Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Reventador (Ecuador): The volcano has now entered a full-scale eruption. Lava flows descending on the flanks and glow at the summit were observed. A tall steam and ash plume rises 1.5 km above the volcano and drifts west. Additionally explosions have been reported which were heard in the sector of Reventador. Seismic activity is strong and characterized by strong tremor and explosion signals. Interestingly, but probably nothing than coincidence, Reventador and Tungurahua which is now calm, two of Ecuador's currently most active volcanoes, seem to alternate each other with phase of strong activity.

Ruapehu (North Island, New Zealand): Current level of earthquakes remains low.

White Island (New Zealand): GeoNet has raised the alert to orange. Over the last 20-30 hours the style of seismic activity has changed. Although the level of volcanic tremor has started to decrease, hybrid volcanic earthquakes have appeared. Hybrid earthquakes are typically associated with the movement of molten material (magma) within an active volcano.

Lokon-Empung (North Sulawesi, Indonesia): A new, relatively large explosion occurred this morning at 5am local time. The online newspaper KabarCepat mentioned that the explosion was heard up to 6 km away. Following the initial eruption, the volcano continued to produce a strong steam plume, interrupted by smaller explosions for almost all day. More than 3 mm of ash were deposited 4 km to the NE in Kinilow.

Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): Thermal hot spots and SO2 plumes are often visible on satellite data. This indicates that some (weak) activity is present at the volcano.

Taal (Luzon, Philippines): Philvolc's seismic network recorded seven (7) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Increased numbers of earthquakes have now been occurring for several days and this is certainly something to monitor. Although other parameters show no significant changes, it could be an early harbinger of something in the making.

Stromboli (Eolian Islands, Italy): Activity, judged from tremor and explosion signals remain lower than during past week. The latest evaluation by INGV from 22 Jan described medium-low tremor levels.