ECUADOR - Guagua Pichincha volcano

February 20th , 2009

As of the 20th of February 2009, IG reported that the seismic stations Geophysical Institute have registered for days back a slight increase of the internal activity of volcano Guagua Pichincha. In previous days 4 phreatic explosions of moderate size have been registered. These explosions happen due to an increase of the internal steam pressure, possibly related to the increase of precipitations observed in the zone of volcano. Therefore the Geophysical Institute recommends that it is not allowed to descend to the interior of the crater since the phreatic explosions could be repeated and the people could take the rock hit, other materials and/or rarefaction waves that are generated by these events. These phreatic explosions they happen generally at times of much rainfall, this is the reason why these explosions not necessarily are indicative of a substantial increase of the activity of volcano Guagua Pichincha. The Geophysical Institute in its preprecautionary eagerness of the security of the people maintains a monitoring permanent of the state of this and other volcanos of the country and will inform opportunely into any change that these can present/display. The activity of the volcano shows a slight increase in its seismic activity with respect to the previous months. 40 volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes have been registered, which are related to the fracturing of rocks to the interior of the complex between the 14th and the 18th of February. These earthquakes are of small magnitude, which is the reason why they have not been perceived by the population. It is possible to indicate that during the 2007, an average of 4.2 VT earthquakes per day was had. Also in this time interval 6 events of long period (LP) per day were registered when the average in the 2008 was of 0.3. LP events are related to resonances of cracks full of flowed inside the volcano. In addition it is important to mention the presence of explosions of moderate magnitude, related to the phreatic activity. The 16th of February the guardian of the refuge of the volcano perceived an increase in the scent to sulphur in the high part of the crater. Guagua Pichincha rises immediately W of Quito, Ecuador's capital city. The broad volcanic massif is cut by a large horseshoe-shaped summit caldera, ~6 km in diameter and 600 m deep, that was breached to the W during a slope failure ~50,000 years ago. - Information : I G Quito

*************************************************************************************************************************

ECUADOR - Tungurahua volcano

July 2nd, 2009

As of the 1st of July, the Instituto Geofísico (IG) has reported that The IG reported that tremor and explosions from Tungurahua were detected by the seismic network almost daily during 23-30 June. A
plume with low ash content rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. on 23 June and drifted W, and a small ash plume rose 200 m above the crater on 29 June. Cloud cover frequently prevented observations during the rest of the reporting period. Ashfall was occasionally reported in areas to the W and SW. Sounds resembling blocks rolling down the flanks and "cannon shot" noises were sometimes reported. On 23 June, lava fountains at the summit were observed and blocks ejected from the crater rolled as far as 1 km down the flanks. On 27 June, the seismic network possibly detected lahars in area drainages.As of the 19th of June, the Instituto Geofísico (IG) has reported that the volcano is conserved with a moderate level of activity, did not register explosions in last the 24 hours, but until the night of yesterday ash fall appeared in the sectors of Manzano, Choglontus and Cahuají. The IG also reported that in the last 24 hours, a total of 20 events of long period has been entered (LP), 13 episodes of continuous tremor. At night and dawn the volcano remained place setting, but with the help of the nocturnal viewfinder something of brightness could be observed. In the morning the clouds covered the part superior of the cone and a column of 800 m of height could be distinguished that went towards the northwest. At night brief roars were heard. Until the dusk ambundant ash fall was reported in Manzano, Choglontus and Cahuají. Today ash has not fallen. The IG reported that during 10-15 June tremor and explosions from Tungurahua were detected by the seismic network. Ash plumes rose to a maximum altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. during 10-11 and 14 June; cloud cover frequently prevented observations during the reporting period. Ashfall was reported almost daily, mostly to the W. Some explosions were accompanied by "cannon shot" sounds or sounds resembling blocks rolling down the flanks. Windows occasionally vibrated.The IG reported that during 3-9 June tremor and explosions from Tungurahua were detected by the seismic network. On 3 June, lahars traveled down multiple drainages. A gas-and-ash plume rose 200 m and drifted SW; cloudy conditions prevented visual observations during the rest of the reporting period. Ashfall was detected in areas to the SW and W on 4 June. On 7 June, noises resembling blocks rolling down the flanks, "cannon shots," and roars were reported. The next day, "cannon shot" noises were followed by the vibration of windows in nearby areas. The IG reported that Strombolian activity was seen at night from Tungurahua during 26-28 May, followed by nighttime incandescence at the crater through 1 June. The Washington VAAC reported that during 27-29 and 31 May thermal anomalies were seen on satellite imagery. IG also stated that explosions, "cannon shots," and roaring noises were occasionally reported. On 28 May, steam-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and SW. Blocks rolled 1 km down the flanks. Ashfall was reported downwind during 28-30 May. As of the 22nd of May, the Instituto Geofísico (IG) has reported that the seismic activity continues being considered as moderate-low with decreasing tendency. Ash falls took place in the environs and noises were heard of volcanic origin. The IG reports that in the last 24 hours, a total of 14 events of long period (LP), 7 episodes of tremor of emission and 4 explosions has been entered. The high part of the volcano remained cloudy. Roars were heard from Pillate and Manzano and from these sites reported black and fine ash fall. Steam emissions were observed in the direction of the West. Tungurahua is a steep-sided stratovolcano or a conical volcano composed of many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash and is located near Ecuador's fourth largest city of Ambato, some 140 km south of the capital Quito. Tungurahua - Live webcam

*********************************************************************************************************************

ECUADOR - Reventador volcano

May 28th, 2009

Based on a pilot observation and a SIGMET notice, the Washington VAAC reported that on 26 May a diffuse ash plume from Reventador rose to an altitude of 6.4 km (21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Thermal
anomalies were intermittently seen on satellite imagery. Gas plumes with some possible ash were noted later that day. As of the 23rd of April, IGEPN reported that an increasing of the activivity started from this day. On Thursday 01:19 AM (local time) seismometer recorded a slow but progressive increasing of the seimic activity characterized with tremor signal and LP eartquakes. An eruptive vapor plume rose above the volcano at 06:40 AM and a thermal anomaly was visible from satellites images. At about 7 PM, people reported some rumble from the volcano. Further details as soon as possible. previously, as of the 28th of March 2009, the IG reported that seismicity from Reventador increased during 25-26 March. On 26 March, the seismic network detected an earthquake swarm consisting of long-period and hybrid events, interspersed with bands of harmonic tremor. Observers reported steam emissions with low ash content. The volcano experienced a violent eruption in 2002 that shot ash 10 miles (17 kilometers) high, blasted a flow of volcanic material nearly 5 miles (8 kilometers) down its slopes and dusted Quito, 60 miles (100 kilometers) to the west with a thick layer of ash. Reventador is the most frequently active of a chain of Ecuadorian volcanoes in the Cordillera Real, well E of the principal volcanic axis. It is a forested stratovolcano that rises above the remote jungles of the western Amazon basin. A 3-km-wide caldera breached to the E was formed by edifice collapse and is partially filled by a young, unvegetated stratovolcano that rises about 1,300 m above the caldera floor. Reventador has been the source of numerous lava flows as well as explosive eruptions that were visible from Quito in historical time. Frequent lahars in this region of heavy rainfall have constructed a debris plain on the eastern floor of the caldera.

***************************************************************************************************************************

Ecuador - Fernandina island - Cumbre volcano (Galapagos)

May 6th, 2009

As of the 6th of May, according to a news article, the eruption of Fernandina that began sometime between 2200 on 10 April and 0030 on 11 April continued after about 20 days. Variable activity included steam-and-gas emissions and lava flows. As of the 22nd of April, IGEPN reported that eruptive activity was still ongoing. Satellite images are still showing thermal anomaly and and a high eruptive column spreading toward more than 60 miles (100 kilometres) west of the islands. As of the 16th of April lava flow from the eruptive fissure went down on the SW flank and was entering into the ocean around Hammond cap. Previous news : According to news from Galapagos National Park La Cumbre volcano began spewing lava, gas and smoke on uninhabited Fernandina Island between Friday 10 PM and 00:30 AM (local time) on Saturday 11th of April 2009 after four years of inactivity. Satellite images taken at 8:58 am on the morning showed an eruptive column streching about 300 km West of the volcano. According to news articles, Galápagos National Park personnel conducting an overflight indicated that the eruption occurred from a fissure on the SW flank, about 500 m from the summit crater. The fissure was 200 m long and 10 m wide, and ejected lava fountains 15 m high. A gas-and-ash plume drifted SW. The eruption took place near the site of the previous eruption in 2005. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VVAC reported that during 11-14 April gas and possible ash plumes drifted up to 370 km W, SW, S, and N. On 14 April, a large thermal anomaly and sulfur dioxide were detected. The observatory also reported smoke from burning vegetation.The park note in a statement the eruption is not a threat to people living on nearby Isabela Island but lava flowing to the sea will likely affect marine and terrestrial iguanas, wolves and other fauna. IG scientists say Fernandina is the island with the most volcanic activity in the archipelago. Fernandina (or Cumbre volcano), the most active of Galápagos volcanoes and the one closest to the Galápagos mantle plume, is a basaltic shield volcano with a deep 5 x 6.5 km summit caldera. The volcano displays the classic "overturned soup bowl" profile of Galápagos shield volcanoes. Its caldera is elongated in a NW-SE direction and formed during several episodes of collapse. Circumferential fissures surround the caldera and were instrumental in growth of the volcano. Reporting has been poor in this uninhabited western end of the archipelago, and even a 1981 eruption was not witnessed at the time. In 1968 the caldera floor dropped 350 m following a major explosive eruption. Subsequent eruptions, mostly from vents located on or near the caldera boundary faults, have produced lava flows inside the caldera as well as those in 1995 that reached the coast from a SW-flank vent. Collapse of a nearly 1 cu km section of the east caldera wall during an eruption in 1988 produced a debris-avalanche deposit that covered much of the caldera floor and absorbed the caldera lake. La Cumbre last erupted in May 2005. (from IGEPN Quito)

MONTSERRAT - Soufriere Hills volcano - West-Indies

June 27th, 2009

Report for the period from 1st of May 2009 to 26th of June 2009- Activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano remained at a low level during 19th-26th of June. There was one small pyroclastic flow in the Tar River Valley. This occurred just before 10:40 am on Saturday 20 June. It generated a small ash cloud that drifted to the west over Plymouth and St George's Hill. This flow was caused by continued erosion on the eastern side of the dome. Seismic activity was low, with nine rockfalls, one long-period event and seven volcano-tectonic earthquakes. The average sulphur dioxide flux was 786 tons per day with a minimum of 449 and a maximum of 1151. There appear to be no major changes in the structure of the dome nor in fumarolic activity. On May 23, a rockfall signal recorded at 11:54 ECT contained some low-frequency energy at the onset that might indicate a small explosive component. On May 24 a small pyroclastic flow occurred on the Tar River side at 17:05 ECT.  Fom MVO, the ash was seen drifting above Gages Mountain and over Plymouth. Helicopter observations on May 29 confirm that this small pyroclastic flow reached the base of the dome below Perches Mountain at a distance of about 1 km from the dome. Sulphur dioxide flux averaged 681 tons per day over the week and remained slightly above the long-term average for the eruption of 550 tons per day. The minimum was 574 on May 23 and the maximum was 981 on May 28. Although the visibility was very limited throughout the week there appears to be no major changes in the dome or fumarolic activity. Infrared thermal imagery of parts of the eastern face of the dome on May 29 and from Garibaldi Hill on May 23 do not reveal any major new thermal features on the dome.   On May 21, a possible small explosion signal was detected at 09:14 ECT and a second similar but larger signal at 03:03 pm ECT.  They consist of a relatively large amplitude signal that contains some low-frequency energy indicative of a small explosive part, that is followed by a rockfall signal. A small amount of ash immediately followed the largest signal and was observed drifting above Mountain. Lahars were detected in valleys around the volcano only on May 18 from 2:48 to 3:24 am ECT.  Further processing of GPS data indicates that the magma chamber beneath Soufriere Hills volcano was inflating since early February 2009 in response to injection of magma at depth.  Recent data show that it has now started to deflate possibly as a result of magma moving to shallower levels below the volcano. Sulphur dioxide flux averaged 662 tons per day over the week with a minimum of 353 on May 15 and a maximum of 949 on May 19.  During the period from 8th-15th of May, activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano has been dominated by lahars. Lahars have been detected in valleys around the volcano and observed in the Belham river on several occasions:  on May 12 from 2:18 to 3:36 am ECT; on May 13 from 6:31 to 7:10 am ECT; on May 14 from 4:34 to 4:45 am ECT and from 3:25 to 4:10 pm ECT; and on May 15 from 5:32 to 6:09 am ECT.  Helicopter observations last week revealed that water is accumulating and forming a small pond in the Dyer's area because pyroclastic flow deposits and recent lahar material in the main Belham valley have dammed Mile ghaut as it enters the Belham river.  Heavy rains have eroded and caused slumping of the still hot pyroclastic-flow deposits from the December 2008 and January 2009 activity. Steam puffs occasionally laden with ash have occurred periodically at the base of  Tyre's ghaut  and were visible from the MVO. Seismic activity was low, with 4 rockfalls and 2 volcano-tectonic earthquakes during the week. One large isolated volcano-tectonic signal was recorded on May14  at 11:39 pm ECT and located at shallow depth under the dome. Sulphur dioxide flux averaged 520 tons per day over the entire week with a minimum of 330 on May 8 and a maximum of 848 on May 14.  On May 12, an intense smell of SO2 was noted overnight during the peak rainfall by many residents from Salem down to Woodlands. During the night of May 4 to May 5 a weather system produced significant rainfall on Montserrat and nearby islands. There were three periods of lahar activity in valleys around the volcano with decreasing intensity: at about 22h02 ECT on May 4, at about 23h07 ECT  on May 4, and at about  00h39 ECT on May 5.  Another small lahar was generated at about 7h09 ECT on May 8. Sulphur dioxide flux averaged 616 tons per day over the entire week with a minimum of 168 on May 7 and a maximum of 1020 on May 1.  - Information : Montserrat Volcano Observatory - View latest NOAA satellite image of Montserrat ( every 30 mn)
*************************************************************************************************************

MEXICO - Popocatepetl volcano

June 27th, 2009

As of the 26th of June, CENAPRED has reported that in the last 24 hours the monitoring system detected 6 exhalations accompanied by steam, gas and sometimes small amounts of ash. The other monitored parameters remain without important changes. At the moment of this report there is no visibility to the summit of volcano due to the clouds, similar to previous hours. From high to low probability the expected activity scenarios in the next hours, days or weeks are: moderate exhalations, some with ash emissions; occasionally mild incandescence during nights and sporadic low level explosions with low probabilities of incandescent fragment at short distance to the crater. There is a permanent monitoring of the volcano to detect any change. The traffic light of volcanic alert remains in YELLOW Phase 2.CENAPRED reported that during 10-16 June emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl sometimes contained slight amounts of ash. Volcano Popocatépetl, 5426 m high is located at 70 km SE of Mexico City. The glacier-clad stratovolcano contains a steep-walled, 250-450 m deep crater. Three major plinian eruptions, the most recent of which took place about 800 AD, have occurred from Popocatépetl since the mid Holocene, accompanied by pyroclastic flows and voluminous lahars that swept basins below the volcano. Frequent historical eruptions, have occurred since precolumbian time. . Information from CENAPRED - Live cam of Popocatepetl

**************************************************************************************************************************

MEXICO - Colima volcano

June 27th, 2009

As of the 26th of June, the Government of the State, through the State Unit of Civil Defence-Colima reported that three exhalations occuring during the last 24 hours, which has not caused reports on damages or affectation in the adjacent populations, according to information the Government into the State, through the State Unit of Civil Defence Colima. Even though the zone where is the volcano is cleared most of the time, sporadically establishment of clouds, water precipitations appears and electrical activity; for that reason one reminds the population to avoid the permanence in bordering ravines, before the risk of lahars (mud flows). Also, it follows the restriction effective for the overflights that do not have scientific aims or of civil defence, and is prohibited the permanence of people other people's to these activities in ravines of the volcano. According to the monitoring, this past Wednesday registered an exhalation to 350 metres in a southwestern direction at 1732 hours, whereas this past Thursday two more exhalations were registered, one at 0947 hours to 50 metres in a southwestern direction and another one at 1145 hours to 200 metres in a direction to the northwest, all the emanations were of white colour The Colima volcanic complex is the most prominent volcanic centre of the western Mexican Volcanic Belt. It consists of two southward-younging volcanoes, Nevado de Colima (the 4320 m high point of the complex) on the north and the 3850-m-high historically active Volcán de Colima at the south. Frequent historical eruptions date back to the 16th century. Occasional major explosive eruptions (most recently in 1913) have destroyed the summit and left a deep, steep-sided crater that was slowly refilled and then overtopped by lava dome growth. Colima's web video camera -

**********************************************************************************************************************

GUATEMALA - Fuego volcano

June 27th, 2009

As of the 26th of June, the National Institute Of Sismología, Volcanology, Meteorology And Hidrologia, (INSIVUMEH) has reported that the volcano continued to maintaining the increase in the energy and number of explosions; in the seismographic registry of FG3 of 24 hours 92 explosions were registered, between weak and moderate, expelling heavy columns from gray-black ash, to 600 to 1000 metres, moving to 10 and 12 kilometres to the south and southwest of the volcano. This behaviour is by the ascent of magmatic pulses. All the explosions are being accompanied by audible moderate and strong rumblings to several kilometres of the volcano and in populations like Antigua Guatemala and Santa Lucia Cotz. Accompanied by sensible acoustic waves in the villages of Panimache, Morelia and Santa Sofia. Fuego, one of Central America's most active volcanoes, is one of three large stratovolcanoes overlooking Guatemala's former capital, Antigua. Frequent vigorous historical eruptions have been recorded since 1524 and have produced major ashfalls, along with occasional pyroclastic flows and lava flows. The last major explosive eruption from Fuego took place in 1974, producing spectacular pyroclastic flows visible from Antigua. From (INSIVUMEH)

GUATEMALA - Santa Maria - Santiaguito

July 2nd, 2009

INSIVUMEH reported that on 26 and 29 June explosions from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.9-3.3 km (9,500-10,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and SW. Fumarolic plumes rose 100-200 m above Caliente dome. On 26 June, the seismic network detected a lahar that travelled S down the Nima I river. Steam plumes and a sulfur odor rose from the deposits. The
lahar was 15 m wide and 1 m thick at the toe, and carried blocks up to 1.5 m in diameter. As of the 26th of June, (INSIVUMEH reported that the seismic network of Santa Maria registered 8 explosions in 24 hours, in its majority weak expelling gray ash to the west, in a direction to the zone of Palajunoj. In the crater of the Cono Caliente maintained fumarole was observed of 100 metres this mainly of aqueous vapour. As of the 10th of June, INSIVUMEH reported that on 5, 8, and 9 June explosions from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.8-3.3 km (9,200-10,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Gas plumes that were sometimes gray rose 300-600 m above Caliente dome. Avalanches descended the S and W flanks. The symmetrical, forest-covered Santa María volcano is one of the most prominent of a chain of large stratovolcanoes that rises dramatically above the Pacific coastal plain of Guatemala. The massive dacitic Santiaguito lava-dome complex has been growing at the base of the 1902 crater since 1922. Compound dome growth at Santa Maria has occurred episodically from four westward-younging vents, the most recent of which is Caliente. Dome growth has been accompanied by almost continuous minor explosions, with periodic lava extrusion, larger explosions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars

GUATEMALA - Pacaya volcano

June 27th, 2009

As of the 26th of June, the National Institute Of Sismología, Volcanology, Meteorology And Hidrologia, (INSIVUMEH) reported that in the last days greater refeeding of the lava flows has been observed this gives more rise to the aparrent; today 5 in the average part of the southwestern and south-east flank were observed, with 100, 150, 200 to 250 metres in length; nevertheless these are fed by the same source. In the white fumarole aqueous vapour crater mainly. The seismic station of PCG, registers tremor (Internal vibration) generated by the feeding of the flows of lava and to the drag the same. The graphic one of energy RSAM, stays in a rank of 40 counts by registry of 10 minutes. As of the 19th of June, INSIVUMEH reported that Pacaya changed in the activity, of Strombolian type, this originating pulses of magmatic ascent, ring-supply the lava effusion. Now two starting points of lava the first in the west flank exist in front of the Cerro Chino with 3 flows of 25 and 50 metres in length. The other exit stays in the south flank of the volcano, with 2 lava flows; 100 and 200 metres in length. In constant fumarole, the Mackenney crater of gases to 200 metres of height, in a southwestern direction. During the past several decades, activity at Pacaya has consisted of frequent strombolian eruptions with intermittent lava flow extrusion that has partially filled in the caldera moat and armored the flanks of MacKenney cone, punctuated by occasional larger explosive eruptions that partially destroy the summit of the cone.

*************************************************************************************************************************

COSTA RICA - Arenal volcano

June 19th, 2008

As of the 18th of June, OVSICORI reported that three strong eruptions on 16 June resulted in pyroclastic flows. The National Park was evacuated as a precaution, but reopened the next day. Increased degassing the previous week had prompted an elevation of the hazard status to Level 3 (on a scale of 1-4). OVSICORI-UNA reported that during April activity originating from Arenal's Crater C consisted of gas emissions, sporadic Strombolian eruptions, and occasional avalanches that traveled down the SW, S, and
N flanks. Acid rain and small amounts of ejected pyroclastic material affected the NE and SE flanks. Small avalanches of volcanic material traveled down several ravines. Crater D showed only fumarolic activity.
Crater D showed only fumarolic activity. 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 As of the 2nd of October, the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica reported that changes in morphology and the health of vegetation at Arenal were documented during approximately 14-20 September. Fine ashfall produced at the summit by an active lava flow impacted and burned vegetation along the upper and lower E and NE flanks. The impact on the vegetation was more severe near the summit. By mid September, additional material moving down the SW flank had filled the 6 June collapse scar and built an 800-m-high levee. Occasional incandescent blocks roll down the top of the levee. Material accumulated on both sides of the levee and at the distal end, creating a 200-m-wide fan. A mass of material also accumulated at the SW edge of the summit, causing blocks to occasionally roll down the N flank. As of the 1st of August, the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica reported that the growth of Arenal has been characterised by periodic major explosive eruptions at several-hundred-year intervals and periods of lava effusion that armor the cone. It continues to erupted, on and off, from time-to-time. As of Friday 6th of June 2008 at 9:15am (15:15GMT) OVSICORI reported that a hot avalanche rolled down the SW slopes of Arenal volcano, Costa Rica. An unestimated amount of blocky, andesitic lava was accumulating, on the summit, since March 2007 due to the extrusion of a lava flow. Even though fragments of such lava flow fell intermittently over these 14 months, it was until now that a mayor avalanche took place. Two minor ones were reported in recent months. The present collapse provoked a scar of some 800m long from the summit to the bottom. Lose, dry, incandescent material was canalized down the slope conforming a wide chaotic fan, at aprox 900m asl. Material rolling down pulverized and generated a tall plume of gases and dust that provoked panic in tourists and park rangers located some 2 kms. away, on the W side. Immediately the park was closed for the day and the tourists rapidly evacuated. No one was hurt. Dust and fine ashes deposited in a small area W and NW of the active flank. Rain rapidly diluted the fine film that was deposited on vegetation.Previously OVSICORI-UNA confirmed that a pyroclastic flow from Arenal traveled W on 18 september 2007. The event was recorded by a local seismic station. Based on field observations, a scientist from Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) reported that multiple pyroclastic flows traveled S an approximate distance of 1 km on 18 September. Explosions occurred that occasionally produced ash. Small avalanches were noted and one larger avalanche on the S flank was incandescent. Avalanche activity continued on 19 September. Conical Volcán Arenal is the youngest stratovolcano in Costa Rica and one of its most active. The 1657-m-high andesitic volcano towers above the eastern shores of Lake Arenal, which has been enlarged by a hydroelectric project. Arenal lies along a volcanic chain that has migrated to the NW from the late-Pleistocene Los Perdidos lava domes through the Pleistocene-to-Holocene Chato volcano, which contains a 500-m-wide, lake-filled summit crater. The earliest known eruptions of Arenal took place about 7000 years ago, and it was active concurrently with Cerro Chato until the activity of Chato ended about 3500 years ago. Growth of Arenal has been characterised by periodic major explosive eruptions at several-hundred-year intervals and periods of lava effusion that armor the cone. Arenal's most recent eruptive period began with a major explosive eruption in 1968. Continuous explosive activity accompanied by slow lava effusion and the occasional emission of pyroclastic flows has occurred since then from vents at the summit and on the upper western flank.

************************************************************************************************************

COSTA RICA- Poas Volcano

January 15th, 2009

As of the 14th of January, OVSICORI reported that on Monday 12th of January Poas Volcano produced a shy phreatic explosion, confined to the center of the lake. More intriguing is the fact that such activity occurred after the fatal Cinchona earthquake felt on Thursday, January 08, 2009 resulting of a local faulting event. Epicenter is located some 6 km E of the volcano probably disturbing the balance of an already fractured and shallow hydrothermal system.. As of the 8th of January at 1:21 PM a violent earthquakes (mag. 6.1- 6km depth) occured at about 10km East of the Poas volcano. Ten people were killed by a landslide at La Paz waterfall. Three people were killed by landslides in the Fraijanes-Dulce Nombre area and one person died of a heart attack in the San Jose area. Many people were injured, many buildings were damaged and landslides blocked roads in the area. Electricity was knocked out in parts of San Jose. Felt (VI) at Asuncion, Grecia and San Pablo; (V) at Alajuela, Colon, Curridabat, Desamparados, Escazu, Guadalupe, Heredia, Mercedes, Quesada, Sabanilla, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Isidro, San Jose, San Juan, San Pedro, San Rafael, Santa Ana and Santo Domingo; (IV) at Atenas, Cartago, San Ramon, and Tres Rios; (III) at Jacao. Felt throughout Costa Rica and in southern and central Nicaragua. Following this event, an increasing of the fumarolian activity in the crater was observed by OVSICORI scientists; probably due to the destabilization of the geothermal system. As of the 25th of January, the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA) has reported that a visit on January 18th, 2008 confirmed a report that a small phreatic eruption occurred within the perimeter of the hot-acidic lake of Poás volcano, around 0900hrs on Sunday, January 13th, 2008. The first notice was given by a park ranger and described as cipresoidal shape with ejection of water and sediments out of the center of the lake. It did reach some 200m high and subsequently collapsed to change rapidly the lake's colour from a dark green to an intense white. This event was also witnessed by a group of tourists who were temporarily evacuated but were always safe at some 1200m, observing the volcano from the main viewpoint. Field inspection revealed also that the explosion produced a wave of 1.5m all around the lake leaving a mark along its rim. Only to the south, next to the north dome's terrace, squirts of sediments were found reaching distances of some 8m from the shore. Such sediments were washed off, probably by the returning wave and reached a thickness no greater than 10cm. Such pockets of sediments contain a large quantity of shining crystals and other pre-existent minor debris from the bottom of the lake. No blocks were expelled out of the lake. The person that made the first report emphasised the calm conditions of the lake and dome before the eruption. Also, a small landslide (8x20m) was documented on the north face of the dome. It did leave a chaotic deposit of heavily altered angular blocks in a gray matrix altered by hydrothermalism. A slurry of yellowish materials reached the edge of the lake. Due to rapid outlet of gases in concentric convection cells from the centre of the lake, the lake changed its colour progressively in a matter of some 3 hours during the visit of OVSICORI´s staff. Even more, rapid degassing from the surface of the lake impedes the sight to the other side, due to thick columns of toxic gases. Lake temperature dropped to 45ºC and water level raised 1.5m compared to the last estimate at the end of November 2007. Nonetheless rapid evaporation promotes rapid reduction of such level. Poás, one of the most active volcanoes of Costa Rica, contains three craters along a N-S line. The frequently visited multi-hued summit crater lakes of the basaltic-to-dacitic volcano, which is one of Costa Rica's most prominent natural landmarks, are easily accessible by vehicle from the nearby capital city of San José. A N-S-trending fissure cutting the 2,708-m-high complex stratovolcano extends to the lower northern flank, where it has produced the Congo stratovolcano and several lake-filled maars. The southernmost of the two summit crater lakes, Botos, is cold and clear and last erupted about 7,500 years ago. The more prominent geothermally heated northern lake, Laguna Caliente, is one of the world's most acidic natural lakes, with a pH of near zero.

COSTA RICA - Turrialba volcano

June 14th, 2009

As of the 12th of June 2009, OVSICORI reported that augmented fumarolic activity has been observed 360 degrees around the external upper summit walls of the active west crater: Such degassing has been acompanied, over these recent 2 months, by widening of radial cracks (1.5 cms average), tall vertical gas and vapor plumes (1-2 kms tall), and one sustained discrete seismic swarm (amounting hundreds of quakes a day). Cracks on the summit showed 94ºC while fumarolic vents, in the lower parts of the crater, show points with temperatures between 120 and 160ºC. During April-May deep burning of dairy pastures and forests reached as far as 3.5km (towards NW and W). Widespread corrosion increases as the rainy season progresses. Scientists may infer from these changes of factors (temperature, pressure, rain showers, unstability, seismic activity and landsliding rate) that blockage of crater bottom will increase degassing through upper walls; thus contributing to rapid weathering process. As of the 30th of october 2008, OVSICORI-UNA reported that fieldwork on 23 September revealed severely impacted vegetation on Turrialba's flanks and inner caldera in areas only mildly affected during the previous three years of sustained degassing. Vegetation in the S and SE summit areas was severely burned and infrastructure was impacted during August and September. Along the flank, S of the W crater, plants were burned down to the soil. Trees in lower-altitude areas were yellowed and seared due to extreme acidification. Pastures and areas along canyons and depressions were also affected. OVSICORI-UNA recommended that precautions should be taken when carrying out activities in the affected areas. As of the 7th of December 2007, the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica. OVSICORI-UNA reported that from the first light in the morning and to the beginning of the day, (when it was covered with clouds) a high gas column could be observed that was given off from Turrialba volcano. Such observation could be made from Heredia and other sectors of the Central Valley with Vista line. At 0540hrs the column could above reach a height of 2kms on the top, approximately. Report of neighbours located on the foot (towards the west and to the south) mentions a white and bulky column that was given off from the crater the west. With base in such descriptions it is possible to be deduced by the colour and the height, a strong gas injection in vertical form. Columns similar (although smaller) have been observed in previous months when the atmospheric conditions are stable. In the last weeks the marching and burns of grass has been become serious. Reports of neighbours who inhabit villages indicate a greater volcanic gas presence in their houses which is increased by the acceleration of tradewinds. Those winds move gases to greater distances and they maintain against the external walls of the volcano and low zones grazing. Civil employees of the OVSICORI also have observed a slight expansion of the affectation by gases towards zones of annual cultures. SVE Volcanic fieldtrip 2009

**********************************************************************************************************************

NICARAGUA - San Cristobal volcano

May 20th, 2009

As of the 20th of May based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 19 May a diffuse plume from San Cristóbal drifted 45 km SW. The San Cristóbal volcanic complex, consisting of five principal volcanic edifices, forms the NW end of the Marrabios Range. The symmetrical 1,745-m-high youngest cone, San Cristóbal itself (also known as El Viejo), is Nicaragua's highest volcano and is capped by a 500 x 600 m wide crater. (INETER/GVN/GVP)

