Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 30 November-6 December 2016

Sabancaya | Peru : The Technical and Scientific Committee for volcanic risk management of the Arequipa region (comprised of five groups including IGP's OVS and INGEMMET's OVI) reported that during 30 November-2 December and 5-6 December explosions at Sabancaya generated ash-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 4.5 km above the crater rim and drifted around 40 km in multiple directions. Inflation at the SE flank continued to be detected. Seismic activity remained constant; tremor amplitude greatly increased on 2 December.

Langila | New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 1-6 December ash plumes from Langila rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, NW, and W. The plumes on 3 December drifted almost 40 km.

Copahue | Central Chile-Argentina border : Based on satellite and webcam images, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 30 November-4 December and on 6 December diffuse gas, water vapor, and ash plumes from Copahue rose to altitudes of 3.3-4.2 km (11,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SE, and E. On 2 December OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that activity at Copahue continued to be dominated by weak Strombolian explosions likely from a pyroclastic cone forming on the floor of El Agrio crater. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (second highest level on a four-colour scale); SERNAGEOMIN recommended no entry into a restricted area within 1.5 km of the crater. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the municipality of Alto Biobío.

Chirinkotan | Kuril Islands (Russia) : SVERT reported that no additional activity at Chirinkotan was detected after the 29 November ash emission. The Aviation Colour Code was lowered to Green (on a four-colour scale) on 2 December.

Cerro Hudson | Chile : Based on OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN notices from 1 and 30 November, ONEMI reported on 2 December that, although the rate of seismicity at Cerro Hudson had remained at normal levels and similar to previous periods, the magnitude of the highest energy events had steadily increased during the last months. Additionally the earthquakes were occurring in the same general area as those detected during the 2011 volcanic crisis. OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN raised the Alert Level to Yellow (second highest level on a four-colour scale), and ONEMI declared an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the communities of Aysén, Río Ibáñez, and Chile Chico.