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 18 February-24 February 2009
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Chaiten	Chile	Andean Southern Volcanic Arc	—	New
Galeras	Colombia	Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	—	New
Redoubt	United States	Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc	—	New
Aira	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Barren Island	India	Andaman Volcanic Back-Arc	2024 Mar 15	Continuing
Fuego	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	2002 Jan 4	Continuing
Guagua Pichincha	Ecuador	Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Karymsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Kilauea	United States	Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	—	Continuing
Popocatepetl	Mexico	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	2005 Jan 9	Continuing
Rabaul	Papua New Guinea	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Santa Maria	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	1922 Jun 22	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
Ubinas	Peru	Andean Central Volcanic Arc	2024 May 6	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Chaiten (Chile) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Chaiten
Andean Southern Volcanic Arc

SERNAGEOMIN reported that on 19 February a partial lava-dome collapse of the S flank of Chaitén's Domo Nuevo 1 and Domo Nuevo 2 lava-dome complex generated lateral explosions, block-and-ash flows, and pyroclastic flows. A pyroclastic flow traveled S down the Chaitén (Blanco) River valley, stopping within about 5 km of Chaitén town (10 km SW). Ash plumes rose to an altitude of 9.1 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and SE. Ash fell in Futaleufú (about 65 km ESE), and, according to ONEMI, accumulated to thicknesses of 3-5 mm. Overflights revealed that the tree leaves in a forest near the S flank were burned and steam rose from new deposits in the Chaitén River valley. Ash-and-steam plumes rose to altitudes of 7.1-9.1 km (23,300-30,000 ft) a.s.l. A 500 x 500 m scar from the partial dome collapse was seen on the S flank. Seismicity decreased to pre-collapse levels by the afternoon. The steaming from pyroclastic flow deposits was again seen in the channel and on the shores of the Chaitén River valley during an overflight the next day, but had greatly decreased by 21 February. Using photos taken during 19 and 20 February overflights, scientists estimated that 10 million cubic meters of material was removed from the S flank of the dome complex. According to a news article, about 200 people were living in Chaitén town on 19 February. ONEMI reported that many of those people self-evacuated, but about 46 people remained in the town, refusing to leave. On 23 February, lahars traveled down river valleys and an off-white plume was seen on the web camera rising about 1 km above the lava domes.

Based on SIGMET notices, analysis of satellite imagery, and web camera views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 23-24 February ash plumes rose to altitudes 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and E.

Sources: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI), Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN), Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Patagonia Times

Galeras (Colombia) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Galeras
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

INGEOMINAS reported an explosive eruption from Galeras that began at 0705 on 20 February; the Alert Level was raised from II (Orange; "probable eruption in term of days or weeks") to I (Red; "imminent eruption or in progress"), on a scale of 4-1. The eruption was accompanied by shock waves detected in several local communities and produced sounds heard in Popayán (about 160 km NNE). Observers from areas on the E flank reported two explosions, incandescent blocks ejected above the summit, ash emissions, and sulfur gas odor. An ash plume rose to an altitude of 12.5 km (41,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, W, and N. Ashfall was reported in areas to the W. Gas plumes with a low ash content continued, especially in the afternoon, and rose 700 m above the summit. On 21 February, the Alert Level was lowered to back to II. During 22-24 February, occasional steam plumes rose 500 m above the summit and drifted NNW.

Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)

Redoubt (United States) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Redoubt
Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that during 18-24 February seismic activity at Redoubt was variable but remained elevated above background levels. Web camera views and satellite imagery showed no unusual activity; steam plumes within the summit crater were seen on the web camera on 23 and 24 February.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Aira (Japan) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA lowered the Alert Level for Sakura-jima from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 19 February because deformation was absent, seismicity was low, and no eruptions occurred after 5 February. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 22 February an explosion produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N.

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Barren Island (India) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Barren Island
Andaman Volcanic Back-Arc

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 20-21 February ash plumes from Barren Island rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 75-90 km WNW, NW, and N.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Fuego (Guatemala) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Fuego
Central America Volcanic Arc

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 18 February ash plumes from Fuego rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW. On 20 and 24 February, INSIVUMEH reported that explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.1-4.7 km (13,500-15,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 6-8 km SW. Some explosions produced rumbling sounds and shock waves. Incandescent material was ejected 150 m above the crater. Incandescent avalanches of blocks traveled down the W and SW flanks.