***********************************************************************************************************************

COLOMBIA - Galeras volcano

June 25th, 2009

Increased sulfur-dioxide degassing and seismicity related to fluid movement, resulting in the overall lowering of pressure in the system, prompted INGEOMINAS to further lower the alert level to Yellow (Level
III) on 19 June. By 23 June some rock-fracture seismicity had been detected, though events related to fluid movement had declined significantly. That same day clear weather allowed observation of a small gas column with minor ash content, while scientists on a monitoring flight saw gas emissions near the crater rim and recorded a thermal anomaly within the main crater. On 10 June, INGEOMINAS reported that the Alert Level for Galeras was lowered to II (Orange; "probable eruption in term of days or weeks"). Pulsating steam plumes rose from the crater and drifted NW. Seismicity remained low INGEOMINAS reported that the eruption of Galeras on 7 June was preceded by a M 4 earthquake located about 3 km SSE of the crater at a depth of 2 km, and felt by nearby residents. The eruption produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 6.8 km a.s.l. and drifted NW. Vibrations from an accompanying acoustic wave were detected by residents. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind. The Alert Level was raised to I (Red; "imminent eruption or in progress"). On 8 June, two explosions about 5 minutes apart were heard by people up to 45 km away. The event was preceded by an M 3.9 earthquake located 1 km E at a depth near 2 km. Ashfall was reported in areas to the NW, up to 180 km away. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that the ash plume rose to an altitude of 10 km (33,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. They also reported that a second and larger eruption produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 13.7 km (45,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. On 9 June, INGEOMINAS reported that seismicity and sulfur dioxide output were low, and that clear conditions revealed no emissions As of the 9th of June, the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Pasto reported that on 8 June 2009 at 06:38 and 06:43 other explosive eruptions were registered at Galeras volcano. This eruption comes a little under 24 hours after the previous explosive eruption of the day before. As of the 7th of June, INGEOMINAS Pasto reported that an explosive eruption of Galeras volcano began at 07:18 today, and raised the alert level to the highest level of Red. This day, a t 12:40 the observatory issued spcial bulletin reporting that a magnitude 4 earthquake occurred at the beginning of the eruption, 3 km south-south-east of the principal crater of Galeras and at a depth of 2 km below the summit. The ash column was estimated to have reached 2.5 km above the volcano's summit, and ash dispersal towards the north-west Many ashfall reported in the municipalities of Sandoná and Samaniego. The energy level of today's eruption was similar to that of 29 April 2009, and about half that of 24 April 2009.There are no reports of injuries or property damage. An evacuation plan affecting 7000 people has been recommended. Previous month, on 1st of May, INGEOMINAS reported that the presented/displayed eruptive event at 1015 hrs of the day before, was similar, in terms of total seismic energy, to the eruptions of August 11th of 2004 and July 12th of 2006 and, is smallest in comparison with the registered explosive eruptive processes between January 17th of 2008 and April 24th of 2009, as much in seismic energy as in a sound wave. Due to the conditions of the climate, the emission column was observed from the North and Northwest flank, by settlers of the municipalities of Nariño, Sandoná and Chachagüí. The emission event was characterized by exit of ash, that by action of the wind dispersed in north-western direction, with reports of ash fall in sectors of the municipalities of Sandoná and Samaniego, until approximate distances of 35 km in line straight from the volcanic crater. During the emission process, the measurements of sulphur dioxide (SO 2 flow, gas typically of volcanic origin, mostratron a slight increase associated with the exit of gases and ashes. The eruptive event presented/displayed this morning confirms the hypothesis that the unstable continuous volcanic system and that, even though the recent processes eruptive have allowed the partial liberation of the accumulated pressures in their interior, the thermal anomalies, the recent fluctuations in the processes of volcanic gas discharge and seismic registries continue simultaneously demonstrating processes of contribution of magmatic material as well as of vent-opening of the system, making possible processes like the one this morning. As of the 24th of April, INGEOMINAS reported that new eruptive phase occured in the evening at 7:32 PM (local time) characterized with several explosive events until 8:09 PM. Ashfall occured on several towns : Sandoná, Santa Bárbara, Consacá and Ancuya. According to the Washington VAAC the eruptive plume rose to 6000 m high above the volcano. As of the 23rd of April, (INGEOMINAS) reported that Galeras continues the predominance of the associated seismic activity with dynamics of flowed to the interior of the volcanic system, with characteristics similar to the ones reported in the last weeks. It is emphasised in the afternoon of today, by the increase in occurrence and energy of the seismicity. These earthquakes took place to different depths and they are associated so much with charge of magmatic material like with gas liberation. The episode of today at 1546 hrs produced a column of little height by action of the wind, with ash content, that dispersed towards the north-western flank of the volcano. Sulphur Dioxide (SO 2 ), gas typically of magmatic origin, showed to a daily value average in the week near 1300 tonnes, considered as low, reflecting an increase with respect to the values of the immediately previous weeks. In agreement with a fly over carried out the 17th of April, with support of the Colombian Air Force, stands out that thermal anomalies inside the main crater were registered as significant, with maximum values between 425 and 480 °C. Also processes of gas discharge were demonstrated from different sectors from the active cone. As of the 14th of March, INGEOMINAS reported that yesterday afternoon, 13th of March, at 15:55 local time a new explosive eruption occurred, the third within the last month. This explosive activity had a recorded duration of approximately 16 minutes with three distinct pulses observed, at 4:16, 4:21 and 4:34pm, the last of these reached a duration of approximately 8 minutes. The alert level was immediately raised to Red. At the moment of eruption, there was heavy rain in the area, with the presence of clouds, which prevented direct observation of the volcano but a bulletin from the Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center for 5:06pm reported a column with an altitude of approximately 8km above the summit of the volcano, moving towards the north-west, but in the same way it is pointed out that cloud cover prevented a more precise observation. Sounds generated by the eruption were heard in the areas of San Cayetano, Anganoy (Pasto Municipality), San José de Bomboná and San Antonio (Consacá Municipality). There have been reports of ashfall in various directions from the crater of the volcano. To the east: Pasto (northern and eastern sector), Anganoy, San Cayetano and Mapachico; to the north-north-west: Pachindo, Barranco, El Rodeo, urban area of La Florida; to the north-west: villages of the upper part of Sandoná municipality. In some of these areas strong sulphur gas smells have been reported. During the last hour, there has been a significant decrease in both the number and the amplitude of seismic signals. There are no reported fatalities or injuries from this eruption. Evacuations of high-risk areas have once more been ordered - or rather reiterated , as the evacuation orders are still in force from the eruptions of last month. The occupation of the shelters, there is continuing failure of local inhabitants to heed the evacuation orders is causing some exasperation among local officials. Previously, on 20th of February, INGEOMINAS reported that a new explosive eruption occured at the Galeras volcano in Colombia. This eruption took place on Friday at 07:05 local time (12:05 GMT) and following this activity INGEOMINAS has raised the alert level to Red , the highest level. The eruption was accompanied by shock waves, generating vibrating effects and audible rumbles. As of the 16th of February, the Pasto observatory, issued at 12:40 local time (19:40 GMT) and reported that seismic activity has remained at low levels since the eruption of 14 February, but that ‘in the last few hours there has been a slight increase in events related to fluid dynamics at surface levels', and that from the evening of 15 February onwards episodes of volcanic tremor have been occurring, ‘associated with the processes of the emission of gases'. These episodes appeared to be becoming more marked during the morning of 16 February. The report also notes that sulphur dioxide emissions remain low, at around 200 tonnes per day, according to measurements made on 16 February. For the first time since the eruption the weather conditions improved yesterday, allowing a clear view of the volcano's summit. A column of steam was visible rising to about 300m above the summit, with a plume extending south-east for about 8km. INGEOMINAS puts this down to interaction between magmatic material at the surface and the rain of recent days. As of the 14th of February, INGEOMINAS reported that Galeras volcano in southern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador , began erupting and some 8,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, A violent expiosive activity began saturday at 7:10 pm (0010 GMT), after which the regional alert system was raised to its highest level. Twenty minute later, a large amount of ash was falling on the regional capital Pasto during approximately 1 hour. Associated seismicity remained about 40 mn. There were no reports of damage or injuries. Previous significative information : the Galeras volcano violently and soudainly erupted on 17th of January at 806 pm prompting thousands of residents to evacuate the area. The region around the volcano is inhabited by some 8,000 people. However, there were no reports of injuries or significant damage following Thursday's eruption. Volcanologists in Pasto volcano observatory expressed concern that shifting winds could spread the ash and cause damage to homes and other buildings. Preceding the eruption, there were five tornillo earthquakes measured between 0805hrs on January 16 and 0914hrs on January 17, 2008. The earthquakes were located near the active cone, close to the surface. About 8000 people have been evacuated. This is the most severe eruption at the volcano since it reactivated in 1989. Ash was reported to reach 36,000 ft. altitude. Also, the registry of five events Tornillo type between the 0805hrs of the 16th of January and 0914hrs of the 17th of January, located in environs of the active cone and to superficial levels. The importance of the occurrence of this type of events in Galeras, that is in preceded the eruptions of 1992 and 1993, which they appeared after the location of a lava dome in 1991; as well as they preceded some of the registered eruptives episodes between 2004 and 2006. On the other hand, as it were mentioned in the official notice of the 14th of January of 2008, the activity of Galeras continues showing of alternate way, lapses of diminution of seismicity followed of episodes of more recurrent activity, maintaining power levels low. Which remembers that to the interior of the main crater it remains a surplus of the lava dome located from end of 2005, partially was destroyed with the eruption of the 12 of 2006 July. INGEOMINAS continues very kind to the evolution of the volcanic activity and will opportunely inform the changes that can be detected..Galeras, a stratovolcano with a large breached caldera located immediately west of the city of Pasto, is one of Colombia's most frequently active volcanoes. Webcam image

COLOMBIA - Nevado del Huila volcano

June 4th, 2009

As of the 3rd of June, INGEOMINAS reported a seismic swarm at Nevado del Huila on 28 May that included M 4 and M 4.8 earthquakes felt by local residents. On 31 May, an episode of tremor was associated with an ash emission seen on a web camera. Another pulse of tremor was detected on 2 June. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity"). INGEOMINAS reported that observations and images taken of Nevado del Huila during an overflight on 21 January revealed that the growing lava dome was about 1 km long, in a N-S direction, and 250 m wide, in a E-W direction. The current estimated volume of the dome was 52 million cubic meters. White-and-blue gas plumes were emitted. On 21 and 23 January, gas plumes viewed through the web camera rose to a maximum altitude of 6.3 km (21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. The Alert Level remained at Orange. According to news reports, authorities in Colombia announced on 19 January the decision to relocate the town of Páez (population of about 4,000), currently about 27 km SSE of Nevado del Huila, due to the town's proximity to the Páez river and the volcano. Several populations have been affected by lahars generated by glacier melting from the volcanic activity. On the 4th and 6th of December, were realised two overflights to the high part of the volcano, having obtained to appreciate in detail the lava dome located in the South flank of the Central tip, the body presents/displays an extended form and inclination towards the southwest of the Tip, following the direction of the slope, at the moment presents/displays approximate measures of 400 m in a North-South direction, 150 m in an East-West direction and 120 m of stop, which gives an approximated volume of material extrusion of 4,500,000 m 3 . In its part superior continuous degassing with columns is appraised that do not surpass 1000 m of altitude. Another aspect to emphasise of the visual appreciations is the formation of new crackings in the glaciers of the Central tip that surround the dominant body and in the North part of the South tip. As of the 22nd of November, INGEOMINAS reported an eruption occurred on the night of 20-21 November. This report was issued at 18:30 local time (23:30 GMT) on 21 November and reports low levels of seismicity and no current eruptive activity beyond degassing. An overflight took place yesterday morning, revealing the formation of a new crater with a lava dome, located in the south-western part of the highest point of the complex, Pico Central. A morning overflight was conducted to the upper part of the volcanic edifice where the following changes in the surface of the edifice were observed as the formation of a crater in the south-western sector of Pico Central of approximately 400m diameter, containing within it a magmatic body in the form of a dome, which is currently showing continual degassing from the surface, with gas columns that do not exceed 2000m in height; at the time of the eruption part of the hot material that came to the surface came into interaction with the glaciated layer of the surrounding area to form a flood of material what was initially channeled through the Bellavista stream and subsequently flowed through the Páez river. This avalanche that descended the Páez river following the eruption of the volcano Nevado del Huila has left desolation in the region The crops of cocoa, coffee, orange and tangerine which were planted over recent weeks have been destroyed by the lava that erupted from Nevado. People who have escaped the area on foot say that the fury of the Páez river destroyed at least six road bridges. According to press agencies at least 10 people have been killed after the snow-capped Nevado del Huila volcano erupted. Ash deposits on the upper part of the volcanic edifice have covered most of the western sector of Pico Central and Pico Sur. Also there have been reports of falls of ash and sulphur odours in the towns of Corinto, Toribío and Páez. As of the 13th of November, the National Institute Of Sismología, Volcanology, Meteorology And Hidrologia, INGEOMINAS reported that in the present week, a total of 7016 seismic events were registered. Of them, 162 are related to fracturing of rock, 6854 with the dynamics of flowed within the volcanic conduits, including the events of long period, hybrid and pulses of tremor. At the beginning of the week, they continued registering firings of seismic events hybrid type that finalised with pulses of tremor of low frequency. In the morning hours of Friday, the 7th of November, the volcano entered an unstable phase, registering a power tremor of LF by a lapse of 5 hours, that deserved the change of activity level. Subsequent to the change of level was observed a strong increase in the seismic activity. In the last four days a total has been registered 6201 events, for an approximated average of 1550 events/day. The significant increase of the number of events related to processes of flowed transit and movement of through volcanic conduits registered during the week, is related to the migration of a magmatic body towards surface, that when interacting with the hydrothermal system, has generated emissions continuous of gases and ashes. On the days 7 and 9, were realised overflights to the high part of the volcanic complex of November, where changes in the Central Tip were appraised, emphasising the formation of crackings and the tracks left by the flows of water and ash in the South end of the tip, which cause the change of grayish colouration presented/displayed by the river Páez during the last days. Also the appearance of new centres of emission in the south of the Central Tip is emphasised, that present/display continuous gas flow and ash towards surface; a part of expelled ashes is deposited in the high part and towards the sector W of the volcano and others they are transported in agreement with the wind regime. Reports of strong scents of sulphur and ash falls have been had in the municipalities of Páez and Toribio; these reports are coherent with the satelite images obtained by the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), which confirms a continuous sulphur dioxide flow originating from the volcano, and sighting of ash columns which they mainly disperse in direction W of the volcano. By the previous, every time one concludes that the process continues its evolution, with power levels majors. It is recommended to be kind to the reports emitted by the Observatory Vulcanológico and Sismológico de Popayán, on the progress of the present phenomenon. Nevado del Huila, the highest active volcano in Colombia, is an elongated N-S-trending volcanic chain mantled by a glacier icecap. The andesitic-dacitic volcano (5635 m) was constructed within a 10-km-wide caldera. Only a single 16th-century explosive eruption is recorded in historical time from this little known volcano. Webcam

COLOMBIA - Cerro Machin volcano

December 30th, 2008

As of the 30th of December, between 0825 and 1100 hrs (local time) a new seismic crisis occured to the North of the volcanic complex Cerro Machin/Cerro Bravo. Some of them have been felt in Manizales. As of the 19th of December, the Gobal Volcanism Network (GVN) reported that Observatory Vulcanológico and Sismológico de Manizales reported that on the 18th of December between the 0235 and 0742 hours (local time), self present a cluster of 98 earthquake volcano tectonic (VT), located to the Southwest of the dome to a depth between 2 and 6 kilometres, be the major of them that happened at 0425 hrs, that reach to have a magnitude of 2.6 to a depth of 3.76 km, feel by the inhabitant locate in the neighbourhood of the volcano and some person of the municipality of Cajamarca (Department of the Tolima). As of the 26th of November, the Observatory Vulcanológico and Sismológico de Manizales reported that between the 19th and 23rd of November, the present activity of the volcano Cerro Machín continued to present/display low levels of seismic activity, registering 68 earthquakes of low magnitude, of which 66 are associated to processes of fracture to the interior of volcanic complex (type VT) and 2 to flowed gas transit and (type LP); these events were located mainly in the dome and to the south of the same with depths between 2 and 7 km it stands out the occurrence of two earthquakes on the 23rd at 1504 and 1505 hrs, with magnitudes of 2.0 and 1.1 on the Richter scale, respectively, which was reported like senses by the people who live in the neighbourhood of the volcano. As of 12th of November, INGEOMINAS reported that from 8, 9 to10th of November the volcano Cerro Machín registered a seismic event within which 1210 volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded (associated with the fracturing of rock in the interior of the volcano), 9 of which were with magnitudes greater than 2.5, several being heard by the inhabitants of Cajamarca, Ibagué, Calarcá and Armenia, among others. The inclinometers located around the volcano showed significant changes, associated with the principal event of 9 November at 03:01. On 9 November an INGEOMINAS commission went to the volcano Machín with the aim of evaluating conditions at the volcano. The report submitted is of complete normality in the activity of the volcano, the cracking of some houses and landslides caused by seismic movement, associated with ground conditions of high humidity. From 10:00 yesterday, Monday 10 November, the seismic activity of the volcano decreased notably and at the time of publication of this communication the levels of seismic activity are low. The tremors and ashfall of Sunday and Monday produced great alarm among local populations. The small Cerro Machín stratovolcano lies at the southern end of the Ruiz-Tolima massif about 20 km WNW of the city of Ibagué. A 3-km-wide caldera is breached to the south and contains three forested dacitic lava domes. Voluminous pyroclastic flows traveled up to 40 km from the volcano during eruptions in the mid-to-late Holocene perhaps associated with formation of the caldera. Late-Holocene eruptions produced dacitic block-and-ash flows that traveled through the breach in the caldera rim to the west and south. The latest known eruption of Volcán Cerro Machín took place about 800 years ago.

************************************************************************************************************************

PERU - Ubinas volcano

June 18th, 2009

Based on SIGMET notices and analysis of satellite imagery, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 11 and 13-15 June eruptions from Ubinas produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 5.5-7.9 km
(18,000-26,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted NE, E, and SE. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery on 13 June Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 5 June plumes from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 6.1-6.7 km (20,000-22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and S. A pilot reported that
an ash plume rose to an altitude of 7.9 km (26,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. On 6 and 9 June, plumes seen on satellite imagery rose to altitudes of 6.1-7.6 km (20,000-25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S and NE, respectively. On 29 and 31 May eruptions from Ubinas produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 5.5-6.7 km (18,000-22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and SW. Ash was not detected on satellite imagery on 31 May. INGEMMET reported on 1 June a bluish gas plume with some ash content. On 2 June, an explosion was detected and gas-and-ash plumes that rose 0.9-1.5 km drifted E. Ubinas in the northernmost of three young volcanoes located along a regional structural lineament about 50 km behind the main volcanic front of Peru. The upper slopes of the stratovolcano, composed primarily of Pleistocene andesitic lava flows, steepen to nearly 45 degrees. The steep-walled, 150-m-deep summit caldera contains an ash cone with a 500-m-wide funnel-shaped vent that is 200 m deep. Debris-avalanche deposits from the collapse of the SE flank of Ubinas extend 10 km from the volcano. Holocene lava flows are visible on the volcano's flanks, but historical activity, documented since the 16th century, has consisted of intermittent minor explosive eruptions.

*******************************************************************************************************************

CHILE - Chaiten volcano

June 27th, 2009

As of the 25th of June, OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that images obtained through the DGAC camera located to the south of Chaitén volcano show that the eruption continues unchanging with its column of gases and ashes, which occasionally rises to 1.5 km above the dome complex. During the few periods of observation, because of clouds and rain in the area, a predominance of water vapour has been observed in the column. The block-and-ash flows still persist, indicating that the dome complex continues its growth, particularly towards the western sector of the caldera. As noted in an OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN report, eruptive activity continued during 8-16 June with sustained growth of the lava dome complex, from which block-and-ash flows were generated. Steam-and-ash plumes generally rose 1.5 km above the dome. Seismicity remained at typical levels. The Alert Level remained at Red. Based on web camera views, analysis of satellite imagery, and a SIGMET notice, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 11 and 14 June ash plumes from Chaitén's Domo Nuevo 1 and Domo Nuevo 2 lava-dome complex rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and SE. A thermal anomaly was also seen in satellite imagery on 11 June. Based on web camera views, SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 27 May-8 June gas-and-ash plumes rose 1.5 km from Chaitén's growing Domo Nuevo 1 and Domo Nuevo 2 lava-dome complex. Collapses originating from unstable slopes generated block-and-ash flows that were sometimes seen from Chaitén town, 10 km SW. Ashfall was occasionally reported in Chaitén town and nearby areas. As of the 13rd of May SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 29 April-4 May gas-and-ash plumes rose up to 2 km from Chaitén's growing Domo Nuevo 1 and Domo Nuevo 2 lava-dome complex. Collapses originating from unstable slopes generated block-and-ash flows. An overflight on 1 May revealed a large central spine fractured into three main blocks. The surface of the lava dome complex was very irregular and several spines had grown 100 m above the dome surface. Seismicity remained high. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, SIGMET notices, web camera views, and information from the Puerto Montt Flight Information Region (FIR), the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 5 and 10-12 May, ash plumes rose to altitudes of 2.1-4.6 km a.s.l. and drifted N, NE,and ENE. According to SERNAGEOMIN, since 15 April, when the energy released by the seismicity of Chaitén volcano reached 130000 units RSAM, the values have begun to fall slightly, remaining during Thursday 16 April 2009 at 100000 units, therefore values continuing to be very elevated. Llaima, however, has not shown visual signs of significant activity during past days. As of the 2nd of April, the Government of Chile has announced that during 17-23 March Chaitén's lava-dome complex continued to grow from an area that includes the central spines and part of Domo Nuevo 1. This was also the main area where collapses from unstable slopes caused block-and-ash flows. Continuously emitted steam plumes with varying amounts of tephra and gas-and-ash plumes generated by block-and-ash flows drifted N and ESE. The block-and-ash flow volume was smaller compared to the previous week. The Alert Level remained at Red. As of the 19th of March, the Government of Chile has announced that based on web camera views, analysis of satellite imagery, and SIGMET notices, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 11-15 March ash plumes from Chaitén rose to altitudes of 2.1-3.7 km (7,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNE, NE, E, and SE. A thermal anomaly was detected in satellite imagery on 15 March. On 3 March during an overflight co-ordinated with the Regional Office of ONEMI it was possible to verify that the deposits of the block-and-ash flow that descended through the río Chaitén on 19 February still maintaind high temperatures in some areas, with emanations of water vapour and even burning of trees where they had come into contact with lava blocks from the domes, with high temperatures (over 300ºC). The seismicity of Chaitén volcano has declined slightly during the period in the number of larger HB-type earthquakes, with magnitudes of between 3.2 and 3.6, in comparison to previous days. The earthquakes that have been recorded are principally of HB-type, which indicates the continuing supply of magma to the dome complex. As of the 27th of february, SERNAGEOMIN reported that another large-scale dome collapsep at Chaitén volcano during the afternoon. Reports mention that a large part of the northern side of the dome collapsed and an intense plume rose from the volcano. This collapse occurred at around 14:47 local time this afternoon. An overflight carried out on 24 February, allowed the ovbservatin of the current state of eruptive activity, the morphology of the domes and the dimensions and precise location of the area affected by the collapse that occurred last Thursday (19.02.09). The escarpment or scar of the collapse is oriented in an approximately south-western direction, with a greatest length of approximately 500m and a maximum height of the of the escarpment slopes of 200m. The area of collapse is located in the south-western quadrant of the dome complex and affects, approximately, some 10% of the total volume. The collapse escarpment surrounds the south and west of the spine or pinnacle which has grown in the central sector of the dome complex. The majority of the material removed is from Dome 1, the development of which began in May 2008. The northern sector of the dome showed occasional eruptive activity, which is concentrated to the immediate north of the pinnacle, at the pinnacle, and at a remnant of dome 1 located to the south of the collapse escarpment. In the northern sector, within dome 2, eruptive activity was observed in two sectors and was manifested in the emission of water vapour with occasional ash content. The majority of the eruptive activity was concentrated on the spine or pinnacle, with constant emissions of brown-coloured ash and water vapour. The southern remnant of dome 1 intermittently emitted ash and water vapour of similar colouring to that at the pinnacle, in addition to producing sporadic explosions. Together, they form four eruption columns of gas and ash, which exceed 1.5km in height and which during small collapses of the steep slopes of the pinnacle tend to form one wide and irregular column.As of the 19 th of February, SERNAGEOMIN reported that there was a major reactivation of the eruption at Chaitén volcano on the morning. Everyone still in the town of Chaitén was evacuated, and the authorities have activated their various emergency plans. A major partial dome collapse occured, generating pyroclastic flows that penetrated a long way south along the Chaitén river valley, almost reaching the town itself. A collapse such as this is a process rather than an event, and further collapses of the structure of the dome(s), along with the release of overpressurized gases, is continuing to generate further debris flows along the length of the valley. At 15:20 the same day, an overflight was carried out at Chaitén volcano, revealing a fracture of more than a kilometre on the dome, southern sector, with evident signs of collapse, which constitutes, an important threat to the town of Chaitén. Large emissions of gases and pyroclasts were also observed. Heavy rains over the volcano could generate substantial floods, causing further damage in the town of Chaitén. Previously on 19th of January, between 10:59 and 12:00, a major partial collapse already occured on the steep pinnacles that form the summit of New Dome 2 above the south-eastern flank, with the consequent generation of block and ash flows. On 25th and 28th December, ash emissions reached 2 km above the crater. A lava dome continues to grow in the crater, producing instability on the summit and flanks. Explosions from the lava dome are possible and create the risk of pyroclastic flows. The volcano remains at the highest alert level red. As of the 15th of December SERNAGEOMIN reported that explosive events that have characterized Chaitén's recent activity took place yesterday, 14 December 2008, beginning at around 13:19 local time. The explosion, which appears to have been related to a partial collapse within the caldera, generated a large ash plume which reached hundreds of kilometres south-east into Argentine territory As of the 11th of December, SERNAGEOMIN reported that based on on observations of satellite imagery, pilot reports, SIGMET notices, and web camera views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 3-8 December, ash plumes from Chaitén rose to altitudes 1.8-4.6 km (6,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, NW, and SW. A thermal anomaly was detected on satellite imagery during 4 and 6-8 December. Gaseous emissions have been observed both from the growing New Dome 2 (north-east sector) and from New Dome 1, on its southern flank, which has almost completely covered the old dome. The emissions have shown a predominance of water vapour, even when occasional increases in the emission of volcanic gases have been seen, with changes in the colour of the columns emitted from New Dome 2, depending on variations in the concentration of ash. The columns of gases observed have reached heights of between 1.5 and 2.5 kilometres above the domes.On Saturday 6 December an overflight of Chaitén volcano was carried out and In the interior of the Chaitén caldera it was possible to see clearly the remnants of the old dome, almost completely buried by the viscous lava of New Dome 1 (coloured red-brown). Very notable were the dimensions reached by New Dome 2 (colour grey) located in the north-east sector of New Dome 1, where the eruptive activity was concentrated, consistent with the evident extrusions of viscous lava forming very unstable pinnacles and ridges, with constant landslides on their sloping sides, which rest on the internal wall of the caldera. Additionally, from two points on its uneven crest, constant emissions of volcanic gases are generated, with a predominance of water vapour. On 29 October, SERNAGEOMIN received reports of an increase in activity at Chaitén characterized by several explosions that darkened the plume and caused it to rise from about 1.6 km (5,200 ft) a.s.l to about 3.1 km (10,200 ft) a.s.l. SERNAGEOMIN reported that variations in seismicity remained similar to patterns detected during the pervious weeks. A gas plume was continually emitted to an altitude of 3.1 km (10,200 ft) a.s.l. during the previous week. ONEMI reported that during an overflight on 30 October, scientists observed a landslide that had originated from the active lava dome. As of the 20th of October, SERNAGEOMIN published a new report for the period between 13th -17th of October : during this period two eruptive columns have been maintained of no more than 2.0km in height, principally formed of water vapour with a relatively low content of sulphur dioxide and ash, moderately vigorous, white and relatively wide, with dispersion mainly towards the southeast. HB-type earthquakes are continuing without variation in quantity and magnitude. The eruptive activity is related to degassing and the generation of water vapour through rainwater coming into contact with the hot dome and/or remnants of magmatic material in the upper levels of the system. The seismic activity is related to the growth of the dome. In the short term, a possible reactivation of the eruptive process can be ruled out. SERNAGEOMIN maintains Volcanic Red Alert.SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 7-13 October a gas-and-ash plume from Chaitén rose to an altitude of 3.1 km (10,200 ft) a.s.l. The Volcanic Alert level remained at Red. Based on web camera views, Puerto Montt Flight Information Region (FIR) notices, analysis of satellite imagery, and SIGMET reports, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 12-14 October, continuous ash plumes from Chaitén rose to altitudes of 2.4-4 km(8,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and E. As of the 9 th of October, SERNAGEOMIN reported that during an overflight on 30 September, scientists observed the small lagoon that remained in a depression in the N area of the basal "ring" that lies between the new lava dome and the caldera rim. The base of the S flank of the old lava dome was still evident; fumaroles were noted along the contact of the old and new domes. The new lava dome had grown higher and laterally from the NE flank until it touched the caldera rim. The Alert level remained Red. Based on pilot observations, analysis of satellite imagery, and SIGMET reports, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 3 and 5-8 October continuous ash plumes rose to altitudes of 2.4-3.5 km (8,000-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, ENE, and E. As of the 29th of September, SERNAGEOMIN reported that eruptive activity returned to levels comparable to those reported in previous days up to the end of last week, that is with columns of a maximum of 1.5km in altitude, weak and of little vigour, with a predominance of water vapour over gases and ashes, dispersing towards the north-east. Since the 26th of this month, the earthquakes of greater magnitude, interpreted as HB-type, have increased their energy to reach, in some cases, magnitude 3.5M. The earthquakes of HB-type recorded by the stations in the vicinity of the volcano (e.g. Pumalín, Pillán and Santa Bárbara) remain at depths calculated as approximately between 2.0 and 5.0km, with epicentres located, also about, at 3.0km south of the volcano. The earthquakes of greater magnitude have been registered as far as the seismic monitoring stations at Llaima volcano, located 457km to the north. SERNAGEOMIN maintains Volcanic Red Alert. SERNAGEOMIN report on the eruptive activity of Chaitén volcano between 23 and 24 September 2008 noted that eruptive activity contines with a column that does not exceed 1.5km in altitude, with a predominance of water vapour over pyroclastic materials, principally ash. A level of 3-4 HB-type earthquakes per hour has been maintained, some with magnitudes around 3.0M, and there have been sporadic small VT-type earthquakes, under 1.0M. The HB earthquakes reflect magmatic activity and the fracturing of rock, probably in superficial levels of the system - it is hoped to clarify the precise depth very soon. SERNAGEOMIN maintains Volcanic Red Alert.From Saturday 6 September until Monday 8 September, poor weather conditions did not permit visual observation. During this period, the seismicity has remained mainly similar to that recorded during the two previous weeks, that is 6 to 8 HB-type earthquakes per hour with a slight oscillation in their amplitude, and 1 to 2 VT-type earthquakes per hour, with maximum magnitude of 2.9M, in addition to rare LP-type earthquakes of low energy and short duration. Both the HB and VT earthquakes have presented very similar times of arrival of 's-p' waves, which establish distances of 23-25km from PUMA station and 15-16km from STBA, placing their epicentres 2-5km south-east of the volcano. As of the 4th of September, SERNAGEOMIN reported that clouds obscured camera views of Chaitén's eruption plume during most of 26-29 August. Glimpses utilising the web camera revealed that continuous ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (4,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. They also reported that seismicity had increased slightly during the previous few days. Based on web camera views and analysis of satellite imagery, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 27-29 August ash plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. Between 27 and 29 August, seismic activity continued, showing a slight but steady increase. On both 28 and 29 August the increase mentioned was reflected mainly in an increase in amplitude of the HB-type earthquakes (increased seismic energy), which maintained relatively constant numbers (about 4 events per hour). For their part, the VT-type earthquakes showed a slight decline (one per hour). However, during these days, significant LP-type earthquakes were registered (about 5 per day), which are emphasized by their greater amplitude in the seismogram As of the 28th of August, SERNAGEOMIN reported that on web camera views, pilot observations, and analysis of satellite imagery, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 20-23 and 26 August ash plumes from Chaitén rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, E, and NE. A thermal anomaly over the lava dome was detected on satellite imagery during 22-23 August. As of the 22nd of August, SERNAGEOMIN reported that during recent days the eruptive activity of Chaitén volcano has remained without major changes, manifesting itself through a moderately vigorous eruption column, of around 2km altitude, with emission of pyroclastics material, gases and water vapour. The seismic behaviour of the emission centre, for its part, has presented a decreasing trend, without resulting in a significant diminution of the eruptive activity, as in previous periods. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the recorded seismic movements could be interpreted as indicative of the movement of magmatic fluids and rupturing of rocks inside the volcanic system. SERNAGEOMIN bulletin about the Chaitén issued on 12 August 2008 reported that poor weather conditions preventing direct observation of the volcano, except on the morning of 8 August when a continuous emission of gas and pyroclasts was observed ‘which generated an eruptive column of more than 1 kilometre in height that dispersed towards the east. An increase in the number and magnitude of volcanic-tectonic (VT) earthquakes was recorded over the preceding 24 hours, along with a 'sporadic appearance' of hybrid (HB) and long period (LP) earthquakes and an increase in background tremor, ‘phenomena attributed principally to the ascent of magmatic fluids'. The bulletin ends by suggesting that the characteristics of this seismic behaviour can be interpreted as indicators of internal activity within the system that, eventually, could manifest in increases in the eruptive activity of the volcano. Following a meeting, USGS/USAID reported some details about the activity until end of July and in particularly there is fresh information on the lava dome :giving the following estimates for the end of July: average lava dome eruption rate ~60m 3 /s (the average given in June was ~37m 3 /s), area ~1.4 million m 2 (area given in June ~540,000m 2 ) volume ~350 million m 3 (volume given in June ~55 million m 3 ) - Previous news reportd that an explosive eruption appears to have taken place at Chaitén on 1st of August in the morning. This was the webcam image at 08:59 (local time): a sizeable eruption under way at the caldera. More following images indicated that the eruption has subsided, with a lighter, thinner plume (but still larger than anything we saw yesterday) and less evidence of heavy ash content. The latest bulletin (issued this same day at 11:20 local time, noted that an overflight yesterday ‘detected partial collapses in the central part of the new dome' and the removal (through collapse) of some of the material of the dome. As of the 29 th of July, SERNAGEOMIN reported that, available records indicate weak eruptive activity, which has shown a modest upswing in the last few days without giving rise to a significant eruption column. In general terms, the declining trend appears to continue on course. The weather conditions have not permitted observation of the volcano, except for short periods in which the cloud has left uncovered an eruption column that does not surpass a kilometre in altitude above the summit of Chaitén. Moreover, intense and continuous noise has been perceptible since 24 July, when an emission of ash accumulated to the depth of 3cm around Chaitén. On 27 July weather conditions again favoured the fall of fine ash on the town, albeit in a very restricted manner. The foregoing notwithstanding, the latest seismic data clearly shows an elevated seismicity, which has been sustained for several weeks, both in the number of earthquakes and their magnitude (a large number of them being felt by people over several days) and recorded by stations at a distance, with an increase in the number of earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 3.5M. Likewise, it was possible to verify that the greater part of the earthquakes of greater energy were located to the south-east and south-south-east of the Chaitén volcano. On 24 July, during an overflight conducted over sectors north and north-east of Chaitén volcano, it was observed that there is only one principal eruptive centre in the southern sector of the new dome. This centre produces an intermittent eruption column, with periodical increased activity which forms a more substantial column, although one lacking density and of relatively low altitude (less than 2km) whch disperses rapidly towards the south and south-east. That column caused poor visibility at altitude, and was occasionally crossed by more energetic and denser columns, related to slightly more intense explosions alternating with the intervals of lesser eruptive power which did not produce any proper column. The emission in this case was white in colour, mainly produced by degassification and water vapour, with a low percentage of ashes. It was also apparent that the morphology of the new dome has changed, presenting a major depression in the southern sector, immediately to the north of the principal eruption centre from which abundant water vapour and gases are emitted. At the same time, this structure [i.e. the new dome] appears to have decreased its rate of growth, at least in the northern sector, and significant emissions of water vapour and gases can be observed from the base of the eastern sector of the dome. Regarding seismic activity, during 24 July there was a decrease in the total number of earthquakes and a stabilization, it appears, in the number of earthquakes of greater magnitude. Notwithstanding the foregoing, earthquakes of this type are still being detected by instruments located nearly 300km from the volcano. The significant increase in earthquakes of greater magnitude (greater than 2.6) may imply that the ascent of a new pulse of magma has begun, from depths greater than 10km. Previously, based on observations during an overflight on 17 June, scientists of SERNAGEOMIN reported that ash plumes emitted from the S contact between Chaitén's old and new lava domes rose to an altitude of 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and NW. An explosion temporarily propelled the ash plume to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and steam plumes rose from several other contact points along the S edge of the lava dome. Rockfalls from the active dome continued to descend the S flank of the old dome to the caldera floor. During 18-21 June, visual observations were inhibited due to inclement weather. During 18-20 June, possible ashfall was reported in Queilén (about 70 km W) and Quellón (about 80 km WSW). Ashfall was reported in Chaitén town (10 km SW) and other areas SE, W, and E. Another overflight on 14 June revealed spines rising above the top of the new lava dome, which had grown in height to exceed the old dome. Gas, ash, and steam plumes were primarily emitted from a vent, about 100 m in diameter, at the SE contact between the old and the new lava dome. Previously, emissions came from the NW contact between the old and new domes. Continuous explosions produced ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. Several other points of gas-and-steam emissions were seen along the contact. Small block-and-ash flows from the new dome had descended the S flank of the old dome and occasionally reached the caldera floor. The Alert Level remained at Red Chaitén volcano in southern Chile has now been erupting for six weeks, and seemed over the last few days to be still active. However, latest reports suggest renewed gas and ash emissions, loud rumbles, and the appearance of two new craters. According to a new bulletin issued by SERNAGEOMIN during evening. On 13 June 2008 the Volcano Disaster Assistance Program of the USGS gave further information about the Chaitén eruption that Some of the interesting points to emerged as follows : current lava dome eruption rate estimated to be greater than 50m 3 /s (average ~37m 3 /s); area : 540.000 m2 (900 x 600 m); volume : about 55 million m3. On 12 June people stationed in the town of Chaitén reported new emissions of gas and pyroclasts coming from the south flank of the old volcanic dome and ‘reported that noises were heard coming from the volcano during 11 and 12 June. The source of the emissions was identified as two new craters at the base of the southern flank of the old dome. The Chaitén river produced renewed flooding in the town on the evening of 12 June. The seismic activity increased after the morning of 12 June, both in the number of earthquakes and in the seismic energy that they released. The majority of the earthquakes of less than magnitude 2 were located under the volcano, while two more significant earthquakes were located 5km to the north-east, with epicentres located on one of the lines of the Liquiñe-Ofqui fault system. As of the 10th of June SERNAGEOMIN that in the last few days, the eruptive activity of Chaitén volcano has remained in patterns similar to those reported during the previous week, that is to say, the volcano continues, but with low intensity. The dome currently maintains its rapid growth and, probably, will continue in this way for weeks or months. The explosivity and discharges of ash have gradually decreased and are now manifested only in a dispersion plume which does not exceed 3km in altitude, without a true eruption column, accompanied by abundant emissions of water vapour. As of the 3rd of June SERNAGEOMIN reported that during Sunday 1 June, because of the distribution of the plume, fine ash and volcanic dust was precipitated across the central-eastern area of Chiloé island (Queilen, Lelbún, Chonchi, Dalcahue and Castro), among other areas. Due to these conditions it proved impossible to advance the consolidation of the seismic monitoring network. On Monday 2 June a dense fog affected the Corcovado Gulf, and especially the coastal area of continental Chiloé, due to the stirring up of the ashfall by the wind. However, a distant inspection flight by helicopter showed that the volcano's eruption column was reaching an altitude of no more than 3km above sea level and that the plume was dispersed in a south-south-easterly direction. Seismic activity shows a slight increase in comparison with previous days, reflected in a larger number of VT [volcano-tectonic] earthquakes and LP [long period] type earthquakes. The latter are interpreted as being caused by the movement of fluids and/or pressurization in the upper conduit. Thus, from 1 to 2 June Auchemó and Santa Bárbara seismic stations registered an average of 5 VT-type earthquakes per hour, with magnitudes of less than 2. In addition both stations observed, although in a very sporadic form, LP-type events of short duration (less than 60 seconds). As of the 26th of May SERNAGEOMIN reported that the eruptive activity of the Chaitén volcano has declined to subplinian type, but remains continuous', and that over the weekend, and in particular on Sunday 25 May, the eruption column reached an average altitude of less than 3.5km above sea level, with occasional large explosions lifting it to around 5km above sea level. South-westerly winds pushed the plume in a north-easterly direction.An overflight took place on 24 May, during which it was possible to overfly the volcano's crater and examine the slight growth of the active volcanic dome, which just rises above the summmit of the old dome'. South of the active dome is a 200-metre crater ‘from which there is a continual expulsion of gas and ash'. The new dome ‘generates, especially to the north, flows and blocks of ash, because of the instability of its steep walls'. A second overflight carried out by a Navy helicopter on 25 May revealed that many of the rivers in the Chaitén region are carrying significant quantities of ash. Seismic activity is currently declining over the past four days VT-type [volcano-tectonic] earthquakes have decreased gradually in number and magnitude, indicating a slight but steady decay of seismic activity.As of the 22nd of May, the Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería reported, following an overflight of Chaitén volcano, that the eruptive activity of the Andean massif continues and that a phase of dome construction has begun inside the active crater. The current increase in seismicity corresponds to small internal collapses in this dome. The burden of pyroclastic material being carried by the Río Blanco will continue to be deposited on the city of Chaitén. Since yesterday the remote monitoring instruments installed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Chumilden and Auchemó are in operation, jointly monitored from Queilén by the USGS and SERNAGEOMIN. All the people evacuated from the town of Chaitén who were in shelters have been relocated to rented houses or cabins in the cities of Puerto Montt, Osorno, Castro and Quellón. Previous news - 16th of May: t he plinian eruptive activity of the volcano Chaitén is continuing, and over the last two days the column of gases and ashes has been maintained at an altitude not exceeding five kilometres above sea level. Chaitén volcano showed increased activity onThursday 15 May 2008, with heavy ashfall, loud noises and many earthquakes. At 07:30, the upper section of the volcano's eruption column was observed, reaching an altitude of four kilometres above sea level. The plume was directed towards the north-east due to strong south-westerly winds of up to 140 km/h. Since late yesterday a light ashfall has been occurring in some sectors of Chiloé Island, principally affecting the islands of Butacheque, Metaluf, Quenac and Tac and the communes of Quemchi, Achao, Castro, Chonchi and Queilen. Municipal teams are distributing masks in the sectors concerned. The Oficina Nacional de Emergencia (ONEMI) reported that military personnel in Chaitén ‘perceived loud noises coming from the volcano, abundant ashfalls and electrical discharges around the top of the mountain'. Heavy cloud cover and rainfall prevented observation of the eruption cloud. The ONEMI bulletin also confirms earlier reports that 90% of the town of Chaitén is flooded.An Oficina Nacional de Emergencia (ONEMI) bulletin was released late yesterday, 12 May 2008. The volcano was still producing a large eruption column, which at the time of the bulletin was being blown to the north-east. It is expected that the wind will back to the north-west for the next few days, changing the alignment of the eruption plume, towards the south-east. This means that Futaleufú is in danger of further ashfalls. The volcano remains continually active with emissions of ash toward the north-east. An overflight by SERNAGEOMIN during this afternoon indicated that the eruption column reaches a height of 8 kms. For the next few days  the skies are expected to be filled with rain and north-west winds of 40-60 km/hr, meaning that the ashes will be displaced towards the south-east affecting the Futaleufú area and Argentina, according to information provided by the Dirección Meteorológica de Chile. The bulletin also notes that the Chaitén River (or Río Blanco), which crosses the city, broke its banks for a distance of about 200 metres and flooded 40 homes. The entire mouth of the river is blocked by ash and pumice. The flow of the river has now returned to normal levels. Previous information : as of the 9th of May the Chaitén volcano continues to erupt ash and the 50 kilometres security exclusion zone around the volcano remained in force, reported ONEMI in a bulletin of 9 May 2008. On 8 May the volcano was hidden from view between 07:15 and 15:15 hrs. During this period, despite the low cloud cover, grey swirls were clearly seen along the north-south valley immediately east of the volcano Chaitén which drains into the Rayas river, descending towards the river and producing marked evaporation in the north-south valley. This phenomenon is interpreted as being caused by small pyroclastic flows that descend from the volcano into this valley and, heating the river water, produce the resulting evaporation. Between approximately 15:00 and 16:30 hours the prevalent cloud dissipated allowing observation of the volcano and the mushroom-shaped column of gases and ashes, which reached an altitude of 14 km at 16:00 hrs, with a plume dispersing in a north-eastern direction. Moreover, the western part of the column of ash was more dense and of a medium to dark grey colour, which could be due to the opening of a new crater on the western side of the dome. Previous information reported that t he Chilean volcano Chaitén intensified its activity around midnight on Wednesday 7th/8th of May expelling ash and incandescent material, forcing the evacuation of all the military personnel and about 10 civilians who remained in the town closest to the peak. In the southern town of Chaitén, only 10km from the volcano, the total evacuation was ordered after pyroclastic material was seen to emerge from the cone of the volcano for a few minutes followed by dense columns of ash that fell on the surrounding area. ‘Army personnel have seen pyroclastic material, incandescent material, and there has been an increase in the sulphurous smell present in the town of Chaitén. As of 6th of May, latest SERNAGEOMIN bulletin online reported that eruptions continue for at Chaitén volcano. There have also been reports of a sharp increase in earthquakes in the area since the eruption. Evacuations have occurred at a second town, Futaleufu. Some residents have evacuated across the border to Argentina. Around 25,000 head of cattle in the area are in serious danger of dying. According to SERNAGEOMIN, during the morning of 6 May, at 08:20, the eruptive cycle went through a recrudescence with vigorous and rhythmic explosions of great energy producing a much wider laterally expanding eruptive column of about 30 kilometres altitude in its initial phase, declining subsequently. A subsequent helicopter overflight found that two craters on the northern side of the dome had joined into one, 800m-wide vent during this eruptive phase. (Assuming, as appears to be the case from photographs, that the initial site of the eruption was on the southern flank of the dome, it now seems that the volcano is erupting from both northern and southern flanks.) No pyroclastic flows were reported to the north, south or west (the eastern zone could not be inspected, presumably, being obscured by the eruption plume), and it was noted that the rivers around the volcano were carrying a greater load of erupted material. Overall SERNAGEOMIN considers that the eruption may develop in two ways from this point onwards - although, as always with predictions of volcanic activity, it is impossible to be sure. There is the possibility of a collapse of the eruptive column and/or the rhyolite dome, which would generate pyroclastic flows. On the other hand the fall of ashes may continue with accumulations whose thickness will depend on the intensity of the explosions and the prevailing winds. President Michelle Bachelet briefly visited Chaiten and spoke with some of the few remaining residents. At shelters in Puerto Montt, evacuees sought the president's support to rebuild outside the path of the volcano. Most of Chaiten's 4500 residents fled as the eruption polluted air and water supplies. As of 3rd of May bulletin, from the Chilean Government Emergencies Office ONEMI reported that eruptive activity was continued at the Chaitén volcano, with the sky darkened by ash and a constant fall of fine ash in nearby areas. A sulphurous smell has been reported in some districts. A number of earthquakes have also been experienced in the region over the past 24 hours. The volcano was still ‘erupting ashes' and covering the surrounding districts ‘with a dense cloud of ash more than 20km in height … In Chaitén town, the streets are covered with 20-40cm of ash'. The fall of ash from Chaitén is also causing problems in neighbouring areas of Argentina, where airports and schools have been closed, transport disrupted and water supplies affected. In the same bulletin ONEMI also reports that the evacuation of Chaitén is continuing, with the aim being to evacuate the whole population: From yesterday to dawn today a total of 3900 people have been evacuated by sea from Chaitén to Puerto Montt and Castro, which corresponds to 89% of the population … Today approximately 500 people will be evacuated on six vessels bound for Castro and Puerto Montt. This will evacuate the entire population of Chaitén. Previous news : following a short seismic crisis, the Chaiten volcano started an eruption. The Chaiten volcano ejected gas and ash on Thursday night 1st to 2nd of May 2008, causing more than 60 small tremors in the Los Lagos region, 750 miles south of the capital, Santiago.Chile's government declared a state of emergency, evacuating as many as 1,500 people from nearby villages and the town of Chaiten, just over 6 miles from the volcano considered dormant for thousands of years erupted. The blast sent minor earthquakes rippling through the region. The amount of ash falling in Chaiten had dropped considerably by Friday afternoon, and the wind was moving it southeast. Ash from the eruption was polluting water supplies and prompting officials to hand out more than 10,000 protective masks. Winds also carried ash over the Andes mountains to neighboring Argentina, where the Education Ministry suspended classes in several towns, including Esquel and Trevelin - two popular Patagonian tourist. Authorities also declared a state of alert on two major highways as falling ash reduced visibility. On Friday evening a Volcanic Ash Advisory stated that ash rose to altitudes in the range of 13.7-16.7 km. Chaiten lies slightly to the W of Minchinmavida. Chaiten volcano lacks any known modern eruptions but a radiocarbon date on its tephra (CHA1) yields a date of 7,430 BC (plus or minus 75 years). Chaitén is a small, glacier-free late-Pleistocene caldera with a Holocene lava dome located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado. The north side of the rhyolitic, 962-m-high obsidian lava dome occupying the 3.5-km-wide caldera is unvegetated. Obsidian cobbles from this dome found in the Blanco River are the source of prehistorical artifacts from archaeological sites along the Pacific coast as far as 400 km away from the volcano to the north and south. The caldera is breached on the SW side by a river that drains to the bay of Chaitén, and the high point on its southern rim reaches 1,122 m. Two small lakes occupy the caldera floor on the west and north sides of the lava dome.Informations : ONEMI, GVN/GVP - SERNAGEOMIN (in spanish) - Live web camera

