Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): The likelihood of a feared larger eruption seems to be decreasing as the volcano has slowly been resuming small explosive activity and shots of the crater show the presence of fresh lava. This could mean that the conduit is not as strongly blocked as feared and could allow the volcano to return to a more regular eruption style, where pressure is released more gradually.

Sinabung (Sumatra, Indonesia): Small pyroclastic flows were observed during the past days, mostly originating from the active eastern lava lobe. Recent photos of the summit show no major changes during the past weeks, but suggest that lava effusion continues to slowly build up the dome and the two active lobes, which are now prone to potentially larger collapses and associated flows. A safety radius of 7 km from the volcano is recommended.

Fuego (Guatemala): The volcano's activity remains low to moderate.

Reventador (Ecuador): The volcano's activity remains at similar levels as during the past weeks. Lava continues to be extruded from the summit crater, producing frequent small to moderate explosions. No sustained lava flow is currently active.

Cotopaxi (Ecuador): Ash emissions have been increasing and producing plumes that rose 2 km above the summit and drifted west for over 50 km. Ash fall occurred in several populated areas including Mulalo, Chaupi, Lasso, Machachi, Aloag, Tambillo. Activity at the volcano remains more or less similar with moderately strong, near continuous ash emissions producing a plume rising approx. 2 km and drifting in a westerly direction.