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

Guagua Pichincha (Ecuador) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Guagua Pichincha
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

The IG reported four moderate phreatic explosions from Guagua Pichincha were detected by the seismic network during 16-17 February, following a few days of slightly increased seismicity and rainfall. IG recommended that visitors stay out of the caldera.

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

Karymsky (Russia) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karymsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that during 13-20 January seismic data from Karymsky was unavailable and clouds prevented satellite image observations. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Based on information from KEMSD and observations of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 21-22 February eruptions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 3-4.3 km (10,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l.

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

Kilauea (United States) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

HVO reported that during 18-24 February lava flowed SE from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex through a lava tube system, reaching the Waikupanaha ocean entry and occasionally producing explosions. On 17 February, four large explosions that accompanied a collapse of the Waikupanaha bench ejected rocks and spatter 275 m inland. Lava also entered the ocean at Waha'ula during 18-20 February, and at a second point further E, named Poupou, starting on 18 February. Incandescence originated from the Prince lobe on 20 February. Thermal anomalies noted on the coastal plain suggested surface flows.

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 ejected tephra, including Pele's hair and some spatter, were routinely collected. Geologists utilizing an infrared imager during an overflight on 20 February saw a small, hot degassing vent deep below the vent rim. The sulfur dioxide emission rate at the summit was 1,400, 1,500, 1,300, and 900 tonnes per day on 17, 18, 19, and 20 February, respectively; the 2003-2007 average rate was 140 tonnes per day.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Popocatepetl (Mexico) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Popocatepetl
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 18-24 February; the plumes occasionally contained slight amounts of ash.

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Rabaul (Papua New Guinea) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Rabaul
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-23 February ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, W, and NW.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Santa Maria (Guatemala) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Santa Maria
Central America Volcanic Arc

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 18 February a dense ash plume from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted W. On 20 February, INSIVUMEH reported that an explosion produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 3.2 km (10,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. On 24 February, an explosion produced a white plume that rose 500 m above the summit and drifted SW. Incandescence was seen SW of Caliente dome.

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

Sheveluch (Russia) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was at background levels during 13-20 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,100 ft) a.s.l. Lava flows continued to be active on the S and N flanks. Fumarolic activity was seen during 12-13 and 19 February. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly on the lava dome and an ash plume that drifted 31 km NW on 17 February. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on information from KEMSD and analysis of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption on 18 February produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 4.9 km (16,000 ft) a.s.l.

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

Soufriere Hills (United Kingdom) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Soufriere Hills
Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc

MVO reported that during 13-20 February activity from the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level. Four rockfalls were detected and seismicity had increased slightly compared to previous weeks. On 16 February, heavy rainfall triggered a small pyroclastic flow on the N side of the lava dome and a substantial lahar NW in the Belham River. A thermal camera showed a large amount of steaming in the Dyer's area (NW) during this period, and occasionally for a few days after. The Hazard Level was lowered to 3 on 19 February.

Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)

Suwanosejima (Japan) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that Suwanose-jima erupted explosively on 18 February; a colored plume rose 400 m above the crater and drifted E. Two explosive eruptions occurred the next day. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions on 20 and 21 February. Details of possible resultant ash plumes were not reported.

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Tungurahua (Ecuador) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Tungurahua
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

The IG reported that, although cloud cover occasionally prevented visual observation during 18-24 February, ash plumes from Tungurahua were seen and rose to altitudes of 6-8 km (19,700-26,200 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted mainly W and NW. Ashfall was reported almost daily and was noted in areas to the SW, W, and NW. Blocks were often seen or heard rolling down the flanks, and roaring or explosion noises were noted. On 18 February, incandescence in the crater was seen and a lahar traveled down a drainage to the W. Strombolian activity at the summit was observed during 19-20 and 22-23 February.

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

Ubinas (Peru) | 18 February-24 February 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ubinas
Andean Central Volcanic Arc

Based on a SIGMET notice and a pilot observation, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 23 February an ash plume from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 6.2-7.6 km (20,500-25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. Ash was not seen on satellite imagery.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

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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

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