Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 16 August - 22 August 2017

Kanlaon | Philippines : PHIVOLCS reported that between 24 June and 18 August the seismic network at Kanlaon detected 244 volcanic earthquakes. The report stated that the increased seismic activity could be followed by phreatic explosions at the summit crater, despite the absence of visible degassing or steaming from the active vent during 2017. The Alert Level was raised to 1 (on a scale of 0-5), and the public was warned to not enter the 4-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 20-22 August Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney cone ejected material as high as 75 m above the crater rim and onto the flanks, generating avalanches mainly on the W flank.

San Cristobal | Nicaragua : According to a news report, at 0518 on 18 August SINAPRED received reports of ash fall in some communities near San Cristóbal, including La Grecia, and the municipalities of El Viejo (18 km WSW) and El Realejo (25 km SW). Based on analysis of satellite images and information from INETER, the Washington VAAC reported that a small ash puff from the volcano rose 300 m above the crater rim and drifted NW. Later that day a gas emission possibly containing ash rose 300 m and drifted W. An ash plume identified in satellite images extended as far as 265 km W. Seismicity was elevated. Steam-and-gas emissions continued through the rest of the day.

Sangay | Ecuador : Based on information from IG, the Guayaquil MWO, and satellite data the Washington VAAC reported continuing ash emissions at Sangay. On 16 August an ash plume drifted W. On 17 August an ash plume rose to an altitude of 8.2 km (27,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, and was followed by several more ash puffs. During 19-20 August ash plumes rose to 5.8 km (19,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and W. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 20 August.

Ulawun | New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 17-18 August ash plumes from Ulawun rose to 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.