Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is a cooperative project between the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program. Updated by 2300 UTC every Wednesday and averaging 16 reported volcanoes, this is not a comprehensive list of all eruptions this week, but rather a summary of activity that meet criteria discussed in the "Criteria and Disclaimers" section below.

Volcanic activity reported here is preliminary and subject to change. Carefully reviewed, detailed narratives over longer time periods are published as reports of the Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network available through volcano profile pages.

Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for the week of 5 November-11 November 2008
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Alu-Dalafilla	Ethiopia	Afar Rift Zone	—	New
Machin	Colombia	Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	—	New
Nevado del Huila	Colombia	Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	—	New
Redoubt	United States	Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc	—	New
Reventador	Ecuador	Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	2008 Jul 27	New
Batu Tara	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Chaiten	Chile	Andean Southern Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Dukono	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	1933 Aug 13	Continuing
Galeras	Colombia	Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Karymsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Kilauea	United States	Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	—	Continuing
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Popocatepetl	Mexico	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	2005 Jan 9	Continuing
Rabaul	Papua New Guinea	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Soufriere Hills	United Kingdom	Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Suwanosejima	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2004 Oct 23	Continuing
Tungurahua	Ecuador	Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Alu-Dalafilla (Ethiopia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Alu-Dalafilla
Afar Rift Zone

An eruption of a volcano NW of Erta Ale in Ethiopia's Afar region began on 3 November. Satellite imagery showed a large sulfur dioxide cloud that drifted E over the Arabian Peninsula. According to news articles, observers reported ground shaking, hearing loud noises and explosions from a distance, and seeing smoke. Widespread lava flows were also noted. Extensive thermal anomalies near Dalafilla and Alu volcanoes were detected, consistent with lava effusion, although the source of the lava flows was not known. Thermal anomalies continued to be detected during 3-11 November.

Sources: Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) Thermal Alerts Team, OMI Sulfur Dioxide Group, Bloomberg

Machin (Colombia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Machin
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

Observatory Vulcanológico and Sismológico de Manizales reported a seismic crisis at Cerro Machín on 9 November. The majority of the earthquakes occurred underneath the central and E parts of the lava dome complex in the summit caldera, at depths of 2.5-5 km. Fumarolic activity in the area increased, and cracks in the ground and damage to houses were reported. Seismicity decreased the next day. According to news articles, approximately 400-450 people evacuated to shelters or other safe areas and landslides blocked a highway.

Sources: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC), El Tiempo, Caracol Radio, Portafolio

Nevado del Huila (Colombia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Nevado del Huila
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

On 7 November, INGEOMINAS raised the Alert Level for Nevado del Huila to Orange (on a 4-color scale where Orange is the second highest) due to increased seismicity and the probability of ash and gas emissions. During an overflight on 9 November, scientists observed continuous emissions of ash and gas from Pico Central, including from new areas to the S. Resultant plumes drifted SW and W, and ash deposits were seen on the summit. Fissures were evident on the S and SW parts of Pico Central. Evidence of ash and flowing water that originated from the SW fissure was possibly the cause of the Páez river turning grayish during the previous few days.

Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from INGEOMINAS, the Washington VAAC reported that on 10 November a plume drifted W and WSW. Ashfall was noted in towns 20 km NW.

According to news articles, ash and sulfur dioxide plumes impacted local livestock, rural aqueducts, infrastructure, and rivers. On 11 November, about 20 families living near the Símbola River evacuated because of increased fumarolic activity.

Sources: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC), EL PAÍS, Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), La Patria

Redoubt (United States) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Redoubt
Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc

On 5 November, AVO raised the Aviation Color Code for Redoubt to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory because of significant changes in gas emission and heat output during the previous several months. The changes were a departure from the long-observed background activity. ASTER satellite images from 13 October detected warming near the summit craters; evidence of warming had been directly observed in July 2008. Fumarolic activity and water flowing beneath Drift Glacier on the N flank had produced a 45-m-wide melt or collapse hole at an elevation of about 1,700 m (5,600 ft) on the Drift Glacier. On 2 November, a slushy debris-flow deposit originated from about the location of the 1966-68 vent. During 6-11 November, no activity was observed on satellite imagery and seismicity remained low.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Reventador (Ecuador) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Reventador
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

