Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Karymsky (Kamchatka): Intermittent strombolian to vulcanian explosions have continued to occur throughout the past weeks.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka): The volcano is in an intense phase of activity, characterized by strong explosions and partial collapses of the growing lava dome accompanied by tall ash plumes and pyroclastic flows. An explosion this morning produced an ash plume that rose to flight level 370, i.e. 37,000 ft (11 km) altitude, Tokyo VAAC reported.

Zhupanovsky (Kamchatka, Russia): Small to moderate ash emissions have continued to occur intermittently from the volcano during the past weeks.

Aso (Kyushu): The strombolian eruption continues with little changes. Incandescent bombs are ejected from the main vent of Nakadake crater to above the crater rim. Low level ash plumes rise to 1-2 km altitude.

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): The volcano has had at least 7 explosions during the past 24 hours, including 3 which produced ash plumes to 10-12,000 ft (3-3.6 km) altitude. Most ash drifted to easterly directions, causing lots of light ash fall in that sector.

Colima (Western Mexico): Activity remains similar as during the past week when we observed it from close - intermittent small to moderate explosions producing ash plumes of 1-2 km height. During our last overflight on Saturday, we could see that the lava dome had disappeared, likely a result of the recent explosions.

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): The activity of the volcano remains at fluctuating, but overall similar levels as during the past months. An increase in tremor yesterday probably corresponded to a phase of active dome growth, accompanied by bright glow visible at the crater and intense degassing and light ash emissions reaching 1500 m height. 10 explosions were recorded during the past 24 hours, the strongest of which ejected incandescent fragments to distances up to 500 m on the northern and northeastern slopes. An overflight on 27 Feb showed that the dome nr 55 in the inner crater had grown to fill the bottom of the crater. Its diameter was at least 250 m and its thickness approx. 40 m. The volume of the dome was estimated at approximately 1.96 million cubic meters.

Sangay (Ecuador): Mild activity, probably strombolian, is likely occurring at the summit crater of the very remote volcano. A small volcanic ash plume was reported via Washington VAAC and a thermal hot spot at the crater can be detected on satellite data.

Tungurahua (Ecuador): A new phase of activity has started at the volcano. So far, surface activity has been low, with minor explosions and steaming, but it is likely that this activity will increase in the near future. Since 17 Feb, a gradual increase in seismic activity has been recorded, including the appearance of frequent volcano-tectonic earthquakes since 21 Feb, which reflect rock fracturing, likely caused by pressurized magma intruding into the plumbing system.

Villarrica (Central Chile): After the violent paroxysm during Mon-Tue, the volcano has calmed down again. No explosions could be seen on the webcam, only what might be a short-lived lava flow and/or strombolian activity during the night.