Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 1 November - 7 November 2017

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that sulfur dioxide flux at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano was just under 800 tons per day on 30 October. An explosion at Minamidake summit crater at 1221 on 31 October generated an ash plume that rose 1 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 3 November an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE.

Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that small explosions at Cleveland on 28 and 30 October partly destroyed the lava dome within the summit crater. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite data during clear views during 1 and 5-7 November, possibly indicative of a lava flow in the crater. Otherwise no significant eruptive activity was recorded by seismic or infrasound sensors. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 1-7 November ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, E, and ESE. Ash plumes drifted as far as 170 km during 4-5 November.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Based on observations by volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions during 27 October-3 November generated ash plumes that rose as high as 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 2-3 November tremor at Fuego increased. Explosions (6-8 per hour) generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.3 km above the crater and drifted 15 km W and SW. During 4-5 November there were 5-8 explosions per hour producing ash plumes that rose 1.2 km and drifted 10-15 km W and SW. Incandescent material was ejected 300 m above the crater, causing avalanches that were confined to the crater. The 11th effusive eruption phase in 2017 began on 5 November. Lava flowed 1-1.2 km W down the Seca drainage and 800 m SSW down the Ceniza drainage. Avalanches of material from the ends of the lava flows descended the flanks and reached vegetated areas. About 6-8 explosions per hour generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km and drifted 10-15 km W and SW. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), and El Porvenir. The effusive phase ended on 7 November.

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) : During 1-7 November HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna. Surface lava flows were active above and on the pali, and on the coastal plain.

Langila | New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 5 October an ash plume from Langila rose 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE and ESE.

Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 4-7 November Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney cone ejected material as high as 40 m above the crater rim.

Poas | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that an event at Poás at 0915 on 6 November generated a plume that rose 300 m above the crater rim.

Popocatepetl | Mexico : Each day during 1-7 November CENAPRED reported 200-361 emissions from Popocatépetl, some of which contained ash. Crater incandescence was noted almost nightly. Increased seismicity at 0146 on 3 November coincided with a period of Strombolian activity that ended at 0535; gas, water vapor, and ash emissions rose from the carter and incandescent material was ejected 500 m onto the flanks. An explosion was detected at 1027. On 4 November explosions were detected at 0145 and 0608. Following the second explosion a continuous gas plume with minor ash drifted WSW. Beginning at 0735 ashfall was reported in municipalities of Yecapixtla (31 km SW) and Zacualpan de Amilpas (30 km SW), in the state of Morelos. A Strombolian period began at 1029 and lasted for 80 minutes, causing ashfall in Tetela del Volcán (20 km SW). Explosions at 1440 and 2231 ejected incandescent material 200 m onto the flanks. Another explosion was recorded at 0411 on 5 November. An explosion at 1653 on 6 November generated a gas-and-ash plume that rose 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted SW. Fragments were ejected 500 m onto the flanks. An explosion at 0100 on 7 November generated a gas-and-ash plume that rose almost 2 km above the crater rim and drifted SW. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two.

Reventador | Ecuador : IG reported that during the last week of October the intensity of explosions at Reventador slightly increased; ash plumes, generated from 4-5 explosions per hour, rose to more than 2.5 km above the crater rim and had a higher ash content. Plumes typically drifted W, but also occasionally S and N. Loud “cannon shot” sounds accompanying some explosions were heard in nearby towns. IG volcanologists conducting fieldwork on 23 and 25 October noted strong explosions producing “cannon shots” that vibrated windows in Hostería Reventador, 7.2 km away. On 27 October ash plumes rose as high as 4.9 km. During 30-31 October ashfall was reported in multiple towns in the Napo Province to the S, mainly due to a change in wind direction and not increased activity.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya increased compared to the previous week; there was an average of 57 daily explosions during 30 October-5 November. Seismicity was dominated by long-period events, with signals indicating emissions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 3.8 km above the crater rim and drifted 40 km N, NE, and E. The MIROVA system detected five thermal anomalies. The sulfur dioxide flux was high, at 3,996 tons per day, on 30 October. The report noted that the public should not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 26-30 October and 1-2 November. Explosions on 2 November generated ash plumes that rose 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.

Sinabung | Indonesia : Based on observations by PVMBG, satellite and webcam images, and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 2 and 5-7 November ash plumes from Sinabung rose 3.4-4.9 km (11,000-16,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, ESE, and SSE.

Stromboli | Aeolian Islands (Italy) : INGV reported that a 3-minute-long explosive sequence began at the central vents of Stromboli’s southern crater area (Area CS) at 2129 on 1 November. The explosions ejected coarse pyroclastic material onto the Sciara del Fuoco, in the direction of Pizzo Sopra la Fossa, and produced a dense ash plume that quickly dissipated to the S. Seismicity returned to normal levels after the events.

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : Based on JMA notices and satellite data, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions at Suwanosejima during 31 October, and 1, 3, and 5 November; plumes rose 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and W.

Turrialba | Costa Rica : The Washington VAAC reported that an ash emission from Turrialba was observed in webcam images on 4 November. Ash was not identified in satellite images, though weather cloud cover was increasing and may have obscured views.

Ulawun | New Britain (Papua New Guinea) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 3 November an ash plumes from Ulawun rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNE, though a RVO report noted only vapor emissions.