
Geologic Summary: Galeras, a stratovolcano with a large breached caldera located immediately W of the city of Pasto, is one of Colombia's most frequently active volcanoes. The dominantly andesitic Galeras volcanic complex has been active for more than 1 million years, and two major caldera collapse eruptions took place during the late Pleistocene. Longterm extensive hydrothermal alteration has affected the volcano. This has contributed to large-scale edifice collapse that has occurred on at least three occasions, producing debris avalanches that swept to the W and left a large horseshoe-shaped caldera inside which the modern cone has been constructed. Major explosive eruptions since the mid Holocene have produced widespread tephra deposits and pyroclastic flows that swept all but the southern flanks. A central cone slightly lower than the caldera rim has been the site of numerous small-to-moderate historical eruptions since the time of the Spanish conquistadors.


February 20th 2009
Chile - Chaiten Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Yesterday, an explosive eruption occurred at Chaiten volcano. A flyover of the volcano revealed a fracture in the lava dome, which had partially collapsed. Large quantities of gases and pyroclastic material were observed. About 160 residents were evacuated from Chaiten town, 10 km from the volcano. Most of the residents of Chaiten town evacuated last year after large eruptions in May. The volcano has been in continuous eruption since May 2008, and periodic larger explosions create a hazard for residents remaining in the area.
Geologic Summary: Chaitén is a small, glacier-free caldera with a Holocene lava dome located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado. A pyroclastic-surge and pumice deposit considered to originate from the eruption that formed the elliptical 2.5 x 4 km wide summit caldera was dated at about 9400 years ago. A rhyolitic, 962-m-high obsidian lava dome occupies much of the caldera floor. Obsidian cobbles from this dome found in the Blanco River are the source of prehistorical artifacts from archaeological sites along the Pacific coast as far as 400 km away from the volcano to the north and south. The caldera is breached on the SW side by a river that drains to the bay of Chaitén, and the high point on its southern rim reaches 1122 m.


February 4th 2009
Alaska - Redoubt Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Seismicity remains elevated at Redoubt Volcano in Alaska. Melting of the glacier has produced a 200 m wide hole, which is emitting gas. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction for a 10-mile radius around Redoubt, from ground level to 60,000 feet. During the last eruption in 1989, an aircraft flew through a plume of ash. All four engines ingested ash and flamed out. The crew successfully restarted the engines and landed safely at Anchorage. All four engines were replaced.
Geologic Summary: Redoubt is a 3108-m-high glacier-covered stratovolcano with a breached summit crater in Lake Clark National Park about 170 km SW of Anchorage. Next to Mount Spurr, Redoubt has been the most active Holocene volcano in the upper Cook Inlet. The volcano was constructed beginning about 890,000 years ago over Mesozoic granitic rocks of the Alaska-Aleutian Range batholith. Collapse of the summit of Redoubt 10,500-13,000 years ago produced a major debris avalanche that reached Cook Inlet. Holocene activity has included the emplacement of a large debris avalanche and clay-rich lahars that dammed Lake Crescent on the south side and reached Cook Inlet about 3500 years ago. Eruptions during the past few centuries have affected only the Drift River drainage on the north. Historical eruptions have originated from a vent at the north end of the 1.8-km-wide breached summit crater. The 1989-90 eruption of Redoubt had severe economic impact on the Cook Inlet region and affected air traffic far beyond the volcano.


February 2nd 2009
Japan - Asama Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Asama volcano in Japan erupted today at 1:51 am, local time, sending ash to a height of 1.6 km, and ejecting rocks 1 km from the crater. Ashfall was reported in Tokyo, 140 km SE of the volcano.
Geologic Summary: Asama, Honshu's most active volcano, overlooks the resort town of Karuizawa, 140 km NW of Tokyo. The volcano is located at the junction of the Izu-Marianas and NE Japan volcanic arcs. The modern cone of Maekake-yama forms the summit of the volcano and is situated east of the horseshoe-shaped remnant of an older andesitic volcano, Kurofu-yama, which was destroyed by a late-Pleistocene landslide about 20,000 years before present (BP). Growth of a dacitic shield volcano was accompanied by pumiceous pyroclastic flows, the largest of which occurred about 14,000-11,000 years BP, and by growth of the Ko-Asama-yama lava dome on the east flank. Maekake-yama, capped by the Kama-yama pyroclastic cone that forms the present summit of the volcano, is probably only a few thousand years old and has an historical record dating back at least to the 11th century AD. Maekake-yama has had several major plinian eruptions, the last two of which occurred in 1108 (Asama's largest Holocene eruption) and 1783 AD.