CHILE - Llaima volcano

June 18th , 2009

The camera in Melipueco used by OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN to monitor Llaima again showed glow on the NW inner margin of the main crater during 9-16 June. Occasional steam emissions with minor amounts of ash were also seen from the E flank. Seismic tremor has also increased since 5 June. The Alert Level remained at Yellow SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 5-8 June incandescence from an area in the SW part of Llaima's main crater corresponded to a small active"outcrop of lava." On 6 June, incandescence emanated from a small point along the E-flank fissure. Gas and steam was emitted from an area W of the main crater. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Yellow. On 26 May 2009, after a period of unusually heavy rain, a 500-metre long fissure on the upper east flank of the volcano began to emit dense clouds of water vapour. On the following day, 27 May, small amounts of ash were observed mixed in with the water vapour, and on 28 May the vigour of the emissions and the ash content increased. On 1 June, after further bad weather, the energy of the intermittent emissions along the fissure increased. A powerful phreatic eruption began at 11:20 (local time) on 1 June. The eruption ceased by 12:00, and during that afternoon only one small subsequent eruption was observed. Since the phreatic fissure eruptions began seismicity has remained at normal levels (as measured by POVI instruments 20 km from the volcano) but the number and energy of LP (long period) earthquakes has increased. Previously, during 5-11 May, tephra was ejected from an area on the E flank and, during the night, incandescence originated from this area. During the daytime, observers reported that an almost continuous orange brown plume rose 200 m. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Yellow. During 7-10 April, intermittent incandescence from a lava flow at the SW base of the pyroclastic cone was observed. Incandescent blocks originating from the lava flow descended W. On 8 April, gasses emitted from multiple points on the pyroclastic cone formed a plume that drifted NE. Preliminary calculations indicated that the height of the pyroclastic cone exceeded the top of the main crater by 70 m, making the summit elevation 3,240 m a.s.l. During 9-10 and 13-14 April, gas and steam plumes rose from the pyroclastic cone; views were obscured by clouds on 11 and 12 April. On 14 April, fumarolic activity from the pyroclastic cone was again noted. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Red. As of the 7th of April, SERNAGEOMIN reported that at 10:00 this day it was only possible to see weak emissions of ash and volcanic gases from various points on the summit. The Llaima continues to erupt but with a much lower intensity compared with the first phase. A light brown ash plume was rising to 1 km above the summit and dispersing towards the north-east. The volcano's seismicity has also declined. At 23:00, the energetic tremor which has been a characteristic of the seismic behaviour of the volcano during the current eruptive cycle suddenly declined to 300 RSAM units and 40 minutes later had reached just 19 units, where it has remained until 10:00 today'. Werner Keller of POVI, confirmed and reported that from around 22:25 local time the persistent seismic tremor declined to background levels. POVI's cameras detected a slow-moving lava flow on the western flank of the volcano early this morning. As of the 6th of April, the eruption of Chile's Llaima volcano that began on 3 April wass still ongoing, and characterized with vigorous and sustained activity. The bulletin from ONEMI (5th of April) reported that 71 people have been evacuated from 11 communities near the volcano, with red alert for Vilcún and Curacautín, because of the danger of lahars, and yellow alert for Cunco, Melipeuco and Lonquimay. In the previous bulletin ONEMI had reported ash emissions to 7000 metres altitude, a plume extending 100 kilometres to the south-east, incandescent material being projected up to 2 kilometres from the summit, pyroclastic flows on the western flank, and lava flowing towards the Calbuco valley. As of the 4th of April, SERNAGEOMIN reported that eruptive activity occured at Llaima volcano in Chile . The Chilean Government's (ONEMI) reported the day before that from around 20:00 local time an incandescence at the crater was visible from the adjacent areas of Cherquenco and Vilcún, and to a lesser extent from Melipeuco. The various emergency and civil protection committees were duly activated. Another bulletin reported that ‘an eruption of weak character is taking place at Llaima volcano with small explosions and eruptions of pyroclastic material at the level of the crater.According to information provided by Regional ONEMI personnel on the ground the volcanic activity has remained stable for the last four hours, with constant explosions which reach 600 metres above the crater; fall of ash and fine scoria has been seen in the eastern sector, towards Laguna Verde and Conguillío Park. Furthermore, a lava flow has been observed flowing towards Río Calbuco, Comuna de Vilcún, with an approximate length of over 1000 metres, following the same route as that of the 2008 eruption, which does not have large accumulations of ice and snow. ONEMI notes that there is a lahar risk on the Calbuco river. A number of people who were in the Conguillío National Park when the eruption began are safe, and evacuations will take place as soon as possible. As of the 4th of January 2009, POVI reported that the volcano has been very active over the Past previous days. But, none of the surveillance satellites, with thermal sensors on board, have detected incandescent lava during the current eruptive cycle. This is because the explosions of lava do not present a high frequency and do not generate incandescent surfaces greater than 50m2. On January 3rd, between 06:08 and 20:31 local time the two monitoring cameras captured a total of 37 phreatomagmatic explosions whose plumes of gases and particulates exceeded 100m in altitude before becoming disconnected from their source. During this period the emissions occurred at 23-minute intervals on average. The emissions came from three distinct points, located in the interior of the intra-crateral cone at the summit. At 07:59, 11:01, 11:40, 12:34 and 15:42 local time the most vigorous events of the day were observed. At 11:01 and 15:42 local time spatters of lava impacted the slope of the intra-crateral cone and the base of the cone. At 16:12 local time a fall of rocks and fragments descended the south-east flank of Pichillaima cone, the secondary summit of Llaima volcano. As of the 25th of december, SERNAGEOMIN reported that Since mid-December, however, the level of fumarolic activity has increased gradually, and on 11 December two small debris avalanches descended the west flank of the volcano, went down through a channel in the ice created by a past eruptive activity. On 22 December there were two weak ash emissions at 13:48 and 21:10 local time. This activity could be a precursor to further eruptive activity in the near future. There had been heavy snow fall on the day preceding this activity, indicating that large volumes of melt water were probably responsible for this phreatomagmatic activity. As of the 26th of November, SERNAGEOMIN reported that from 19 November to 25th of November, observers in the area of Llaima volcanoconfirmed that the volcano presented weak and sporadic emissions of water vapour concentrated around the two small craters of the paired pyroclastic cones nested inside the principal crater. Regarding seismic activity, during this period there has been a slight increase both in the number of LP-type earthquakes and in the energy they have released. Few episodes of tremor, of short duration with an energy level maintained at an average of 20 RSAM units, along with weak and occasional emissions mainly of water vapour, allow the presumption that the seismic activity is of superficial origin.As of the 24 September, SERNAGEOMIN reported that during an overflight of Llaima on 12 September, scientists observed diffuse gas-and-steam plumes emitted from the external edges of the nested craters in the main crater. During 13-22 September, observers in Melipeuco(about 17 km SSE) reported that sporadic gas-and-steam plumes emanated from the main crater. During an overflight on 21 September, steam emissions were noted from areas on the NE and W flanks. The Alert remained at Green, Level 2. Explosions were heard during 25-28 August. On 28 August, seismic signals indicated that gas-and-ash plumes were possibly emitted from the pyroclastic cones in the main crater. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Yellow. As of the 29th of July, SERNAGEOMIN reported that in the same way as the previous eruptive episodes of this month, the latest occurring on Saturday 26 July had a duration of 11.5 hours, although the stage of the greatest intensity lasted only one hour. This corresponds to a vigorous Strombolian-type event, effusive, with rapid onset and decline. Also, the presence of powerful tremor was associated with the emission of ashes, with intense ejection of pyroclasts and a very high rate of emission of lava. At present, Llaima volcano is in a new period of ‘calm', with weak background tremor and few LP-type earthquakes, which are associated with very weak degassing and movements of internal fluids. However, it could take only a few days for a new eruptive episode similar or greater than that of Saturday 26 July to come to pass. As of the 24th of July, SERNAGEOMIN reported that after increased seismicity at Llaima on the 14th of July, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 5.6 km (18,400 ft) a.s.l. Less than two hours later, very intense orange and red incandescence was seen through breaks in the cloud cover near the summit and at the base of the W flank. At 1915hrs a vigorous Strombolian eruption ejected incandescent pyroclastic material from the N vent in the main crater to heights of 500 m above the summit. Seismicity and the intensity of the explosions decreased later that day. On the 15th of July, diffuse ash emissions rose to an altitude of 3.4 km (11,200 ft) a.s.l. Ash and tephra covered areas of the SSE flank. Seismic activity decreased during 16-18 July.O n 19 July, seismicity again increased and ash-and-gas plumes rose to an altitude of 3.3 km (10,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. The emissions became more intense and frequent, and one explosion produced an ash plume to an altitude of 4.1 km (13,500 ft) a.s.l. Ash and tephra fell on the SE flank. Later that day, constant explosions ejected incandescent material 500 m above the summit that fell near the crater. Steam plumes emitted from the W flank possibly indicated the presence of a new lava flow along with mobile incandescent blocks from a previous lava flow. After another brief period of calm, vapour emissions increased and were followed by strong explosions and lava flows. The Alert level remained at Yellow. As of the 17th of July, the SERNAGEOMIN reported that a new eruptive phase at Llaima occurred on the 10th of July following two hours of precursory seismicity. At 1520hrs, a vigorous Strombolian eruption ejected incandescent pyroclastic material from two vents in the main crater to heights of 500 m above the summit, throwing bombs to the E, NE, and S. Lava flows also moved towards the W and S flanks. Explosions were seen from Melipeuco, Cherquenco, El Salto, and El Manzano. Strong activity continued for almost three hours before decreasing. Medium to coarse ash fell in Melipeuco (up to 1.5 mm in diameter). Red glow was seen in the early hours of the 11th of July, and there was no eruptive column or gas emissions. Poor weather prevented observations the next day. As of the 3rd of July, SERNAGEOMIN reported that on the morning of 3 July, a large column of water vapour was observed over the western flank. An overflight inspection confirmed that the front of the lava advancing across the flank had generated a small lahar that because of its limited size did not reach the headwaters of the Calbuco river. At the same time, the seismicity for last night shows a slight upturn in the seismic energy released. Until now there has been no report of significant effects on the environment. The low rate of emission of magma has not favoured the massive melting of ice or snow with the consequent generation of lahars (volcanic floods) and both the flow and sediment load of the rivers in the western sector have remained stable. As of the 1st of July, ONEMI reported that following the reactivation of the Llaima volcano at approximately 4 AM, the active lava flow has currently reached almost 800 meters away. The ONEMI director, who was informed of the situation just before 4 AM this morning, stated that the direction of the lava flow places the towns of La Selva and Danubio at most risk, due to the fact that they are located only 10 to 12 kilometers from the crater – which is within the primary emergency radius that has been declared. Evacuations have been underway, however, in the town of Los Lleuques, where 12 people were removed from the area. Llaima, near Chile's lake region, erupted violently on New Year's Day, forcing the temporary evacuation of some tourists and residents from the surrounding Conguillio National Park, and then belched ash and lava in February and March.Previously SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 28 March-4 April, fumarolic plumes from Llaima drifted several tens of kilometers mainly to the SE. Explosions produced ash and gas emissions. An overflight on 2 April of the main crater revealed that gas, pyroclastic material, and ash emissions, occasionally accompanied by small explosions, originated from three cones. On 4 April, several explosions were heard and also some incandescence was reflected in a gas-and-ash plume. As of the 27th March, the El Observatorio Volcanológico de los Andes del Sur (OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN) reported that fumarolic activity from the central pyroclastic cone in Llaima's main crater reactivated on 13 March and intensified during 15-17 March. Sulfur dioxide plumes rose to an altitude of 3.6 km (11,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. People from nearby areas reported incandescence in the crater during 19-21 March. Incandescent material propelled from the crater was observed at night during 20-21 March. As of the 6th March, OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that weak sulfur dioxide plumes from two cones in Llaima's main crater during 26-28 February. An overflight on 28 February revealed that the internal structure of the crater had not changed since observations on 21 February. Weak fumarolic emissions from the main crater were noted during 2-3 March. The Alert Level remained at Yellow. As of the 28th February, a weak steam plumes were observed from Llaima's main crater on 20 February. The 'a'a lava flow that traveled 2.5 km during 2-13 February varied in width between 30-40 m and was 10 m thick. On 21 February small ash plumes rose from the E and SE flanks. Pyroclastic flows descended the E flank and possibly down the W flank. Sulfur dioxide plumes that rose from two craters within the main crater were visible during an overflight. On 22 February, a seismic signal pattern similar to that observed during a previous pyroclastic flow was noted. Ash-and-gas plumes rose from the E flank. On 23 February, an ash-and-gas plume rose from the SE flank. On 6 February, intense Strombolian activity that propelled material 500 m above the summit crater was observed. Ash-and-gas plumes from the activity rose to altitudes of 5.1-5.6 km (16,700-18,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE more than 30 km. Multiple lava flows traveled 0.7-1.5 km W and N and generated steam plumes due to their interaction with a glacier. Activity declined later that day. During 7-8 February, explosions from two different areas in the main crater produced brown and gray ash-and-gas plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.1-6.2 km (13,500-20,300 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 20 km NW. Incandescent blocks from lava-flow fronts rolled down the flank. As of the 8th February, eruptive activity at Llaima continued from the main crater and from multiple areas on the E flank during 30 January-4 February. Lava flows extended about 1.5-2 km in length and caused strong steam plumes due to their interaction with a glacier. On 3 February, material from intense Strombolian activity was propelled 500 m above the crater floor and fell inside and outside of the crater. Multiple lava flows from the W edge of the main crater descended about 150 m. Incandescent blocks from lava-flow fronts rolled down the flank. Plumes rose to an approximate altitude of 4.6 km (15,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WNW. Lava flows originating from a lava lake were observed during an overflight. These flows extended about 1.5-2 km in length and caused strong steam plumes due to their interaction with a glacier. According to a news article, about 20 people were evacuated from an area of La Selva, in the community of Vilcún (43 km W). Activity was similar on 4 February. A phreatic explosion on the E flank was accompanied by steam plumes and a small pyroclastic flow. Orange ash emissions were noted from the S lateral fissure. Ash plumes from the main crater rose to an altitude of 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. Based on pilot observations, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 4.6-6.7 km (15,000-22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, NE, and W during 5-6 February. As of the 24th January, SERNAGEOMIN reported that eruptive activity at Llaima continued from the main crater and from two craters and a fissure on the E flank during 16-21 January. Based on observations during an overflight on 16 January, three nested pyroclastic cones within the main crater were active. The larger cone produced weak ash emissions that rose about 500 m. Ash emissions were also noted from a crater on the E flank. Glaciers on the NE slope and W flank were fractured and dislocated. Ash emissions from a NE-SW-trending fissure about 80 m in length and 10 m wide were observed. Also noted were incandescent rocks that rolled from the NE end of the fissure and ash plumes generated from rolling rocks in multiple areas during 16-17 January. On 17 January, ash emissions rose from the main crater to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l and drifted E. Weak Strombolian activity was seen from the main crater during aerial observation. of the 17th January, SERNAGEOMIN reported that seismicity from Llaima decreased in energy, but the number of events increased during 10-14 January. Based on seismic interpretation, weak explosions produced plumes of gas and ash. On 11 January, lava flows on the W flank that were observed during an overflight were cooled and snow-covered near the crater but snow-free, and therefore still hot, about 500 m further down on the flank. Blocks of incandescent material rolled about 1.5 km and caused steam emissions at several points where they contacted the glacier. Ash plumes drifted NE. Abundant cracks in glaciers to the SW of the crater were noted. Based on observations of satellite imagery and pilot reports, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to an altitude of 5.5-6.7 km (18,000-22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and SW on 11 and 13 January, respectively. s of the 4th January, INGEOMINAS reported that rescue workers evacuated 54 tourists and staff from a Chilean wilderness park on Wednesday after one of the country's largest volcanoes erupted, spewing ash and molten lava. There were no reports of injuries or damage, but dozens of tourists were evacuated from the base of the Llaima volcano after it erupted on Tuesday evening . The 54 people rescued had been stranded overnight after a local river swelled with meltwater and cut off road access. The volcano was calmer by Wednesday afternoon but according to scientists further eruptions were possible. The massive 3125-m-high, dominantly basaltic-to-andesitic stratovolcano has a volume of 400 cu km. A Holocene edifice built primarily of accumulated lava flows was constructed over an 8-km-wide caldera that formed about 13,200 years ago, following the eruption of the 24 cu km Curacautín Ignimbrite. More than 40 scoria cones dot the volcano's flanks. Following the end of an explosive stage about 7200 years ago, construction of the present edifice began, characterized by strombolian, hawaiian, and infrequent subplinian eruptions. Frequent moderate explosive eruptions with occasional lava flows have been recorded since the 17th century.The Current Colour Code for Llaima is currently at RED . Llaima webcam

CHILE - Villarica volcano

October 30th, 2008

SERNAGEOMIN reported that on 26 October three gray plumes with little ash content were emitted from Villarrica and rose to an altitude of 3.2 km (10,500 ft) a.s.l. The plumes quickly dispersed to the E. About
20 minutes later a darker gray plume rose to an altitude of 3.3 km (10,800 ft) a.s.l. Projecto Observación Visual Volcán Villarrica (POVI) reported that the latter plume deposited a thin layer of tephra several kilometers in length on the E flank. Villarrica, one of Chile's most active volcanoes, rises above the lake and town of the same name. It is the westernmost of three large stratovolcanoes that trend perpendicular to the Andean chain. A 6-km wide caldera formed during the late Pleistocene, more than 0.9 million years ago. A 2-km-wide postglacial caldera is located at the base of the presently active, dominantly basaltic-to-andesitic cone at the NW margin of the Pleistocene caldera. About 25 scoria cones dot Villarrica's flanks. Plinian eruptions and pyroclastic flows have been produced during the Holocene from this dominantly basaltic volcano, but historical eruptions have consisted largely of mild-to-moderate explosive activity with occasional lava effusion. Lahars from the glacier-covered volcano have damaged towns on its flanks.

************************************************************************************************************

JAPAN - Suwanose-Jima volcano (Ryukyu Islands)

June 18th, 2009

Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported an explosion from Suwanose-jima on 16 June. Details of a possible resultant ash plume were not reported. As of the 14th of May, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions from Suwanose-Jima during 7-9 and 12 May. Details of possible resultant ash plumes were not reported As of the 19th of March, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) previously reported that based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 15 and 16 March eruptions from Suwanose-Jima produced plumes that rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted E on 15 March. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported multiple explosions from Suwanose-jima during 26 February-1 March. On 1 March, resultant plumes rose to altitudes of 1.2-1.5 km (4,000-5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. On 2 March, an eruption produced a plume to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. An explosion was reported on 3 March. As of the 26th of February, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) has reported from JMA that Suwanose-Jima erupted explosively on 18 February; a colored plume rose 400 m above the crater and drifted E. Two explosive eruptions occurred the next day. The 8-km-long, spindle-shaped island of Suwanose-Jima in the northern Ryukyu Islands consists of an andesitic stratovolcano with two historically active summit craters. Only about 50 persons live on the sparsely populated island. The summit of the volcano is truncated by a large breached crater extending to the sea on the east flank that was formed by edifice collapse. Suwanose-Jima, one of Japan's most frequently active volcanoes, was in a state of intermittent Strombolian activity from On-take, the NE summit crater, that began in 1949 and lasted nearly a half century. The largest historical eruption took place in 1813-14, when thick scoria deposits blanketed residential areas, after which the island was uninhabited for about 70 years. The SW crater produced lava flows that reached the western coast in 1813, and lava flows reached the eastern coast of the island in 1884.