The IG reported that SOTE (Sistema de Oleoducto Transecuatoriano) personnel and residents near Reventador observed incandescence in the crater on 7 November. The reports were confirmed by the presence of thermal anomalies in satellite imagery. The next day, seismicity increased and a steam-and-ash plume rose to an approximate altitude of 5.6 km (18,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Incandescent blocks were ejected from the inner crater to the S. Residents in El Chaco (about 35 km SE) and in the Quijos area heard strong explosions and saw steam plumes with low ash content. A pilot reported that a steam plume with little ash content at an altitude of 7.6 km (25,000 ft) a.s.l. drifted NW. On 9 November incandescent blocks were ejected 100 m into the air, and roaring and "cannon shot" sounds were reported. Strombolian activity and two lava flows that descended the N and S flanks of the central cone were observed using a permanent camera. Slight ashfall was noted in Cayambe, about 55 km WNW. A thermal anomaly was detected by satellite imagery on 9 and 10 November. On 10 November, seismicity considerably decreased and gas emissions continued. The lava flows continued to advance.

According to a news article, officials suspended flights into Quito airport due to ash plumes on 10 November for three hours as a preventative measure.

Sources: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN), Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Associated Press

Batu Tara (Indonesia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Batu Tara
Sunda Volcanic Arc

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 9-10 November ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Chaiten (Chile) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Chaiten
Andean Southern Volcanic Arc

SERNAGEOMIN reported that on 5 November the S bank of the Chaitén River (locally known as the Blanco) had overflowed and flooded local houses due to intense rains a few days before.

Based on observations of satellite imagery and web camera views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 9-11 November ash plumes from Chaitén rose to altitudes 2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ESE, E, and NE. A thermal anomaly was present on 10 November.

Sources: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)

Dukono (Indonesia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 6-7 November ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WNW.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Galeras (Colombia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Galeras
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

On 11 November, INGEOMINAS reported that during the previous week pulsating white plumes, occasionally tinged gray, rose from Galeras to altitudes of 4.5-5.7 km (14,800-18,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.

Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)

Karymsky (Russia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karymsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 31 October and 2-3 November and at background levels on the other days during 1-7 November. Possible explosions on 31 October, and 2 and 3 November may have generated ash plumes to an altitude of 3.8 km (12,500 ft) a.s.l. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a thermal anomaly in the crater on 31 October, and 2 and 6 November; clouds prevented observations on the other days. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption generated a plume to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. on 11 November.

Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Kilauea (United States) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

HVO reported that during 5-11 November lava flowed SE through a tube system from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex, reaching the Waikupanaha ocean entry. Thermal anomalies detected on satellite imagery indicated active surface flows. The sulfur dioxide emission rate at Pu'u 'O'o was 2,000 tonnes per day on 7 November, near the 2005-2007 average background rate of 1,700 tonnes per day.

During the reporting period, Kilauea earthquakes were variously located beneath and to the S of the caldera and along the S-flank fault. Beneath Halema'uma'u crater earthquakes ranged from 40 to 60 (background is about 40), but were too small to be located more precisely. The vent in Halema'uma'u crater continued to produce a white plume that occasionally turned brown and drifted mainly SW. Night-time incandescence was intermittently seen at the base of the plume, and sounds resembling distant surf and rock clattering were heard in the vicinity of the crater. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 900 tonnes per day on 7 November. The 2003-2007 rate average was 140 tonnes per day.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Klyuchevskoy (Russia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Klyuchevskoy
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi was above background levels during 31 October-7 November. Video and visual observations showed that during 31 October, and 1-2 and 5-6 November, gas-and-steam plumes that contained a small amount of ash rose to an altitude of 5.2 km (17,100 ft) a.s.l. On 3 and 4 November, "bursting" sounds from the volcano were heard in Klyuchi, about 30 km to the NE. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly in the crater. The Level of Concern Color Code remained Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Popocatepetl (Mexico) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Popocatepetl
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 5-11 November. The plumes occasionally contained slight amounts of ash on 5 November.

