Report for Stromboli
INGV reported that eruptive activity continued at Stromboli during 4-10 March. Webcam images showed Strombolian activity at two vents in Area N (one at N1 and one at N2), within the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco, and from two vents at S2 in Area C-S (South-Central Crater) in the crater terrace. At Area N, low-intensity explosive activity was observed from sectors N1 and N2 with the eruption of coarse material (bombs and lapilli) as high as 80 and 150 m above the vents, respectively. The average frequency of explosions from this area was 3-5 events per hour. At Area C-S, explosive activity was observed from sector S2 with the ejection of coarse and fine material (bombs, lapilli, and ash) as high as 150 m above the vent. The average explosions rate was 5-10 events per hour.
Report for Ambae
On 8 March the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that emissions from the active vents at Ambae were ongoing based on recent field observations and photographs. The emissions contained gas, or steam, or ash, or some combination of all three. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5), and the public was warned to stay outside of the Danger Zone, defined as a 2-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui, and away from drainages during heavy rains.
Report for Yasur
On 8 March the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that activity at Yasur continued at a level of “major unrest,” as defined by the Alert Level 2 status (on a scale of 0-5). Recent visual observations and photos taken in the field indicated that explosions continued, though activity was confined to the crater. The report warned that some of the explosions may eject material that falls in and around the crater. The public was reminded to not enter the restricted area within 600 m around the boundaries of the Permanent Exclusion Zone, defined by Danger Zone A on the hazard map.
Report for Marapi
PVMBG reported that eruptive activity at Marapi (on Sumatra) was ongoing during 6-12 March. White-and-gray ash plumes rose 250-700 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions during 6-8 March. White steam-and-gas plumes rose 150-250 m above the summit and drifted NE, E, and SE during 9-12 March. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 4.5 km away from the active crater.
Report for Merapi
BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 1-7 March. Seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced 123 lava avalanches that descended the S and SW flanks; one traveled S as far as 1 km down the upper part of the Boyong drainage and 122 traveled SW as far as 2 km down the upper part of the Bebeng drainage. A series of eight pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 2.6 km down the SW flank on 4 March; ashfall was reported at the Pasarbubar station, 800 m N, and minor ashfall was reported in Selo (6 km NNW) and Cepogo (4 km NE). Morphological changes to the SW lava dome identified in webcam images were due to continuing effusion and collapses of material. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3-7 km away from the summit, based on location.
Report for Semeru
PVMBG reported that eruptive activity continued at Semeru during 6-12 March. Gray-and-white ash plumes, that were often dense, rose 500-1,000 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions on most of the days; eruptive events were detected on 10 March but plumes were not observed. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the third highest level on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 5 km away from the summit in all directions, 13 km from the summit to the SE, 500 m from the banks of the Kobokan drainage as far as 17 km from the summit, and to avoid other drainages including the Bang, Kembar, and Sat, due to lahar, avalanche, and pyroclastic flow hazards.
Report for Lewotolok
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 6-10 March. White-and-gray ash plumes rose 100-600 m above the summit and drifted W, E, and SE on 6 March. The next day white, gray, and black ash plumes rose 100-800 m above the summit and drifted E and SE. White emissions rose 100-300 m and drifted E and SE on 8 March; no emissions were visible during 9-10 March. According to a news report the lava flows on the S and SE flanks were 600 m and 1.8 km long, respectively, as of 7 March and had not advanced. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the vent and 3 km away from the vent on the S and SE flank.
Report for Suwanosejima
JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 4-11 March. Crater incandescence was observed in webcam images nightly and large blocks were sometimes ejected up to 400 m from the vent. An eruptive event at 0905 on 4 March generated an ash plume that rose straight up as high as 1.3 km above the crater rim. Explosions recorded at 1256 on 6 March, 1002 on 7 March, 1746 on 8 March, and 2333 on 9 March generated ash plumes that rose as high as 900 m before sometimes merging into weather clouds; plumes drifted S and SE. An explosion was recorded at 0138 on 7 March, though emission details were unknown. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale) and the public was warned to stay at least 1 km away from the crater.