JAPAN - Asama volcano

February 20th, 2009

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. On 16 February, the Alert Level was lowered to II "Orange;".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. As of the 12th of February, the Japan Meteorlogical Agency (JMA) reported that eruptive activity 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 the 9th of February. As of the 2nd of February, JMA reported that the volcano has erupted at 1:51 a.m. (1651 GMT Sunday) , spewing smoke almost 2km (1.3 miles) into the air and and throwing rocks as far as 1km from the vent and causing ash to drift over parts of the capital, Tokyo. about 140 km (90 miles) to the southeast, but visibility in the capital was not affected. There were no reports of injuries or damage in the sparsely populated area around the mountain, 145km north-west of Tokyo. Residents living within a 4km radius of the mountain have been urged to be cautious and to wear masks in the towns near Mount Asama. Asama, Honshu's most active volcano, overlooks the resort town of Karuizawa, 140 km NW of Tokyo. The volcano is located at the junction of the Izu-Marianas and NE Japan volcanic arcs. The modern cone of Maekake-yama forms the summit of the volcano and is situated east of the horseshoe-shaped remnant of an older andesitic volcano, Kurofu-yama, which was destroyed by a late-Pleistocene landslide about 20,000 years before present (BP). Growth of a dacitic shield volcano was accompanied by pumiceous pyroclastic flows, the largest of which occurred about 14,000-11,000 years BP, and by growth of the Ko-Asama-yama lava dome on the east flank. Maekake-yama, capped by the Kama-yama pyroclastic cone that forms the present summit of the volcano, is probably only a few thousand years old and has an historical record dating back at least to the 11th century AD. Maekake-yama has had several major plinian eruptions, the last two of which occurred in 1108 (Asama's largest Holocene eruption) and 1783 AD. Live webcam - Second webcam

JAPAN - Sakurajima volcano

July 2nd, 2009

Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 24-30 June explosions from Sakura-jima sometimes produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.1-3.4 km (7,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. The plumes
drifted NE, E, and S. Based on a pilot observation, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 12 June an ash plume from Sakura-jima rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. The JMA reported that during 14-16 June eruptions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.4-2.7 km (8,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted SE and E on 14 and 15 June. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 30 May an explosion from Sakura-jima produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. On 31 May, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. The next day, eruptions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.1-3.4 km (7,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. Some plumes drifted S. Previously, Tokyo VAAC reported that on 26 May an eruption from Sakura-jima produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 19 May an eruption from Sakura-jima produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. As of the 14th of May, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has reported that based on information from JMA and pilot observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 9 May eruptions from Sakura-Jima produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. On 12 May, an ash plume drifted E at an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. As of the 7th of May, JMA reported that based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 3-4 May eruptions from Sakura-Jima produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.4-3.7 km (8,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. As of the 9th of April, the Japanese Meteorlogical Agency (JMA) has reported that based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 5-7 April explosions and eruptions from Sakura-jima produced plumes that rose to altitude of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted SE on 5 April and S on 7 April Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an explosion from Sakura-jima on 26 March produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. JMA reported occasional weak eruptions during 27-30 March. As of the 10th of March, a significative explosive activity occured in the morning. There are reports of an explosion at 05:22 local time, lava flows, an eruption column of up to 1.2km altitude, and volcanic debris projected to distances of up to 2km from the crater. The Tokyo VAAC has issued a volcanic ash advisory for the volcano, but no aviation colour code alert has yet been issued. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning to local residents. During 7-10 March, JMA reported that 12 Vulcanian explosions occurred from Showa Crater, on the E flank of Sakura-jima. Some explosions were seen from JMA's Kagoshima Observatory; observers reported that ejected bombs landed as far away as 800 m from the crater and plumes rose to an altitude of 2.9 km (9,500 ft) a.s.l. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption on 7 March, and explosions during 8-10 March, produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.7 km (6,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted N and S during 8-10 March. Previoulsly on 4th of March JMA reported explosions from Sakura-jima during 28 february-1 March. On 1 March, plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. JMA raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-5). During 1-2 March, three Vulcanian explosions occurred from Showa Crater, ejecting bombs that landed as far away as 1.3 km on 2 March. Deformation was also detected. The Tokyo VAAC reported that eruptions or explosions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.7-3 km (9,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 2 and 4 March, and an explosion occurred on 3 March.As of the 26th of February, the Japanese Meteorlogical Agency (JMA) has reported that A lowered the Alert Level for Sakura-Jima from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 19 February because deformation was absent, seismicity was low, and no eruptions occurred after 5 February. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 22 February an explosion produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. Previously 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. Sakura-Jima first erupted in 2008 on the 6th of January. Sakura-Jima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, is a post-caldera cone of the Aira caldera at the northern half of Kagoshima Bay. Eruption of the voluminous Ito pyroclastic flow was associated with the formation of the 17 x 23-km-wide Aira caldera about 22,000 years ago. The construction of Sakura-Jima began about 13,000 years ago and built an island that was finally joined to the Osumi Peninsula during the major explosive and effusive eruption of 1914. Activity at the Kita-dake summit cone ended about 4,850 years ago, after which eruptions took place at Minami-dake. Frequent historical eruptions, recorded since the 8th century, have deposited ash on Kagoshima, one of Kyushu's largest cities, located across Kagoshima Bay only 8 km from the summit. The largest historical eruption took place during 1471-76. Sakurajima webcam

JAPAN - Akan volcano (Hokkaido)

December 6th, 2008

As of the 4th of December, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has reported that an eruption from Akan (also known as Meakan-dake, which means Meakan Peak) of the Akan volcanic complex on the 28th of November. Ash plumes rose to an altitude of 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, E, and SE. Ash was deposited on the E flank up to 4 km away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at "near-crater warning" (levels 2 and 3 on a 5-level scale). As of the 30th of September, The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that seismic tremor from the Akan volcanic complex that lasted for four minutes on 29 September prompted JMA to raise the Alert Level from 1 to 2 (using a 1-5 scale). The number of earthquakes had increased since 26 September. A white plume rose less than 100 m above the Me-Akan volcano group. Akan is a 13 x 24 km, elongated caldera that formed more than 31,500 years ago immediately SW of Kutcharo caldera. Growth of four post-caldera stratovolcanoes, three at the SW end of the caldera and the other at the NE side, has restricted the size of the caldera lake. The 1-km-wide Nakamachineshiri crater was formed during a major pumice-and-scoria eruption about 13,500 years ago. Of the Holocene volcanoes of the Akan volcanic complex, only the Me-Akan group, E of Lake Akan, has been historically active, producing mild phreatic eruptions since the beginning of the 19th century. Me-Akan is composed of 9 overlapping cones. The main cone of Me-Akan proper has a triple crater at its summit. Historical eruptions at Me-Akan have consisted of minor phreatic explosions, but four major magmatic eruptions including pyroclastic flows have occurred during the Holocene. (GVN/GVPP)

***********************************************************************************************************************

USA - Kilauea volcano ( Hawaian islands)

July 2nd, 2009

As of the 1st of July, HVO reported that a sequence of rockfalls, some quite large, within the Halema'uma'u vent at the summit of Kîlauea Volcano began at 1:38 p.m. H.s.t on June 30, 2009. The initial rockfall produced a seismic signal equivalent to a magnitude-2.4 earthquake and was felt at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) and the adjacent Jaggar Museum. By 4:00 p.m., more than 30 such rim-collapse events had been recorded by the seismometers with a few more occurring through today, July 1. Seismic tremor amplitudes decreased by more than 50 percent. By 6 p.m., the levels were at their lowest values since August 30, 2007. Episodic tremor has now returned with 3 minute bursts of tremor occurring every 15 minutes. Last night, for the first time in over a month, there was no glow from the summit vent. HVO geologists who flew over the summit today reported seeing rocky rubble within the vent which is obviously the result of yesterday's collapse. Vent collapses like this are often the result of a drop in the level of lava in the vent which destabilize the vent walls initiating a cascade of collapses. The summit gas plume was visibly thinner by this morning. Initial reports suggest that sulfur dioxide emissions from the summit vent may have decreased, but around noon today as the plume was blown toward HVO, the air quality monitoring station at HVO recorded concentrations of sulfur dioxide suggesting emissions are still elevated above pre-2008 levels. More precise emission rate measurements will be possible when prevailing trade winds return. As of the 15th of April, HVO reporte that a magnitude-5.0 earthquake beneath the south flank of Kilauea Volcano was recorded on Tuesday, April 14, at 12:44 p.m. H.s.t. The earthquake was located about 12 km (8 miles) southeast of Kilauea's summit and 44 km (27 miles) south-southwest of Hilo at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The earthquake was felt over the entire Island of Hawai`i. The U.S. Geological Survey received over 350 felt reports in the first 30 minutes after the earthquake. Eleven earthquakes with magnitudes of 4 or greater, including three with magnitudes of 5 or more, have occurred in this area, the central part of Kilauea's south flank, at nearly the same depth (8-10 km or 5-6 miles) in the last 25 years. These quakes are thought to be caused by southward movement of the south flank in response to magmatic pressure within the east rift zone. The earthquake caused no apparent change to the current eruption of Kilauea. Monitoring networks supported by HVO have not detected significant changes in volcano activity. During 8-14 April, HVO reported that lava flowed SE from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex through a lava tube system, reaching the Waikupanaha and Kupapa'u ocean entries. Occasional explosions occurred from the Waikupanaha ocean entry. Surface flows on the coastal plain or from the Prince lobe were seen or detected by satellite imagery. The vent in Halema'uma'u crater continued to produce a white plume occasionally tinged brown that drifted mainly SW. incandescence was intermittently seen from the vent. On 2 April, geologists found that the surface lava flow feeding the Kupapa'u entry was 1 km (0.6 m) wide. As of the 20th of March, HVO reported that the anticipated switch to DI inflation occurred the day before in the evening. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated. 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; the 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. As of the 15th of October, HVO reported that Tuesday 14th of October at 12:26 and 4:07 pm, the Halema`uma`u vent produced explosions; the earlier explosion was initiated by a collapse of a thin piece of the vent rim; the second erupted molten spatter deposited as cowpies with 100 m (yards) of the vent and produced an eruption column that rose about 2 km (6,500 ft) above the crater rim. Between explosions, weak easterly winds moved the gas/steam plume to the west resulting in intermittently poor air quality at the summit. Glow from the Halema`uma`u vent overnight was variable and weak; spatter from the 4:07 pm eruption ignited a sulfur deposit on the crater wall to the west of the vent producing a blue flame visible at night. Wednesday morning, weak winds are allowing the plume to rise vertically into generally foggy/voggy conditions. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remained elevated and variable. The most recent average measurement was 1,200 tonnes/day on October 10, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. Moderate trade winds are needed for emission rate measurements. Kilauea caldera network of tiltmeters recorded an offset with the 4:07 pm explosion followed by accelerated deflation that is slowing this morning. The GPS receiver networks (less sensitive than tiltmeters) recorded no significant contraction or extension.Previously the 13th of october, HVO reported that early on the morning of Sunday 12 October (7:28 am), there was a significant explosive event at Halema'uma'u crater. This new gas vent opened in Halema`uma`u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano. Since then, sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) emissions and the associated volcanic air pollution (vog) have impacted air quality on Hawai`i Island and, at times, throughout the entire state. Volcanic ash in the Halema`uma`u gas plume also resulted in the closure of air space above the crater. The  explosive eruption did produce significant tephra deposits, some of the pieces were fist- to grapefruit-sized frothy lava. Most of the samples were glassy lava bits with minor rock fragments and dust. Despite the fact that the 10/12 07:28 hybrid seismic event was larger than the 9/2 hybrid seismic event, the 10/12 deposit was significantly smaller. As of the 10th of October, it has been reported from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), that there is an active lava flow on the pali east of Royal Gardens subdivision; lava has resumed flow through tubes to the ocean; Waikupanaha ocean entry is active. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from both the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain high; tephra production continues from the Halema`uma`u vent. Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Plume direction yesterday was to the southwest and south. Glow from the Halema`uma`u vent overnight was again episodic and bright but somewhat weaker than previous nights; the lava pond is probably relatively high in the vent but still well below the rim. As of the 6th of October, it has been reported from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), that for the DI tilt event that started last Thursday, the inflation, expected to follow deflation, began at the summit just after 2000 hrs; anticipated inflation at Pu`u `O`o may have started just before 0800 hrs this morning. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from both the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain high; tephra production continues from the Halema`uma`u vent. A significantly reduced amount of lava, if any at all, flows through tubes to the ocean. If inflation has started at Pu`u `O`o, increased lava into the tubes, possible surface flow activity, and resumption of the ocean entry are expected sometime within the next 24 hours. As of the 8th of September, it has been confirmed from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), that for the first time since the new vent opened in Halema'uma'u Crater on March 19, HVO scientists in a helicopter hovering over the crater during the day 5th of september were able to see the surface of a sloshing 50 m (160 ft) diameter lava lake about 100 m (330 ft) below the vent rim. HVO scientists have speculated that a lava pond existed a few hundred meters below the vent, but have not been able to get visual confirmation until this morning. A second viewing early this afternoon revealed a roiling pond with multiple bursting bubbles changing into a central upwelling circulation pattern. The lake level dropped slightly before the cycle restarted. This behavior has been witnessed before, most recently in Pu'u 'O'o vents and the July 21 lava ponds on Kilauea's east rift zone, and is known as "gas pistoning." One model explains pistoning as small gas bubbles coalescing into larger bubbles beneath a crust on a lava pond, rising to the surface, and then bursting. The released pulse of hot gas carries rock dust from the collapsing vent walls, bits of the lava lake crust, and small amounts of spatter. Previously a small explosive eruption at 0737 hours on Aug. 27th was confirmed this morning. At the east rift eruption site, Pu`u `O`o cone continued to produce high amounts of sulfur dioxide gas; lava flows through tubes to the ocean. The signigicative explosion at 0737 hours noted in yesterday's update (8/27) was actually a very small explosive eruption, the fifth in 2008. This morning's collection yielded volcanic glass bits up to several centimetres across within a deposit that was dominantly rock fragments up to 5 cm (2 inches) across. The tephra was ejected hot and burned holes in a tarp used for collection near the overlook. during 20-26 August, lava flowed SE through a lava tube system from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex to the Waikupanaha ocean entry. As of the 22nd of August, it has been reported from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), that the Kilauea summit continued to produce small amounts of ash and elevated amounts of sulfur dioxide gas from the Halema`uma`u vent; a DI tilt event started early on the morning. At the east rift eruption site, Pu`u `O`o cone continued to produce high amounts of sulfur dioxide gas; the TEB eruption was stable with lava flowing through tubes to the ocean. Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: At 1540hrs, 1941hrs yesterday, and 0348hrs this morning, single hybrid/explosion earthquakes occurred. The 1548hrs event was witnessed by many at Jaggar overlook and as far away as Akatsuka Orchid Farm 12.7 km (7.9 miles) away; the event itself was well recorded as an initial jet ejecting gas and ash at least 400 m (1,300 ft) vertically before being blown southwest by prevailing winds. The NPS eruption crew reported rock fall sounds from the vent around 1850hrs and a wink associated with the 1941hrs hybrid seismic event. Overnight, incandescence continued to be weak and was barely recorded on the webcam. This morning, a white plume is rising from the Halema`uma`u vent and being blown southwestward low over the Ka`u Desert. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remained elevated and variable; the most recent average measurement was 800 tonnes/day on August 20th compared to a pre-2008 background rate between 150-200 tonnes/day. GOES-WEST imagery shows the plume going directly southwest inland of the coast between 0600-0700hrs. Ash production continued; although visually spectacular, yesterday afternoon's explosion apparently produced little more than fine rock dust with a small amount of volcanic glass bits. Almost continuous rock impact sounds could be heard during the ash collection routine. The summit tiltmeter network recorded minor oscillations before an abrupt turn to inflation at 0145hrs followed by the start of a DI-tilt-event deflation at 0156hrs; the 1540hrs and the 0348hrs hybrid earthquakes also produced small inflationary offsets. The network of GPS receivers that span the summit recorded no significant change in distance across the caldera. Seismic tremor remained at moderate levels. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes beneath Halema`uma`u Crater remained above background values of 40/d. Thirteen earthquakes were located beneath Kilauea: seven were beneath the southern summit caldera, three beneath an area immediately west of the southwest rift zone, two on Koa`e faults, and one on south flank fault The pre-2008 background rate was 150-200 tonnes per day. On 26 July, incandescent material was ejected from the vent in Halema'uma'u crater. Previous significative information : A small third explosion occured on 16th of April at 0400 AM from the summit Halemaumau crater vent. The summit tiltmeter network recorded no coherent signal. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the summit caldera recorded slow contraction. One earthquakes was located beneath the southwest rift zone. The second explosion from the new vent in Halema`uma`u Crater occurred at 11:08 p.m., H.s.t., on April 9, 2008. The explosion was smaller in magnitude than the one on March 19, 2008, but enlarged the vent by 5-10 meters (15-30 feet). USGS scientists, who have been monitoring Halema`uma`u around the clock, observed incandescent rocks being ejected from the vent during the explosion. Some blocks were blasted to the rim of the crater, about 70 m (230 feet) above the vent. They also noted that a faint glow returned to the vent a few minutes after the explosion. Other than explosion signals, no other geophysical changes accompanied the event. Shortly after dawn, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists investigated the explosion debris on the crater rim above the vent. They found lava spatter and rocks, with one block measuring 35 by 21 by 20 cm (14 X 8 X 8 inches). The debris was apparently hot when ejected because fragments had melted plastic pans previously placed on the rim to collect ash. Based on field observations, last night's explosion ejected considerably less rocky material than the March 19 event. Hawai`i County Civil Defense received reports of ash fall in Pahala, suggesting that tiny fragments of rock pulverized by the explosion were carried down wind at least 19 miles. The Halema`uma`u vent continued to issue a white plume this morning. Returning trade winds are now blowing the plume to the southwest, which will allow scientists to measure sulfur dioxide gas emissions and ash production today. As of 8th of April, HVO informed that due to an elevated sulfur dioxide levels from Kilauea volcano and a change in wind direction Tuesday forced 2,000 people to leave Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. The park was closed, and those at campgrounds, the Kilauea Military Camp as well as the guests and staff at the 42-room Volcano House hotel were told to leave. . As of 24th of March, HVO reported that there was now continuous emission of ash from the new gas vent in Halema`uma`u Crater, turning the formerly white cloud of fume a dusty-brown color. The top of the ash plume, which is currently being blown to the southwest of the Crater, reaches 0.5 to 1.0 mile above ground level. Hawai`i aviation agencies have been notified of the potential hazard to aircraft. During the night, small incandescent particles were observed erupting from the vent below the Halema`uma`u Overlook. A few particles were ejected with sufficient velocity to be deposited on the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater. This morning, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists reported finding Pele's hair, Pele's tears, and spatter in the overlook area, indicating that particles ejected overnight included molten lava-the first erupted from the new vent, which is now 30-35 m (100 ft) wide. The largest fragments of spatter, or blobs of molten rock, found on the crater rim are 10 cm (4 inches) in size. At 2:58 a.m. H.s.t on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, a small explosion occurred at Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kîlauea Volcano in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This event was erroneously reported as an earthquake earlier this morning. The explosion scattered debris over an area of about 30 Hectares), covering a portion of Crater Rim Drive and damaging the Halema'uma'u overlook. No lava was erupted as part of the explosion, suggesting that the activity was driven by hydrothermal or gas sources. In addition to damaging the overlook, explosive debris covers the trail to the overlook, the Halema'uma'u parking area, and the portion of Crater Rim Drive adjacent to the parking area. On Crater Rim Drive the debris was up to 2 centimeters in size, with the size and thickness of debris increasing toward the overlook. The largest observed block ejected during the explosion was about 1 cubic meter (35 cubic feet) and must have been propelled from the vent located more than 70 m (230 feet) below the crater rim. Small impact craters from 30 cm (1 foot) blocks are abundant in the Halema'uma'u overlook area. Rock debris also extends halfway across the floor of Halema'uma'u Crater. The debris is composed of rock fragments that were derived from the walls of Halema'uma'u Crater. No fresh lava was observed on the floor of Halema'uma'u or in the ejected debris. At 2:55 am, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recorded a series of seismic events that may have been shallow, high-frequency earthquakes or minor explosions. The main explosion at 2:58 was associated with long period seismicity. Low frequency sound waves were also detected by the University of Hawai`i infrasound laboratory, operated by Dr. Milton Garces. These signals have persisted through this morning indicating continuing energetic release of gas from the vent in Halema'uma'u Crater. The explosion produced a small crater along the east wall of Halema'uma'u that is about 20-30 meters (65-100 feet) in diameter. The crater occupies the area in which incandescence had been observed during the previous week. Sulfur dioxide emissions from the new explosion crater are still elevated, and sounds of rock breaking are frequent. This is the first explosion in Halema`uma`u crater since 1924 and the first eruption of any kind in Kîlauea caldera since September 1982. Future explosive activity is possible and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor the activity. Photos, text updates, a new Halema`uma`u crater webcam, and details about the Kilauea 1924 explosive eruption can be found at the HVO website. As of 13th of March HVO reported that prominent new gas vent broke through the lower east wall of Halema‘uma‘u this week, doubling the already elevated level of sulfur dioxide gas being emitted from the crater. According to some observers, the new Halemaumau crater gas vent displayed dull red incandescence during following overnight The rate at which sulfur dioxide (SO2) is released by Kilauea volcano has typically been 150-200 tonnes/day, but in late December 2007, the emission rate increased to nearly 300 tonnes/day. This rate continued to rise into the new year, and by mid-February 2008, it fluctuated between 600 and 1000 tonnes/day. On March 12, the rate abruptly jumped to 1,500 tonnes/day. The following day, SO2 emission rates reached the highest recorded at Kilauea's summit since measurements began in 1979—from 1,800 to 2,000 tonnes/day. With increased emission rates, the concentration of noxious sulfur dioxide gas in the air, the cause of respiratory hazards, also rises. When the emission rate doubled in December 2007, sulfur dioxide concentrations exceeded 1 ppm on more than half of Crater Rim Drive between the Southwest Rift Zone pullout and the Halema‘uma‘u Overlook parking lot. From HVO - Near real-time web cam Pu'u'O'o. Halemaumau webcam

***********************************************************************************************************

U.S.A. - Mauna Loa ( Hawaii)

January 16th, 2009

As of the 14th of January, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has reported that slow extension, as measured by GPS receivers on opposite sides of the volcano, continued. Line lengths have been increasing at a slightly faster rate since September, 2008,due mostly to slippage on basalt faults beneath Mauna Loa's east flank and not to an increase in magma supply to the volcano. Tiltmeters have recorded no significant changes other than abrupt offsets that are related to instrumental issues. Diurnal tilt, or the tilting due to daily heating and cooling of the ground, was diminished by snowfall starting Christmas Eve, 2008. Sensors within a crack in Moku`aweoweo crater floor continued to record background gas concentrations and temperatures. Since the beginning of January, 2005, HVO analysts have rarely located more than 10 earthquakes per week beneath Mauna Loa summit. Each week, 1-5 earthquakes are also located beneath the Kealakekua area of west Mauna Loa. These levels are typical of the past several years. The Kao`iki seismic zone between Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcano summits remained active with an average of about 10-40 earthquakes per week; these numbers may reflect increased seismic activity nearer Kilauea summit rather than increased Kao`iki activity.

***********************************************************************************************************

USA - Okmok volcano (Alaska)

March 6th, 2009

As of the 6th of March, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), reported that seismic activity has declined over the past 24 hours. No significant tremor bursts have occurred since yesterday afternoon. Clouds obscure views of the volcano today. On 2 March, AVO raised the Volcano Alert Level for Okmok to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow because of increased seismicity. Short bursts of volcanic tremor at an average rate of one per hour had been detected during the previous 24 hours, an increase above the typical background level. The events were the first sign of significant seismic activity at the volcano since the cessation of the llast eruption in August 2008. The broad, basaltic Okmok shield volcano, which forms the NE end of Umnak Island, has a dramatically different profile than most other Aleutian volcanoes. The summit of the low, 35-km-wide volcano is cut by two 10-km-wide calderas formed during eruptions about 8,250 and 2,400 years ago that produced dacitic pyroclastic flows that reached the coast. Numerous satellitic cones and lava domes dot the flanks of the volcano down to the coast. Some of the post-caldera cones show evidence of wave-cut lake terraces; the more recent cones, some of which have been active historically, were formed after the caldera lake disappeared. Hot springs and fumaroles are found within the caldera and at Hot Springs Cone, 20 km to the SW. Historical eruptions have occurred since 1805 from cinder cones within the caldera. Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

************************************************************************************************************************

U.S.A. - Redoubt volcano (Alaska)

July 2nd, 2009

AVO reported that during 24-29 June seismicity from Redoubt was low, but remained above background levels. Web camera images showed continued steaming from the lava dome at the summit. No ash signals
were observed in radar or satellite imagery. Occasional observations, the low level of seismicity, and low gas emissions suggested that the growth of the lava dome had significantly slowed. On 30 June, AVO
lowered the Volcanic Alert Level to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow. On 12 June, the lava dome was an estimated 1 km long, 460 m wide, and 200 m high. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.On 28th of May. a M3.7 earthquake occured on the Alaska Peninsula at approximately 03:11 shows prominently on the Redoubt webicorder records. Again, this seismic event is not related to activity at Redoubt. AVO reported that during 20-26 May seismicity from Redoubt remained above background levels and growth of the lava dome in the summit crater continued. Steam-and-gas emissions from the lava dome were seen on the web camera during 20-21 and 26 May; clouds obscured the view during the rest of the reporting period. Occasional rockfalls originating from unstable slopes of the lava dome possibly produced minor ash clouds in the vicinity of the summit, although no ash was detected by satellite or radar. As of the 20th of May, AVO reported that during 13-19 May seismicity from Redoubt had decreased from levels detected during 2-7 May, but remained above background levels. Rock avalanche events, discrete earthquakes, and minor volcanic tremor were evident in seismic data. Growth of the lava dome in the summit crater continued and vigorous steam emissions from the margins of the lava dome were seen on the web camera. Occasional rockfalls originating from unstable slopes of the lava dome produced minor ash clouds in the vicinity of the summit. Occasional incandescence was observed in nightime images from the web camera. On 15 May, the volume of the dome was an estimated 30-60 million cubic meters. During an overflight on 16 May, scientists observed a turquoise lake along the S margin of the dome, and a hot, vigorous, and persistent fumarole on the W wall of the upper gorge. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange. During 29 April-5 May, AVO reported that elevated seismicity from Redoubt and a persistent thermal anomaly over the summit lava dome detected on satellite imagery were consistent with continued lava-dome growth. Changes in the size and shape of the dome confirmed growth; the volume of the dome was an estimated 25-30 million cubic meters. Occasional small rock avalanches originating from the N side of the lava dome produced minor low-level ash emissions. As of the 3rd of May, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported that eruption of Redoubt volcano continued. seismic activity has increased in the last 24 hours. Minor emissions of ash have also been visible in webcam views during this time period. A vigorous steam plume, rising to altitudes up to 18,000' above sea level, has been visible in webcam images throughout the afternoon of 3rd of May. Currently, this plume contains small amounts of ash based on web camera views, satelite data, and a pilot report. Seismic activity has also increased in the past 24 hours. previous notable informations : ongoing lava dome growth kept seismicity at Redoubt remained elevated during 15-21 April, and vigorous steam-and-gas plumes (possibly with occasional small amounts of ash) rose to altitudes below 4.6 km a.s.l. Satellite imagery revealed thermal anomalies at the summit and drifting SO2 plumes. The lava dome size was estimated on 16 Aril to be 500 x 700 m across and at least 50 m thick. Seismic and satellite data over the past day indicate continued lava dome growth. The volcano was not visible in web camera views during the night. A low-level steam and gas plume that may contain small amounts of ash is likely present. Based on seismic data and satellite imagery, AVO reported that Redoubt's lava dome continued to grow during 8-14 April. As of the 10th of April, A small steam plume with possible traces of ash has been visible in satellite and partially-obscured webcam images today. The plume is currently extending to the northeast of the volcano at low altitudes. Additional significant explosive events with accompanying ash clouds, ash fall, and mudflows are possible and can occur with little or no warning. AVO will maintain 24/7 operations in order to quickly detect renewed significant explosive activity and other hazardous phenomena. Seismic and satellite data over the past day indicate continued lava dome growth. A satellite image from yesterday afternoon showed a continuous sulfur dioxide gas plume extending for more than 600 miles from volcano. As of the 3rd of April, AVO reported that the eruption continued, but the intensity of ash-production has decreased. The current alert level at Redoubt is WATCH and aviation color code is ORANGE. The small, shallow repeating volcanic earthquakes have diminished. A few occasional larger events are still being observed. These earthquakes are most prominent on station REF. As the 2nd of April, AVO reported that the volcano continues to emit a plume of gas, steam and variable amounts of ash to low elevations. Winds are blowing the plume E to ESE. Weak volcanic tremor is ongoing, punctuated by small, discrete earthquakes. As of the 30th of March (11:56AM - AKDT), AVO reported that Over the past twelve hours, ash emissions at Redoubt Volcano have become more frequent, but lower in altitude than during the highly explosive events of the past week. A continuous ash plume has been observed in web camera, satellite and radar images, and by pilots. These plumes vary in their intensity and have generally been at low altitude (less than 20,000 feet above sea level). Occasional, short lived events have produced ash clouds that rise as high as 27,000 feet above sea level. Ash fall from these events is currently not likely to reach population centers in the Cook Inlet. In the evening, Seismicity continued to show small, discrete events. Observers on an AVO gas flight reported ash falling from the plume 20-25 miles from the vent. Winds at that altitude are heading NE from the volcano. A regional earthquake south of Kodiak was visible on the webicorders at 19:28. As of the 27th of March, AVO reported that three more explosions occured on Friday. The first eruption at 17:35 AKDT (01:35 GMT) produced an eruption cloud to 40000 feet (12200 metres) above sea level; the second eruption at 19:25 AKDT (03:25 GMT) sent up a plume to 51000 feet (15500 metres); and the third, beginning at 23:20 AKDT (07:20 GMT), produced a cloud that has reached 40000 feet (12200 metres). Due to important ashfall the Hut webcam has been covered since 18:00 local time and no new images were available.. As of the 23rd of March, AVO reported that the last explosive event occurred during the night (March 23) at 7:41 pm (AKDT) and lasted for roughly seventeen minutes. The top of the ash cloud was estimated to have reached at least 50,000 ft above sea level based on National Weather Service radar. Winds in the vicinity of the volcano carried the ash cloud primarily to the west and north. Pyroclastic flows were visible traveling down the volcano's north flank in web camera images. Last night's explosive event was the sixth thus far since explosive activity began Sunday. The day before, AVO staff visited the area around Redoubt by helicopter to assess conditions and repair equipment damaged by Sunday night's eruptions. They fixed the telemetry link at AVO's observation hut, which is once again transmitting images from the web camera and data from a GPS and two seismic instruments. Clouds obscured the summit, but observers reported very large lahar and flood deposits in the Drift River Valley that likely occurred during and/or following the first five explosions. These flows, which contained ice, water, mud, and other debris, inundated the Drift River Valley and traveled more than 35 km, reaching Cook Inlet. In the middle to upper Drift River Valley, high-water marks reached 6-8 meters above the valley floor. At the AVO hut (roughly 7 miles NNW of the summit), a 6-cm thick fall deposit was observed.As of 2:00AM March 23, 2009, AVO has recorded FOUR large explosions at Redoubt volcano at the following times: March 22 10:38PM; March 22 11:02PM; March 23 12:14AM; March 23 01:39AM. On Sunday morning, 40 to 50 earthquakes were being recorded every hour. The largest eruption sending a plume of smoke some 50,000 feet above sea level The National Weather Service has issued an Ashfall. The first Mt. Redoubt began at approximately 22:38 AKDT, March 22, 2009 (0638 UTC). AVO was raising immediatly the aviation color code to Red and the alert level to Warning. Initial height of the eruption cloud is estimated at less than 20,000 ft above sea level at present. Previously, as of the 19th of March, AVO reported that Mount Redoubt was been going through some interesting seismic evolutions over the past 24 hours. From around 00:00 to around 08:00 GMT on 20 March (around 16:00-00:00 on 19 March, local time) there was a period of marked volcanic tremor. The amplitude of the tremor diminished subsequently, but a pattern of small discrete quakes (around 1-2 per hour) interspersed with occasional larger seismic events continued, with the smaller quakes increasing in frequency and amplitude from around 10:00 local time A special bulletin from AVO reported that seismic activity at Mount Redoubt increased at about 1:05 AKDT Sunday afternoon (March 15, 2009) and approximately 4 hours of continuous volcanic tremor ensued. The onset of the tremor was associated with a small explosion that produced a plume of gas and ash that rose to about 15,000 feet above sea level and deposited a trace amount of ash over the summit-crater floor and down the south flank of the volcano to about 3,000 feet. AVO responded to this increase in activity by raising the color code and alert level to ORANGE/WATCH at 2:50 PM AKDT. At this time it does not appear that the increase in activity heralds a significant eruption in the short term, but conditions may evolve rapidly. An AVO overflight Sunday witnessed activity from 11:30 AM until about 3:00 PM and was able to document ash emission from a new vent, just south of the 1990 lava dome and west of the prominent ice collapse feature near the north edge of the summit crater. Although ash emission was short lived, it represents the first documented ash fall during the current episode of unrest at Mount Redoubt. About twenty minutes after the initial steam and ash burst, a sediment-laden flow occurred from a small area in the ice at about 7000 feet on upper Drift glacier. This flow descended about 1500 feet and produced a distinctive seismic signature seen across the Redoubt network. On 25 February, a small mud flow originating from a melt hole in the Drift Glacier traveled several hundred meters. Satellite images revealed that the next day another mudflow traveled several kilometers and covered a large portion of the Drift Glacier. Web camera views and satellite imagery showed no unusual activity; steam plumes within the summit crater were seen on the web camera on 26 and 1 March. As of the 27th of February, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), reported that at unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. Beginning yesterday afternoon at 1537 hrs AKST, tremor amplitude increased sharply and remained elevated for approximately one hour. At 1614 hrs AKST, the tremor amplitude briefly matched the highest amplitude seen during the current episode of unrest. This tremor was strong enough to be recorded on all seismic stations on Redoubt Volcano as well as many stations surrounding Cook Inlet. Since that time, tremor amplitude has decreased significantly. Last night around 2240 hrs AKST, the number of discrete earthquakes increased and remained elevated until about 0255 hrs AKST today. Preliminary analysis of these earthquakes indicate they are occurring at shallow depth (1 to 3 km) below the summit crater of Redoubt. Since that time, discrete events are continuing at a lower rate, and tremor levels remain low. These variations in the character of seismic activity indicate that conditions have changed at shallow depths beneath the volcano. AVO is currently analyzing this seismic activity and will issue further information as it becomes available. An observation flight to the volcano is currently underway. Winds are too high at the volcano to perform gas measurements today. A small steam plume is visible in clear Hut Cam images today. AVO continues to monitor Redoubt Volcano closely, and the observatory is staffed 24 hours a day. A burst of volcanic tremor occurred just after 3:00 PM in the afternoon 5th of February lasting for about 30 minutes and is continuing at a sustained but lower level. This did not result in any eruptive activity and no ash emission has occurred. Following bursts of volcanic tremor during the afternoon , background tremor has remained elevated relative to the past several days. AVO continues to monitor the volcano 24/7. As of the 1st of February AVO reported that unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. Seismicity has remained relatively constant over the last 24 hours and is still well above background. A vapor plume is intermittently visible in the AVO web camera. It appears to rise no higher than the volcano's summit. An observation and gas-measurement flight to the volcano yesterday noted continued vigorous fumarolic activity and runoff of muddy water down the north flank of the volcano. Volcanic gas was detected; data analysis is ongoing to compare these measurements with previously measured gas output. As of the 30th of January, AVO reported that seismicity levels have increased since yesterday evening and have also risen markedly over the last hour. Pilot reports, clear AVO webcam views, and satellite and radar views confirm that Redoubt Volcano has not yet erupted at the time of this report. Redoubt remains at Aviation Color Code ORANGE and Volcano Alert Level WATCH. As of the 25th of January, AVO previously reported that over the past 48 hours, seismic activity at Redoubt Volcano has increased markedly. This has taken the form of periodic tremor bursts that are most visible on the two seismic stations closest to the summit. Beginning at 00:58 AKT (9:58 UTC) this morning, tremor became sustained and its amplitude increased markedly. AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE and the Alert Level to WATCH in the morning at 2:09 AKT (11:09 UTC). This activity could be precursory to an eruption, perhaps within hours to days. A further increase in seismicity is expected to accompany an eruption. Information Statement Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. AVO conducted an overflight of the volcano in the afternoon of 25th of January, and observations confirmed that an eruption has not occurred yet. Increased steaming through previously observed sources in the snow and ice cover were seen and sulfur gas emissions were noted. There was no significant disruption of the glacial ice, nor any apparent increased water discharge down the Drift River. Seismicity began to decline at about 05:30 AST (14:30 UTC) on the morning, but remained elevated. AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to YELLOW and the Volcano Alert Level to ADVISORY on November 5, 2008, in response to increased emissions of SO2, H2S, and CO2; melting of snow and ice near the volcano's summit; and a subtle increase in seismicity. These observations reflected a change in the volcano's hydrothermal system, possibly associated with an influx of new magma beneath the volcano. It is also possible that the change was related to the development of a new pathway of heated fluids rising from magma intruded during the 1989-90 eruption. From Miller et al (1998): "Redoubt Volcano is a steep-sided cone about 10 km in diameter at its base and with a volume of 30-35 cubic kilometers. The volcano is composed of intercalated pyroclastic deposits and lava flows and rests on Mesozoic granitic rocks of the Alaska-Aleutian Range batholith (Till and others, 1993; 1994). It has been moderately dissected by the action of numerous alpine glaciers. A 1.8-km-wide, ice-filled summit crater is breached on the north side by a northward-flowing glacier, informally known as the Drift Glacier, which spreads into a piedmont lobe in the upper Drift River Valley. The most recently active vent is located on the north side of the crater at the head of the Drift glacier. Holocene lahar deposits in the Crescent River and Drift River valleys extend downstream as far as Cook Inlet." Live webcam


USA - Mount Cleveland volcano (Aleutian islands)

June 27th, 2009

As of the 26th of June, the Washington Volcano Ash Advisory Center (WVAAC) has reported that the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported small eruption at 1915Z to 15,000 ft. with mostly steam and little ash. Dark visible ash can be seen in visible and in infrared and multi-spectral imagery and visible ash is now in the Washington VAAC area. In a further update, AVO reported a small eruption at 1915Z to 25,000 ft. with mostly steam and little ash. Eruption can be seen in imagery and visible ash is now in the Washington VAAC area. Forecast updated with currently VAFTAD. Visible ash to 25,000 moving S at 69 mph. Beautifully symmetrical Mt. Cleveland stratovolcano is situated at the western end of the uninhabited, dumbbell-shaped Chuginadak Island. It lies SE across Carlisle Pass strait from Carlisle volcano and NE across Chuginadak Pass strait from Herbert volcano. Cleveland is joined to the rest of Chuginadak Island by a low isthmus. The 1730-m-high Mt. Cleveland is the highest of the Islands of the Four Mountains group and is one of the most active of the Aleutian Islands.

