Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity – New Activity for the Week 26 May - 1 June 2021

Great Sitkin – Andreanof Islands (USA) : On 27 May AVO reported that seismicity at Great Sitkin was low following a 25 May explosion, and satellite images showed minor steaming and slightly elevated surface temperatures. The Aviation colour Code and the Volcano Alert Level were lowered to Yellow and Advisory, respectively. Seismicity remained low through 1 June; moderately elevated surface temperatures were detected during 29-30 May.

Krakatau – Indonesia : The Darwin VAAC reported that a diffuse ash plume from Anak Krakatau was visible in satellite images drifting SW at an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l.

Nyiragongo – DR Congo : Satellite data and analysis indicated that the lava flows at Nyiragongo during 22-23 May were the result of a N-S trending dike that had intruded beneath the volcano and Goma, and likely extended beneath Lake Kivu. Though lava effusion ceased, intense seismicity continued afterwards and indicated the dike continued to be active, according to GeoRiskA. Ground cracking in the city and damage to buildings from earthquakes continued to be reported. On 27 May authorities mandated an evacuation of the at least 400,000 residents in higher risk areas (about 10 districts) according to news organizations. The total population of Goma is an estimated 670,000 people. Photos in news articles showed masses of people and cars jammed for kilometers on roads leading out of the city. During 28-29 May GeoRiskA reported that seismicity began to decrease and continued a downward trend at least through 1 June; both the seismic data and GPS data indicated that the dike was no longer propagating. A news article noted that residents had begun returning to their homes within a few days. Humanitarian organizations noted that within five days after lava flow stopped nearly 700 children had been re-united with their families, and more than 200 were in foster care or other transitional facilities. More than 170 families continued to search for missing children. The eruption had destroyed 3,629 homes, 12 schools, and 3 health facilities. More than 20,000 people were displaced and 31 had died. Goma’s international airport remained closed, though one across the border in Rwanda was operating.

Semisopochnoi – Aleutian Islands (USA) : AVO reported that an eruption at Semisopochnoi continued during 25 May-1 June. Steaming from the N crater at Mount Cerberus was visible in satellite images on 25 May. Radar data acquired between 15 and 27 May showed no morphological changes to the active vent. Tremor began to be recorded after AVO field engineers restored the satellite uplink to the seismic stations on 26 May. Field crews on 29 May observed low-level ash plumes rising to 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l., and small ash clouds drifting SW were visible in satellite images at around 0810 and 0920. Diffuse ash emissions were visible in satellite imagery at 1110. Strongly elevated surface temperatures were also identified in satellite data. Increased seismic tremor and accompanying low-level ash emissions began at 0945 on 30 May, with ash plumes drifting S at an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. at least through 1250. Elevated surface temperatures were detected during 30-31 May, likely from hot material on the crater floor. Seismic data showed low-level continuous tremor and occasional small discrete events. The Aviation colour Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Telica – Nicaragua : INETER reported that a series of 16 small explosions at Telica began at 0508 on 22 May, and produced ash-and-gas emissions that rose 250 m above the crater. Tephra from the plumes fell back down into the crater.