All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Asamayama | 11 February-17 February 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Asamayama Honshu (Japan)	Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 11-12 February eruptions from Asama produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 3-3.7 km (10,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and SE. 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. Sources: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Ebeko | 11 February-17 February 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Ebeko Paramushir Island (Russia)	Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from Yelizovo Airport, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 11 February an ash plume drifted NE from Ebeko at an altitude of 0.6 km (2,000 ft) a.s.l. On 17 February, an ash plume drifted SW at an altitude of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Galeras | 11 February-17 February 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Galeras Colombia	INGEOMINAS reported an explosive eruption from Galeras that began at 1910 on 14 February; the Alert Level was raised from III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity") to I (Red; "imminent eruption or in progress"), on a scale of 4-1. An accompanying shock wave was detected in multiple areas, including in parts of Pasto (about 10 km E). The altitude of the resultant ash plume was not known nor observed on satellite images due to cloud cover. From about 1930 until 2030 ashfall, rain, and an odor of sulfur gas were reported on the slopes of the volcano as well as in Pasto. Ash deposits were mainly in areas to the E and as far away as 25 km. Seismicity returned at 1950 to similar levels recorded prior to the eruption and remained low. On 16 February, the Alert Level was lowered to II (Orange; "probable eruption in term of days or weeks"). 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. According to news articles, authorities ordered the evacuation of about 8,000 people living on the slopes, but few went to evacuation shelters. Sources: Caracol Radio, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)
Redoubt | 11 February-17 February 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Redoubt Alaska Peninsula	AVO reported that during 10-17 February seismic activity at Redoubt was variable but remained elevated above background levels. Web camera views were often obscured by snow, clouds, or ice on the camera housing. On 10 February, scientists noted that the outflow stream on the W side of Drift Glacier was frozen. Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Aira | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Aira Kyushu (Japan)	Based on analysis of satellite imagery and pilot observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 11-12 February ash plumes from Sakura-jima rose to altitudes of 1.2-1.5 km (4,000-5,000 ft) a.s.l. Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Arenal | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Arenal Costa Rica	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. Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)
Dukono | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Dukono Halmahera	Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Dukono drifted SE at an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 11 February. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Karymsky | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Karymsky Eastern Kamchatka (Russia)	KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 6-9 February and at background levels during 10-13 February. Ash explosions produced plumes that rose to an altitude of 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. Clouds prevented satellite observations. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Kilauea | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Kilauea Hawaiian Islands (USA)	HVO reported that during 11-17 February lava flowed SE from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex through a lava tube system, reaching the Waikupanaha and Waha'ula ocean entries. On most days, multiple explosions and spatter at the ocean entry were seen. 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; 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. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)
Popocatepetl | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Popocatepetl Mexico	CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 11-17 February; the plumes occasionally contained slight amounts of ash. On 13 February, a plume with low ash content rose to an altitude of 7.2 km (23,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE at 2230; 95 minutes of increased seismicity followed. Sources: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)
Rabaul | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Rabaul New Britain (Papua New Guinea)	Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-14 February ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE and W. On 17 February, a low-level ash plume drifted SE. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Santa Maria | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Santa Maria Southwestern Guatemala	Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 12 February ash puffs from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted WSW and W. On 16 and 17 February, INSIVUMEH reported that explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.7-3.3 km (8,900-10,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Small pyroclastic flows on 16 February descended the SE flank and reached the Nima I river. On 17 February, incandescent avalanches were noted and fumarolic plumes drifted SW. Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH), Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Sheveluch | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Sheveluch Central Kamchatka (Russia)	KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was above background levels during 6-13 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to altitudes of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. Lava flows continued to be active on the S and N flanks. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a thermal anomaly on the lava dome during 6 and 8-10 February; clouds prevented observations on the other days during the reporting period. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Based on information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption on 12 February produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Shishaldin | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Shishaldin Fox Islands (USA)	AVO reported that seismic activity from Shishaldin had returned to background levels in December 2008 and remained low. On 3 February, a weak thermal anomaly was detected on satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Normal on 11 February. Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
Soufriere Hills | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Soufriere Hills Montserrat	MVO reported that during 6-13 February activity from the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level. Two rockfalls were detected and seismicity was low. On 13 February, one small pyroclastic flow that originated in a gully on the N side of the lava dome traveled less than 1 km. The Hazard Level remained at 4. Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)
Tungurahua | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Tungurahua Ecuador	The IG reported that although visual observations of Tungurahua were occasionally limited due to cloud cover; gas-and-ash plumes were seen and rose to altitudes of 5.5-7.5 km (18,000-24,600 ft) a.s.l. during 11-17 February. Plumes drifted W, NE, E, and SE. On 11 February, small lahars descended multiple gorges to the NW and S. Incandescence in the crater was seen at night on 11 and 12 February, and roaring was heard on 12 and 16 February. Ashfall was reported in areas to the SW on 12 February and to the N on 14 February. An explosion on 16 February that vibrated windows was followed by ash emissions that generated a plume to an altitude of 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. The plume drifted W. Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)
Ubinas | 11 February-17 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Ubinas Peru	INGEMMET reported that although cloud cover occasionally prevented visual observations of Ubinas, steam and steam-and-ash plumes were seen during 11-16 February and rose to altitudes of 5.7-6.5 km (18,700-21,300 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted NE, N, W, and SW. Source: Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET)

