Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Bárdarbunga (Iceland): An eruption started in Holuhraun north of Dyngjujökull at around 00:02. Seismic tremor was observed on all seismic stations and the web camera installed in the area by Mila has showed some nice pictures of the eruption. It is a small fissure eruption and at 02:40 AM the activity appears to have decreased. An exclusion zone 1.5 km above and 15 km around the eruption site is in place. The circumstances around the eruption are somewhat enigmatic. It is interesting to note that the large intrusion, estimated to contain approx. 350 million cu meters of magma on a length of 40 km only produced a tiny fissure eruption (so far, at least).

Tavurvur volcano (Rabaul, Papua New Guinea): A large explosive eruption began at Tavurvur volcano (Rabaul caldera) this morning. The eruption seems to be similar to a paroxysm on Etna. Lava fountains and significant ash emissions were observed. The ash plume reached a height of approx. 60,000 ft (18 km) altitude. Aviation colour code was raised to red.