Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 12 March an ash-and-steam plume from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was slightly above background levels during 7-14 March. Observations of satellite imagery revealed that a weak thermal anomaly was present in the crater on 9 and 12 March. On 13 March, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Ash deposits on the snow about 3-4 km SE of the summit were observed on satellite imagery. The Level of Concern Color Code was raised from Yellow to Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Based on visual observations from HVO and National Park Service (NPS) crews as well as web camera views, HVO reported that during 12-18 March lava flow activity from Kīlauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) shield was concentrated at rootless satellitic shields to the SE, in and near the Royal Gardens subdivision, and at ocean entries. During 12-13 March, lava flows entered the ocean at multiple locations on the Waikupanaha delta and at a new location 100 m E. A breakout from the E margin near the access road split into two lobes, surrounded and destroyed existing structures and covered the access road, and entered a nearby kipuka. On 14 March, lava entered the ocean at two primary Waikupanaha delta locations; the W delta was 600 m wide. An overflight revealed that the Kalalua flow (from the rootless shield complex to the E and SE of the TEB shield) advanced 240 m since 6 March. Lobes from the E-margin lava flows advanced SE into the kipuka and S of the access road, and entered the ocean during 14-15 March. Breakout lava flows were visible inland of the Waikupanaha and new ocean entires, at the base of Royal Gardens, and near the top of the pali. During 15-18 March, lava flows entered the ocean at multiple locations on the Waikupanaha delta and at a new location, 200 m W of the viewing area, named the Ki entry. On 17 March, breakouts and burned vegetation were visible within 1 km of the ocean entries.

During the reporting period, Kīlauea summit earthquakes were located E of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, along the S-flank faults, and along the SW and lower E rift zones. Sometime during 10-12 March, a new gas vent appeared just above the base of the E wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. During 14-18 March, incandescence from the gas vent originated from a spot about 30 m wide within the rubble at the base of the E crater wall. Cracking rocks, possibly due to the heat, were heard by scientists at the Halemaʻumaʻu overlook. On 17 March, the area of incandescence appeared slightly enlarged with a new area higher on the crater wall and to the N.

Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the summit area have been elevated at 2-4 times background values since early January. The emission rate abruptly increased on 12 March and fluctuated between 1,600-2,500 tonnes per day during 12-16 March, compared to a background rate of 150-200 tonnes per day. On 16 March, emission rates reached 2,500 tonnes per day, the highest recorded at Kīlauea's summit since measurements began in 1979.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

RVO reported that 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.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

The USGS reported that elevated seismicity at Anatahan continued during 12-13 March, then dropped to near background levels on 14 and 15 March. Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that an ash plume was spotted around the summit area on 13 March and later that day drifted W and NNE. On 15 March, a possible diffuse ash plume was visible on satellite imagery drifting W. During 16-18 March seismicity remained low but was punctuated by occasional short bursts (typically about a minute in duration) of increased tremor. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Sources: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

Multiple steam plumes from Colima were observed rising to altitudes of 3.9-4.6 km (12,800-15,100 ft) a.s.l. during 12-18 March. Gray plumes rose to altitudes of 4-4.8 km (13,100-15,700 ft) a.s.l. on 14 and 18 March. Plumes drifted multiple directions.

Source: Gobierno del Estado de Colima

Based on a pilot observation, the Toulouse VAAC reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 12.2 km (40,000 ft) a.s.l. on 13 March. The plume was not confirmed using satellite imagery. A plume at an altitude of 13.7 km (45,000 ft) a.s.l. was observed on satellite imagery on 16 March.

Source: Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 12-18 March. The plumes occasionally contained slight amounts of ash. Ash plumes on 17 March rose to altitudes of 7.4-7.9 km (24,300-26,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE.

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

RVO reported that ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 2.7-3.2 km (8,900-10,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NW, W, SW, and S during 12-19 March. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind, including Rabaul Town (3-5 km NW) and Matupit Island (2 km W). Incandescence at the summit was observed and roaring noises were occasionally heard.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was slightly above background levels during 7-14 March. Based on seismic interpretation, ash plumes possibly rose to an altitude of 4.1 km (13,500 ft) a.s.l. on 6 and 7 March. According to video footage and visual observations, fumarolic activity from the lava dome was observed during 6-8 March. Observations of satellite imagery revealed that a thermal anomaly was present in the crater during the reporting period. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

MVO reported that that during 11-18 March the lava dome at Soufrière Hills changed very little, based on visual observations on 12 March and other measurable parameters. The E side of the lava dome continued to erode, with material accumulating in the Tar River Valley. Fumarolic activity was concentrated on the NW and SE flanks and at the head of Gages Valley to the W. The Alert Level remained elevated at 4 (on a scale of 0-5).

Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)

IG reported that although visual observations were very limited due to cloud cover, ash-and-steam and ash plumes from Tungurahua were spotted and rose to altitudes of 5.2-7 km (17,100-23,000 ft) a.s.l. during 12-18 March. Ash plumes drifted SW, W, NW, NE, and E; ashfall was reported in areas downwind (SW, W, and NW) on 13, 14, 16, and 18 March.

Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Based on pilot observations, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that an ash plume from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 5.5-6.1 km (18,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N on 17 March.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)