Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity

Lopevi (Vanuatu): According to information from Vanuatu's GeoHazards agency, a new (so far small) eruption is under way at the stratovolcano. The alert level was raised to 3 (on GeoHazards' scale of 0-5 highest), meaning "minor eruption". Wellington VAAC mentioned the eruption was confirmed by pilot observers and issued an alert about possible ash plumes estimated not to surpass 10,000 ft (3 km) altitude and drifting SE. The most likely type of activity that seems to be occurring is strombolian explosive activity from the summit. Lopevi is one of the most active volcanoes of Vanuatu and has frequent explosive-effusive eruptions of varying intensity.

Ongoing activity for the week of 4 January-10 January 2017

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 7-8 January ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 45 km NE and E.

Colima | Mexico : Based on webcam and satellite images, the Mexico City MWO, and Colima Towers, the Washington VAAC reported that during 3-10 January ash plumes from Colima rose to altitudes of 4.7-6.7 km (17,000-25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, SE, S, and SW. The Unidad Estatal de Protección Civil de Colima reported that an explosion detected at 1602 on 7 January was slightly stronger than a moderate level, and that winds were drifting SSE.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-5 and 7-10 January ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 120 km SE, E, and NE.

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 4-10 January HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise and fall, circulate, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook vent; the lake level rose as high as 9 m below the Halema’uma’u floor. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater and from a vent high on the NE flank of the cone. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna. An active branch of 61G remained active E of Pu'u 'O'o and advanced slowly E at a rate of only a few tens of meters per day.

Langila | New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite images and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 2 January a weak ash plume from Langila rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. A thermal anomaly was also detected via satellite. On 5 January an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 45 km W.

Masaya | Nicaragua : Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 5 January a gas, steam, and ash plume from Masaya drifted W.