Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 8 May - 14 May 2019

Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : PVMBG and BNPB reported that an eruptive event at Agung was recorded by the seismic network at 2229 on 12 May, accompanied by a loud bang audible at the Agung Volcano Observatory in Rendang (about 8 km SW). Dense fog prevented height estimates of the ash plume. A photo posted along with the report showed that incandescent material was deposited on the flanks. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) with the exclusion zone set at a 4-km radius.

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was occasionally visible at night during 7-13 May. Explosions on 7 and 13 May generated plumes that rose 1.6 and 2.9 km above the crater rim, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-14 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted mainly NE, E, and SE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and visitors were warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

Fuego | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH reported that there were 13-24 explosions per hour recorded at Fuego during 9-10 and 12-14 May, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted 10-15 km S and SW. Explosions sometimes produced shock waves that rattled houses in areas to the S and SW. Incandescent material was ejected 200-300 m high and caused avalanches of material that occasionally traveled long distances (and reached vegetated areas) down the Seca (W), Taniluyá (SW), Ceniza (SSW), Trinidad (S), and Las Lajas (SE) ravines. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché (8 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), and Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW). Lava flows were 500-600 m long on the W flank. On 11 May steaming lahars descended the Las Lajas, Seca, Ceniza, and Mineral drainages, carrying variously-sized blocks and tree parts. Lahars on 14 May carried blocks and tree trunks down the Ceniza drainage.

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 8 May an ash plume from Ibu rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ESE based on satellite data. PVMBG noted that at 1821 on 9 May an ash plume rose 600 m above the crater rim and drifted S. Seismic activity was characterized by explosions, tremor, and signals indicating rock avalanches. According to the VAAC an ash plume drifted ESE at an altitude of 1.8 (6,000 ft) a.s.l. on 10 May. A 14 May VONA stated that at 1846 an ash plume rose 800 m and drifted N. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.

Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 6-8 May. A gas-and-steam plume containing ash was also visible drifting 105 km SE and SW during 6-7 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Kerinci | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that at 1804 on 10 May a brown ash emission from Kerinci rose 700 m and drifted ESE. Seismic activity was characterized by continuous volcanic tremor and gas emissions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4) with a 3-km exclusion zone.

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images during 6 and 8-9 May. The Aviation colour Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatau’s seismic network detected eruptive events at 1254 and 1446 on 10 May, 0555 on 11 May, 1003 and 1220 on 12 May, and 0021 on 14 May. An observer estimated that an ash plume rose 150 m above the summit and drifted NE at 1446 on 10 May, but noted that visibility was difficult. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain outside of the 2-km radius hazard zone from the crater.

Manam | Papua New Guinea : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 10 May an ash plume from Manam rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, based on satellite data and weather models. A sulfur dioxide plume and a thermal anomaly were also identified. The next day diffuse plumes drifted NE and E at an altitude of 2.4 (8,000 ft) a.s.l.

Nevados de Chillan | Chile : ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN reported that an explosive event at Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater was recorded at 2003 on 12 May associated with a long-period earthquake signal. The explosion partially destroyed the lava dome, ejecting incandescent material onto the N flank. The Alert Level remained at Orange, the second highest level on a four-colour scale, and residents were reminded not to approach the crater within 3 km. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-colour scale) for the communities of Pinto, Coihueco, and San Fabián.

Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that an eruption at Rincón de la Vieja recorded at 0720 on 11 May produced a white gas-and-steam plume that rose 600 m above the crater rim.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 3-10 May. Gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash was visible drifting 50 km SE and SW. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Suwanosejima | Ryukyu Islands (Japan) : JMA reported that crater incandescence at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible at night during 3-10 May. A very small eruption on 5 May generated a plume that rose 500 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).