U.S.A. Veniaminoff volcano (Alaska)

May 28th, 2009

On 26 May, AVO reported that seismicity from Veniaminof had decreased during the previous week. The Volcanic Alert Level was lowered to Normal and the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green. As of the 8th of May, AVO reported that seismic activity began to increase significantly above normal background levels on the morning of May 6 at Veniaminof Volcano. This increase caused AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to YELLOW and the Volcano Alert Level to ADVISORY on the afternoon of May 7. Seismicity continues at an elevated rate with numerous small magnitude earthquakes being registered across the entire seismic network. Visual observations from residents of Perryville over the past several days indicate no change in the typical steaming from the summit caldera cone that has been the site of activity over recent years. Satellite images show no evidence of increased heat flow or ash emissions. Given the elevated seismicity, it is possible that low-level ash emissions could occur with little or no additional warning. Ash emissions from typical eruptions of Veniaminof are relatively minor, and usually do not rise much higher than 15,000 ft above sea level. These ash plumes can extend for tens of miles and could be hazardous to aircraft in the vicinity of the volcano. Ash fall is typically confined to the summit caldera and the upper flanks of the volcano. Mount Veniaminof is a broad central mountain, 35 km wide at the base, truncated by a spectacular steep-walled summit caldera 8x11 km in diameter. The caldera is filled by an ice field that ranges in elevation from approximately 1750 to 2000 m; ice obscures the south rim of the caldera and covers 220 square km of the south flank of the volcano. Alpine glaciers descend from the caldera through gaps on the west and north sides of the rim and other alpine glaciers occupy valleys on the north-, east-, and west-facing slopes of the mountain. In the western part of the caldera, an active intracaldera cone with a small summit crater has an elevation of 2156 m, approximately 330 m above the surrounding ice field. The rim of a larger but more subdued intracaldera cone protrudes just above the ice surface in the northern part of the caldera; based on limited exposure and physiographic features, it may have a summit crater as much as 2.5 km in diameter. (GVN)

U.S.A. - Mount St.Helens

May 3rd, 2009

No recent significative report has been published from the CVO. The volcano remains quiet since the year 2007 when an explosive event occured. The pause in lava dome growth continues. This pause, which began in late January 2008, was recognized by absence of measurable growth among successive fixed-camera images, nearly quiescent seismicity, and the absence of tilt signals that might characterize extrusion of lava from the conduit. Previous activity : as of the 9th of March 2007, the Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) was reported that on 8th of March a small explosive event at Mt. St. Helens volcano began at approximately 5:25 p.m. PST one hour after a magnitude 2.0 volcanic earthquake was registered under the volcano. Pilot reports indicate that the resulting steam-and-ash plume reached an altitude of about 36,000 feet above sea level within a few minutes and drifted downwind to the east-northeast. The principal event lasted about 30 minutes with intensity gradually declining throughout. The USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory lost radio signals from three monitoring stations in the crater soon after the event started. The cause of the outage won’t be known until scientists can visit the crater tomorrow to assess the situation, weather permitting. The event followed a few hours of slightly increased earthquake activity that was noted but not interpreted as precursory activity. The main part of the eruption lasted 30 minutes. Three monitoring stations in the crater have stopped operating, and will be checked by scientists when conditions permit. There were no other indications of an imminent change in activity. During 21-26 October, the new lava dome inside the emerging dome of St Helens continued to grow, and seismicity remained at low levels compared to early in the unrest. Geological and thermal-imaging observations on 20 October confirmed that both the area of uplift, and the new lava extrusion increased in size noticeably since last seen on 14 October. In addition, the area of uplift and intense deformation continued to move southward and was nearing the crater wall. About 0.3 m of new snow with a light dusting of ash covered much of the uplift, except for the new lava extrusion, which was steaming heavily. The new lava extrusion, which occupies the western part of the uplift, was about 275 m long by 75 m wide, 70 m high, and had a volume of almost 1.5 million cubic meters. Its maximum temperature was about 600 degrees C. Low levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide were recorded on the 20th, an observation which did not rule out the continued rise of magma from depth. On 21 October a new protrusion had a maximum temperature of about 650 degrees C. As of the 11th of October, CVO reported that earthquakes continue to occur at a rate of about 1 per minute, but most have magnitudes of 1.0 or less. With the improving weather, a gas measuring flight is planned within the next two days. Additional analysis of lidar and photographs of the intensely uplifting area on the south side of the lava dome suggests that the total volume change represented by the deformation between late September and October 6 is about 16 million cubic meters (21 million cubic yards). The average rate of change is about 2 million cubic meters per day (2.6 million cubic yards per day). If this figure represents the rate of intrusion of magma into shallow levels of the dome and(or) underlying crater floor, it is an intrusion rate about twice that measured during dome-building eruptions at Mount St. Helens in the 1980s. Cartographers with the USGS office in Denver are working to develop precise volume change estimates for the uplifted area from stereo airphotos acquired between 1 and 5 October. As a result of the intense unrest of the past 17 days, we infer that magma is at a very shallow level. During times of unrest, Mt. St. Helens and similar volcanoes elsewhere typically go through episodic changes in level of unrest over periods of days to weeks, or even months. Such changes are in part driven by variations in the rate of magma movement. CVO expects fluctuations in the level of unrest to continue during coming days. Escalation in the degree of unrest and perhaps an eruption could occur suddenly or with very little warning. There may be little time to raise the alert level before a hazardous event occurs. Therefore, CVO continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue additional updates and changes in alert level as warranted. As of the 8th of October, the Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) reported that part of the lava dome in Mt. St. Helens' crater has risen 50 to 100 feet since Tuesday while earthquake activity remained lower than previous days. This indicates magma is moving upward without much resistance. The south side of the dome has been rising for the past week and has uplifted 250 ft. A new steam vent opened overnight of 6th-7th October, and joined the two that have been present for several days. Steaming from the vents generated a cloud rising above the south side of the lava dome. October 6th update : Following yesterday morning’s steam-and-ash eruption, seismicity dropped to a low level and has remained low. Low-level tremor observed following the eruption is also gradually declining. Lack of earthquake and rockfall signals suggest that deformation of the uplift area on the south side of the 1980-86 lava dome has slowed. Brief visual observations this morning from Coldwater Visitor Center showed weak steam emissions from the crater. We infer that the vigorous unrest of the past few days has lessened and that the probability of an imminent eruption that would endanger life and property is significantly less than at any time since Saturday, October 2, when the alert level was raised to Volcano Alert (Level 3). Therefore, we are lowering the alert level to Volcano Advisory (Alert Level 2).New steam release began at 9:40 am PDT yesterday, October 4, 2003, generating a steam and ash/dust plume that rose above the summit (to about 10,000 to 11,000 feet altitude) and was carried slowly to the NE by very gentle winds. Steam releases continued at a lower rate after the initial release, but after 15-20 muntes the activity ceased. More dust/ash was released than on October 1, and an ashfall advisory is in effect until 1 pm PDT for the southern Washington Cascades. Seismicity continued without interruption through the steam release. As of 3rd of October CVO reported at 2 pm , CVO increased the alert level to Volcano Alert due to a change in the character of seismic signals (50 minute long tremor) that occurred immediately after a steam emission at 1216, recognition of ongoing uplift of the crater floor, and reports of sulfur gas odor. In addition, CVO believes that there is a significantly increased probability that gas-rich magma is moving toward the surface. After another period of tremor starting 4th of October at 0257 AM seismicity returned to discrete earthquakes. Seismic activity decreased gradually until about 2:00 P.M. then increased again, reaching levels comparable to those prior to steam and ash eruptions. M3 earthquakes are occurring at a rate of about one every 5 minutes. All earthquake locations remain shallow. Yesterday’s gas sensing flights detected significant concentrations of carbon dioxide north and west of the dome. No significant levels of sulfur gasses were detected. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)odors detected by helicopter crews are attributed to steam emissions. These low levels of hydrogen sulfide are likely the result of boiling of the hydrothermal system. Results from GPS measurements indicate no significant deformation of the outer flanks of the volcano. However, visual observations and photographic analysis show large-scale uplift (10’s of meters) of part of the glacier and a nearby segment of the south flank of the lava dome. This suggests rise of magma to shallow levels. Additional steam and ash eruptions could occur at any time. There is also an increased probability of larger magnitude and more ash-rich eruptions. Today field crews took additional thermal images of the dome and crater and conducted gas sensing, infrared and geologic observation flights. Deformation crews retrieved data from GPS instruments and lowered a new GPS station from a helicopter onto the dome. In addition, two telemetered microphones are now operating to detect explosions. Mount St. Helens erupted on 1st of October at 12:03pm PDT. The activity continued for about 24 minutes, creating a steam and dust plume that reached about 10,000 feet elevation and drifted SSW toward Portland, OR and the Pacific coast. Steam vented from a location at the southern edge of the dome where the dome edge is covered by glacial ice and debris from the southern crater wall. On Thursday afternoon N-S linear cracks were observed in the glacier ice there, implying a slight uplift beneath the ice. Video images of the eruption showed steam, some possibly superheated, venting from a limited area and carrying blocks and fines upward into a mostly-white steam plume. Mt.St. Helens Live Cam

**************************************************************************************************************

ITALY - Etna volcano ( Sicily)

June 4th, 2009

As of the 3rd of June 2009, INGV-CT reported that during 25-31 May the NW-SE-trending fissure E of the Etna summit craters continued (since 13 May 2008) to produce active lava flows to the N of the SE end of the fissure, along the W wall of the Valle del Bove. At least three lava flows were active. Elsewhere on the volcano, activity was restricted to degassing from the Northeast Crater, from the NW and SE Bocca Nuova vents, from the E flank of the Southeast Crater, and along summit fumarolic fields. The activity was observed directly and by utilizing surveillance cameras in Milo (about 11 km ESE). As of the 30th of April, the INGV-CT reported that two new earth tremors of a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale occurred today in Sicily the first this night with the Agrigento and the second closer to Mt. Etna at 1142 hrs (local time) with 13 kilometres of Patti to a depth of 1 kilometre. As of the 26th of March, the INGV-CT reported that after a week of Strombolian activity and ash emission from the top of Etna's 2008 eruptive fissure, activity from the summit craters during 16-22 March consisted of degassing from the Northeast Crater, the NW Bocca Nuova vent, from the E flank of the Southeast Crater, and along summit fumarolic fields. The activity was observed directly and by utilizing surveillance cameras situated in Milo (about 11 km ESE). The NW-SE-trending fissure E of the summit craters continued (since 13 May 2008) to produce active lava flows to the N of the SE end of the fissure, along the W wall of the Valle del Bove. As of the 14th of March, the INGV-CT reported that since two days on March 10, a resumption of the explosive activity s' is produced on the " boutonnière" located at 2800 metres of altitude under the Southern crater East. This new explosive activity is accompanied by an increase in the flow by lava flow which flows in Valle del Bove. As of the 13th of February, the INGV-CT reported that to date, the eruption which began in May 2008 continues. This explosive and effusive eruption initially and maintaining only effusive until to date continues; to run out within the interior of Valle del Bove. Several transitory mouths pours small castings the most advanced face of lava is with approximately 2000 metres. The activity of the summit craters is made up exclusively by degasifications. The craters of North East and that of Bocca Nuova western are the most active INGV-CT reported that during 5-11 January activity from Etna's summit craters was observed utilizing surveillance cameras situated in Milo (about 11 km ESE); inclement weather prevented direct inspection of the summit area. Degassing was seen from the NW Bocca Nuova vent, from the walls and floor of Southeast Crater, and along summit fumarolic fields. The NW-SE-trending fissure E of the summit craters continued (since 13 May 2008) to produce active lava flows to the N of the SE end of the fissure, along the W wall of the Valle del Bove. As of the 27th of November INGV-CT reported that an inspection of Mt. Etna's summit craters on the 19th of November revealed degassing from the Northeast Crater and, to a lesser degree, from the Bocca Nuova BN-1 crater. A 100-m-long lava flow was active in mid-November; the lava flow field on the upper Valle del Bove has been active since the 13th of May. As of the 23rd of September INGV-CT reported ( Charles Rivière information) that the eruption which had started on 10 May this year, still continues with weak emission of lava from the fissure vents east of SE crater at 2900 m a.s.l. The lava continues to flow into the Valle del Bove, but for most of the time and its way, the active lava is hidden inside crusted-over channels and tubes. The first snowfalls occurred today on the tops. No change particular to the effusive mouth of 2800m, several small castings run out in the top of Valle del Bove with much of passage in the cave. The most advanced face of lava is with approximately 2300m. As of the 16th of September it has been reported by INGV-CT that the explosive and effusive activity which began on May 10, 2008 has continued now for 4 months with the eruptive mouth of 2800 metres and the lava flows run out inside Valle del Bove. The overflowing of lava is in reduction compared to the previous week and at the last weeks. However, on September 7th, in the evening, an increase occurred with the presence of many transitory mouths and several ramifications along the Western wall of the Valley of Bove. From 1930 hrs with the top of the effusive mouth, the cone which before had a weak activity with a light degasification, left the place with a weak Strombolian activity accompanied by light but appreciable increase in emission of lava to the effusive mouth. The explosive activity, with alternative phases, became exhausted towards 2100 hrs approximately. Small isolated explosions were observed thereafter with the effusive mouth until 2300 hrs. With regard to the activity of the summit craters the last observations do not present variations compared to those observed during August. Degasification continues mainly with the Northern Crater Is and the Western mouth of the crater of Bocca Nuova. Lastly, the bottom of the crater Is of Bocca Nuova entirely arises blocked by crumblings of walls. An explosive activity is quite audible at the bottom of the Northern crater Is, as could note it Pietro Vinciguerra, Carmelo Cavallaro and of the colleagues of Soccorso Montana of Corpo Forestale de Linguaglossa on the edge of the crater. The crater of Voragine presents a modest degasification with localised fields of fumerole along the internal walls. A weak degasification is visible with the Crater of the South East with fumeroles present along the edges of the crater. The values of SO 2 flows recorded on Mt. Etna showed, in the first week of September, an average of 3000 tonnes/day with a maximum of 4000 tonnes/day on September 3rd. This progressive increase was accompanied by an increase in the volcanic tremor. As of the 24th of July it has been reported by INGV-CT that an inspection of Etna's summit craters on 15 July revealed degassing from the Northeast Crater and to a lesser degree from the BN-1 crater of the Bocca Nuova. Explosive activity was restricted to Vent 2 of the active NW-SE-trending fissure E of the summit craters and characterised by weak Strombolian activity and diffuse ash emissions. During 15 and 17 July lava flows were active in the Valle del Bove. On 17 July, no explosive activity was seen along the fissure. As of the 21st of July it was reported by INGV-CT that that the eruption of the May 13th fissure at Mt. Etna volcano continues. The lava flow into Valle del Bove is still alimentated, although the intensity of spattering from the upper vents at 2800 m elevation has decreased since the 17th of July. As of the 4th of July INGV reported that since the early of this afternoon explosive activity from the buttonhole vent is generating an ash plume. Lava are still flowing from this area into two arms. As of the 27th of June, INGV reported that the eruptive plume was still rose above the volcano, but the explosive activity ceased. (www.ct.ingv.it). New Live cam Etna - Etna monitoring page

*************************************************************************************************************

ITALY - Stromboli volcano (Eolian Islands)

April 7th, 2009

As of the 6th of April, the Volcano Discovery team has reported that as observed during an ongoing tour with Dr. Tom Pfeiffer and a small group, the activity at Stromboli volcano is usually strong. Explosions from several vents, often accompanied by loud thundering noises that can be heard on the whole island, occur frequently from seveal vents, and often throw blocks and incandescent bombs to up to 400 m height. Bombs are sometimes hitting the trail and the Pizzo. PREVIOUS SIGNIFICATIVE INFORMATION : As of the 8th of December 2008, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania has reported a strong explosion occured on 6th of December at 8:48 PM. Duration of this phase has been about 2 mn, then some rocks fallen on the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco. Since, the seismic and volcanic activity returned as previous and usuel level. As of the 1st of November, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania has reported that eruptions still continue at Stromboli. Mild Scirocco wind makes for perfect visibility of the collapsed crater terrace, on which four vents were erupting about twenty times per hour. After 8 June 2008, the activity at the E-W oriented eruptive fissure in upper Valle del Bove increased. On the evening of the 13th of June 2008 when the most active vent displayed very strong strombolian activity reached altitudes of several hundred metres above the vents. A similar eruption style had been present during much of 2006 and sometimes in 2007. Previous information : after the effusive eruption which ended on 4th of April this year and a powerful vent-clearing explosion on 15 March, there have been deep-seated explosions ejecting black ash clouds since May. In July, these have beomce more regular and it seems that the magma level inside the vents has been rising and there could soon be visible lava ejections again. As of the 5th of April, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania has reported that the lava flow issued from Stromboli volcano stopped . Whether this is the end of the effusive eruption that had started 5 weeks ago and heralds the beginning of a new cycle of summit activity is still unclear. As of the 30th of March, INGV eported that the lava continues to flow on Stromboli. Three branches of lava flows originate at the 420 m vent on the Sciara del Fuoco, two of which still reach the sea. As of the 22nd of March INGV reported that on 20 March, lava emission from the 400 m vent on the Sciara del Fuoco increased, accompanied by increasing levels of tremor. Two well-alimented lava flow branches were present on the Sciara. On 21 March, tremor has decreased and thermal camera observations show that at least one of the two branches were no longer alimentated and cooling. On 15 March 2007, while the effusion from the 400 m vent was still going on, a major explosion occurred at 2037 GMT time. This event was similar to the 5 April 2003 paroxysm, and was recorded by all the INGV-CT monitoring web cams. As the previous event, it occurred during a flank effusive eruption, when the summit craters of the volcano were obstructed by debris collapsed from the crater rims. As of the 9th of March, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania has reported that the eruption at Stromboli that started on 27 February continued during 9March. Lava from a fissure on the NE flank of Crater 1 (the NE crater) flowed down the Sciara del Fuoco and formed two branches that reached the sea, resulting in steam plumes and a modified coastline. A new eruptive fissure opened on the morning of 9th of march at about 500 m elevation in the Sciara del Fuoco. Explosive activity from the summit craters ceased when the lava flowed from the fissure, but gas puffing accompanied by small landslides inside the craters started again after 3 March. As of 2nd of March, INGV reported that Stromboli was calming down since Thursday 1st of March, after spewing spectacular lava flows for three days. During the night between 28th of February and 1st of March, the flows of lava has decreased in importance and was moving more slowly. Volcanic tremor remained weak. Previous news reported that on 27th of February, the volcano had been placed under heightened surveillance on Tuesday after dicovering lava spewing from two faults located on Sciara del Fuoco about 600 m elevation. One of the lava flow already reached the sea. On Wednesday 28th of February , a third lava flow outpoured from an active fissure. Following this increasing of the activity, civil autorities decided to put its emergency plan into action. According to italian scientists, for the moment there is no sign of a large-scale collapse or important flow that could induce a tidal wave. However, the situation is under constant surveillance and all measures had been taken to ensure the security of the population. Many buildings, including two oil containers, have been evacuated as a precautionary measure and residentss have been told stay away the coastline. Several explosions per hour are still occurs from the summital craters.(INGV). As of the 15th of September 2006, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania and SVE team have reported that Stromboli has continued to be exceptionally active in August and early September, with as many as 10 vents emitting lava and steam rings occasionally being produced. Stromboli is the northernmost of Italy’s Aeolian Islands, Stromboli is simply the summit of a volcanic mountain that rises up out of the sea. The volcano has been in a virtually constant state of eruption since Roman times, and its spectacular nighttime eruptions make it a popular volcano-watching location. As 5th of May Stromboli Volcano continued its normal "Strombolian" eruptions, with frequent summit explosions.Previous significative information : as of the 1st of November 2005, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania has reported that a plume emitted from Stromboli that may have contained ash was visible on satellite imagery on 14 October at a height around 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. The plume extended ~10 km NW of the volcano. Stromboli is one of the Aeolian Islands of Italy. It is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. It has been in nearly continuous eruption for about 2,000 years. Explosive activity at the summit craters of Stromboli volcano resumed on early June 2003, before the end of the effusive eruption that finished between 21 and 22 July 2003. Eruptive activity at this volcano is continuously monitored by INGV-CT using two web cameras located at Il Pizzo Sopra la Fossa (920 m a.s.l.) and at 400 m elevation along the east margin of the Sciara del Fuoco, the depression on the north flank of the volcano that contains the summit craters. Additionally, a web thermal camera is also located at the 400 m elevation site, and a web infrared camera at Il Pizzo Sopra la Fossa. The thermal and video cameras at 400 m elevation give important insights when visibility of the summit is poor or craters are surrounded by clouds. The infrared video camera at Il Pizzo allows a continuous view of the activity at the summit craters, and a quantification of the energy released by the explosions at the three summit craters through an automated system called VAMOS (Cristaldi et al., 2004). Explosive activity at the three summit craters increased after 10 February 2004, leading to a significant growth of the cinder cones inside the three summit craters. Several powerful explosions, especially from crater 1 (the NE-crater) and crater 3 (the SW-crater) carried scoria 200 m above the craters. These powerful explosions led to fallout of fresh bombs and lapilli on Il Pizzo Sopra la Fossa in early March. Samples of lapilli and scoria collected on Stromboli by local guides have been analysed with the scanning electron microprobe and microanalysis instruments of INGV-CT (Corsaro et al., 2004). Measurements of glass compositions evidence that products erupted until 25 February 2004 belong to the “black scoriaceous volcanics” normally erupted during Strombolian activity. No “golden basaltic pumices” were present in available samples. Emission of golden pumice at this volcano is generally associated with paroxysmal explosive events (Bertagnini et al., 1999) such as that of 5th April 2003. Analysis of components carried out on several ash samples allowed us to recognize sideromelane and tachylite as the main components, making up ~80% of the erupted ash (Andronico et al., 2004). The activity of this volcano at the time of writing (8 March 2004) can be described as Strombolian activity, with variations in the number and frequency of explosions within normally observed limits, and intensity of explosions at the higher limit of commonly observed activity. As of the 2nd of January, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania has reported that a year after a tsunami was caused by the detachment of lava material along the Sciara del fuoco, Stromboli volcano has intensified its activity, launching scoriae and lapilli. Technicians and volcano experts, who are constantly monitoring Stromboli, have said that the situation is not alarming. The Stromboli Web video camera showed a small explosion on 10 December that produced a plume to a height of ~1 km above the volcano. No ash was visible on satellite imagery. From the seismic point of view, not only explosive events are recorded (sufficiently deep that no visible strombolian activity is associated to them in the crateric area), but also events related to the continuous small rockfall episodes that continue to descend along the Sciara del Fuoco- INGV-CT webpage www.ct.ingv.it. *************************************************************************************************************************

INDIAN OCEAN - Barren Island volcano (Andaman island)

November 22nd, 2008

Based on a pilot observation, the Darwin VAAC reported a lava flow from Barren Island on 17 November. A possible low-level ash plume was seen drifting W on satellite imagery. On 18 November, a pilot reported
that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW. Barren Island, is a possession of India in the Andaman Sea about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, is the only historically active volcano along the N-S-trending volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). The 354-m-high island is the emergent summit of volcano that rises from a depth of about
2,250 m. The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide caldera with walls 250-350 m high. The caldera, which is open to the sea on the W, was created during a major explosive eruption in the late Pleistocene that produced pyroclastic-flow and -surge deposits. The morphology of a fresh pyroclastic cone that was constructed in the center of the caldera has varied during the course of historical eruptions. Lava flows fill much of the caldera floor and have reached the sea along the western coast during historical eruptions.

************************************************************************************************************

FRANCE - Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion island)

February 6th, 2009

As of the 4th of January, the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris via the Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPDLF) reported that from 00 h local time 8 PM (TU) no seismic activity and no eruptive active wihin the Dolomieu were recorded. Eruption that started on 14th of December 11 PM (TU) ended on 4th of February at 8 PM (TU). On February 2nd, 21 earthquakes were recorded including one with mag. 2.2 accompanied with a decreasing of the volcanic tremor. As of the 3rd of February seismic activity increased again and tremor decreased. In the morning, only one lava flow was active on the Northwest side. Between 8-9th of January, two earthquakes located above the sea level were recorded (max = 1.5 mag). As of the 29th of December, OVPF scientists observed during a fieldwork the small lava pond which remained active with few lava ejection above the cone. Following an active episode during the past week-end with about 10 visible lava flows on the talus and some outpouring on the flow within the Dolomieu, the situation changed on Monday. Except from the active cone, no other glowing lava could be observed. Degassing remained relatively important, time to time, the Dolomieu was filled with bluish gaz emission. As of the 26th of December in the morning (9am), OVPF reported that eruptive tremor increased again (3 time more compared at the beginning of the eruption), but remained fluctuating. Following a fieldwork during the afternoon of 24th of December, volcanologist reported (5pm) that a small active lava pond formed within the small cone in the Dolomieu. Time to time, lava fountaining occurs. Many small lava flows are issued from small lava tubes around the main lava flow. GPS measurements did not showed inflation or deflation at the summit. OnThursday 18th of December, in the evening, the eruptive tremor increased but this day returned at the previous level, the same at the beginning of the eruption. As of the 17th of december SO2 output was estimated at about 1000 Tons/day. As of the 15th of december, OVPF reported that following a seismic crisis during Sunday (more than several hundred earthquakes), and an important seismicity during the night, a volcanic tremor, located beneath the summit, started at 2:45 am. An inspection carried out on 15th in the morning showed that two eruptive fissures were active within the Dolomieu crater, at half slope NNE and NE. The lava flow rate is very weak; the lava covered only 15-20% of the September 2008 lava. Also the SO2 output was very low. As of the 28th of November, OVPF reported that the volcanic tremor declined since the early morning, suggesting that the eruption was declining, with a phenomenon ‘Gaz Piston' (important gas bubbles with very few or not magma emission) making its appearence in the seismic record. From 2pm ( local time) "gas piston" phenomenon ended and this short eruptive phase ended. No seismic signal was recorded since this time. As of the 27th of November, according to a report of the OVPf, following a short seismic crisis between 1125am et 1140am, the volcanic tremor started at 1150am (local time). From the tremor map, this new eruption occured within the Dolomieu crater, probably at the same place of the previous activity during October 2008. A volcanic plume was visible in the West part of the Dolomieu. As of the 31st of October, a new OVPF Buletin reported that during the previous night a new seismic crisis occured between 4am and 440am with about 100 earthquakes accompanied with weak ground deformation recorded by the tiltmeter network. As of the 22nd of October, OVPF reported that 11 summital earthquakes were recorded this day (max. magnitude1,2). No deformation occured. As of the 20th of october, OVPF reported that in the morning, between 8AM et 10AM, a new seismic crisis occured. No other event was noted for the moment. As of the 17th of October OVPF reported that since 3 days ago seismic activity increased. This activity increased more on 16th of October beetween 630PM and 830PM (51 earthquakes) then re-decreased. Repartition of the earthquakes : 14th of October: 62 ; 15th of October: 59 ; 16th of October: 166; No long-term inflation was recorded for the moment. Previous activity : as of the 2nd of October OVPF reported that eruptive activity within the Dolomieu ended in the early morning. The tremor dropped from 410AM and totally disapeared at 445 AM (local time). Only a very weak deflation has been recorded during the eruption and for this reason, it's possible that other eruptive episode could occurs in the short term (days or weeks). Total lave volume of the eruption is about 850.000 m3 for 10 days of activity.As of the 27th of September OVPF reported that eruptive activity was still continuing in the Dolomieu. Volcanic tremor remained stable at a low level since the 26 september in the morning. Three summit low intensity earthquakes were recorded. No direct observation was possible due to the poor meteorological condition. Wednesday estimation of the size and volume with an aerial photography showed that the lava surface on the Dolomieu floor was about 180x100m (24 September in the morning) and a maximal thickness of 30m. The present volume has been estimated at about 300 000m3, an flow rate is 1m3/sec. As of the 21st of September, a special bulletin of the OVPF reported that following a short seismic crisis (about 10 earthquakes) a volcanic tremor appeared and the eruption started at about 330 PM. This new eruption occured in the West part of the Dolomieu (half hight) under the Bory crater. Several lava flows went down toward the floor of the Dolomieu and formed a small lava pond. As of the 17th of September , ovpf reported that important seismic activity is still continuing with 48 earthquakes recorded this day ( 41 with mag. < 1,0 ,   5 with mag. between 1,0 et 1,5 and  2 with mag. between 1,5 et 2,0) . Field observations confirmed an increase in degassing from the SW part of Dolomieu crater and the presence of hydrogen sulfide. Another seismic crisis was detected during 15-16 September. Numerous landslides followed the crisis, but may have also been associated with heavy rains. The Alert Level was not changed. As of the 12th of September, a preliminary bulletin from OVPF reported that since 1015AM (local time) this morning volcanic tremor started at the volcano and stayed until 1130AM. The tremor (weak and variable) is located beneath the summit of Dolomieu. According to an aerial observation during the end of the morning, no eruptive activity occured yet, but important SO2 emissions were noted. Another trémor (more high frequency) occured in the afternoon at 350 PM, but stopped around 8PM. During the day of the 12th of September, 30 earthquakes were recorded with a maximal magnitude = 1,6. According to OVPF scientists an eruption could be occurs within days or weeks. Alert level remains 1. As of the 9th of September, OVPF reported that an important seismic crisis occured during the night between 1123PM and 120 AM characterized by several hundred eartquakes. No deformation was recorded. On 3rd of September, 76 earthquakes were already recorded with a maximum magnitude 2.9 and 3.0. As of the 15th of August, OVPFalready reported that a seismic crisis (2h35 duration) occured this day between 5AM (local time) and 735AM (local time). This short crisis was accompanied with ground deformation in the Dolomieu area. At 10am, some superficial isolated earthquakes (about 500 m a.s.l.) still occured. Previously on 4th of August another short seismic crisis (10mn) already occured. Previous activity : as of 21st of June 2007, OVPF reported that from one week many earthquakes occured every day beneath the volcano (sometimes more than 100 per day). several of them occured under the sea. As of 21st of June, maximal magnitude was 2.6. As of the 2nd of May the Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise, IPGP, reported that after one month of very high activity, the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise, which started on April 2nd in the Grand Brûlé at 650 m altitude, finally stopped on May 1st. The debit at certain moments was estimated between 100 and 200 m3 per second and the lava flows covered an area of about 4 km2, with up to 30 or 40 m thick lava. A platform of about 35000 m2 was build on the sea and first estimations of the erupted volume amount to 120 x 106 m3 , which ranges this eruption between one of the largest known historical eruptions at Piton de la Fournaise. As of the 27th of April the OVPF reported that the seismicity under the summit was reinforced. There were 50 seismic events the day before and the lava flows remained very abundant in the Grande Brulé. As of 21st of April, the latest OVPF report informed the the volcanic tremor remained at the same low level. Lava flows were still went down in the Grand Brulé from the vent located to 650 m elevation with important variations. As of the 20th of April the Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise, IPGP that the collapse of Dolomieu crater was continuing. The tremor was on a very low level, the seismics under the summit of the Piton of Fournaise persisted. As of the 12th of April the Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise, IPGP reported that members of the PC of St. Philippe observed two lava flows, the first going along the rampart, a second in the medium of cast in place, arriving at the sea. The inhabitants of the small village of Tremblet breathe better, the situation finally seems to still be improving. The crater which broke down on a 300 m height stabilizes slowly. As of the 7th of April, OVPF reported that following a fligh over the volcano on the morning, observation showed that a large part ot the Dolomieu crater floor collapsed on a surface estimated to 1000 x 700 m and a depth of about 300 m. The activity seismic remained at high level and many local collapse occurs. As of the 6th of April the OVPF, reported that the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise volcano continues and eruptive activity, lava fountains and lava flow emissions from the fissure vent at 600-500 m elevation, increases. Lava flows had already crossed the National Road in the afternoon of 2 April and the southernmost of the 3 principal lava flow branches reached the sea in the evening the same day. After decreasing for a while, an unusual increase in seismic activity has been observed since 3 April. It is marked by earthquakes below the summit of the volcano at altitudes between 0 and 500 m above sea level, similar to the ones registered before the opening of the fissure on 30 March SE of the summit. They are interpreted as consequence of internal collapse phenomena and might be preceding a collapse event similar or stronger than the one in 1986 when a 100 m deep pit crater was formed. At the same time, tremor (thought to be caused by the erupting magma moving along the conduit and the radial dike) has increased as well, accompanied by increasing visual effusive activity. In addition, a marked increase in sulphur dioxide emission has been noted. Inhabitants in the nearby city of St. Pierre have been suffering from "vog" - volcanic smog caused by clouds of aerosols rich in sulphur dioxide (SO2) emitted mainly at the eruptive vent and from the lava flows. Several people have been brought to hospital for treatment of skin and eye irriations as well as asthma caused by the gas whose concentration temporarily reached alarming levels, triggering the autorities to issue a general health warning for the island. Reports of a new eruptive fissure near the Pointe du Tremblet with its inhabited centres in the lower areas just outside of the Enclos turned out to be wrong. However, but scientists from the observatory don't exclude the possibility that a new fissure could open up at even lower elevation. Preparations for an emergency evacuation of this area have started since late of 4th of April. Access to the summit area of the volcano and the low elevation area near the lava flows from the side of St. Pierre has been restricted by authorities. As of the 2nd of April, OVPDLF reported that a new eruption started at 10 AM. A new eruptive fissure opened in the Southeast part of the enclos; the lower part of the fissure is located at 500 m a.s.l at the foot of the Rempart du Tremblet. The 1 km long eruptive fissure trend NO-SE- During the morning lava fountaining (50 m high) occured from the fissure. Associated lava flows went down fastly and about 2 PM the front was at 300 m of the RN2. On Wednesday 3rd of April eruption was still continuing. Lava flows crossed the road RN2 during the afternoon. As of 30th of March, OVPDLF reported that following a seismic crisis and deformation of the summit zone, a new eruption started on 30th of March ( 23 PM - local time) on the South-East flank of the volcano within the Enclos close to the Chateau Fort area. This short erutive phase ended on 31st of March at about 8 AM in the morning. (from OVPF-IPGP report) from OVPF-IPGP - (Thomas Staudacher, OVVPF) -(OVPF information d'après Journal de l'île de la Réunion - ). Live webcam - IPGP