Report for Aira
JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 4-11 March with nighttime crater incandescence. Very small eruptive events occasionally occurred during 4-8 March. An explosion at 0359 on 9 March produced an ash plume that rose 800 m above the crater rim and drifted SE, and ejected large blocks 1.3-1.7 km from the vent. Eruptive events at 1540 on 10 March and at 0532 on 11 March generated ash plumes that rose 1.2-1.3 km above the crater rim and drifted E. An ash plume from an explosion at 2132 on 11 March rose 1.4 km above the crater rim and drifted NE; large blocks were ejected 500-700 m from the vent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from both craters.
Report for Ahyi
Signs of unrest at Ahyi Seamount continued. A small plume of discolored seawater in the vicinity of the seamount was observed in a 5 March satellite image. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory (the second lowest level on a four-level scale).
Report for Ebeko
KVERT reported that moderate explosive activity was ongoing at Ebeko during 29 February-6 March. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E), explosions on 29 February and 1 and 6 March generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, E, and SE. Ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk on 6 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third level on a four-color scale). Dates are UTC; specific events are in local time where noted.
Report for Sheveluch
KVERT reported that eruptive activity at Sheveluch continued during 29 February-6 March with a daily thermal anomaly identified in satellite images. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.
Report for Great Sitkin
AVO reported that continuing slow lava effusion in Great Sitkin’s summit crater was last confirmed in a 9 March radar satellite image with continuing inflation over the vent and advancement of the NW lava flow; effusion likely continued during 10-12 March. Seismicity was low. Slightly elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images during 5-8 March. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the third level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third color on a four-color scale).
Report for Popocatepetl
CENAPRED reported that eruptive activity continued at Popocatépetl during 5-12 March. The seismic network recorded daily periods of high-frequency, low-amplitude tremor that lasted from about 17 hours to almost 24 hours. The Washington VAAC reported that daily ash plumes visible in webcam and satellite images generally rose to 5.8-7.3 km (19,000-24,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted predominantly N, NE, and E. The ash emissions were continuous for periods of time with remnant ash often visible in subsequent satellite images, drifting almost 900 km before dissipating; on 9 March plumes were identified drifting across the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Several municipalities in Puebla reported ashfall on 7 March and operations at the Aeropuerto Internacional Hermanos Serdán in Puebla were suspended at 0700 so that the runways could be cleared of ashfall. At 1351 on 8 March and at 1650 on 9 March gas-and-steam plumes with low ash content rose 1.2 and 1.6 km above the crater rim, respectively, and drifted NE. Several municipalities in Puebla again reported ashfall during 10-11 March; municipalities in Tlaxcala reported ashfall on 11 March. The airport again suspended operations at 0700 on 11 and 12 March so that the runways could be cleared of ashfall.
Report for Santa Maria
INSIVUMEH reported that eruptive activity continued at Santa Maria’s Santiaguito lava dome complex during 6-12 March with a lava extrusion and avalanches at the Caliente dome. Incandescence from the dome was visible during most nights and early mornings, and occasional incandescence was also present along the upper part of the lava flow on the WSW flank. Daily explosions generated gas-and-ash plumes that rose 600-900 m above the summit and drifted NW, W, SW, and S; the explosions occurred at a rate of 1-8 per hour on at least a few of the days where reported. The explosions produced block avalanches on the dome’s flanks and generated occasional, short-range pyroclastic flows that mainly descended the W, S, and E flanks. Block avalanches from the dome and the margins of the upper part of the lava flow were also sometimes visible. Rumblings were heard occasionally. Ashfall was reported in Belén (10 km S), Calaguache (9 km S), and Las Marías (10 km S) during 5-6 March and in San Marcos Palajunoj (8 km SW), Loma Linda (7 km W), and other nearby communities during 6-7 and 10-12 March; ash caused hazy conditions around the volcano during 8-9 March.
