Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Iwo-Tori-shima (Ryukyu Islands): A possible small eruption occurred this morning. Tokyo VAAC received a (pilot) report of an ash plume rising to 7,000 ft (2.1 km) and drifting 40 nautical miles to the north of the small island. No ash could be detected on satellite images, and sometimes weather clouds are mistaken for ash plumes. On the other hand, the volcano has had relatively frequent small eruptions during the past centuries and new activity would not be a surprising event.

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): (6 Jul) For over a week, no significant explosions have occurred at the volcano. Is it going to "hold its breath" and save power for the upcoming 2013 IVACEI conference in Kagoshima 19-24 July?

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Another phase of near-continuous strong explosions has started a few hours ago after being calmer most of the past night. Yesterday morning CENAPRED staff made an overflight over the volcano and took some infrared images which showed continuous emission of ash and incandescent fragments. The ash column reached just over 2 km height and incandescent bombs were observed at altitudes above 1 km and being deposited almost on all sides of the volcano at distances of up to 1.5 km. After being a bit calmer during the first half of the day, compared to last night, a strong eruption occurred around 19:00 GMT (10:00 local time) and is probably continuing, judging from the seismic signal. VAAC Washington alerted of an ash plume at approx. 25,000 ft (7.5 km) altitude. Due to cloudy conditions, it is difficult to observe the activity directly.