Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity:

Shiveluch (Kamchatka): An explosion and/or dome collapse event occurred last night at 19:36 UTC, with a likely ash plume rising to possibly up to 20,000 ft (estimated from seismic signals).

Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): The volcano seems to have become less active during the past days, following its own rhythm of alternating phases of weak and strong activity, each lasting from days to weeks typically. After a still very productive 31 July, the rate of explosions has gone down to 0-2 per day during the past days. Also, average sizes of explosions have been weaker recently, compared to mid July.

Veniaminof (Alaska Peninsula, USA): The eruption has been decreasing during the past days, and looks as if it could soon end. Seismic activity has decreased as well, but still indicates that some activity continues to take place. "Elevated surface temperatures were observed during clear periods over the past week, and indicate the continued eruption of lava. Minor ash and steam emissions up to 3.6 km (12,000 ft) above sea level and extending for 20 km (12.4 miles) were reported by pilots and observed in satellite data from July 27-29. Clouds have mostly obscured views of the volcano since then." (AVO)

Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Activity has been more or less stable at relatively low levels. During 1-2 Aug, the rate of emissions climbed to about 3 per hour, and some tremor episodes were recorded as well as at least one (non observed) explosion event. VAAC Washington reported short but strong ash emissions rising to 28,000 ft (5.5 km) altitude, i.e. not much above the summit elevation of the volcano, at 11:36 and 14:34 UTC yesterday.

Tungurahua (Ecuador): The trend of increasing activity has continued over the past days. The volcano has been producing nearly constant steam and ash emissions to a maximum height of 2 km height, as well as discrete strombolian to vulcanian-type explosions accompanied by atmospheric shock waves and ground vibration. Ash fall has affected numerous inhabited and cultivated areas near the volcano. Heavy rains have been causing trouble, too, because a series of mud flows were generated, especially inside the ravines of the western flank.