***********************************************************************************************************

COMOROS - Karthala volcano

January 20th, 2007

As of 19th of January, Volcano observatory reported that on Thursday 18th the volcano shook twice again and local volcanologists said there was still a threat of eruption despite the tremor seems weakening. Comoros authorities have made emergency plan to help as many 30.000 people in case of eruption. As of 13th of January, volcano observatory reported that Mount Karthala (2631m) begun emitting fumes and producing a red glow over the tops. According to the chief geologist, the volcano has become eruptive since yesterday evening 12th of January. The lava level had risen in the volcano's crater. Preliminary information reported that residents of Mvurni, a town at 1000 m altitude on the volcano West slope were broken up by strong fumes. The island had been on red alert. The last big eruption of the volcano occured in April 2005, sent thousands fleeing in fear poisonous gas and lava. The worst disaster on record came in 1903, when 17 died from noxious fumes that seeped from cracks. The southernmost and largest of the two shield volcanoes forming Grand Comore Island (also known as Ngazidja Island), Karthala contains a 3 x 4 km summit caldera generated by repeated collapse

.***********************************************************************************************************

TANZANIE - Lengai volcano

June 22nd, 2008

According to Frederick Belton team which climbed Ol Doinyo Lengai on 18 June reported that the new active cone covered the former crater floor entirely except for an area N of the summit. The new cone's W, N, and E sides stood about 30 m above the rim of the former crater and enclosed a deep crater. The visitors saw a few small vents on the crater's floor. Frequent emissions of ash-poor plumes originated from the SW part of the crater's floor, producing light ashfall. They heard continuous loud rumbling noises, occasional gas-jetting sounds, and rockfalls. As of the 21st of February, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) reported that Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania erupted on 19th of February, according to an aviation report. Ash was observed to 38,000 ft. Pilots have been advised to avoid flying near the volcano. The activity at Lengai seems to be increasing. In the past two weeks, explosions have ejected ash plumes rising several kilometers. On 15 Feb., Dutch pilots observed and photographed an eruption plume rising to estimated 12 km (36,000 ft). The Toulouse VAAC reported that an ash plume from Ol Doinyo Lengai was observed by pilots on 15 February and rose to an altitude of 11.6 km (38,000 ft) a.s.l. As of the 24th of January, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) has reported that a visitor to Ol Doinyo Lengai informed that it erupted on 14 January. According to this visitor "shower of stones" fell at their location about 50 m from the summit and a lava flow went another direction. Typical ash eruption from the new ash cone in the N crater. A small group from Volcano Discovery , local mountain guides and partners stayed near and on Lengai volcano during 17-21 January. During this period, Lengai continued to erupt ash to several 100 metres above the new ash cone during phases lasting several hours alternating with periods of quiet when only a weak plume of very fine gray ash and gas was issuing out of the new ash cone. Photos from an eruptive phase of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano consisting in near continuous ash emissions from its new crater and taken from the summit during a recent expedition in January 2008 have been posted at the Discovery: http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/volcano-tours/photos/lengai/0108.html . These photos also document the impressive recent changes on the
volcano and help to illustrate the significant hazards present when climbing Lengai or staying at its top. The Toulouse VAAC reported previously that an ash plume from Ol Doinyo Lengai was observed by visiting scientists on 20 December and rose to an unreported altitude. As of the 20th of October, John Seach has reported that a pilot report indicated an eruption of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania occurred at 0830hrs local time today. An ash plume reached 25,000 ft. altitude, and was visible from a distance of 50 miles. The eruption lasted 30 minutes. As of the 7th of September, according to Matthieu Kervyn De Meerendre, University of Gent (Belgium) has reported that Ol Doinyo Lengai has re-erupted again. A large eruption (?) seems to be taking place at Lengai volcano, this time for real On 4 September 2007, reports started coming in that a large (natrocarbonatite) lava flow is descending the West flank. A considerable ash plume was visible on satellite data. Over 30 thermal anomalies have been detected by the MODIS team since August 23 - more than during the large eruption in March 2006. On 4 and 5 Sep, the thermal anomaly at the summit was extremely strong. From this and satellite imaginery, it seems that there was a short overflow to the East and a major overflow to the West starting on September 1st (it could be a bush fire on the volcano flank ignited by lava). New overflows on 5 Sep seem to be taking place on the W and NW flanks. The symmetrical Ol Doinyo Lengai stratovolcano is the only volcano known to have erupted carbonatite tephras and lavas in historical time. The prominent volcano, known to the Maasai as "The Mountain of God," rises abruptly above the broad plain south of Lake Natron in the Gregory Rift Valley. The depth and morphology of the northern crater have changed dramatically during the course of historical eruptions, ranging from steep craters walls about 200 m deep in the mid-20th century to shallow platforms mostly filling the crater. Long-term lava effusion in the summit crater beginning in 1983 had by the turn of the century mostly filled the northern crater; by late 1998 lava had begun overflowing the crater rim.

*********************************************************************************************************

CONGO - Nyamulagira volcano

March 30th, 2009

As of the 30th of March, GVO noted that a seismic swarm from Nyamuragira during 23-27 January and increased seismicity along the East African Rift since then. Scientists who visited the Nyiragongo summit crater on 22 and 24 March saw intense fumarolic activity in the summit crater of Nyamuragira through binoculars. The activity was concentrated in the southern area. GVO noted that seismic swarms typically precede eruptions by 3-5 months and that an eruption could occur from the southern side . Africa's most active volcano, Nyamuragira (Also spelled Nyamulagira) is a massive basaltic shield volcano N of Lake
Kivu and NW of Nyiragongo volcano. Lava flows from Nyamuragira cover 1,500 sq km of the East African Rift. The 3058-m-high summit is truncated by a small 2 x 2.3 km summit caldera that has walls up to
about 100 m high. About 40 historical eruptions have occurred since the mid-19th century within the summit caldera and from numerous fissures and cinder cones on the volcano's flanks. A lava lake in the
summit crater, active since at least 1921, drained in 1938. Twentieth-century flank lava flows extend more than 30 km from the summit, reaching as far as Lake Kivu.

CONGO - Nyiragongo

May 10th, 2009

According to a news article on 8 May, the air in the city of Goma, 18 km S of Nyiragongo, was thick with "volcanic dust." Residents reported seeing incandescent lava flowing from the summit crater at night. The
article also stated that the scientist-in-charge of Goma Volcano Observatory (GVO) reported that significantly increased temperatures were measured around Nyiragongo and that larger-than-usual plumes of"volcanic dust" were being ejected. The news account did not mention any GVO statements about lava flows. As of the 5th of May, according an UNOSAT report, satellite-detected thermal anomalies on the volcano which are centered over the main crater and extend up to 3km along the eastern and western slopes. These thermal anomalies are likely to represent active fires and/or volcanic material on the surface of the volcano, and have been identified on six separate days over the time period 10 April - 4 May 2009. The MODIS satellite image recorded on 4 May showed a volcanic eruption in progress, with a primary westerly outflow direction. This is only a preliminary assessment and has not yet been validated on the ground. A previously report from Goma Volcano Observatory (GVO) noted a seismic swarm from Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira in January and increased seismicity along the East African Rift since then. Gas plumes from Nyiragongo were frequently emitted and contributed to acid rain that fell on inhabited areas. On 22 March, tremor was detected on nearby seismic networks. Scientists who visited the summit crater on 22 and 24 March observed active fumaroles along a fissure connecting the Shaheru (S flank) and Nyiragongo craters. Strong methane concentrations were detected. The lava lake level had dropped 20 m compared to 27 February. A small area of the lava lake was active and lava fountains were seen. The temperature of some fissures had increased by 4 degrees Celsius since 27 February. D.Walufa also reported that the low level of lava in the Nyiragongo lava lake meant that the city of Goma, extensively damaged (with many fatalities) in the most recent eruption of Nyiragongo in 2002, was less at risk on this occasion.The local Red Cross is on the alert to assist the local population in the event of an eruption. One of Africa's most notable volcanoes, Nyiragongo contained an active lava lake in its deep summit crater that drained catastrophically through its outer flanks in 1977. In contrast to the low profile of its neighboring shield volcano, Nyamuragira, Nyiragongo displays the steep slopes of a stratovolcano. Benches in the steep-walled, 1.2-km-wide summit crater mark the levels of former lava lakes, which have been observed since the late 19th century. About 100 parasitic cones are located on the volcano's flanks and along a NE-SW zone extending as far as Lake Kivu. Monitoring is done from a small observatory building located in Goma, ~18 km S of the Nyiragongo
crater. (From GVO)
*************************************************************************************************************************

SAUDI ARABIA - Al-Ais area - Harrat Lunayyir lava field (?)

June 27th, 2009

As of the 25th of June and according local presse earthquakes in Saudi Arabia may have dropped out of the news recently, but the activity has been continuing. The return of residents evacuated from the Al Ais area of western Saudi Arabia has been indefinitely postponed following the occurrence of significant tremors over the past few days, reports the English-language Saudi daily Arab News.The decision follows the relatively high intensity of tremors registered over the past two days, he said. According to an SGS bulletin issued yesterday, the National Network for Seismic Monitoring, a subsidiary of SGS, registered two tremors measuring 4.55 and 3.2 on the Richter scale in addition to several lesser tremors during the 24 hours ending noon yesterday. According to SGS reports, earthquakes in the M2.5-3.5 range occurred on Saturday 30th of May - both of which the SGS were attributed to tectonic activity. " As of the 22nd of may, the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) reported that no emission of gases has been observed since Wednesday in Harrah Al-Shaqah, the epicenter of the earthquake and the location of extinct volcanoes. SGS reported six minor tremors were recorded at Harrah Al-Shaqah in the 24 hours until 2 p.m. yesterday. According to Ahmad Al-Attas, acting head of the SGS. the tracking devices did not detect on Wednesday any gas emissions indicating the eruption of lava. However, they are closely observing the extinct volcanoes in the region for any sign of renewed activities.According to various news over the past couple of weeks a series of earthquakes occured in western Saudi Arabia, possibly with some volcanic component (?). As of the 20th of May, morning the USGS listed six earthquakes in the area occurring between 19:50 UTC on 17 May and 20:35 UTC on 19 May: the largest is a magnitude 5.7 event at 17:35 UTC on 19 May. The USGS and Centre Sismologique - Euro-Mediterranéen reported no new quakes since the magnitude 4.6 event at 20:35 UTC on 19 May, but smaller quakes since then will not have been reported on these sites. A news published in Arab News from Saudi Geological Survey, says that a total of 2,289 people have been evacuated from villages in Al-Ais. According to this source the evacuations took place as 30 tremors of varying magnitudes, measuring between 3 and 5.4 on the Richter scale were registered at Harrah Al-Shaqah in the Al-Ais area during the 24 hours ending 2 p.m. yesterday. "The Civil Defense has warned people living within a radius of 40 km of Harrah Al-Shaqah, the quake's epicenter, to keep away. The warning was issued following the discovery of dangerous gases and unusually hot air and water in wells as the frequency of tremors increased in Al-Ais." A Civil Defense source (?) said the discoveries suggested a volcanic eruption was likely (?). Preliminary Earthquakes localization shows the Harrat Lunayyir lava field area. For the moment, no really confirmation about the details of these events was reported from our official direct sources and scientific contacts. Harrat Lunayyir is a basaltic volcanic field in NW Saudi Arabia, east of the Red Sea port of Umm Lajj. It contains about 50 volcanic cones that were constructed over Precambrian crystalline rocks along a N-S axis. Harrat Lunayyir is one of the smallest of the Holocene lava fields of Saudi Arabia, but individual flow lobes radiate long distances from the center of the Harrat, and flows reached the Red Sea in two places. Lava flows are basaltic to basanitic in composition, and the Holocene flows are alkali olivine basalts. One of the cones may have erupted around the 10th century AD or earlier. (GVN/GVP)

**************************************************************************************************************************

ETHIOPIA - Manda Hararo area

July 2nd, 2009

Thermal anomalies and dense sulphur dioxide plumes in Ethiopia appear to indicate that a significant effusive eruption has taken place along the Karbahi graben at or near Manda Hararo fissure vents. There is as yet no visual confirmation of the eruption from the ground. The Modis thermal alert service at the University of Hawaii has shown hotspots of varying intensity over a considerable area of the Manda Hararo region since 27 June, while the OMI dioxyde sulfur group has mapped considerable SO2 emissions on 29 and 30 June. MODIS thermal anomaly indicating surface lava flows. Preliminary analysis (based on SO2 emissions) suggests that it is larger than the Manda Hararo eruption in August 2007, but not as large as the Alu-Dalaffilla eruption last November. On the MODVOLC thermal alerts website the interface allows one to zoom in at specified coordinates. Entering those for Manda-Hararo (40.8E, 12.2N; degrees and decimal degrees) show a series of alerts spread over considerable area for as late as 30 June 2009. Going back in time, there appeared a large intense cluster (29 June), a less intense cluster (28-27 June), and then no hits on earlier days. A map appears in Volcanoes of the World, with comparatively few volcanoes identified surrounding Manda Hararo (Haroro Manda). The 2007 Bulletin report on that volcano contains a map of the area (BGVN 32:07) From Rick Wunderman GVN/GVP.

ETHIOPIA - Alu volcano area (or Dalafilla)

November 25th , 2008

During 19-24 November, the MODIS satellite continued to detect thermal anomalies over the area near Dalaffilla and Alu volcanoes from the eruption that began on 3 November.On 16 November the ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) equipment aboard NASA's Terra satellite acquired the area of north-east Ethiopia where the volcanic eruption took place on 3 November 2008. The ASTER data provides the clearest imagery made available to date. On the evidence of these new images it is the Alu fissure vent zone, rather than Dalaffilla volcano, which is responsible for the current eruption. A new, large dark lava flow is evident, covering a large area and extending about 12km north-east of the Alu vents. The lava flow produced by this eruption covers a large area and overlies previously-deposited flows. As of the 15th of November, Modis instrument reported that hotspots continue to be measured between Dalaffilla and Alu volcanoes in Ethiopia. This indicates continued lava flows following last weeks eruption of Dalaffilla-Alu volcano. Satellite images show sulphur dioxide emissions over north Indian Ocean and central India. As of the 8th of November, the Global Volcanism Netork (GVN) has reported that now there is some debate over exactly which volcano erupted in Ethiopia this week. Satellite images show that a large lava flow originated from a region between Dalaffilla and Alu volcanoes in the Erta Ale Range. Alu and Dalaffilla are twin volcanoes separated by only 3 km. Alu volcano is ellipsoidal in shape, and built of old basaltic lavas. In contrast Dalaffilla is a steep cone built by eruptions of silicic lava. Some reports have assumed this week's large lava flow must have come from Alu volcano bacause it has produced basaltic lava flows before. However, satellite images have shown lava hotspots on the side of Dalaffilla volcano. Dalaffilla volcano as the source of the lava flows was declared by a researcher at Addis Ababa University. The summary is that an eruption of lava began at at Dalaffilla volcano in the Afar range of Ethiopia on Tuesday 4th November (?). According to recent news articles, observers reported ground shaking, hearing loud noises and explosions from a distance, and seeing smoke. Thermal anomalies continued to be detected during 3-6 November in the area. Primary information : satellite instruments detected an eruption in northern Afar, Ethiopia from November 3. The eruption first manifested itself as a large sulfur dioxide (SO2) cloud drifting eastwards over the Arabian peninsula, detected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). MODIS data from the University of Hawaii's MODVOLC hot-spot monitoring tool (http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu) confirmed an extensive hot-spot (presumably lava flows) near Alu volcano ( or Dallafilla ?), in the northern part of the Erta ‘Ale range. Details are still sketchy and these observations are as yet unconfirmed from the ground. Addis Ababa University's Institute of Geophysics researchers said on Wednesday, prompting a minor earthquake and record lava flows covering 300 square kilometres. Satellite pictures also showed that the volcano area covered a record area of 300 square kilometres, According to the ethiopian institute no major damage to infrastructure or population displacement were immediately reported. A total of 0.1-0.2 Tg of SO2 was measured in the eruption cloud by OMI at ~1100 UT on November 4, by which time the SO2 cloud had reached southern Iran. Using the OMI SO2 data and radiosonde soundings, observed SO2 cloud drift yields a preliminary estimate of the eruption onset time of 1400-1600 UT on November 3. Near real-time OMI SO2 data can be viewed at: http://satepsanone.nesdis.noaa.gov/pub/OMI/OMISO2/index.html . The summit region of Alu volcano, lying immediately NW of conical Dalaffilla volcano, is an ellipsoidal volcanic horst, elongated in a NNW-SSE direction, and formed primarily of older basaltic lava flows. Very recent fractures along the axis of the chain cut the main volcanic horst. Major fumarolic activity is located on the numerous parallel faults, some of which have uplifts of 100 m. Fissure vents west of the horst have fed silicic lava flows, and other fissures to the south have produced voluminous youthful basaltic lava flows that extend north as far as Lake Baki. Dalaffilla, also referred to as Gabuli, is a small, but steep-sided conical stratovolcano that rises 300 m above surrounding lava fields SE of Alu volcano. This morphology, unusual for the Erta Ale Range volcanoes, results from the extrusion of viscous, silicic lava flows with primary slopes up to about 35 degrees. These silicic flows extend primarily to the east; on the west they are blocked by walls of a horst structure along the crest of the Erta Ale range. Other basaltic lava flows from regional fissures surround the 613-m-high volcano. Fumarolic activity occurs in the 100-m-wide summit crater and has weathered surrounding lava flows.

ETHIOPIA - Erta Ale volcano

February 20th, 2008

As of the 20th of February 2008, the Stromboli-On-Line website has reported that upon their return to volcano Erta Ale, they found it to be in eruption on the 8th of February and have confirmed this information. Volcanologique de Geneve (SVG) trip on 8-9 February 2008 noted extensions of ropy lava in the N crater. The lake was little changed from the group's last visit in 2005. The group visited the N Crater, and, given its constant degassing, was able to take gas samples. They also measured the lake's surface temperature (700°C). The descent into this crater, seemingly easy, was made difficult by a mantle of very unstable lava scoria. An elevated level of the lava lake halted a subsequent descent.Previous information reported that on 7th of October 2005, according to Ethiopian newspaper an earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale, jolted northern Ethiopia (Teru area in Afar) on Tuesday triggering eruption of the Erta Ale. According to M; Manahlo Belachew, an expert in the seismology department of Addis Ababa University, the quake which strick the remote region afar is the 11th tremblor to rumble across the region since last month. As of 5th of October a hot spot was visible on the Erta Ale from the MODIS images which could confirmed an eruptive activty this day. Previous new report about recent activity of the Erta Ale : group of scientists assessed the visible changes at Erta Ale on 26 September after activity began around 24 September. In comparison to observations made in November 2004, they found that the southern main crater/pit had widened significantly, with portions of the previous crater walls having collapsed into the lava lake. A new cone-shaped construct had grown within the southern main crater where there had been a platform. A lava lake occupied the entire width of the inner crater/pit. In the northern crater/pit, there was a solidified lava bulge and abundant “smoking” along the crater walls. No incandescent lava was visible in the pit. Based on descriptions by local residents of seeing “red and glowing light shooting and rising into the air above the volcano,” the scientists believe that a Strombolian eruption probably occurred, emitting a significant volume of fresh magma within, and possibly out of, the pit. As of 4th of 0ctober, Personal source reported from Addis Ababa University that the recent earthquake that occured in Afar state has caused landslide and big fissure in Teru locality kebele 02 of the state near the active volcano Mount Erta Ale, a team of geologists who have just returned from the site disclosed. The earthquake observed from September 10 -24, 2005 is the culmination of volcanic activities in the area since millions of years ago, geologists Dr. Derge Ayalew and Dr. Gezahegn Yirgu told WIC. The geologists said the landslide and fissure are indicators that there would be a possible volcanic eruption in the future. The Physical Observatory of the Addis Ababa University recorded on Sunday earthquake that measured 5.5 on Richter scale following earthquake. In Erta Ale the volume of material inside the Crater is actually increasing i.e. rising up to the Crator rim. Due to all this recent geological activity the government is starting to evacuate the people residing around these areas. Previous Erta Ale visit : an international team led by SVE carried out a new visit at the Erta Ale from 22nd of January to 23rd of January 2005. During these two full days at the summit the eruptive activity showed no significant change since our previous observation carried out in November 2005. Degassing activity was still occuring from 3 of the 4 coalescents hornitos located in the SW part of the South crater, but decreased slightly in comparison with our December observations. There were about 10 m high and represented the only portion of the lava crust covering the crater floor where gas emissions were in evidence. One of the hornitos contained glowing molten lava visible from a window located in the upper part. During the clear day of Sunday 23rd of January, members of the team abseiled down within the crater to collect recent lava poured out from the hornitos during partial collapse. Degassing activity (mainly SO2) from the North crater has also slightly decreased in comparison with early December 2004. From a small terrace located in the NW part of the crater it was possible to observe the degassing activity from several hornitos ( some of them were several meters high in the central part of the " lava bulge ") - Near the NW wall of the crater two small red glowing areas were visible at the summit of two other hornitos. Seismic activity of the volcano, together with infrasound signals were recorded by a portable system of the University of Hamburg. Preliminary results of this deployment will be reported soon at this place. Informations : Henry Gaudru, SVE Geneva ; Alexander Gerst , University of Hamburg, Germany ; Georges Kourounis, Derek Tessier, Brian Fletcher (Toronto - Canada) , Motomaro Shirao (Tokyo- Japan) . A previous visit of the SVE-SVG group (4th of December 2004) have permits to observe an important change in the activity of the volcano. The lava lake activity stopped within the South pit crater and a solidified lava crust has filled the whole part of the crater floor (about 15 m below the crater rim). Three (4) coalescent hornitos (about ten meters high) have built on the solidified lava crust in the SE part of the South crater. During the night between 4th of 5th of December, some incandescent degassing lava was visible at the summit of two hornitos. Moreover, we have also noted that a new activity has recently occured within the North crater. A solidified lava bulge uplifted and filled more than 4/5 of the crater floor (about 20-25 below the crater rim). Strong and noisy degassing activity was occcuring in the central part of the lava bulge from several small hornitos. From the smell and bluish color, these gases contained a high quantity of SO2. During the night , ten small incandescent vents were visible at the periphery of the lava bulge. In the morning, two plumes rose above the volcano. Information : Henry Gaudru (SVE) and Co (SVG) - Erta Ale report in case of problem with this link look directly at "articles page"

*****************************************************************************************

PHILIPPINES - Mayon Volcano

August 11th, 2008

As of the 10th of August, PHIVOLCS reported that after a quiet couple of years, Mayon volcano in the Philippines has been showing signs of increased activity in recent weeks, with heightened seismicity, inflation, and an intensified glow from the crater. This day a phreatic explosion took place and ash was erupted 200 metres (650 feet) above the crater. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is keeping Mayon under close observation: it is one of the archipelago's more active volcanoes. A major eruption is not imminent, according to Phivolcs, but steam and ash explosions may occur over the coming days. Mayon, a 2463-metre stratovolcano, is famous for the near-perfect symmetry of its cone, as well as its ability to unleash destructive eruptions, with hazards including pyroclastic flows, lahars and heavy ashfall. Particularly violent eruptions causing many deaths occurred in 1814 and 1897; more recently an eruption in September 1984 caused no fatalities after warnings from Philvolcs brought about the evacuation of more than 70,000 people from at-risk areas near the volcano. Information : PHIVOLCS - Latest satelllite image of the Mayon (every 30 mn)

PHILIPPINES - Taal volcano

August 30th, 2008

As of the 29th of August 2008, State PHIVOLCS scientists advised the public to observe precautions when going near Taal Volcano in Batangas, saying the volcano has shown an “increase in seismicity." the Taal seismic network recorded 10 volcanic earthquakes from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Two of the quakes that occurred at 12:33 p.m. and 12:46 p.m. were both felt at Intensity II at Pira-piraso villages. Accompanying the quakes were rumbling sounds. The events were located northeast of the volcano island near Daang Kastila area with depths of approximately 0.6 km (12:33 p.m.) and 0.8 km (12:46 p.m.). Surface thermal observations however, did not indicate significant change in the thermal and steam manifestations of the Main Crater Lake area. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that increase in seismicity (frequency and distribution of earthquakes) reflects a "low-level episode of unrest," and that Alert Level 1 remains in effect there. At present, no imminent eruption is indicated although the public is advised to observe some precautions. Previously, past year, on June 24th , PHIVOLCS already reported that Taal volcano showed signs of unrest when two volcanic earthquakes were felt at Pira-Piraso village. According to local people, this seismic unrest was accompanied by rumbling around 2:30 in the morning. A total of 8 volcanic earthquakes were measured by PHIVOLCS seismographs. There was no change to the alert status of the volcano. As of 18 th of December 2006, PHIVOLCS reported that between 13-14 December, 10 volcanic earthquakes were detected. Ground deformation surveys conducted on 28 November-6 December 2006, revealed inflation of the volcanic edifice by 14.0 mm, suggesting possible magma intrusion. Taal volcano manifested a sustained moderate level of seismic activity since 18 November 2006, characterized by occasional large amplitude volcanic earthquakes. The main crater lake water is becoming more acidic since 12 September 2006. the newly formed mud geyser, which is now merged with the crater lake due to increase in water level, continues to be very active. The increasing acidity and hydrothermal activity are probably caused by the injection of hot gases and fluids coming from below the crater floor. As of the 22nd of November, the PHIVOLCS was reported that tall volcano's main crater (Northeastern part) was spewing three or five-meter-high geysers of muddy water since the past Friday. Since, mud geysering has continued, but the volcano stays at alert 1. A similar event, which was recorded in November 1999, lasted until February 2000. Previous report - As of the 5th of October, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported that the Taal Main Crater Seismic Station recorded twenty nine (29) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24-hour period since 0600 yesterday. Five (5) of these quakes that occurred at 0233, 0234, 0242, 0247 and 0249 were felt at Intensities II to III by residents on Volcano Island. These quakes were accompanied by rumbling sounds. Initial earthquake locations showed epicenters generally dispersed in the vicinity of Daang Kastila (Northeast), Tibag (North), Tablas (Northeast), Mataas na Gulod (Northeast) and Panikihan (Northwest). This seismic activity is notably higher than the usual levels, which is generally only 5 or less events detected in 24 hours during quiet periods. Surface thermal observations, however, did not indicate significant change in the thermal and steam emission manifestations of the Main Crater Lake area. The increase in seismicity at Taal Volcano reflects a low-level episode of unrest. However, there is still no indication of an impending eruption. Possible precursors, such as increased steam emission, increased temperatures of steam vents and other changes on the Main Crater Lake waters and of the ground are continuously being monitored. The ongoing seismic unrest could intensify in the coming days or weeks so that PHIVOLCS recommends appropriate vigilance by the public when visiting the island. As a safety measure, PHIVOLCS reiterates its previous recommendation that the Main Crater area remains off-limits because sudden steam explosions may occur or high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. There are also several fissures traversing the Daang Kastila Trail which, when reactivated with steam emission, are also potentially hazardous to people. PHIVOLCS will provide information on the status of Taal Volcano as necessary. The colour code at Taal is currently at YELLOW . PHIVOLCS will provide information on the status of Taal Volcano as necessary.

PHILIPPINES - Bulusan volcano

October 17th, 2007

As of the 16th of October, The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported that heavy rain caused lahars at Bulusan volcano in the Philippines last night. Nearly 200 residents in Irosin and Cogon were evacuated. Eruptions of Bulusan earlier this month created six new vents. Three vents were created on southeast slope and three on northwest slope. Residents are advised to stay away from the 4 km permanent exclusion zone. As of the 5th of October, PHIVOLCS has reported that two episodes of ash explosions occurred at Bulusan Volcano early this day as recorded by the seismic network. The explosions were not visually observed due to thick clouds covering the volcano’s summit. These events were recorded as explosion type-earthquakes at 0134hrs and 0139hrs. The seismic network recorded forty (40) volcanic earthquakes and eight (8) short duration harmonic tremors during the past 24 hours. Ground deformation survey conducted yesterday along the Inlagadian leveling line at the northeast flank indicated a slight inflation of the volcano’s edifice. Field investigation conducted showed trace to light ashfalls affected barangays San Roque, San Rafael, Sitio Tawog of Porog, Porog proper and Bulusan town proper, all in the municipality of Bulusan. The recent ash explosions at Bulusan Volcano were preceded by sporadic swarms of small to moderate-sized amplitude earthquakes, which began occurring on the last week of September 2007. Previous explosions of Bulusan were generally preceded by increased seismic activity. Ash explosions may continue to occur in the coming days or weeks. Hence, Alert Level 1 remains in effect. PHIVOLCS reminds the public not to enter the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) because sudden hazardous explosions are likely to affect this area. Residents of areas beyond the PDZ that are downwind of the crater are likely to be affected by ashfalls during explosions. Furthermore, residents near river/stream channels around the volcano should also be on alert against life-threatening volcanic mudflows (lahars) during heavy rains which might remobilize ash and loose deposits from the upper slopes. Bulusan, was constructed within the 11-km-diameter dacitic Irosin caldera, which was formed more than 36,000 years ago. A broad, flat moat is located below the prominent SW caldera rim; the NE rim is buried by the andesitic Bulusan complex. Bulusan is flanked by several other large lava domes and cones that were constructed within the caldera, including the prominent Mount Jormajan lava dome on the SW flank and Sharp Peak to the NE. The summit of the volcano is unvegetated and contains a 300-m wide, 50-m-deep crater. Three small craters are located on the SE flank. Many moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the mid-19th century.

