Volcanos

Global Volcanic Activity - Ongoing Activity for the week of 29 May - 4 June 2019

Agung | Bali (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that at 1142 on 31 May an explosion at Agung produced a dense gray ash plume that rose 2 km and drifted NE and E. Roaring was audible from the Agung Volcano Observatory in Rendang (about 8 km SW). 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 during 27 May-3 June very small eruptive events at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) were recorded as well as periodic crater incandescence. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that very small eruptive events at Asosan’s Nakadake Crater on 29 and 31 May generated plumes that rose 400 m above the crater rim and, according to the Tokyo VAAC, drifted S and N, respectively. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be high at 2,000 tons per day. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 29 May-4 June ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and W. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

Ebeko | Paramushir Island (Russia) : Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 25-28 May that sent ash plumes up to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. A thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified during 27-28 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Ibu | Halmahera (Indonesia) : The Darwin VAAC reported that on 31 May multiple ash plumes from Ibu rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W based on satellite data. On 2 June ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. 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 an ash plume from Karymsky was identified in satellite images drifting 45 km NE on 24 May and a thermal anomaly was visible during 28-29 May. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that ash plumes from Klyuchevskoy were last observed on 22 April and a weak thermal anomaly was last identified on 15 May. KVERT lowered the Aviation colour Code to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-colour scale) on 31 May.

Krakatau | Indonesia : PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatau’s seismic network detected two eruptive events on 29 May and two events on 2 June. None of the events were followed by visible ash emissions, though observations were hindered by weather conditions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km radius hazard zone from the crater.

Merapi | Central Java (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 24-30 May the lava-dome volume at Merapi did not change and was an estimated 458,000 cubic meters, based on analyses of drone footage. Extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE flank, generating one block-and-ash flow that traveled 1.1 km down the Gendol drainage. White plumes rose as high as 400 m above the summit. A news article stated that block-and-ash flows descended the Gendol drainage during 1-2 June, traveling as far as 1.2 km. In addition, incandescent dome material traveled 750 m on 2 June. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

Poas | Costa Rica : OVSICORI-UNA reported that multiple phreatic eruptions at Poás recorded during 29 May-1 June produced plumes that rose as high as 500 m above the vent.

Santa Maria | Guatemala : INSIVUMEH and CONRED reported that during 29-30 May lahars descended Santa María's San Isidro drainage (tributary of El Tambor), carrying blocks 1-3 m in diameter and tree trunks. The lahars were 20 m wide and 1.5 m deep; CONRED noted that the 29 May lahar was hot and had a sulfur odor. Explosions recorded during 30 May-4 June generated ash plumes that rose as high as 800 m above the crater and drifted E and SE. Avalanches of material descended the E and SE flanks.

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 24-31 May. 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 occasionally visible at night during 24-31 May. An eruption at 1629 on 30 May generated a plume that rose 1.1 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).