Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Tolbachik (Kamchatka): While the activity of lava effusion from the southern vent continues, the recent tremor measurements of KVERT have been showing a decreasing trend since mid June, after having been stable or even rising a bit since April. This means that the effusion rate is likely decreasing as well, but still, it is difficult to predict when the eruption will eventually end.

Chirpoi (Kuril Islands, Russia): A hot spot was again detected on MODIS satellite data, which suggests the presence of lava or hot gasses. However, visual satellite images showed no degassing plume, which would have confirmed possible activity at the volcano.

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): A phase of strong activity started last Sunday. Following a week of almost no explosions, a series of relatively strong eruptions has started. On average, 4-5 explosions have occurred per day, with at least 5 stronger ones producing ash plumes to 10-12,000 ft (3-3.6 km) altitude.

Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands): VAAC Tokyo reported a small ash plume from the volcano at 5,000 ft (1.5 km) elevation today. Likely, some stronger strombolian-type explosion has occurred at the volcano, whose activity is similar to Stromboli in Italy.

Veniaminof (Alaska Peninsula, USA): A significant increase in seismic activity has occurred today, which could suggest that the eruption is gaining strength. During the past days, it continued at low but steady levels with no major changes. AVO reported low-level volcanic tremor and a thermal anomaly as well as occasional observations of weak incandescence indicate continuing lava effusion. Explosive activity, if at all, is minor.

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): The volcano has been a bit calmer today, but still emits an impressive steam plume with some ash most of the time as well as occasional smaller explosions. VAAC reported the plume height at 22,000 ft (7 km) altitude drifting SW.

Santa María / Santiaguito (Guatemala): Activity, currently low, has not changed significantly. There are occasional explosions of small to moderate size, that eject ash plumes up to 600 m above the crater. The lava flow on the south side of the Caliente lava dome also remained weakly active during the past days.

Pacaya (Guatemala): Mild strombolian activity persists at the volcano's crater. Some explosions can be heard in up to 5 km distance.

Fuego (Guatemala): Activity remains generally stable with infrequent weak to moderate explosions, sometimes accompanied by shock waves felt in nearby villages. Plumes of fine ash rose to 600-800 m height above the crater and drifted for about 10 km before being dispersed, INSIVUMEH reported this morning in its daily update.

Telica (Nicaragua): The seismic swarm continues with high frequency of small earthquakes.

Momotombo (Nicaragua): Seismic activity has decreased again during the past days with fewer earthquakes.