Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 1 March-7 March 2017

Chirinkotan | Kuril Islands (Russia) : Based on satellite images, SVERT reported that on 1 March an ash plume from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 165 km E. The Aviation Colour Code remained at Yellow (on a four-colour scale).

Etna | Sicily (Italy) : INGV reported that Strombolian activity at Etna’s New Southeast Crater (NSEC) cone had gradually intensified beginning at 1700 on 27 February. Lava overflowed the vent, quickly traveled down the S flank, and then slowed after reaching the gently sloping terrain. The flow spread SSW, towards the old cone of Monte Frumento Supino. During 27-28 February frequent Strombolian explosions ejected incandescent lava fragments up to 200 m above the vent. During a field survey on 28 February INGV-Osservatorio Etneo staff observed sporadic emissions of vapor and brownish ash from several vents within the NSEC. A new pyroclastic cone around the vent had grown higher than the highest points on the SEC (Southeast Crater) or NSEC. The lava flow slowly advanced on top of the snow, and by 1 March was about 1.5 km from the vent. By the late evening, activity declined, and the volcanic tremor amplitude rapidly diminished.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) :KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite data during 25 February and 1-2 March. At 1340 on 2 March a gas, steam, and ash plume recorded by the webcam rose to altitudes of 8-9 km (26,000-30,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 110 km NE and NW. The Aviation Colour Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 2-3 and 6-7 March weak Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney cone ejected material 5-10 m above the crater rim. Crater incandescence was visible at night and at dawn during 4-5 March.

Piton de la Fournaise | Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that the 28-day eruption at Piton de la Fournaise, beginning on 31 January and ending on 27 February, produced less than 10 million cubic meters of lava.