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Tungurahua, Ecuador

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:50:09 +0000

The IG reported that although visual observations of Tungurahua were occasionally limited due to cloud cover; gas-and-ash plumes were seen and rose to altitudes of 5.5-7.5 km (18,000-24,600 ft) a.s.l. during 11-17 February. Plumes drifted W, NE, E, and SE. On 11 February, small lahars descended multiple gorges to the NW and S. Incandescence in the crater was seen at night on 11 and 12 February, and roaring was heard on 12 and 16 February. Ashfall was reported in areas to the SW on 12 February and to the N on 14 February. An explosion on 16 February that vibrated windows was followed by ash emissions that generated a plume to an altitude of 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. The plume drifted W.

Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG) - “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

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Soufriére Hills, Montserrat, West Indies

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:48:57 +0000

MVO reported that during 6-13 February activity from the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level. Two rockfalls were detected and seismicity was low. On 13 February, one small pyroclastic flow that originated in a gully on the N side of the lava dome traveled less than 1 km. The Hazard Level remained at 4.

Sources: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

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Shiveluch, Russia

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:48:09 +0000

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was above background levels during 6-13 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to altitudes of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. Lava flows continued to be active on the S and N flanks. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a thermal anomaly on the lava dome during 6 and 8-10 February; clouds prevented observations on the other days during the reporting period. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption on 12 February produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l.

Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

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Shishaldin, Fox Islands

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:46:51 +0000

AVO reported that seismic activity from Shishaldin had returned to background levels in December 2008 and remained low. On 3 February, a weak thermal anomaly was detected on satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Normal on 11 February.

Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for photographs and more information on Shishaldin from Volcano World!

Santa María, Guatemala

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:45:53 +0000

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 12 February ash puffs from Santa María’s Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted WSW and W. On 16 and 17 February, INSIVUMEH reported that explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.7-3.3 km (8,900-10,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Small pyroclastic flows on 16 February descended the SE flank and reached the Nima I river. On 17 February, incandescent avalanches were noted and fumarolic plumes drifted SW.

Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH), Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

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Sakura-Jima, Japan

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:44:46 +0000

Based on analysis of satellite imagery and pilot observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 11-12 February ash plumes from Sakura-jima rose to altitudes of 1.2-1.5 km (4,000-5,000 ft) a.s.l.

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

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Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:43:43 +0000

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-14 February ash plumes from Rabaul caldera’s Tavurvur cone rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE and W. On 17 February, a low-level ash plume drifted SE.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more pictures and information about Rabaul Caldera

Popocatépetl, Mexico

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:42:52 +0000

CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 11-17 February; the plumes occasionally contained slight amounts of ash. On 13 February, a plume with low ash content rose to an altitude of 7.2 km (23,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE at 2230; 95 minutes of increased seismicity followed.

Sources: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED), Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more pictures and information on Popocatepetl from Volcano World!

Kilauea, Hawaii, USA

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:41:52 +0000

Click to watch video!

HVO reported that during 11-17 February lava flowed SE from underneath Kilauea’s Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex through a lava tube system, reaching the Waikupanaha and Waha’ula ocean entries. On most days, multiple explosions and spatter at the ocean entry were seen. On 11 February, geologists found a new littoral cone, on the edge of the bench, with a large crack running through it. Spatter on the cone and the bench behind it resulted from lava bubble bursts and steam jetting reported during the previous two days. A second crack between the cone and the sea cliff was also noted. The cracks suggested that the bench was slowly failing and did not collapse as reported a few days prior. Occasional incandescence originated from the Prince lobe, the flow that feeds the Waha’ula ocean entry. Thermal anomalies suggesting surface flows were noted on the coastal plain and on the pali.

The vent in Halema’uma’u crater continued to produce a predominantly white plume that drifted mainly SW; incandescence was intermittently seen from the vent. Small amounts of tephra, including Pele’s hair and some spatter, were routinely collected. Infrared images taken during an overflight on 11 February revealed the development of a small spattering cone over the conduit that hosted a lava pond the previous week. Images taken on 14 February indicated that the conduit had mostly crusted over; a small, puffing vent was visible. The sulfur dioxide emission rate at the summit was 800 tonnes per day on 12 February, and 500 tonnes on 13 February; the 2003-2007 average rate was 140 tonnes per day.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more pictures and information about Kilauea from Volcano World!!

Karymsky, Russia

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:37:42 +0000

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 6-9 February and at background levels during 10-13 February. Ash explosions produced plumes that rose to an altitude of 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Clouds prevented satellite observations. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more pictures and information on Karymsky at Volcano World!

Dukono, Halmahera, Indonesia

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:36:50 +0000

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Dukono drifted SE at an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 11 February.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more photos and information on Dukono from Volcano World!

Arenal, Costa Rica

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:36:02 +0000

OVSICORI-UNA reported that during January, activity originating from Arenal’s Crater C consisted of gas emissions, sporadic Strombolian eruptions, and occasional avalanches from lava-flow fronts that traveled down the SW flanks. Volcanic activity was at relatively low levels and few eruptions occurred. Acid rain and small amounts of ejected pyroclastic material affected the NE and SE flanks. Eruptions produced ash plumes that rose about 2.2 km (7,100 ft) a.s.l. Small avalanches of volcanic material traveled down several ravines. Crater D showed only fumarolic activity.

Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more pictures and information about Arenal on Volcano World!

Redoubt, Alaska, USA

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:34:02 +0000

AVO reported that during 10-17 February seismic activity at Redoubt was variable but remained elevated above background levels. Web camera views were often obscured by snow, clouds, or ice on the camera housing. On 10 February, scientists noted that the outflow stream on the W side of Drift Glacier was frozen.

Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more information on Redoubt at Volcano World!

Galeras, Colombia

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:32:36 +0000

Galeras Erupts

INGEOMINAS reported an explosive eruption from Galeras that began at 1910 on 14 February; the Alert Level was raised from III (Yellow; “changes in the behavior of volcanic activity”) to I (Red; “imminent eruption or in progress”), on a scale of 4-1. An accompanying shock wave was detected in multiple areas, including in parts of Pasto (about 10 km E). The altitude of the resultant ash plume was not known nor observed on satellite images due to cloud cover. From about 1930 until 2030 ashfall, rain, and an odor of sulfur gas were reported on the slopes of the volcano as well as in Pasto. Ash deposits were mainly in areas to the E and as far away as 25 km. Seismicity returned at 1950 to similar levels recorded prior to the eruption and remained low. On 16 February, the Alert Level was lowered to II (Orange; “probable eruption in term of days or weeks”). During 16-17 February, small steam plumes rose to altitudes of 4.6-6.7 km (15,100-22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, E, and NE.

According to news articles, authorities ordered the evacuation of about 8,000 people living on the slopes, but few went to evacuation shelters.

Sources: Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (INGEOMINAS), Agence France-Presse, Caracol Radio – “Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more information on Galeras from Volcano World!!

Asama, Honshu, Japan

Robert Peckyno — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:27:37 +0000

Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 11-12 February eruptions from Asama produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 3-3.7 km (10,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and SE. JMA reported that on 16 and 17 February eruptions produced colored plumes containing ash that rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. Incandescence in the crater was seen on web cameras.

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

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Asama, Honshu, Japan

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:46:32 +0000

JMA reported that an eruption from Asama produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 3-4 km (10,000-13,100 ft) a.s.l. during 9-10 February. Ash fell in areas to the NE on 9 February.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

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Redoubt, Alaska, USA

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:45:23 +0000

AVO reported that during 4-10 February seismic activity at Redoubt fluctuated but remained elevated well above background levels. On 7 February, aerial observers reported continued steaming from an area around the 1989-90 lava dome and water discharge along the Drift Glacier. Clear web camera views during 7-9 February showed small steam plumes.

Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more information on Redoubt at Volcano World!

Sakura-Jima, Japan

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:44:07 +0000

: Photograph from Kyodo via AP Images – Click here for more information

JMA reported that Sakura-jima erupted explosively eight times during 1-2 February; bombs were deposited as far away as 800 m from the Showa crater (on the E slope of Minami-dake, or “south mountain,” at an elevation of about 800 m). JMA raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3 on 2 February. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 4-5 February explosions and eruptions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. On 9 February a pilot reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

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Barren Island, Andaman Islands, India

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:39:14 +0000

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, SIGMET notices, and pilot observations, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 5 February an ash plume from Barren Island rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SSE.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more photographs and information on Barren Island from Volcano World!

Chaitén, Chile

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:38:10 +0000

Based on SIGMET notices, analysis of satellite imagery, reports from the Puerto Montt Flight Information Region (FIR), and web camera views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 4, 6, and 7 February ash plumes from Chaitén rose to altitudes 2-3 km (6,500-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, and SE.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) - “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Colima, Mexico

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:37:04 +0000

During 3-10 February, white and gray plumes from Colima rose to altitudes of 3.9-4.9 km (12,800-16,100 ft) a.s.l. On 4 and 6 February, incandescent material was ejected 50 m above the summit.

Source: Gobierno del Estado de Colima – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more images and information on Colima.

Dukono, Halmahera, Indonesia

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:35:59 +0000

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 9-10 February ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more photos and information on Dukono from Volcano World!

Fuego, Guatemala

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:35:10 +0000

On 6, 8, and 10 February, INSIVUMEH reported that multiple explosions from Fuego produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.1-5.4 km (13,500-17,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S and SW. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind. Some explosions produced rumbling sounds and constant avalanches of blocks descended the flanks. On 8 February, explosions were accompanied by shock waves that were detected 10-15 km away.

Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) – “Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”

Click here for more photographs and information on Fuego from Volcano World!

Karymsky, Russia

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:34:06 +0000

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 1-4 February and at background levels on the other days during 30 January-6 February. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a weak thermal anomaly in the crater on 30 January; clouds prohibited views during the rest of the reporting period. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Click here for more pictures and information on Karymsky at Volcano World!

Kilauea, Hawaii, USA

Robert Peckyno — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:33:15 +0000

HVO reported that during 4-10 February lava flowed SE from underneath Kilauea’s Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex through a lava tube system, reaching the Waikupanaha and Waha’ula ocean entries. On 7 and 8 February, multiple explosions at the ocean entry were seen. On 9 February, booming noises and explosions were noted at the ocean entry; observers reported lava bubble bursts at 15-30 minute intervals. Seismicity and later observations indicated that the bench had collapsed. Incandescence originated from the Prince lobe, the flow that feeds the Waha’ula ocean entry. Thermal anomalies suggesting surface flows were noted on the coastal plain and on the pali.

The vent in Halema’uma’u crater continued to produce a predominantly white plume that drifted mainly SW; the plume turned brown on 5 and 7 February. Small amounts of tephra were routinely collected. Incandescence was intermittently seen from the vent, and sounds resembling rushing gas and rockfalls were sometimes heard in the vicinity of the crater. Geologists looked into the vent on 4 and 6 February and saw lava rising and falling about 115-120 m below the vent rim. The sulfur dioxide emission rate at the summit was 900 tonnes per day on 4 and 9 February, and 500 tonnes on 5 February; the 2003-2007 average rate was 140 tonnes per day.

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