January 30th 2009
Chile - Chaiten Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Seismicity associated with the eruption of Chaitén volcano in Chile has decreased over the past week. Viscous lava is still being erupted into the dome, but this is occurring at a reduced rate. Dome collapse is still a danger, with pyroclastic flows potentially traveling down flanks of the volcano and valleys. On 19th of January there was a collapse of spines of the dome, with block and ash moving down the eastern and southeastern flank. During an overflight on 21st January the prominent spines were no longer present on the lava dome. Several steep landslides were visible on the eastern side of the dome. Thermal imaging shows many hotspots on the dome. The volcano is still at alert level RED due to the ongoing eruptions.
Geologic Summary: Chaitén is a small, glacier-free caldera with a Holocene lava dome located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado. A pyroclastic-surge and pumice deposit considered to originate from the eruption that formed the elliptical 2.5 x 4 km wide summit caldera was dated at about 9400 years ago. A rhyolitic, 962-m-high obsidian lava dome occupies much of the caldera floor. Obsidian cobbles from this dome found in the Blanco River are the source of prehistorical artifacts from archaeological sites along the Pacific coast as far as 400 km away from the volcano to the north and south. The caldera is breached on the SW side by a river that drains to the bay of Chaitén, and the high point on its southern rim reaches 1122 m.


January 23rd 2009
Indonesia - Wurlali Volcano
Earthquake
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit Wurlali volcano today at 5:16 am, local time. The earthquake epicentre was located 7 km south of Damar Island, and the focus was at 141 km depth. Wurlali Volcano is located on Damar Island, Indonesia, 375 km NE of Dili, East Timor.
Geologic Summary: Wurlali volcano (also known as Damar) is part of Indoneisia's Banda Island chain. The 868-m-high stratovolcano was formed in the northern part of a 5-km-wide caldera, and has twin summit craters. During historical time only a single explosive eruption occurred, in 1892 from the summit crater.


January 16th 2009
Indonesia/Java - Dieng Plateau
Volcanic activity
Yesterday, Dieng volcano on Java in Indonesia has been raised from level I to II alert (out of maximum 4) after two phreatic eruptions. The eruptions occurred at Sibanteng crater at 0800 and 0830 hr local time. Material was ejected 50 m from the crater. There has not been any increase in toxic gas at the volcano.
It is recommended that residents and tourists stay more than 300 m away from the craters.
Geologic Summary: The Dieng plateau in the highlands of central Java is renowned both for the variety of its volcanic scenery and as a sacred area housing Java's oldest Hindu temples, dating back to the 9th century AD. The Dieng volcanic complex consists of two or more stratovolcanoes and more than 20 small craters and cones of Pleistocene-to-Holocene age over a 6 x 14 km area. Prahu stratovolcano was truncated by a large Pleistocene caldera, which was subsequently filled by a series of dissected to youthful cones, lava domes, and craters, many containing lakes. Lava flows cover much of the plateau, but have not occurred in historical time, when activity has been restricted to minor phreatic eruptions. Toxic volcanic gas emission has caused fatalities and is a hazard at several craters. The abundant thermal features that dot the plateau and high heat flow make Dieng a major geothermal prospect.


January 10th 2009
Rabaul Volcano, Papua New Guinea
Volcanic Activity
Ash emissions from Rabaul volcano in Papua New Guinea closed Tokua airport between Monday and Friday this week. Hundreds of people have not been able to leave, or fly into East New Britain province. A north-west wind is pushing plumes towards Tokua airport 20 kilometres away. Some incandescent lava fragments were emitted from Tarvurvur cone. Most of the lava fragments fell back into the crater but some fell on the slopes of the volcano. A local shipping company has offered to take up to 400 passengers to an airport in nearby New Ireland Province, which is not affected by the volcano. Moderate level seismicity accompanied the eruptions. An earthquake occurred at about 07:47 a.m. yesterday (magnitude 5.6), and was located about 135 km southeast from Rabaul at a depth of about 40 km. The earthquake was tectonic in origin. People are advised to stay more than 2 km away from Turvurvur cone due to ongoing explosive activity.


January 9th 2009
Poas Volcano, Costa Rica
Earthquake
A large earthquake (mag 6.1) occurred at Poas volcano on Thursday 8th January 2009. The epicentre was located 8 km east of the volcano summit. This was the largest earthquake to hit costa Rica in 150 years. Four people were killed by the earthquake. Poás is one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes. The volcano is located within the Poas Volcano National Park.

What is UTC?

UTC Coordinated Universal Time is the international time standard. It is the current term for what was commonly referred to as Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT). Zero (0) hours UTC is midnight in Greenwich England, which lies on the zero longitudinal meridian. Universal time is based on a 24 hour clock, therefore, afternoon hours such as 4 pm UTC are expressed as 16:00 UTC (sixteen hours, zero minutes).

Thanks to the USGS and the GDACS

The U.S Geological Survey , GDACS and John Seach, offering these information to mediScon worldwide.


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