Weekly Reports Archive

Since the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report began in November 2000, there have been 19,996 individual reports over 1,215 weeks (average of 16 per week) on 332 different volcanoes.

Use the dropdowns to choose the year and week for archived Weekly Reports.

 News Feeds and Google Placemarks

 Criteria & Disclaimers

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.

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.

4. Many news agencies do not archive the articles they post on the Internet, and therefore the links to some sources may not be active. To obtain information about the cited articles that are no longer available on the Internet contact the source.

5. USGS Disclaimer Statement for this Website:

Information presented on this website is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. We strongly recommend that USGS data be acquired directly from a USGS server and not through other sources that may change the data in some way. While USGS makes every effort to provide accurate and complete information, various data such as names, telephone numbers, etc. may change prior to updating. USGS welcomes suggestions on how to improve our home page and correct errors. USGS provides no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of furnished data.

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U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA
URL: https://volcano.si.edu/reports_weekly.cfm

 Acronyms and Abbreviations

a.s.l. - above sea level

AVO - Alaska Volcano Observatory

AVHRR - Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer

CENAPRED - Centro Nacionale de Prevencion de Desastres (México)

CONRED - Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres

COSPEC - Correlation Spectrometer

CVGHM (formerly VSI) - Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation

CVO - Cascades Volcano Observatory (USGS)

GMS - Geostationary Meteorological Satellite

GOES - Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite

GVO - Goma Volcano Observatory

GVP - Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution)

HVO - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS)

ICE - Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (Costa Rica)

IG - Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador)

IGNS - Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (New Zealand) - now GNS Science

INETER - Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales (Nicaragua)

INGEMMET - Instituto Geológical Minero y Metalúrgico (Peru)

INGEOMINAS - Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (Colombia)

INGV-CT - Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania (Italy)

INSIVUMEH - Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia e Hidrologia (Guatemala)

IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (France)

JMA - Japanese Meteorological Agency

KEMSD - Kamchatkan Experimental and Methodical Seismilogical Department

KVERT - Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team

M - magnitude

METEOSAT - Meteorological Satellite

MEVO - Mount Erebus Volcano Observatory

MODIS - Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer

MVO - Montserrat Volcano Observatory

MWO - Meteorological Watch Office

NEIC - National Earthquake Information Center

NIED - National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (Japan)

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOTAM - Notice to Airmen

OVDAS - Observatorio Volcanologico de los Andes del Sur (Chile)

OFDA - Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance

ONEMI - Oficina Nacional de Emergencia - Ministerio del Interior (Chile)

OVPDLF - Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (France)

OVSICORI-UNA - Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica)

PHIVOLCS - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philippines)

RSAM - Real-time Seismic Amplitude Measurement

RVO - Rabaul Volcano Observatory

SERNAGEOMIN - Servicio Nacional de Geologia y Mineria (Chile)

SIGMET - Significant Meteorological Information

SNET - Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (El Salvador)

SVERT - Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (Russia)

USAID - US Agency for International Development

USGS - United States Geological Survey

UTC - Coordinated Universal Time

VAAC - Volcanic Ash Advisory Center

VAFTAD - Volcanic Ash Forecast Transport And Dispersion

VDAP - Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (USGS)

VHP - Volcano Hazards Program (USGS)

VRC - Volcano Research Center (Japan)