Report for Fuego
INSIVUMEH reported that eruptive activity continued at Fuego during 6-12 March. Explosions were recorded daily, averaging 3-10 per hour on most days, when counts were reported. The explosions generated gas-and-ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted as far as 30 km in multiple directions. Explosions caused frequent block avalanches that descended various drainages including the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Taniluyá (SW), and Las Lajas (SE), and sometimes reached vegetated areas. The explosions also ejected incandescent material 100-300 m above the summit on most days and occasionally ejected ballistics as far as 2 km. Weak rumbling sounds and shock waves were frequently reported. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Fincas La Candelaria, La Reunión (7 km SE), El Porvenir (11 km SW), El Rodeo, Finca Palo Verde, Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Yepocapa (8 km NW), La Soledad (11 km N), Acatenango (8 km E), Parramos (18 km NNE), and other nearby communities during 5-6 and 10-11 March; ashfall was forecasted for downwind areas on most of the other days.
Report for Masaya
According to news articles, INETER reported that gas emissions increased at Masaya’s Santiago Crater in February, small landslides occurred from the inner NW crater wall, and the level of the lava lake had slightly increased. The report noted that SINAPRED recommended limits on the number of people and the time spent at the viewing area at the crater rim. A larger landslide occurred on 2 March and covered the active lava lake. A satellite image from 3 March showed a much smaller thermal anomaly on the crater floor compared to a 22 February image. According to an 8 March news article, INETER reported that small landslides continued to occur, originating from the inner SW and NW crater walls; a more notable landslide was recorded at 0900. The lava lakes remained covered with the deposits. Constant gas emissions rose from vents possibly on the crater floor and from fractures on the inner walls, though the gas flux was at lower rate, estimated to be 25-30 percent of the normal values. Seismicity was low with RSAM values around 23. The report noted that the Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya may partially open, though the public was warned to stay 800 m away from Santiago Crater.
Report for Poas
OVSICORI-UNA reported that about 900 small phreatic eruptions at Poás were recorded by the seismic network and often visually observed during 4 March to around 0800 on 8 March; no additional eruptions were recorded at least through 12 March. The small eruptive events ejected material no higher than 50 m. The water at the bottom of the crater had almost disappeared leaving a couple of muddy water puddles. Boca C remained underwater and frequently bubbled. Weak incandescence from sulfur combustion at Boca A (SW part of crater floor) was frequently observed at night. Gas-and-steam emissions rose from the vents and caused a sulfur odor in the vicinity of the volcano during the earlier part of the week.
Report for Nevado del Ruiz
Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that eruptive activity at Nevado del Ruiz continued at moderate levels during 5-11 March. Seismic events indicating rock fracturing increased both in number and intensity compared to the previous week. These events were located in areas up to 13 km NW, SSW, and NE from Arenas Crater at depths of 1-10 km. The largest earthquake, a M 1.8, was recorded at 1108 on 7 March and was located 4 km SSW of the crater at a depth of 4 km. Seismicity associated with fluid movement in the conduit decreased in both number and magnitude. These events were mainly associated with ash-and-gas emissions that rose as high as 1.1 km above the summit and up to 2 km as the plume drifted downwind. Several thermal anomalies on the crater floor were identified in satellite data, though they had low-to-moderate values. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (the second level on a four-level scale), and the public was warned to stay out of the restricted areas around Arenas Crater.
Report for Fernandina
IG-EPN reported that the eruption at Fernandina continued during 6-12 March from a circumferential fissure located on the upper SE flank, though gradually decreased during the week. Hundreds of thermal anomalies over the lava flows were identified daily in satellite images during 5-8 March, and the longest lava flow advanced 100 m to a total length of 8 km. Gas emissions associated with the emplacement of lava flows drifted WSW. A fire W of the flow field was observed on 7 March. During 8-11 March dozens of thermal anomalies were identified daily in satellite images. Sulfur dioxide emissions measured from satellite were variable, with measurements between about 1,870 and 4,160 tons per day during 7-10 March.
Report for Ubinas
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that a lahar on the SE flank of Ubinas descended through the Volcánmayo drainage towards the Ubinas River at 1445 on 6 March. The public was warned to stay away from the drainage and to avoid driving on the Querapi-Ubinas-Huarina highway.
Report for Huaynaputina
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that at 1553 on 6 March a lahar descended the El Volcán drainage, on the S flank of Huaynaputina, and traveled towards the Tambo River. The public was warned to stay away from the drainage and to be cautious when traveling along the Quinistaquillas-Sijuaya highway.