Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Kliuchevskoi (Kamchatka): The strombolian-type activity from the summit crater of the volcano continues at moderate levels, with little changes over the past week.

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): 36 explosions occurred from Showa Crater during 9-13 February and ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night during 9-11 February, and inflation continued to be detected. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 11-17 February plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-3.7 km (6,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE. On 17 February pilots observed ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

Colima (Western Mexico): The volcano remains active with explosions from the summit crater, but its activity has been decreasing a bit. In a report by the Civil Protection, the lava dome is said to have been partially destroyed by the recent explosions, leaving a crater of about 140 m diameter.

Fuego (Guatemala): The volcano experienced another surge in activity on 16 Feb, but has now returned to moderate levels again, with moderate to strong strombolian explosions ejecting incandescent material to 150 m and ash plumes rising up to 1km. In a special report on 16 February INSIVUMEH noted 4-6 explosions per hour, and ash plumes that rose, based on pilot reports, to altitudes of 7-9.1 km (23,000-30,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 15 km SW and W. Another special report issued on 17 February stated that 4-6 explosions per hour continued to be detected. Large amounts of ash formed mushroom-shaped clouds that rose 0.6-1.1 km above the crater and drifted over 15 km NW, W, SE, and S. Incandescent material was ejected 150 m above the crater, causing avalanches in the Trinidad, Ceniza, Las Lajas, and Santa Teresa drainages.