************************************************************************************************************************

INDONESIA Volcanoes activity VSI - CVGDM reports : Recent events in 2008- 2009

Mount Semeru ( Java) - As of the 10th of March 2009, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI) has reported that the general character bursting of Semeru eruption was followed by bursts of gray red-hot lava, and dome growth. Explosion took place with intervals of 20 - 30 minutes in conditions (Level II According to Indonesian News the volcano erupted on 6th of March 2009 in the early morning .Semeru apparently erupted shortly after midnight, spewing a plume of ash and vapor above the summit crater and coated a nearby town in black dust. Recent heavy rains and the direction of the wind restricted the impact of ashfall. No evacuation has been ordered but volcanologists are monitoring the volcano closely for signs of lethal possible pyroclastic flows. CVGHM reported that an ash eruption from Semeru was characterized by increased seismicity and booming sounds from the Jonggring Seloko crater; fog prevented visual observations. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 7 March a possible plume rose to altitudes of 3.7-4.3 (12,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l Semeru, the highest volcano on Java, and one of its most active, lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the Tengger caldera. The volcano, rises abruptly to 3676 m above coastal plains to the south. Gunung Semeru was constructed south of the overlapping Ajek-ajek and Jambangan calderas. A line of lake-filled maars was constructed along a N-S trend cutting through the summit, and cinder cones and lava domes occupy the eastern and NE flanks. Summit topography is complicated by the shifting of craters from NW to SE. Frequent 19th and 20th century eruptions were dominated by small-to-moderate explosions from the summit crater, with occasional lava flows and larger explosive eruptions accompanied by pyroclastic flows that have reached the lower flanks of the volcano. Semeru has been in almost continuous eruption since 1967

Mount Dempo (Sumatra) - As the 6th of January 2009, CVGHM reported that on 1 January, a phreatic eruption from Dempo resulted in a strong sulfur odor and "ash rain" that was noted as far as about 10 km from the summit. Fog prevented direct observations of the summit. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale from 1-4). Visitors and residents were advised not to go within a 2-km radius of the summit. Dempo is a 3173-m-high stratovolcano that rises above the Pasumah Plain of SE Sumatra. Remnants of 7 craters are found at or near the summit, with volcanism migrating to the WNW with time. The historically active summit crater of Gunung Dempo contains a 400-m-wide lake, located at the NW end of the crater complex. Historical eruptions have been restricted to small-to-moderate explosive activity that produced ashfall near the volcano.

Dieng volcanic zone (Java) - As of the 16th of January 2009, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI) has reported that a phreatic activity occured yesterday at about 6pm (local time) at the Sibenteng crater. Two explosions opened a new crater (50 m diameter) and ejected mud and water at about 50 m distance. The alert level was raised at 2. The Dieng plateau in the highlands of central Java is renowned both for the variety of its volcanic scenery and as a sacred area housing Java's oldest Hindu temples, dating back to the 9th century AD. The Dieng volcanic complex consists of two or more stratovolcanoes and more than 20 small craters and cones of Pleistocene-to-Holocene age over a 6 x 14 km area. Prahu stratovolcano was truncated by a large Pleistocene caldera, which was subsequently filled by a series of dissected to youthful cones, lava domes, and craters, many containing lakes. Lava flows cover much of the plateau, but have not occurred in historical time, when activity has been restricted to minor phreatic eruptions. Toxic volcanic gas emission has caused fatalities and is a hazard at several craters. The abundant thermal features that dot the plateau and high heat flow make Dieng a major geothermal prospect. (GVN)

Kelut volcano (Java) - As of the 9th of November, the Center for Volcanology and Geology Disaster Mitigation has lowered the alert status of the Mt. Kelut volcano earlier yesterday morning 8th of November because it's activity has been lower than in the past few days. This means that thousands of people can now return to their homes after three weeks of - sometimes forced - evacuations. A huge slab of cold lava resembling an island appeared inside Mt. Kelut’s rumbling crater on Monday 5th of November, but vsi volcnologists said the island-like creation had a positive side. They think it was probably responsible for preventing an all-out and enormous eruption of the mountain. “Our visual monitoring equipment captured today an image of a huge black speck in the middle of the billowing sulfuric smoke that came out of the Mt.Kelut,” head of Mt. Kelut’s observation team Umar Rosadi said during a press conference at Sugihwaras village, Ngancar district. Rosadi said he believed the slab was an enormous, heavy mass of cold lava from the mountain’s 1990 explosion. “The block now appears on the surface of the crater and (it) resembles an island.” Rosadi said he thought the slab had blocked the exit route of the boiling lava and had prevented the crater from producing a powerful explosion. But he said he wanted to remind the public the existence of the huge mass of cold lava was no guarantee Mt. Kelut would not erupt. “The lava will surely try to find its way out, including by pushing this mass out of the crater,” Rosadi said. “But, moving a mass this big will require a lot of energy. “ There is a probability the magma will use up all its energy in trying to move this mass ... it has no energy left to produce an eruption,” he said. But, there is still a worstcase scenario. “That the magma released all its energy to throw this slab away and succeed in doing so. Then we will see a very powerful explosion,” he said. Tempointeraktif.com reported the slab was 100 metres in diameter. The observation team was reported to still be trying to determine its height and density. As of the 2nd of November, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI) has reported that unrest continues at Kelut volcano in Indonesia. There were 548 shallow earthquakes recorded at the volcano between 0600hrs and midday 2 November (local time). This indicated magma is still moving under the volcano. Tens of thousands of residents are currently evacuated from the 10 km exclusion zone. Kelut volcano remains on maximum level 4 alert. As of the 28th of October, VSI reported that the Alert Level for Kelut remained at 4 (on a scale of 1-4) during 17-28 October. According to news articles, several thousand evacuated people remained in shelters. As of the 19th of October, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI - CVGHM ) reported that the Alert Status of Kelut was raised on 16 October from 3 to 4 (on a scale of 1-4). During 15-28 September, gas discharge from the crater lake increased and spread in a radius of 5 m. Inflation around the summit occurred during 13-16 October. On 16 October, the temperature in the crater lake increased to 37.8 degrees C. In conjunction with the elevated Alert Status, CVGHM recommended to the local authorities that villagers within a 10 km radius should evacuate. According to a news article, about 50,000 people evacuated on 16 October. On 17 October, thousands of people returned to their homes to tend to crops and animals, and to get food. The development of the Kelut activity in the Kediri Regency, Kabupaten Blitar and the Malang Regency, Provinsi East Java as follows: I. Since October 16th, 2007, at 1000hrs WIB through to 1700hrs WIB printed 306 volcanic shallow earthquake incidents that was the process of the occurrence of the rock crack progressively by the fluid (magma, gas or vapour) headed the surface. II. Visual: On September 15th, 2007 was observed by the existence of gas in the middle of the crater lake and until this had the trend increasingly spread. On September 28th, 2007 gas reached the radius 5 m. with the colour of white water of the crater lake spread everywhere. III. Deformation: Results of the grating of period deformation 13th till October 16th, 2007 also showed the existence of the process of inflation around the Kelut peak. IV. Water Temperature: Results of the grating of the temperature of water of the crater lake on October 16th, 2007 at 1200hrs WIB reached 37.8 oC. The colour code at Kelut is currently at ALERT LEVEL IV. As of 5th of October, VSI reported that a mix of carbon dioxide and toxic gas seven times normal levels and tremor have been recorded from the volcano during recent days, prompting authorities to evacuate area around the volcano. hundreds people have begun evacuating the slopes of the volcano and advised to stay away within a radius of 5 km from the volcano. According to indonesian volcanologists, probably magma is very close to the crater's surface and an eruption could occurs soon. About 100.000 people, mostly farmers, live on the slope of Mount Kelut.

Slamet volcano (Java) - CVGHM reported that during 8-28 June tephra was ejected 50-700 m above
Slamet's crater and incandescent material was ejected 50-300 m above the crater. Booming noises were reported. During 23-29 June, incandescence and ash emissions were not observed. On 29 June, CVGHM
lowered the Alert Level for Slamet to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) because of decreased seismicity and emissions.
CVGHM reported that during 26 May-4 June 2009 activity from Slamet volcano fluctuated, but decreased overall. The number of earthquakes and the temperature of water in areas around the volcano were lower. Inflation and deflation fluctuated within a range of 2 cm. White plumes rose 100-750 high. During 5-7 June, activity was characterized by inflation and an increased number of earthquakes. During that time, white plumes were accompanied by ash emissions that rose 200-800 m from the crater, incandescent material was ejected 50-200 m above the crater, and booming noises were reported. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). On 26 May 2009, CVGHM reported that since 21 April seismicity from Slamet continued to increase or remain elevated; the peak of activity was on 17 May. White-to-brown "eruption smoke" rose about 800 m above the crater and inflation was detected. Ashfall was detected in areas 5-9 km away. The temperature of water in several locations on the flanks increased. During 12 and 21-23 May, lava fountains rose 100-400 m above the crater rim. White-to-gray "smoke" rose 150 m above the crater and ejected incandescent material onto the W flank. On 22 May, ashfall was reported in Sawangan village, 5 km W. On 23 May, an ash plume rose 1 km above the crater and ash fell on the N flank. Ash accumulated to1 mm near the observation post. The next day, an ash plume rose 700 m above the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).Slamet, Java's second highest volcano at 3428 m and one of its most active, has a cluster of about three dozen cinder cones on its lower SE-NE flanks and a single cinder cone on the western flank. Slamet is composed of two overlapping edifices, an older basaltic-andesite to andesitic volcano on the west and a younger basaltic to basaltic-andesite one on the east. Gunung Malang II cinder cone on the upper eastern flank on the younger edifice fed a lava flow that extends 6 km to the east. Four craters occur at the summit of Gunung Slamet, with activity migrating to the SW over time. Historical eruptions, recorded since the 18th century, have originated from a 150-m-deep, 450-m-wide, steep-walled crater at the western part of the summit and have consisted of explosive eruptions generally lasting a few days to a few weeks. Last knows eruption occured in 1999:

G. Rinjani ( Lombok) - The volcano is continuing to erupt, as it has been doing pretty much continuously since the current phase of activity began on 2 May. The eruption is located at Barujari cone Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 21 June ash plumes from Rinjani rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km N. As of the 18th of June 2009, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI) has reported that base on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during the 11th-12th and the 16th June ash plumes from Rinjani rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 15-55 km W and WSW. As of the 5th of may, CVGHM reported that the activity at Rinjani volcano on Lombok Island was continuing. The eruptive activity eruptions had not caused important impacts but a small crater began to form in the eastern part of the mountainous area at Mount Baru Jari. However, according to scientists, the peak of the activity was on Saturday with four tremors and the eruption of ash. A team from the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation agency is at Rinjani to monitor the activity, and the national park around the volcano remains closed to visitors.CVGHM reported than during 29 April-2 May seismicity from Rinjani increased and tremor was detected. On 2 May, an eruption produced dense brown "smoke" that rose 1 km from Barujari cone and was accompanied by a booming noise. On 4 May, an eruption of ash produced a white to brown plume that rose 500-700 m above the cone and drifted N. Fog often prevented observations. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Previously, a CVGHM preliminary information reported that Mt Rinjani , which has gone to yellow alert following ‘two small explosions on Saturday 2nd of May 2009 during the afternoon. The area of the national park surrounding the volcano has been immediatly closed to tourists as a safety measure. Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the east, but the west side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the east end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lak

G. Merapi (Java) -Based on a pilot observation, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Merapi rose to an altitude of 11.6 km (38,000 ft) a.s.l. on 19 May 2008. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery.
Previous significative activity : As of the 24th of May 2007, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) reported that Merapi volcano in Indonesia erupted on 23th of May at 0924 local time. Hot clouds and glowing lava moved 1km down the Gendol river. Residents in Muntilan reported ashfall over surrounding areas. As of the 22nd of March 2007, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) reported that based on pilot reports, the Darwin VAAC reported that an eruption plume from Merapi reached an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE on 19 March. As of the 10th of August 2006, the VGHM reported that based on pilot reports, the Darwin VAAC reported that eruption plumes from Merapi on 2 and 3 August reached altitudes of ~6.1 km (~20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. According to CVGHM, during 2-4 August rockfalls traveled 1 km SE toward the Gendol river and gas plumes reached a maximum of 400 m above the summit (10,900 ft a.s.l.). On 3 August, the Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4). As of the 27th of July 2006, the VGHM reported that during 19-25 July, gas plumes at Merapi reached maximum heights of 400 m above the summit (11,000 ft a.s.l.). Lava flows were observed daily, advancing at a maximum distance of 1.5 km SE toward the Gendol River. Pyroclastic flows were not observed during the reporting period. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). On 17 July, CVGHM reported that the Alert Level was lowered one level to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) in all remaining areas previously at Alert Level 4 (S slopes). Pyroclastic flows were not observed during the reporting period. As of the 6th of July, the VGHM reported that pyroclastic flows and rockfalls at Merapi decreased in frequency and intensity during 28 June-4 July. Pyroclastic flows were observed during 28-30 June and reached a maximum distance of 3 km SE along the Gendol River. Gas plumes were observed during 28 June-1 July and reached a maximum height of 1 km above the summit (12,800 ft a.s.l.) on 28 June. As of the 29th of June, the VGHM reported that during 21-25 June, seismic signals at Merapi indicated almost daily occurrence of rockfalls and pyroclastic flows. Due to inclement weather, pyroclastic flows were only observed on 24 June and reached a maximum distance of 4 km SE along the Gendol River and 2.5 km SW along the Krasak River. Gas plumes were observed during 22-25 June and reached a maximum height of 1.5 km above the summit (14,600 ft a.s.l.) on 24 June. As of the 23rd of June, the VGHM reported that eruptions continue at Merapi Volcano in Indonesia. Yesterday there were 15 pyroclastic flows and 256 lava avalanches. The volcano remains at maximum level 4 alert. On 21 June, visual observation toward the summit was obscured during the day. Events of pyroclastic flow and lava avalanches only could be marked from their noise and glare, but the direction and distance could not be determined. Within this day seismograph recorded 65 events of multiphase, 256 events of avalanches earthquakes, 15 events of pyroclastic flow, and 4 events of tectonic earthquakes. On 22 June, the weather was clear in the morning. Visual observation from Babadan observatory noted a white-thick solfatara gas emitted moderately about 700 m from the summit. Seismic record marked 8 events of multiphase earthquakes, 84 events of avalanches earthquakes, 5 events of pyroclastic flow, and 3 events of tectonic earthquakes. The events of pyroclastic flow tend to decrease, while lava avalanches is still fluctuated. Surficial magmatic activity around the summit is still potential to generate pyroclastic flow. Areas along 300 m from the side of K.Krasak/Bebeng, K.Bedog, K.Boyong and K.Gendol, and within radius of 8 km from the summit is forbidden for any activities. Update 16th of June 2006 - The VGHM reported that two emergency workers have been trapped in an underground bunker after an eruption from Merapi volcano on Wednesday 14th of June and unfortunatly have been killed. There are the two first victims since the beginning of the eruptive activity. Gas plumes were observed almost daily during 7-13 June and reached a maximum height of 1.2 km above the summit (13,600 ft a.s.l.) on 10 June. On 8 June a pyroclastic flow, lasting 12 minutes, reached a maximum distance of 5 km SE toward the Gendol River, the predominate travel direction since the 27 May earthquake (M 6.2). On 8 June, according to a CVGHM report, the lava-dome growth rate at Merapi was an estimated 100 thousand cubic meters per day and the estimated volume was approximately 4 million cubic meters. An estimated volume loss of 400 thousand cubic meters on 4 June was due to a partial dome collapse of the S part of the Geger Buaya crater wall (constructed from 1910 lava flows). As of the 2nd of June, the VGHM at the Kaliurang observatory reported lava avalanches events : 122 times toward K.Krasak and part of K.Boyong with maximum distance of 2.5 km, 100 times toward K.Gendol with maximum distance of 1.5 km. Pyroclastic flow events also reported from the same site : 15 times toward K.Krasak and K.Boyong with maximum distance of 3.5 km, 5 times toward K.Gendol with maximum distance of 2 km. At 0310 WIB there was lava avalanches toward southwest-west sector along the upperstreams of K.Boyong, K.Krasak, K.Lamat, K.Sat and K. Senowo. It has 2.5 km of maximum sliding distance. This is the first lava avalanches that affected west area during recent eruption. Seismic record noted : 276 events of avalanches, 127 events of pyroclastic, 36 events of multiphase earthquakes, and 24 events of tectonic earthquakes.Previous update of 26th of May 2006 - according the latest information from VSI, the eruptive activity declined since the two past days and most of people come back home in the Umbul Horjo village. However, the scientists of VSI continues to monitor 24/24 the volcano, because a new increasing activity could be occurs in the next days or weeks. On Saturday morning (20th of May), mount Merapi continues to spew lava from the lava dome. This lava dome on the top was still growing at a slower rate. Merapi sent 70 flows of lava and nine outbursts of heatclouds in the first six hours of Saturday. Some of them reached as far as 3.5 km down the slopes. Aster Satellite Images of the Merapi volcano from Nasa.

Dukono (Halmahera) - As of the 16th of October 2008, the Volcano Society of Indonesia (VSI) has reported that based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 11 October an ash plume from Dukono rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 110 km WNW. . On 26 August, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and WNW. As of the 5th of June, VS) has reported that incandescence at Dukono's summit during 31 March-24 April. On 25 April, incandescent material was ejected 25 m above the summit. During 30 April-2 May seismicty increased. On 25 May, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 1.4-2.1 km (4,600-6,900 ft) a.s.l. and was accompanied by thunderous and booming sounds. On 29 May, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.3 km (7,500 ft) a.s.l. and again was accompanied by thunderous and booming sounds. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and visitors were not permitted within 3 km of the summit CVGHM reported incandescence at Dukono's summit during 31 March-24 April. Geologic Summary. Reports from this remote volcano in northernmost Halmahera are rare, but Dukono has been one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. More-or-less continuous explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, occurred from 1933 until at least the mid-1990s, when routine observations were curtailed .

G. Karangetang (Siau Island)- CVGHM reported that during 1-6 June 2009 lava flows from Karangetang
traveled 50 m E and 600 m SE. Incandescent rocks, from the main craters and ends of the lava flows, traveled as far as 2 km towards multiple river valleys, including the Keting River to the S. On 1 June, white-to-gray-to-brownish plumes rose 700 m above the main crater. Incandescent lava was ejected 500-700 m. On 4 June, tremor amplitude and the number of earthquakes decreased. During 4-6 June, white plumes rose 50-300 m from the main crater. On 7 and 8 June, fog often prevented observations and incandescent rocks were rarely seen. The Alert Level was lowered to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) on 9 June. As of the 2nd of June 2009, CVGHM reported that CVGHM reported that seismicity from Karangetang increased during 30-31 May and tremor was detected. On 30 May, diffuse white plumes rose 10-50 m high and incandescence was seen at the crater. On 31 May, white emissions from Utama Crater in the N part of the summit region rose 100 m. Incandescent material traveled as far as 2.3 km, mostly down the S flank. Ash plumes that rose 25-700 m were accompanied by thunderous sounds. The Alert Level was raised to 4, the highest level on a scale of 1-4. CVGHM reported that on 28th of May2009, based on a pilot observation, the Darwin VAAC reported that on the 24th of May an ash plume from Karangetang rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km S. Karangetang (Api Siau) volcano lies at the northern end of the island of Siau, north of Sulawesi. The 1784-m-high stratovolcano contains five summit craters along a N-S line. Karangetang is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, with more than 50 eruptions recorded since 1675 and many additional small eruptions that were not documented in the historical record (Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World: Neumann van Padang, 1951). Twentieth-century eruptions have included frequent explosive activity sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows and lahars. Lava dome growth has occurred in the summit craters; collapse of lava flow fronts has also produced pyroclastic flows.

Anak Krakatau ( Sunda Strait) - A news report on 18 June 2009noted that activity at Krakatau had increased significantly. According to the head of the volcano monitoring post in Pasauran village there were 828 small eruptions in the previous six days, reaching the rate of a new explosion every three minutes. Observers on beaches in Java could clearly see rising white gas-and-steam plumes along with incandescent ejecta at night. Residents also reported loud explosion noises. The level of activity decreased again on 19 June, and the Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).As of the 13th of June 2009, Tom Pfeiffer reported that during its recent expedition (from 3-8 June 09), Anak Krakatau continued to display strong strombolian activity, often accompanied by loud blasts, from a new vent located between the old summit crater and the 2007 crater. This activity has essentially filled the 2007 crater with a new cinder cone and 'healed' the 2007 scar. At the time of leaving the island, activity was still going strong. As of the 6th of May 2009, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI) has reported that the number of eruptions from Anak Krakatau increased significantly at the end of March and continued through 5 May. Direct observations of the crater on 24, 25, and 29 April revealed that the eruption originated from a crater on the W slope of Anak Krakatau. Ash plumes generally drifted E and caused ashfall within a 5 km radius of the crater. Clear weather on 5 May allowed for visual observations; "smoke" rose 500 m above the crater. Anak Krakatau until crossing the Kulon Tip territory, in the Banten Province and spread in the distance more than 60 Km The renowned Krakatau volcano lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 AD, resulted in a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of this volcano formed Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently Rakata, Danan, and Perbuwatan volcanoes were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes, and left only a remnant of Rakata volcano. The post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau), constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan, has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927. Live Webcam

Soputan volcano (Sulawesi) - As of the 22nd of October 2008 CVGHM reported that the Alert Level for volcano was lowered from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 21 October. CVGHM reported additional information describing the eruption that prompted the Alert Level increase on 6 October. Gray plumes rose to an altitude of 2.8 km (9,200 ft) a.s.l. and were accompanied by Strombolian activity that ejected incandescent material 50-150 m above the crater. On 7 October, white plumes rose to altitudes of 2.3-3.3 km (7,500-10,800 ft) a.s.l. Incandescent material was again ejected 50-150 m from the crater. Incandescent rockfalls traveled 500 m W. The next day, plumes rose to an altitude of 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l. As of the 7th of October 2008, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI) has reported that Mount Soputan in North Sulawesi started to erupt on Monday morning 6th of October and continued to eject important clouds of smoke and incandescent maerial throughout the night and generating an eruptive column about 1 km high, prompting authorities to raise the eruption warning level to the third highest on a four-level system. There's no order to evacuate but people are asked to stay outside a radius of four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the volcano's summit by security reason. The nearest village is about eight kilometres away on the western side of the volcano, which towers 1,783 metres (5,955 feet).Previous activity occured on Friday morning 6th of June 2008 at around 9:59 am (0159 GMT), sending heat clouds as far as four kilometers (2.5 miles) and sending ash two kilometers into the air. Since March 2008 there has been an increase in ground temperatures and elevated seismicity at the volcano. During May there were 2 volcanic earthquakes per day. On 6th June there were 6 volcanic earthquakes, and volcanic tremor was recorded. For the moment, there was no order to evacuate as the nearest village was eight kilometers away on the western side, but people had been warned not to come within six kilometers of the mountain. The small Soputan stratovolcano on the southern rim of the Quaternary Tondano caldera on the northern arm of Sulawesi Island is one of Sulawesi's most active volcanoes. The youthful, largely unvegetated volcano rises to 1784 m and is located SW of Sempu volcano. It was constructed at the southern end of a SSW-NNE trending line of vents. During historical time the locus of eruptions has included both the summit crater and Aeseput, a prominent NE-flank vent that formed in 1906 and was the source of intermittent major lava flows until 1924 .VSI website

****************************************************************************************

RUSSIA - Bezymianny volcano (Kamtchatka)

June 27th, 2009

As of the 26th of June, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) has reported that reports that growth of the lava dome continues. Sudden ash emission related to this activity could affect low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the volcano. Seismic activity of the volcano was above background levels on June 24th and didn't exceeded background levels during other days. According to satellite data, a thermal anomaly was noted over the lava dome on June 20th. As of the 12th of June, KVERT reported that growth of the lava dome continues. Seismic activity of the volcano was slightly above background levels on June 5th and didn't exceeded background levels in the other days of week. A weak fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed on June 4th and 6th. According to satellite data, a thermal anomaly was noted over the lava dome on June 7th. As of the 29th of May, the KVERT reported that seismic activity of the volcano didn't exceeded background levels last week. A weak fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed on May 22nd and 25th-26th. Volcano was obscured by clouds in the other days of this week. According to satellite data, the thermal anomaly was noted over the lava dome on May 25th, the volcano was quiet in the other days of week or obscured by clouds. A weak fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed on May 7th and 10th, and the volcano was obscured by clouds in the other days of this week. According to satellite data, a weak thermal anomaly over the dome was registered on May 7th. Prior to its 1955-56 eruption, Bezymianny volcano had been considered extinct. Three periods of intensified activity have occurred during the past 3,000 years. The latest period, which was preceded by a 1,000-year quiescence, began with the dramatic 1955-56 eruption. That eruption, similar to the 1980 event at Mount St. Helens, produced a large horseshoe-shaped crater that was formed by collapse of the summit and an associated lateral blast. Subsequent episodic but ongoing lava-dome growth, accompanied by intermittent explosive activity and pyroclastic flows, has largely filled the 1956 crater. KVERT

RUSSIA - Sheveluch volcano ( Kamchatka)

July 2nd, 2009

KVERT reported that during 19-26 June seismic activity from Shiveluch was above background levels. Based on interpretations of seismic data, steam-and-gas plumes with some ash content were emitted during the reporting period; ash plumes possibly rose to an altitude of 6.8 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. On 20 June, ash plumes seen on a video camera rose to an altitude of 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. Gas-and-steam activity was observed at other times during the reporting period. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly over the lava dome. Ash plumes were also seen on satellite imagery drifting 114 km S
during 20 and 22-24 June and more than 100 km SW and NE on 25 June. A pyroclastic flow occurred on 25 June. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Based on analysis of satellite imagery and
information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 27-28 and 30 June eruptions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.9-7 km (16,000-23,000 ft) a.s.l. Previously, KVERT reported that new viscous lava flow from the lava dome was reported by KVERT during 11-18 June. Satellite thermal data indicated a large anomaly over the lava dome the entire week. Above-background levels of seismicity persisted throughout that time. Video recordings revealed ash plumes up to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l on 12-15 and 18 June. Ash plumes extended up to 50 km (31 miles) to the south 11 and 13-14 June. Another ash cloud on 12 June was 40 x 20 km in size at a distance of 140 km (87 miles) SW. Moderate to strong gas-and-steam plumes were observed during other times.Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 11-12 and 14-15 June eruptions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 6.1-7.9 km (20,000-26,000 ft) a.s.l. A possible eruption was seen on satellite imagery on 13 June. As of the 12th of June, KVERT also reported that a new viscous lava flow effuses at the lava dome. Seismicity was above background levels all week. According to seismic data, possibly ash plumes rose up to 4.8-7.7 km (15.700-25.250 ft) ASL on June 6th and 10th-11th, and weak ash plumes occurred at the volcano this week. According to video data, strong and moderate gas-steam activity of the volcano was observed last week. According to satellite data, a thermal anomaly was registered over the lava dome all week. Ash plumes extended about 90 km (56 mi) to the south from the volcano on June 6th-7th. As of the 3rd of May, KVERT reported that a strong explosive eruption took place at Sheveluch volcano on May 1st, sending an ash cloud to 5 km above the volcano. The eruption followed a week of heightened seismicity and might be the start of a stronger eruptive phase. As of the 28th of April, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that ash plumes was extending 250 kilometres NE of the volcano and reaching 5 kilometres altitude, and seismicity consisting of weak volcanic tremor and occasional shallow earthquakes. According to seismic data, possible ash plumes up to 4.5-5.3 km (14,760-17,400 ft) ASL occurred at the volcano past week. According to visual data, weak and moderate fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed on April 16-18 and 22nd. There was noted ash plume from hot avalanche on April 22nd. Ash plume rose up to 4 km ASL (13,100 ft). According to satellite data, a bright thermal anomaly was registered over the lava dome all week Based on information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that eruptions during 11-14 April produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.6-5.5 km (15,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. According to seismic data, probably ash plumes up to 7.5 km (24,600 ft) ASL occurred at the volcano on April 03-05 and 08-09. The high, isolated massif of Sheveluch volcano (3283 m) rises above the lowlands NNE of the Kliuchevskoi volcano group. Sheveluch is one of Kamchatka's largest and most active volcanic structures. The summit of roughly 65,000-year-old Stary Shiveluch is truncated by a broad 9-km-wide late-Pleistocene caldera breached to the south. Many lava domes dot its outer flanksStrong culmination explosive eruption of the lava dome of Sheveluch volcano occurred in 1993, 2001, 2004 and two in 2005. Live cam link

RUSSIA - Karymsky volcano (Kamchatka)

June 7th, 2009

Based on information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 6 June an eruption from Karymsky produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 3.4 km (11,000 ft) a.s.l. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery. As of the 5th of June, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that activity of the volcano continues and a possibility of ash explosions up to 6.0 km (or 19,700 ft) ASL remains. The explosive activity of the volcano could affect low-flying aircraft. Seismicity was above background levels all week. According to seismic data, a weak spasmodic volcanic tremor was registered at the volcano this week. Possibly weak ash plumes occurred at the volcano. According to satellite data, there were noted: a weak thermal anomaly over the volcano on May 30th-31st and June 1st-4th, and gas-steam plumes extending about 70 km (43 mi) to the east-south-east from the volcano on June 1st-2nd. Karymsky, the most active volcano of Kamchatka's eastern volcanic zone, is a symmetrical stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera that formed during the early Holocene. The caldera cuts the south side of the Pleistocene Dvor volcano and is located outside the north margin of the large mid-Pleistocene Polovinka caldera, which contains the smaller Akademia Nauk and Odnoboky calderas. The latest eruptive period began about 500 years ago, following a 2300-year quiescence. Much of the cone is mantled by lava flows less than 200 years old. Historical eruptions have been vulcanian or vulcanian-strombolian with moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows from the summit crater.

RUSSIA - Kliuchevskoy volcano (Kamchatka)

June 6th, 2009

As of the 5th of June, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that moderate fumarolic activity of the volcano continues. Gas-steam and/or aerosol with ash plumes from the volcano could affect low-flying aircraft. Seismic activity was at background levels all week. A weak volcanic tremor was registering in the area of the volcano all week. A weak fumarolic activity of the volcano was observing all week. According to satellite data, a weak thermal anomaly was noted over the lava dome on May 30th. As of the 22nd of May, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that seismic activity has decreased to the background levels on May 12th. A weak volcanic tremor and shallow seismic events were registering in the area of the volcano all week. A moderate fumarolic activity of the volcano was observing on May 16-17th and 21st. The volcano was obscured by clouds in the other days of the week. According to satellite data, a weak thermal anomaly was noted over the volcano on May 19th. Seismic activity was above background levels on May 7th-11th and at background levels on May 12th-13th. A weak volcanic tremor and shallow seismic events were registered in the area of the volcano all week. A moderate and strong fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed at the volcano on May 7th, 9th-11th. A gas-steam plume rose up to 6.8 km (22,300 ft) ASL on May 11th, and extended to the northwest from the volcano. The volcano was obscured by clouds in the other days of the week. According to satellite data, a weak thermal anomaly was noted over the volcano on May 7th and 12th. A gas-steam plume extending about 14 km (8.7 mi) to the southwest from the volcano was registered on May 11th. . Kliuchevskoi flanks Kamen volcano to the SW and Ushkovsky volcano to the NW. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred during the past roughly 3000 years . Live cam link

RUSSIA - Koriaksky volcano

June 6th, 2009

As of the 5th of June, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that a gas-steam activity of the volcano continues and aerosol plumes could affect low-flying aircraft. Seismic activity of the volcano was above background levels on June 2nd and at background levels in the other days of week. According to visual data, a strong and moderate fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed all week. Gas-steam plumes rose up to 4 km (13,100) ASL on June 2nd. According to satellite data, a weak thermal anomaly over the volcano was noted on May 31st and June 1st-2nd. According to visual data, a strong and moderate fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed on May 22nd, 24th and 28th. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days of week. According to satellite data, the volcano was quiet. According to visual data, a moderate fumarolic activity was observed at the volcano on May 2nd and 5th-7th. According to satellite data, the volcano was quiet. According to satellite data, gas-steam plumes containing an ash extending for about 100 km (62 mi) to the NE from the volcano were noted on April 17-18 and 22nd. There was registered an SO2 signal (OMI data) for about 15 km (9 mi) from Koryaksky on April 20th. On 11 April, KVERT staff reported ashfall in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (30 km S). Ash accumulated to 0.1-2.5 cm thickness near the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (IVS) FED RAS. The Level of Concern Colour Code remained Orange. According to satellite data, aerosolic plumes containing ash extended about 225 km (140 mi) to the south-east from the volcano on March 25-26. Seismic activity of the volcano was above background levels on March 13th and at background levels during other days of the week. Aerosolic plumes containing small amount of ash raising up to 4.0 km (13,200 ft) ASL and extending to the eastern directions from the volcano were observed all week. As of the 6th of March, KVERT reported that during 3-4 March gas plumes containing a small amount of ash rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 200 km ENE. Ash deposits were seen at the summit. Ash deposits 1-2 mm thick accumulated in an area between Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes. The Level of Concern Color Code was raised to Orange. A strong fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed on February 22-26. The volcano was obscured by clouds during other days. According to satellite data, an ash plume extending about 50 km (31 mi) and an aerosolic plume with ash to 200 km (124 mi) to the ENE from the volcano were observed on February 25th. During 6-7 January gas-and-steam plumes drifted SW. The Level of Concern Color Code was lowered to Yellow. As of the 2nd of January, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that weak explosive activity of the volcano continued. According to scientists, probably activities of the volcano will increase again. The activity of the volcano is dangerous for low-flying aircraft. Seismic activity of the volcano was at background levels: from 1 to 7 volcanic earthquakes were noting each day at the volcano. Possibly an episode of volcanic tremor were registered on December 30-31 and January 1st. According to visual data, gas-steam plumes possibly containing small amount of ash moves on the surface of north-western slope of the volcano on December 30-31. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days. As of the 28th of December, KVERT informed that moderate explosive Volcanian type eruption of the volcano occured. Ash plumes raise about 4.0 km (13.200 ft) ASL and extended to the north-west from the volcano. No seismic data about this event by technical reasons. Gas-steam plumes containing small amount of ash were registering during daylight hours on the satellite images on December 23-25. Strong fumarolic activity were noted at the volcano from November, 2008. According to satellite data, on December 24th of December, at 23:34 UTC (NOAA 17, 4m5)) and 23:42 UTC ( TERRA MODIS, 31m32) a dense ash plume extended over 60 km (37 mi) and a poor ash plume extended 140 km (87 mi) to the northeast of the volcano. According to visual data by observers from Nalychevo valley, a dark column rose about 200-300 m from the vent of a fumarole on the northwestern flank of Koryaksky volcano on December 24. The fumarole is located about 3.0 km ASL. Observers heard a boom from the volcano at night. According to seismic data (KB GS RAS), only 2 earthquakes were registered on December 23 on the depth of 5.0 km under the volcano. KVERT continues to monitor Koryaksky volcano. The colour code at Koryaksky is currently at YELLOW. The large symmetrical Koryaksky stratovolcano is the most prominent landmark of the NW-trending Avachinskaya volcano group, which towers above Kamchatka's largest city, Petropavlovsk. Erosion has produced a ribbed surface on the eastern flanks of the 3456-m-high volcano; the youngest lava flows are found on the upper western flank and below SE-flank cinder cones. No strong explosive eruptions have been documented during the Holocene. Extensive Holocene lava fields on the western flank were primarily fed by summit vents; those on the SW flank originated from flank vents. Lahars associated with a period of lava effusion from south- and SW-flank fissure vents about 3900-3500 years ago reached Avacha Bay. Only a few moderate explosive eruptions have occurred during historical time. Koryaksky's first historical eruption, in 1895, also produced a lava flow.

