AVO reported that cloud cover prevented satellite observations of Cleveland during 31 December, and 1, 3, and 5 January. The brief explosive emission of ash was detected on 2 January. A resultant ash plume rose to an altitude of 6 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 240 km ESE. A thermal anomaly over the summit was detected on 4 January. No current seismic information was available because Cleveland does not have a real-time seismic network. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Advisory and the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

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.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

KVERT reported that during 26 December-7 January seismic activity at Koryaksky was at background levels. Observers reported that during 30-31 December gas-and-steam plumes possibly containing a small amount of ash drifted along the surface of the NW flank. During 6-7 January gas-and-steam plumes drifted SW. The Level of Concern Color Code was lowered to Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

AVO reported that significant thermal anomalies over Shishaldin's summit were detected in satellite imagery during 5-6 January. Seismic activity had also increased slightly. AVO raised the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

MVO reported that during 26 December-2 January activity from Soufrière Hills lava dome was characterized by significantly increased lava extrusion, ash emissions, and pyroclastic flows. Lava extrusion on the top, N, W, and SW sides of the dome continued, and incandescence on the dome was visible at night when weather was favorable. Pyroclastic flows regularly reached the bottom of Tyers Ghaut (NW); surges associated with the larger flows spilled into the next valley to the W. Deposits filling Tyers Ghaut caused the flows to travel farther, into the upper part of the Belham River. Pyroclastic flows were also noted in valleys to the W. Ash emissions from the top of the lava dome increased; although most pyroclastic flows originated from rockfalls, some originated at the vent. Ashfall was reported in areas 6-7 km NW. Large incandescent blocks, deposited by rockfalls and pyroclastic flows, were visible on multiple occasions at night in the lower parts of Tyers Ghaut. Fires triggered by surges were visible in the neighboring valley. The Hazard Level remained at 4.

Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from MVO, the Washington VAAC reported large eruptions on 3 January. Ash plumes drifted NE at an altitude of 7.6 km (25,000 ft) a.s.l., E at an altitude of 10.7 km (35,000 ft) a.s.l., S at an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l., and W at an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. A thermal anomaly was detected. According to news articles, about 70 people were evacuated from Area B, about 6-8 km NW. The next day, steam-and-gas plumes possibly containing ash drifted W and WSW.

Sources: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), Antigua Sun [Original URL no longer exists 1/2017]

The IG reported that during 31 December-6 January ash plumes from Tungurahua rose to altitudes of 6-7 km (19,700-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW, W, and NW. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind during 31 December-3 January; ashfall was heavy in Choglontus (W) on 2 January. Roaring, explosions, and "cannon shot" noises were reported almost daily, and large windows vibrated on 1, 3, and 4 January. During 2-4 January, incandescence at the summit was noted and blocks rolled up to 800 m down the flanks. Strombolian activity occurred at the summit on 4 January.

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

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 31 December an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-6 January ash plumes from Barren Island rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and NW.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 6 January an ash plume from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ENE.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, pilot observations, and web camera views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 31 December-2 January and 4-5 January ash plumes from Chaitén continuously rose to altitudes 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, N, NNE, and SE. Ash plumes were visible through the web camera on 3 January.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

On 2 January, incandescent material from Colima was propelled 100 m above the summit and a gray plume rose to an altitude of 4.1 km (13,500 ft) a.s.l. During 3-5 January, gray and white plumes rose to altitudes of 4-4.2 km (13,100-13,800 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted N, NE, E, and SE.

Source: Gobierno del Estado de Colima

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 6 January an ash plume from Dukono rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 1 January two ash plumes from Fuego drifted N. INSIVUMEH reported that during 4-6 January multiple explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.1-5.1 km (13,500-16,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 12 km W and SW. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind. Some explosions produced rumbling sounds and shock waves that were detected 10 km away. Constant avalanches of blocks descended the S and SW flanks.

Sources: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)

KVERT reported during 26 December-2 January seismic activity from Karymsky was not evaluated due to technical issues. Clouds prevented satellite observations of the volcano. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

HVO reported that during 31 December-6 January lava flowed SE through a tube system from underneath Kīlauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex, reaching the Waikupanaha ocean entry. Surface flows were noted on the coastal plain and incandescence was seen at the base of the pali. Explosions at the ocean entry were seen on 31 December and 5 January.

Earthquakes strong enough to be located were variously scattered beneath the caldera, along the SW rift zone, and along the S-flank fault. The vent in Halemaʻumaʻu crater continued to produce a predominantly white plume that drifted mainly SW. Consistent with a decreasing trend of ash production since 15 December, the vent produced minimal amounts of fine tephra; essentially no tephra was collected during 5-6 January. Sounds resembling rockfalls were sometimes heard in the vicinity of the crater. The sulfur dioxide emission rate at the summit was 500 tonnes per day on 31 December and 2 January; the 2003-2007 average rate was 140 tonnes per day.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi was above background levels 26 December-2 January. Strombolian activity was noted on 25 and 27 December, and lava effusion on the NW flank continued. On 25 December gas-and-steam plumes containing ash rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a large daily thermal anomaly in the crater. Ash plumes drifted 250 km NE during 25-26 December. On 27 December ashfall was reported in Kozyrevsk village. The Tokyo VAAC reported that on 2 January ash plumes were continuously observed on satellite imagery.

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

Based on analysis of satellite imagery and pilot observations, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 31 December, 1 January, and 3-5 January, ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to an altitude 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W, NW, NNW, and SE.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Based on a pilot observation, the Washington VAAC reported that on 5 January an ash plume from Sangay rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery.

Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that two small ash plumes from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted ESE on 1 January. During 4-5 January, gas and steam plumes possibly containing some ash drifted SW and WSW. INSIVUMEH reported that on 5 and 6 January fumarolic plumes drifted 100 m above the crater. Five explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.8-3 km (9,200-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and SE. A few avalanches originating from a lava flow descended the W flank.

Sources: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was above background levels during 25 December-2 January. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. on 25 and 26 December, and to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. on the other days during the reporting period. An ash plume was seen on 25 December at an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and gas-and-steam emissions were noted on 25 and 30 December, and on 1 January. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly on the lava dome and an ash plume that drifted 40 km NW on 30 December. 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 1, 2, 5, and 6 January eruptions produced plumes to altitudes of 4.6-5.8 km (15,000-19,000 ft) a.s.l.

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

Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported an eruption from Suwanose-jima on 3 January. A plume rose to an altitude of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E.

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Based on a SIGMET notice, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 5 January an ash plume from Ubinas rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)