Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Etna (Sicily, Italy): A new paroxysm is occurring at the volcano. Increasing near-continuous strombolian eruptions occur from the summit vent of the New SE crater and a lava flow is issuing from a vent at its eastern base into Valle del Bove. Tremor is still rising. After the onset of mild strombolian activity on 12 May, activity first decreased during the night 12-13 May and then started to rise again gradually. Early in the morning (between 06:11-06:23 local time), an effusive fissure opened on the eastern flank of the cone, from where a lava flow emerged. Accompanied by violent collapse events, triggering small pyroclastic flows, the fissure enlarged during the morning and lava effusion increased. At the same time, explosive activity at the summit vent continued intermittently. The eruption continues (May 15), although its intensity has decreased compared to yesterday. Moderate strombolian explosions occur at the summit vent of the New SE crater and lava effusion from the fissure vents at its base continues to feed the lava flow, which since yesterday has 3 active lava flow fronts in the northern Valle del Bove between Monte Simone, Rocca Musarra and Monte Finocchio.

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): The volcano remains in a very active state, with up to 10 or more vulcanian-type explosions occurring per day. Ash plumes from these eruptions have been rising to 9-15,000 ft (2.7-4.5 km) altitude.

Villarrica (Central Chile): Mild activity continues - a small lava lake remains active inside the vent of the inner summit crater producing steaming, small strombolian explosions, and related ash emissions. A lenticular cloud over the summit this morning was beautifully illuminated by the lava glow.