Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – Ongoing Activity for the week of 11 December – 17 December 2019

Aira | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible at night during 9-16 December. There were 15 explosions and 10 non-explosive eruptive events detected by the seismic network. Ash plumes rose 2.4 km above the crater rim, although explosions at 0115 and 2109 on 10 December generated ash plumes that rose 3 km above the crater rim. Blocks were ejected as far as 1.3 km away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Asosan | Kyushu (Japan) : JMA reported that the eruption at Asosan that began on 7 October continued through 16 December. Ash plumes rose as high as 1 km and caused ashfall in areas downwind. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 3,000-3,300 tons per day on 11 and 16 September. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) : Based on satellite and wind model data, and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-17 December ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. 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 6-13 December that sent ash plumes up to 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted E, causing ashfall in Severo-Kurilsk during 10-12 December. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Karangetang | Siau Island (Indonesia) : PVMBG reported that during 9-15 December lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S), traveling as far as 1.8 km down the Nanitu, Pangi, and Sense drainages on the SW and W flanks. Sometimes dense white plumes rose to 500 m above the summit. Incandescence from both summit craters was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Klyuchevskoy | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was identified in satellite images during 5, 7, and 11-12 December, and Strombolian activity was visible during 11-12 December. An ash plume rose to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 30 km SE. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange.

Sangay | Ecuador : Based on information from the Guayaquil MWO, satellite images, and wind model data, the Washington VAAC reported that during 10-17 December ash plumes from Sangay rose to 5.8-7.3 km (19,000-24,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A thermal anomaly was visible on 17 December.

Sangeang Api | Indonesia : The Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-13 and 17 December discrete ash emissions from Sangeang Api rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and W. A thermal anomaly was visible on 27 November. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Sheveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) : KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 6-13 December. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-colour scale).

Shishaldin | Fox Islands (USA) : AVO reported that seismicity at Shishaldin remained elevated during 10-11 December; low-level tremor was detected along with three small explosions. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images and a steam plume drifting from the summit was visible in webcam images. A short-lived explosion began at 0710 on 12 December and lasted about three minutes, coincident with a three-minute long period of elevated tremor. The event generated an ash plume that rose to altitudes of 6.1-7.6 km (20,000-25,000 ft) a.s.l., drifted almost 85 km/hour WNW, and then dissipated a few hours later. Three lightning strokes were detected between 0715 and 0717. The explosion may have collapsed the summit spatter cone. Highly elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images during 12-13 December, and the webcam showed nighttime incandescence and a robust steam plume emanating from the summit. Seismicity remained elevated through 16 December and elevated surface temperatures continued to be detected. A plume appearing to contain ash drifted from the summit on 14 December. A lava flow was reported by a pilot on 16 December; the next day satellite images showed a 2-km-long flow on the NW flank. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.