Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 30 May – 5 June 2018

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that there were 12 events and four explosions at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 28 May-4 June. Tephra was ejected as far as 1.1 km from the crater, and ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim. Crater incandescence was occasionally visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on ground observations and satellite data, PVMBG and the Darwin VAAC reported that during 30 May-June ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.4-2.1 km (4,500-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and E.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images on 25 and 28 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Piton de la Fournaise | Reunion Island (France) : OVPF reported that during an overflight of Piton de la Fournaise on 29 May scientists noted that the vent atop the main cone (about 22-25 m high) was about 5 m in diameter. Slumping and small collapses on the flanks were visible, and gas emissions rose from the vent. Based on seismicity, OVPF stated that at 1430 on 1 June the eruption that began on 27 April was over.

Sabancaya | Peru : Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya was comparable to the previous week; explosions averaged 28 per day during 28 May-3 June. Seismicity was dominated by long-period events and signals indicating emissions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 4.3 km above the crater rim and drifted 40 km NE, E, and SE. The MIROVA system detected six thermal anomalies, and on 30 May the sulfur dioxide gas flux was high at 5,571 tons/day. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

San Miguel | El Salvador : SNET reported a significant increase in the number of low- and high-frequency earthquakes beneath San Miguel’s crater beginning on 22 May. RSAM values fluctuated between 142 and 176 units (normal values are 50-150 units) during 30 May-1 June. Webcam images on 30 May showed a small gray gas emission.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images on 31 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : Based on JMA notices and satellite data, the Tokyo VAAC reported an explosion at Suwanosejima on 2 June.

Yasur | Vanuatu : Based on webcam images and model data, the Wellington VAAC reported that during 5-6 June intermittent, low-level ash plumes from Yasur rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery.