Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 2 May – 8 May 2018

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that there were seven events and 15 explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 1-7 May. Tephra was ejected as far as 1.3 km from the crater, and ash plumes rose as high as 2.8 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 8 May a possible ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.

Cleveland | Chuginadak Island (USA) : AVO reported that a small explosion at Cleveland was detected in seismic and infrasound data at 2149 on 4 May. The event produced a small ash cloud that rose as high as 6.7 km (22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. The Aviation colour Code and the Volcano Alert Level were raised to Orange/Watch. No additional significant activity led AVO to the lower the levels back to Yellow/Advisory on 6 May.

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 2-8 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.5-3 km (5,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and E.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 1-3 May that sent ash plumes as high as 2.8 km (9,200 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : Based on webcam and satellite observations KVERT reported that at 1150 on 8 May an ash plume from Klyuchevskoy rose to altitudes of 5-5.5 km (16,400-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 105 km SSE. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Orange.

Pacaya | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that during 1-2 May Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 50 m above the crater rim. A 500-m-long lava flow advanced NW towards Cerro Chino. Nighttime crater incandescence was visible, and rumbling was heard in areas within 2-3 km. Activity increased on 4 May, with explosions ejecting tephra as high as 80 m. The lava flow continued to advance and by 6 May was 600 m long. Strombolian explosions ejected material 15 m above the crater rim, and nighttime incandescence continued to be present.

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; explosions averaged 25 per day during 30 April-6 May. The number of long-period events and signals indicating emissions increased. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2 km above the crater rim and drifted 40 km N, NE, and E. The MIROVA system detected four thermal anomalies, and on 6 May the sulfur dioxide gas flux was high at 2,662 tons/day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Santa Maria | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that explosions at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex, detected by the seismic network during 1-2 and 5-6 May, generated ash plumes that rose 600-700 m and drifted SW. Avalanches of material descended the SE flank of the lava dome.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images on 28 and 30 April and 2 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : The Tokyo VAAC reported explosions at Suwanosejima on 2 and 4 May, based on JMA notices and satellite data.