Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): After a very busy 17 May, with several strong explosions sending ash plumes to up to 16,000 ft (4.5 km) altitude, the volcano has been relatively calm during 18 and most of 19 May. A filming team of VolcanoDiscovery being on location, we could observe hour-long phases of near-continuous mild to moderate ash venting. After approx. 10 hours of almost no visible activity, a probably strong explosion occurred yesterday night at around 11 pm, lasting several minutes, producing numerous lightning and heavy ash fall on the eastern sector. Cloud cover prevented detailed observations.

Dukono (Halmahera): Activity seems to be on the rise - the volcano continues to produce near-continuous ash-rich explosions. Ash plumes to approx. 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude have been reported almost daily over the past days by Darwin VAAC.

Turrialba (Costa Rica): Several new mild to moderately strong ash eruptions have occurred at the volcano during the past days. In particular, on 16 May, one of the most intense phases of ash emissions so far took place from the volcano's western summit crater between midnight and 15:40 local time. Ash plumes extended up to 50 km to the west and caused mild ash fall in places as Heredia and Alajuela towns. A 5 km exclusion zone around the crater is in place.

Reventador (Ecuador): The volcano's activity remains elevated. Mild to moderate explosions occur frequently from the summit vent, where viscous lava is being extruded and also produces an active lava flow, approx. 300 m long on the southwestern flank. IGPEN reported dozens of explosions on most days, and up to more than 60 on a peak of activity on 8 May.

Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): The eruption continues with strong lava effusion. As of 19 May evening, the lava flow had been at 3 km from the coastal road, having advanced 750 m during the past 24 hours. Its advance is likely to be slower from now on, as the front is now in the flatter area of the "Grandes Brulés". Nevertheless, hopes are rising that the flow might reach the sea.