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Rabaul (Papua New Guinea) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Rabaul
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

RVO reported that during 3-6 November ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 1.7-2.2 km (5,600-7,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. 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 during 7 and 9-12 November ash plumes rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

Sheveluch (Russia) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was above background levels during 31 October-7 November. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 5.2 km (17,100 ft) a.s.l. A large number of daily hot avalanches were observed descending the lava dome and producing ash plumes on 2, 3, and 5 November that rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. Fumarolic activity was visible on the web camera during 2-3 and 5-6 November. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a thermal anomaly on the lava dome on 31 October and 1, 2, 3, and 6 November. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on information from KEMSD and analysis of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 8-10 November eruptions produced plumes to altitudes of 4.9-5.8 km (16,000-19,000 ft) a.s.l.

Sources: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Soufriere Hills (United Kingdom) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Soufriere Hills
Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc

MVO reported that during 31 October-7 November the activity level at the Soufrière Hills lava dome was low and there was no evidence of lava extrusion. Photographs taken during an aerial inspection of the dome confirmed that the SE side was a very high (150-200 m) free-standing cliff not supported by talus. Erosion continued on the NE side and at the E and SE bases of the dome, further deepening the moat in the talus around the dome. The morphology of the top of the dome was complex and highly irregular with multiple steep lava protrusions separated by areas of lower elevation. Several spines and a bulbous shear lobe were visible. The Hazard Level remained at 3.

Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)

Suwanosejima (Japan) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

Based on pilot observations and analysis of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 5 November an ash plume from Suwanose-jima rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. The JMA indicated that during 7-8 November explosion or eruption plumes rose to altitudes of 1.2-1.8 km (4,000-6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. An explosion was reported on 12 November.

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Tungurahua (Ecuador) | 5 November-11 November 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Tungurahua
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

The IG reported little observed activity from Tungurahua during 5-11 November. Light ashfall was reported in Pillate (8 km W) and part of Riobamba (about 30 km S) on 4 November. Fumarolic activity was weak on 7 November and present on the NW edge of the crater on 8 November.

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

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Criteria & Disclaimers

Criteria

The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report does not necessarily include all volcanic activity that occurred on Earth during the week. More than a dozen volcanoes globally have displayed more-or-less continuous eruptive activity for decades or longer, and such routine activity is typically not reported here. Moreover, Earth's sea-floor volcanism is seldom reported even though in theory it represents the single most prolific source of erupted material. The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report summarizes volcanic activity that meets one or more of the following criteria:

- A volcano observatory raises or lowers the alert level at the volcano.
- A volcanic ash advisory has been released by a volcanic ash advisory center (VAAC) stating that an ash cloud has been produced from the volcano.
- A verifiable news report of new activity or a change in activity at the volcano has been issued.
- Observers have reported a significant change in volcanic activity. Such activity can include, but is not restricted to, pyroclastic flows, lahars, lava flows, dome collapse, or increased unrest.

Volcanoes are included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section of the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report if the activity occurs after at least 3 months of quiescence. Once a volcano is included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section, updates will remain in that section unless the activity continues for more than 1 month without escalating, after which time updates will be listed in the "Continuing Activity" section. Volcanoes are also included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section if the volcano is undergoing a period of relatively high unrest, or increasing unrest. This is commonly equal to Alert Level Orange on a scale of Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, where Red is the highest alert. Or alert level 3 on a scale of 1-4 or 1-5.

It is important to note that volcanic activity meeting one or more of these criteria may occur during the week, but may not be included in the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report because we did not receive a report.

Disclaimers

1. The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is intended to provide timely information about global volcanism on a weekly basis. Consequently, the report is generated rapidly by summarizing volcanic reports from various sources, with little time for fact checking. The accuracy of the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is dependent upon the quality of the volcanic activity reports we receive. Reports published in the Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network are cover longer time periods and are more carefully reviewed, although all of the volcanoes discussed in the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report are not necessarily reported in the Bulletin. Because of our emphasis on rapid reporting on the web we have avoided diacritical marks. Reports are updated on the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report web page as they are received, therefore information may be included regarding events that occurred before the current report period.

2. Rapidly developing events lead to coverage that is often fragmentary. Volcanoes, their eruptions, and their plumes and associated atmospheric effects are complex phenomena that may require months to years of data analysis in order to create a comprehensive summary and interpretation of events.

3. Preliminary accounts sometimes contain exaggerations and "false alarms," and accordingly, this report may include some events ultimately found to be erroneous or misleading.

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