Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity - New Activity for the week of 30 August - 5 September 2017

Ambrym | Vanuatu : On 30 August the Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory (VGO) reported that “drastic changes” at Ambrym prompted an increase in the Alert Level from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 0-5). Areas deemed hazardous were near and around the active vents (Benbow, Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu), and in downwind areas prone to ashfall. According to a news article, a representative of VGO indicated that the Alert Level change was based on increased seismicity detected since the beginning of August but which became more notable on 25 August. Since monitoring of the volcano started around 20 years ago, the Alert Level had never been elevated past 2.

Fernandina | Ecuador : IG reported that increased seismicity at Fernandina was detected at around 0955 on 4 September. Based on accounts from Galapagos Park personnel and photos of the volcano, an eruption started at around 1225. The Washington VAAC reported that lava was detected in satellite images beginning at 1230; a steam-and-gas plume rose 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 60 km W. At around 1428 IG noted that an eruptive plume was identified in satellite images rising 4 km above the crater and drifting NW. The VAAC reported that on 5 September a plume likely composed of sulfur dioxide and water vapor, and possibly some ash, rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. There are no residents on Fernandina.

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : Based on webcam views, Volcanes de Chile reported that an eruption at Nevados de Chillán occurred around 0925 on 30 August.

Sangay | Ecuador : Based on satellite and model data, and information from the Guayaquil MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that ash plumes from Sangay rose to altitudes of 6.1-8.5 km (20,000-28,000 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted NW on 2 September.