RUSSIA - Gorely volcano

May 23rd, 2009

As of the 22nd of May, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that seismicity of the volcano was at the background levels this week. KVERT continues to watch the Gorely volcano. Clouds obscured the volcano this week. According to satellite monitoring, the volcano was quiet. According to visual data, a weak or moderate gas-steam activity of the volcano was observed on May 7th and 10th-13th. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days of week. According to satellite monitoring, a weak thermal anomaly over the volcano was registered on May 11th-12th. According to satellite monitoring, a weak thermal anomaly over the volcano was registered on May 2nd and 6th. As of the 27th of March, the KVERT reported that seismicity of the volcano increase from March 10th till present. It was above background levels all week. But according to visual and satellite data, the volcano is quiet at now. KVERT continues to look after Gorely volcano. A first after a long time a strong fumarolic activity of Gorely volcano was observed on November 28, 2007. A height of gas-steam plume was about 400 m above volcanic crater. Last strong explosive eruption of the volcano Gorely occurred in 1986. Ash plumes rose up to ~ 5.0 km (16,400 ft) ASL. Gorely volcano is located about 75 km to the south-west from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Phreatic and phreato-magmatic eruptions are typical for the volcano.Gorely volcano, one of the most active in southern Kamchatka, consists of five small overlapping stratovolcanoes constructed along a WNW-ESE line within a large 9 x 13.5 km caldera. The massive Gorely complex contains 11 summit and 30 flank craters, some of which contain acid or freshwater crater lakes; three major rift zones cut the complex. Historical eruptions have consisted of vulcanian and phreatic explosions of moderate volume.

RUSSIA - Sarychev volcano (Kurile islands)

July 2nd, 2009

SVERT reported that an intense thermal anomaly from Sarychev Peak was detected on satellite imagery during 24-30 June. Gas-and-steam plumes drifted 9 km NW on 24 June, S on 26 June, 26 km SSE on 28 June, and 40 km SE at an altitude of 3 km on 29 June. As of the 22nd of June, according data of MODIS 0906220013 UTC, a high steam-gas emission stretched north to 29 km at a height up to 1.5 km. An intense thermal anomaly was visible on 24 June. As of the 19th of June, according to data of MODIS 0906190120 UTC and MTSAT the intensity of activity has declined. Cloudy conditions obscure observations. Possible small volcanic emissions my be occurring. According to NOAA AVHRR data at 09170.0214, a strong thermal anomaly was detected but no ash signal was detected.As of the 18th of June, according to data of MODIS 0906180037 UTC the eruption of the volcano continued. The emission of the mainly steam-gas stretches to south-west direction. weak ash falls were observed in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. According to data of MTSAT great volcanic explosions occurred at 14 June at 1930 UTC and 15 June at 0130 UTC. The suggested height of ash plume is greater than 26,000 feet (8 km). The Tokyo VAAC has estimated the cloud height up to 54000 feet above sea level. According to MODIS 0906150007 UTC all ash cloud are seen on the south-east and north-west. Whole length is more than 600 km. As of the 12th of June, SVERT detected a strong eruption from Sarychev Peak (Matua island, Central Kuril Islands). Ash emission seen in MODIS image from 0019UTC shows was attached to the volcano and extended 200 km to the south-west and 105 km to the south-east. The Tokyo VAAC reported the height of the ash cloud at 34000 feet above sea level. It appears the eruption began around 0200UTC on 12 June. Based on past eruptions at Sarychev, explosive activity could continue for days to weeks. A cyclone in the Kuril Islands makes observation of this eruption difficult. Sarychev is not monitored with ground-based instruments. SVERT will continue to monitor the eruption with MODIS and NOAA satellite imagery as weather allows and issue further reports as additional information becomes available. The regularly-active cone of Sarychev Peak (1446 M) is 6 km in diameter and forms the north-western part of Matua Island. On the south-west, the cone adjoins to the remains of a caldera forming the south-east half of the island. The summit crater has a diameter of about 250 m and a depth of 250m. The inner walls are precipitous and in some places even overhanging. The bottom of the crater is filled with solidified lava in the form of slightly convex shield. The ancient lava flows of the central cone descend on the south-eastern slope of somma. The modern flows of the central cone form small tongues near the crater. Lava flows consist of two-pyroxene basalts and andesite-basalts. Sarychev Peak is one of the most active Kuril volcanoes. Prior eruptions at Sarychev Peak are as follows: 1760–a very great explosive eruption; winter 1878-1879 – a quiet lava outflow, 1928–explosive eruption, 1930 – great explosive eruption lasting 13 hours; 1946 – a very great eruption, explosions with large bombs landing as far as 7 km from the crater and the height of ash emissions reaching more than 6 km; 1954 – small ash emissions; in 1960 - a brief explosive eruption. The most recent eruption began on September 23, 1976 when a series of explosions destroyed the old lava plug. The ash plume extended 300 km to the north-north-east and reached the height of 2.5 km. The eruption terminated with lava outflows. In the August 2008 the personnel of SVERT group conducted observations of the volcano Sarychev Peak, noting large constant fumarolic activity. Precursory signs of volcanic activity were not observed. (information from SVERT)

RUSSIA - Ebeko volcano (Kurile Islands)

June 20th, 2009

KVERT reported that gas-and-steam plumes rose to an altitude of 1.7 km (5,600 ft) a.s.l. during 13-18 June. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Yellow.Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from Yelizovo Airport, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 13 June an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. As of the 22nd of May, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) has reported that activity of the volcano continues. Strong gas-steam emission sometimes with ash occur at Ebeko at present. The danger of sudden ash explosions up to 3.5 km (11,500 ft.) ASL exists. Activity of the volcano could affect low-flying aircraft. Clouds obscured the volcano last week. According to satellite monitoring, there were not registered a thermal anomaly over the volcano and ash plumes. Ebeko volcano is not monitored with seismic instruments. KVERT uses satellite monitoring and receives occasional visual observations from Paramushir Island. As of the 24th of April, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) has reported that during 24 April-1 May 2009 observers from Severo-Kurilsk, about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed continued activity. Gas-and-steam plumes with some ash content rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 6 km in multiple directions. On 23 April, a small amount of ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk. Satellite imagery revealed strips of ash deposits radiating from the crater in different directions on 29 and 30 April. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Yellow. The flat-topped summit of the central cone of Ebeko volcano, one of the most active in the Kuril Islands, occupies the northern end of Paramushir Island. Three summit craters located along a SSW-NNE line form Ebeko volcano proper, at the northern end of a complex of five volcanic cones. The eastern part of the southern crater of Ebeko contains strong solfataras and a large boiling spring. The central crater of Ebeko is filled by a lake about 20 m deep whose shores are lined with steaming solfataras; the northern crater lies across a narrow, low barrier from the central crater and contains a small, cold crescentic lake. Historical activity, recorded since the late-18th century, has been restricted to small-to-moderate explosive eruptions from the summit craters. Intense fumarolic activity occurs in the summit craters of Ebeko, on the outer flanks of the cone, and in lateral explosion craters.(From KVERT). To view current activity of Ebeko - More about Kurile Islands

**********************************************************************************************************

NEW ZEALAND - White island volcano

October 24th, 2008

A White Island's Crater Lake has continued to rise since December 2007, after being almost completely evaporated in late October 2007. By 23 October the lake was reported to have risen 15 m and was beginning to affect the geothermal features on the Main Crater floor. New springs formed on the floor and old springs flowed again. The lake temperature remained hot at 57 degrees Celsius and the color had changed to light green, reflecting a decrease in suspended sediment. High-temperature fumaroles (101-103 degrees Celsius) were located on the S side of the Main Crater floor. Steam, gas, and mud emissions had increased from the largest vent during the previous few weeks. The Alert Level remained at Level 1 (on a scale of 0-5), indicating signs of volcano unrest.Live cam link - other webcam

NEW ZEALAND - Ruapehu volcano

September 18th, 2008

As of the 18 th of September, Geonet bulletin (INGS) reported this day that Ruapehu appears to be entering a new heating cycle. The Crater Lake temperature has risen to 22°C this month, from 16°C in August, a change accompanied by some volcanic tremor. Between October 2007 and June 2008 the temperature varied between 34°C and 37°C. Sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide levels in the volcano's plume are also showing an upwards trend, consistent with the rising temperature within the Crater Lake. There is nothing unusual about any of this, because cyclic activity in the Crater Lake is very common at Ruapehu. The volcano in central North Island, last erupted on Sept. 25 2007, spitting 2 metre (6 feet) boulders distances of up to 2 kms (1.5 miles). Ruapehu's elevated alert level has not been changed, but IGNS reported on Tuesday that activity within the mountain was greater, with high levels of gas spewing out, a warmer than average crater lake and ongoing volcanic tremors. The volcano remains in a status of unrest and the possibility of further activity remains. If further eruptions occur, they may occur without warning. As of the 3rd of May, the Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (IGNS) has reported that Ruapehu volcano in New Zealand is showing signs of increasing activity. The Department of Conservation issued a warning to climbers of an increased chance of eruption from the crater lake. Risks to people entering the Summit Hazard Zone within 2km of Crater Lake are assessed to be higher than normal, due to an increase in gas emission. The alert level remains at Level One. Ruapehu, one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes, is a complex stratovolcano constructed during at least 4 cone-building episodes dating back to about 200,000 years ago. The 110 cu km dominantly andesitic volcanic massif is elongated in a NNE-SSW direction and is surrounded by another 100 cu km ring plain of volcaniclastic debris, including the Murimoto debris-avalanche deposit on the NW flank. A series of subplinian eruptions took place at Ruapehu between about 22,600 and 10,000 years ago, but pyroclastic flows have been infrequent at Ruapehu. A single historically active vent, Crater Lake, is located in the broad summit region, but at least five other vents on the summit and flank have been active during the Holocene. Frequent mild-to-moderate explosive eruptions have occurred in historical time from the Crater Lake vent, and tephra characteristics suggest that the crater lake may have formed as early as 3000 years ago. Lahars produced by phreatic eruptions from the summit crater lake are a hazard to a ski area on the upper flanks and to lower river valleys. ). Ruapehu Live cam

*********************************************************************************************************

PAPUA - NEW GUINEA - Ulawun volcano

May 16th, 2009

As of the 15th of May, RVO reported that white vapor plumes from Ulawun's summit crater were emitted on 10 May and rose a maximum height of 1.5 km. During 10-12 May, occasional roaring and rumbling noises were reported by villagers on the SE and S sides of the volcano. Weak fluctuating incandescence was also seen by people on the S side. The symmetrical basaltic to andesitic Ulawun stratovolcano is the highest volcano of the Bismarck arc, and one of Papua New Guinea's most frequently active. Ulawun rises above the N coast of New Britain opposite Bamus volcano. The upper 1,000 m of the 2,334-m-high volcano is unvegetated. A steep-walled valley cuts the NW side of the volcano, and a flank lava-flow complex lies to the S of this valley. Historical eruptions date back to the beginning of the 18th century. Twentieth-century eruptions were mildly explosive until 1967, but after 1970 several larger eruptions produced lava flows and basaltic pyroclastic flows, greatly modifying the summit crater.

PAPUA-NEW GUINEA - Rabaul volcano

June 12th, 2009

As of the 11th of June, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) reported that during 29 May-6 June white and occasionally blue plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose 1 km above the crater. incandescence from the summit crater was seen at night. On 5 June, an ash plume drifted NW and caused ashfall in Rabaul town (3-5 km NW) and surrounding areas. RVO reported that during 14-20 May white and occasionally blue plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose 1 km above the crater. Incandescence from the summit crater was seen at night. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 20-21 May ash plumes rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 30-40 km SE and SW. As of the 23rd of April, RVO reported that during 10-17 April white and gray plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose 1-2 km above the crater. Plumes drifted SE and NW. Occasionally, incandescence from the summit crater was seen at night and roaring noises were reported. Ashfall was reported in Rabaul town (3-5 km NW) and surrounding areas As of the 19th of March, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) has reported that during 9-15 March gray ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to a maximum altitude of 2.7 km (8,900 ft) a.s.l. Incandescence was seen at night and incandescent tephra was occasionally ejected from the crater during periods of heightened activity. Light ashfall was reported in areas to the NW and SE. On 27 January, an ash plume at an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. was visible on satellite imagery RVO reported that during 3-14 January gray ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose several hundred meters above the crater to 1.7 km (5,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and SE. Explosions or forceful emissions sometimes ejected incandescent lava fragments that fell back into the crater and occasionally onto the slopes. Ashfall affected areas downwind; Air Niugini suspended all its flights to Tokua airport (about 20 km SE) during 5-9 January. According to a news article, a local shipping company offered to take passengers to a nearby airport in New Ireland Province, an area not affected by the ash plumes. As of the 18th of December, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) has reported that during 6-12 December gray ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to an altitude of 1.7 km (5,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind, including Rabaul town (3-5 km NW). Rumbling and roaring noises were reported on some days. Explosions or forceful emissions sometimes ejected incandescent lava fragments. Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-16 December ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, ESE, and NE. As of the 4th of December, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) has reported that during 21-27 November light gray ash plumes and white steam plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to an altitude of 1.7 km (5,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, S, SW, and W. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind. Incandescence from the vent was observed, and rumbling and roaring noises were reported on some days. Explosions or forceful emissions sometimes ejected incandescent lava fragments. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during the 30th of November-the 1st of December ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and WSW. As of the 20th of November, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) has reported that based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during the 12th and 16-18th of November ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and NNW. As of the 6th of November, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) reported that during 27 October - 2 November ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to an altitude of 1.7 km (5,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and SE. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind. Sub-continuous incandescence from the vent was observed and rumbling and roaring noises were reported on some days. Explosions or forceful emissions sometimes ejected incandescent lava fragments. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 3 November ash plumes rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. On 26 October, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.7 km (5,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, creating hazy conditions in Rabaul town (3-5 km NW). Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 7 October ash plumes rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. As of the 18th of September, RVO reported that there are warnings of a build up of volcanic ash around Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. Rabaul's Volcanological Observatory says up to 40 centimetres of volcanic ash covers much of the Rabaul township and surrounding communities. Seismologist Ima Itikarai says that's the greatest accumulation since the major eruptions of 1994 which destroyed two thirds of the town. He says the weight of the debris mixed with recent light rains has caused some weaker houses to collapse but it's the ash blanketing the surrounding slopes that pose the greatest risk. Also, ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone continued to be emitted during 9-14 September. Ashfall was reported in areas to the S, SW, and NW. Sub-continuous incandescence at the summit was observed, and roaring and rumbling noises were heard. Explosions also ejected incandescent lava fragments. During 31 July-4 August, incandescent lava fragments were ejected along with some of the more forceful ash emissions. Based on observations of satellite imagery and reports from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that low-level plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW during 5-6 August. The deflationary trend, identified from ground deformation measurements since July 2007, ceased between May and June 2008. Advisories to aviators issued by the Darwin VAAC noted ash plumes to altitudes of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. extending 90 km downwind to the NW during 14-15 July. As of the 12th of June, RVO has reported that during 2-5 June periodic explosions from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone were followed by short-lived ash plumes and steam plumes. During 5-10 June, plumes with little to no ash were emitted, loud roaring was almost continuous, and nighttime incandescence was noted. RVO reported several explosions on 21 April. Billowing ash plumes drifted W and SE during 21-23 April, and caused ashfall about 2 km away in N Matupit on 22 April and areas downwind on 23 April. As of the 11th of April, the RVO reported that a large explosion occurred at Turvurvur crater, Rabaul Volcano last night at 2129hrs local time. The explosion rattled windows in Rabaul town and covered the cone with fragments of lava. This morning fine ash was falling on Matupit Island. A night glow was visible at the crater. RVO reported that during 1-9 April ash and steam-and-ash plumes rose to altitudes of 0.9-1.7 km (3,000-5,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE. Ashfall was reported in Kokopo (about 20 km SE) on 2 April and in areas downwind during 4-7 April. Incandescence at night at the summit and occasional explosions were reported. Roaring noises were reported and sometimes rhythmic during 2-3 and 8-9 April. An explosion produced lava fragments that showered the flanks on 20 March. Shockwaves rattled windows in Rabaul Town. Another explosion showered the flanks with lava fragments on 22 March. During 25-26 March, ashfall affected flights into Tokua (about 20 km SE of Rabaul). The low-lying Rabaul caldera lies on the tip of the Gazelle Peninsula at the NE end of New Britain.

PAPUA - NEW GUINEA - Garbuna volcano

October 12th, 2008

RVO reported that white plumes from Garbuna were emitted during 6-10 October 2008. Deep booming noises were occasionally heard. On 7 October an explosion produced forceful emissions of dense white vapor. Previouly news : as of the 27th of March, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) & the Rabaul VOlcano Observatory (RVO reported and confirmed that white plumes from two sources at the summit of Garbuna drifted SE during 19-21 March. Ashfall and a strong sulfur odor were reported in Kimbe Town (about 17 km SE) on 19 March. Renewed eruptive activity from Garbuna started on 11 March and consisted of ash emissions accompanied by occasional booming noises. The resultant ash plumes rose to an altitude less that 1.6 km (5,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Fine ashfall was reported in areas downwind. Ash emissions continued during 12-13 March. During 14-15 March, steam-and-ash plumes again rose to an altitude less that 1.6 km (5,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Ashfall and a sulfur odor was reported from areas downwind. Occasional booming noises were heard. On 16 March, steam plumes rose to an altitude of 1.6 km (5,200 ft) a.s.l. Observers from KVO (15 km SE) reported that multiple steam plumes rose from numerous vents at the summit. Steam plumes were again noted on 17 and 18 March and a strong sulfur odor was noticed on 18 March. The basaltic-to-dacitic Garbuna volcano group consists of three volcanic peaks, Krummel, Garbuna, and Welcker. They are located along a 7-km N-S line above a shield-like foundation at the southern end of the Willaumez Peninsula. The central and lower peaks of the centrally located 564-m-high Garbuna volcano contain a large vegetation-free area that is probably the most extensive thermal field in Papua New Guinea. A prominent lava dome and blocky lava flow in the center of thermal area have resisted destruction by thermal activity, and may be of Holocene age. The 854-m-high Krummel volcano at the south end of the group contains a summit crater, breached to the NW. The highest peak of the Garbuna group is 1005-m-high Welcker volcano, which has fed blocky lava flows that extend to the eastern coast of the peninsula. The last major eruption from both it and Garbuna volcanoes took place about 1800 years ago. The first historical eruption of the complex took place at Garbuna in October 2005.

************************************************************************************************************

TONGA - Hunga Ha'apai islands

March 22nd, 2009

Local pilot reported that at 1015 on 21 March the island was covered by weather clouds, the crater was not visible, and there was no vertical plume; haze was again below an inversion layer at 1.5 km altitude. No
eruptions were seen during the 15 minutes the island was visible on the return flight around 1250. However, steaming continued, with the plume rising to 1.8 km altitude. A new eruptive episode was reported by Tongatapu airport observers at 1409 on 21 March that sent an ash plume 800 m high. As of the 20th of March,Wellington VAAC reported that eruptive activity at Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai appears to have declined somewhat over the last 12 hours. The VAAC advisory, based on pilot observations and satellite imagery, reported no more active eruptions steaming 1800 metres high, with white and wispy ash haze extending to large areas ENE blw 5000ft [below 1500 metres]‘. An earlier advisory (17:58 GMT - 19th March) reported frequent eruptions and ash clouds to FL130 (13000 feet, 4000 metres), with a plume extending 300 miles (480 kilometres) ENE. At 01:30 GMT today NASA's Aqua satellite captured a MODIS image which showed only a small plume extending less than 10 kilometres ENE of the volcano (from the NASA MODIS). As of the 18th of March, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) reported that a new eruption in Tonga was documented on 16 or 17 March by observers flying near the area. Preliminary description and coordinates suggest that the eruption is from Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai islands ( approx. coordinates S 20º 27' 73? W 175º 25' 61? given by the pilots). Residents said the steam and ash column first appeared on Monday morning, after a series of earthquakes were felt in the capital, Nuku'alofa. Press reported that spectacular columns spewed out of the sea about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the southwest coast off the main island of Tongatapu. According to Tonga GeologicaI Service it was likely the underwater eruption was taking place to the west of the low-lying twin volcanic islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai, within sight of Nuku'alofa. Preliminary report and photos.The small islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai cap a large seamount located about 30 km SSE of Falcon Island. The two linear andesitic islands are about 2 km long and represent the western and northern remnants of a the rim of a largely submarine caldera lying east and south of the islands. Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai reach an elevation of only 149 m and 128 m above sea level, respectively, and display inward-facing sea cliffs with lava and tephra layers dipping gently away from the submarine caldera. A rocky shoal 3.2 km SE of Hunga Ha'apai and 3 km south of Hunga Tonga marks the most prominent historically active vent. Submarine eruptions were reported here in 1912 and 1937 and from a fissure 1 km SSE of Hunga Ha'apai in 1988.

TONGA - West Mata submarine volcano

May 20th, 2009

In early May, scientists aboard a NOAA Vents Program rapid-response vessel, the R/V Thompson, traveled to the Lau-Tonga region to inspect the sea floor after strong indications of eruptive activity had been detected during a November 2008 expedition. On 6 and 7 May, team members used the Jason 2 ROV to observe eruptions from two vents of West Mata, a small submarine volcanic cone in the northeast Lau Basin, about 200 km SW of Samoa. Explosive activity occurred from one end of a 5-m-long fissure at Hades vent, at a depth of 1,208 m, while pillow lavas erupted from the other end of the fissure. Glowing bubbles up to a meter in diameter also issued from the fissure. The Prometheus vent, a cinder cone located near the summit and about 100 m N of Hades, erupted explosively with nearly continuous lava fountains that ejected tephra into the water. Both vents were often obscured by sulfur gas emissions, but incandescence was visible for minutes at a time. West Mata, a submarine volcano rising to within 1174
m of the sea surface, is located in the northeast Lau Basin at the northern end of the Tonga arc. It was discovered during a 2008 NOAA Vents Program expedition to be producing hydrothermal plumes consistent with a recent eruption. A return visit in May 2009 documented explosive and effusive activity from two closely spaced vents, one at the summit, and the other on the SW rift zone. (from GVN/GVP)
***********************************************************************************************************************

Mariannes islands - Pagan volcano

April 17th , 2009

As of the 16th of April, the CNMI Emergency Management Office has elevated its volcano alert level after receiving reports of increased volcanic activity on Pagan Island in the Northern Islands. In a statement issued yesterday, EMO reported they first received a call regarding the volcanic activity from Pagan at 6pm Wednesday 15th of April. EMO consulted with the U.S. Geological Services and the National Weather Service in Guam, which observed a plume of black and white, possible ash and gas emitting from the volcano on Pagan. EMO said it contacted a vessel named MV San Antonio that was on Pagan at the time to verify the situation. According to the captain of the vessel, the plume was about twice the size of Mt. Pagan. Pagan Island, the largest and one of the most active of the Mariana Islands volcanoes, consists of two stratovolcanoes connected by a narrow isthmus. Both North and South Pagan stratovolcanoes were constructed within calderas, 7 and 4 km in diameter, respectively. The 570-m-high Mount Pagan at the NE end of the island rises above the flat floor of the northern caldera, which probably formed during the early Holocene. South Pagan is a 548-m-high stratovolcano with an elongated summit containing four distinct craters. Almost all of the historical eruptions of Pagan, which date back to the 17th century, have originated from North Pagan volcano. The largest eruption of Pagan during historical time took place in 1981 and prompted the evacuation of the sparsely populated island. Last know eruption occured in 2006.

***********************************************************************************************************

ANTARCTICA - Erebus Volcano

March 1st, 2009

As of the 1st of March 2009, the Mt. Erebus Volcano Observatory (MEVO) reported that Antarctica's Mt. Erebus continues with a molten lava lake and vapour emissions. It may be covered with glaciers, but they do little to cool the volcano's molten core. As of the 1st of August 2007, the Mt. Erebus Volcano Observatory (MEVO) was reported that Mt. Erebus has frequent Strombolian eruptions. Infrequent ash eruptions. Rare lava flows confined to inner crater. Notable features are: Persistent convecting phonolite lava lake. Persistent low-level eruptive activityAccording to the Mt. Erebus activity log, several "small- to medium-sized" eruptions occurred during 12-18 October 2005, with a "very large" eruption occurring on 14 October. The eruption sizes were based on comparisons of seismic data for known Erebus eruptions. Mt. Erebus, the southern most volcano in the world, still continues to be the most active volcano in Antarctica. Mt. Erebus (3794 meters above sea level) is classified as a polygenetic stratovolcano. The composition of the current eruptive activity on Mt. Erebus is anorthoclase-phyric tephriphonolite and phonolite, which constitute the bulk of exposed lava flow on the volcano. The oldest eruptive products from Mt. Erebus consist of relatively undifferentiated and non-viscous basanitic lavas that form the low, broad platform shield of the Erebus edifice. Slightly younger basanites and phonotephrite lavas crop out on Fang Ridge, an eroded remnant of an early Erebus volcano and at other isolated locations on the flanks of the Mt. Erebus edifice. Lava flows of more viscous phonotephrite, tephriphonolite and trachyte are erupted after the basanites. The upper slopes of Mt. Erebus are dominated by steeply dipping (~30°) tephriphonolite lava flows with large scale flow levees. A conspicuous break in slope at approximately 3200 meters is a summit plateau representing a caldera. The summit caldera itself is filled with small volume tephriphonolite and phonolite lava flows. In the center of the of the summit caldera is a small, steep-sided cone composed primarily of decomposed lava bombs and a lag deposit of anorthoclase crystals. It is within this summit cone that the active lava lake continuously degasses and periodically erupts. Mt. Erebus located on Ross Island, Antarctica is the world’s southern-most active volcano. Discovered in 1841 by James Ross, it is one of only a very few volcanoes in the world with a long-lived (decades or more) lava lake. Scientific research, sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) since began the early 1970’s had included basic study of the petrology and geophysics of the volcano, the eruptive history, activity and degassing behavior of the lava lake, and the overall impact of the volcano on the Antarctica and global environment. Research on Mt. Erebus has been primarily conducted by scientists in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science and the Bureau of Geology and Mineral resources at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Information from : MEVO - Live cam link

************************************************************************************************************

VANUATU - Lopevi volcano

February 28th, 2008

As of the 28th of February 2008, The Global Volcanism Network (GVN) and the Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), has reported that based on a pilot report, the Wellington VAAC reported that an ash plume from Lopevi rose to an altitude of below 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 24 February. Previous informations : reports of plumes from Lopevi reaching heights of ~2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. on 24 and 25 January 2006. The Wellington VAAC reported that plumes of "smoke" rose to ~2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. on 26 January and drifted S. They also reported that lava flowed down the S flank of the volcano on the 26th. The small 7-km-wide conical island of Lopevi is one of Vanuatu's most active volcanoes. A small summit crater containing a cinder cone is breached to the NW and tops an older cone that is rimmed by the remnant of a larger crater. The basaltic-to-andesitic volcano has been active during historical time at both summit and flank vents, primarily on the NW and SE sides, producing moderate explosive eruptions and lava flows that reached the coast. Historical eruptions at the 1,413-m-high volcano date back to the mid- 19th century. The island was evacuated following eruptions in 1939 and 1960. The latter eruption, from a NW-flank fissure vent, produced a pyroclastic flow that swept to the sea and a lava flow that formed a new peninsula on the western coast. Source: Wellington VAAC

VANUATU - Ambrym volcano

April 2nd, 2009

As of 2nd of April based on information from the Port Vila airport tower, the Wellington VAAC reported that on 25 March an ash plume from Ambrym rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 55 km S. The next day, a pilot reported that "smoke" rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery. Ambrym, a large basaltic volcano with a 12-km-wide caldera, is one of the most active volcanoes of the New Hebrides arc. A thick, almost exclusively pyroclastic sequence, initially dacitic, then basaltic, overlies lava flows of a pre-caldera shield volcano. The caldera was formed during a major Plinian eruption with dacitic pyroclastic flows about 1900 years ago. Post-caldera eruptions, primarily from Marum and Benbow cones, have partially filled the caldera floor and produced lava flows that ponded on the caldera floor or overflowed through gaps in the caldera rim. Post-caldera eruptions have also formed a series of scoria cones and maars along a fissure system oriented ENE-WSW. Eruptions have apparently occurred almost yearly during historical time from cones within the caldera or from flank vents. However, from 1850 to 1950, reporting was mostly limited to extra-caldera eruptions that would have affected local populations.

VANUATU - Yasur volcano ( Tanna island)

March 1st, 2009

As of the 1st of March 2009, Yasur volcano continues to erupt many times per hour as it has done so for at least 800 years. Previously, as of the 1st of October, mainly from reports from colleague, John Seach of Australia, reports that Yasur is still currently erupting. Strombolian and mild Vulcanian eruptions continue at Yasur volcano. Three main active vents are visible inside the summit crater. Incandescent lava explosions reached 250 m above the crater, accompanied by loud explosions. Projectiles were observed falling on the crater rim, 170 m from the vents. As of the 9th of April 2008, mainly from reports of John Seach , reported that a major earthquake (magnitude 7.6) hit southern Vanuatu today at 2346hrs local time. The earthquake was located east of the South New Hebrides Trench and 97 km SW of Yasur volcano. The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no tsunami threat. The main earthquake was preceded by a large and two medium sized earthquakes; magnitude 6.5, 5.9, and 4.9. Yasur is the closest active volcano to the earthquake epicentre and is currently erupting. As of the 1st of April, activity has been almost continuous at the Yasur volcano in Vanuatu. As of the 26th of March, the Darvin Volcanic Ash Advisory (DVAAC) has reported that Strombolian and mild Vulcanian eruptions continue at Yasur volcano. Three main active vents are visible inside the summit crater. Incandescent lava explosions reached 250 m above the crater, accompanied by loud explosions. On 7-8th March, ash emissions increased at Yasur producing ashfall over villages within 4 km of the crater. Projectiles were observed falling on the crater rim, 170 m from the vents. Previous information from IRD reported that a new cycle of important activity has began at the end of June 2004. Its the fifth cycles of strong activity since the beginning of the permanent monitoring in 1993. This activity produced important ashfalls ( several millimeters as far 4 km distance of the volcano). Main eruptive activity occurred from the Crater A with strombolian explosions. Height has been estimated estimated to some 300 m high above the crater rim. Sulphur dioxide measurements (SO2) made between 11-17 of July 2004 with mini Doas spectrometer reaches average values of 1000 tonnes per day (500 tonnes per day in April 2004). Information from Michel Lardy (IRD Noumea) and DGMWR (Vanuatu) Yasur is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Previous informations from IRD reported that a new cycle of important activity has began at the end of June 2004. Its the fifth cycles of strong activity since the beginning of the permanent monitoring in 1993. This activity produced important ashfalls ( several millimeters as far 4 km distance of the volcano). Main eruptive activity occured from the Crater A with strombolian explosions. Height has been estimated estimated to some 300 m high above the crater rim. Sulphur dioxyde measurements (SO2) made between 11-17 of July 2004 with mini Doas spectrometer reaches average values of 1000 tons per day (500 tons per day in April 2004). Information from Michel Lardy (IRD Noumea) and DGMWR (Vanuatu)Previous significative information (September 2002) reported an increasing level of activity at Yasur since October 2001 and the volcanic quake of August 29, 2002 (about 3:00 pm local time), led local volcanologist to upgrade the hazard rating to Alarm Level 3. Access to the volcano was closed.The August 29 quake, magnitude 6 was strongly felt by the inhabitants of the whole district around the volcano (White Sands, Port Resolution, …). This was the first time since the seismic station was installed in October 1992 that a shock of such magnitude was recorded (see graphs below). Elders of the Yasur district confirm that such a quake had not been experienced within living memory.Two new seismological monitoring stations are about to be installed, to complement the existing alarm system installed 2 km from Yasur and the Isangel station. At this time, evacuation of the roughly 6000 inhabitants of the district has not been considered. Information bulletins will be broadcast by Radio Vanuatu to keep the population concerned informed of new developments. Yasur's activity follows a long volcanic history in the southeastern part of the island , whose main phases, over approximately the last 10,000 years, have produced: 1/ lava flows; 2/ extensive glowing ash flows that covered the entire region from Kwamera to Waisisi, and 3/ the construction of another small volcanic cone, the Ombus. Yasur volcano lies over a large and shallow (less than 10 km from the surface) magmatic chamber whose center is located between Port-Resolution and Sulfur Bay; thus, the possibility of a major eruption within a century or a millennium cannot be ignored. Such an eruption, however, would be preceded by numerous earthquakes. Should this happen, evacuation of the local population toward the west coast, the central districts and the north of the island would have to be carried out rapidly. Informations from :M.Lardy (IRD Noumea)