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 2015
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Ambrym	Vanuatu	Vanuatu Volcanic Arc	—	New
Chikurachki	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	—	New
Fuego	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	2002 Jan 4	New
Karymsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	New
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	New
Sinabung	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	New
Aira	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Asosan	Japan	Nankai Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Bardarbunga	Iceland	Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Zone	—	Continuing
Chirpoi	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Colima	Mexico	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	—	Continuing
Fogo	Cabo Verde	Cape Verde Province	—	Continuing
Kilauea	United States	Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	—	Continuing
Kuchinoerabujima	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Manam	Papua New Guinea	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	2014 Jun 29	Continuing
Ontakesan	Japan	Nankai Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Popocatepetl	Mexico	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	2005 Jan 9	Continuing
Reventador	Ecuador	Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	2008 Jul 27	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Shishaldin	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Zhupanovsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Ambrym (Vanuatu) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ambrym
Vanuatu Volcanic Arc

On 21 February the Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory issued a notice reminding the public that a minor eruption was occurring at Ambrym from a new vent inside the caldera. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a new scale of 0-5). Hazardous areas were identified as being near and around the active vents (Benbow, Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu), and in downwind areas prone to ashfall.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

Chikurachki (Russia) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Chikurachki
Kuril Volcanic Arc

KVERT noted that the eruption of Chikurachki that began on 16 February produced ash plumes during 16-18 February. Satellite images detected the ash plumes rising to altitudes of 7.5-8 km (24,600-26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifting about 280 km W and E. No activity was detected during 19-22 February; the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow. Chikurachki is not monitored with seismic instruments but is observed by ground-based means and satellite images.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Fuego (Guatemala) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Fuego
Central America Volcanic Arc

INSIVUMEH reported that during 19-20 February explosions at Fuego produced dense ash plumes that rose 650-1,250 m above the crater and drifted 12-15 km W, S, and SE. Shock waves from some of the explosions rattled structures in nearby areas including Panimache (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), and Santa Sofía (12 km SW). Crater incandescence was visible at night and block avalanches that descended the Santa Teresa (W), Cenizas (SSW), Trinidad (S), and Las Lajas (SE) ravines. Ashfall was reported in Panimache and La Rochela. During 21-22 February explosions occurring at a rate of 5-7 per hour generated dense ash plumes that rose 550-850 m and drifted 10-15 km NE, W, and SW. Ash fell in Panimache I and II, Morelia, Santa Sofía, and Yepocapa (8 km NW). During 22-23 February explosions at a rate of 4-6 per hour were detected. Gray plumes rose 650-850 m and drifted 10-12 km. Explosions ejected tephra 100 m above the crater. Ashfall was again reported in nearby communities including Panimaché I and II, Morelia, Santa Sofía. Explosions continued to be detected during 23-24 February and incandescent material was ejected 100 m.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)

Karymsky (Russia) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Karymsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that moderate seismicity at Karymsky was detected during 13-20 February. Satellite images showed that the volcano was quiet or obscured by clouds. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Klyuchevskoy (Russia) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Klyuchevskoy
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that during 13-20 February a Strombolian and Vulcanian eruption at Klyuchevskoy continued. Incandescence at the summit was visible and bombs were ejected 150 m above the crater. Explosions generated ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 5-8 km (16,400-26,200 ft) a.s.l.; ashfall was reported in Klyuchi Village (30 km NNE) during 13-16 February. A lava flow effused onto the E flank. Satellite images showed a daily, big, bright thermal anomaly over the volcano, and ash plumes drifted about 600 km mainly E, SE, and S. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Sinabung (Indonesia) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Sinabung
Sunda Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite images and weather models, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 20 February an eruption from Sinabung generated ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 13.7 km (45,000 ft) a.s.l., drifted almost 540 km NW, and became detached. A lower-level eruption later that day produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 7.3 km (24,000 ft) a.s.l.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Aira (Japan) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that 10 explosions from Showa Crater at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 16-20 February. Incandescence from the crater was visible at night on 19 February, and inflation continued to be detected. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). The Tokyo VAAC reported that during 18-24 February plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-4.6 km (6,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

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

Asosan (Japan) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Asosan
Nankai Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that, based on seismicity and infrasound data, the eruption from Asosan’s Nakadake Crater that began on 25 November 2014 continued during 16-20 February. Plumes rose 900 m above the crater and high-amplitude tremor continued to be detected. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Bardarbunga (Iceland) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Bardarbunga
Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Zone

During 17-19 February, Icelandic Met Office reported continued activity at Bárdarbunga’s Holuhraun eruptive fissure, though the overall intensity of the eruption continued to decrease. Only one active vent was present in the crater, and the lava level in that crater continued to sink. The eruption plume rose no more than 1 km above the ground and drifted NE, and the lava channel was crusted over beyond the uppermost 200-300 m. The lava tube continued to feed the N and NE parts of Holuhraun, inflating the lava field. The reduced effusion rate was no longer able to sustain active breakouts in an area 17-18 km ENE from the vent. A 24 February report noted that the rate of subsidence was less than 2 cm per day and lava flows decreased substantially. Seismic activity continued to decrease although it was still considered to be strong.

Source: Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO)

Chirpoi (Russia) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Chirpoi
Kuril Volcanic Arc

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed gas-and-steam emissions on 19 February and a thermal anomaly on 21 February. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 16-23 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)

Colima (Mexico) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Colima
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

Based on satellite images, Mexico City MWO, METAR and Colima Tower notices, pilot observations, and a webcam, the Washington VAAC reported that during 18-24 February multiple gas-and-ash plumes per day from Colima rose to altitudes of 5.5-7.3 km (18,000-24,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. Ash drifted as far as 350 km SE (on 19 February).

In a 24 February bulletin, the Unidad Estatal de Protección Civil reported that the number and size of lava-block collapses at Colima remained low during the previous week. Lava flows showed no evidence of movement. Explosive activity was low to moderate and generated plumes that rose 2-3 km and drifted downwind. Ashfall in nearby areas was persistent. Residents were warned not go within 5 km of the volcano.

Sources: Unidad Estatal de Protección Civil de Colima, Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Fogo (Cabo Verde) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Fogo
Cape Verde Province

The Observatório Vulcanológico de Cabo Verde (OVCV) reported that on 8 February the eruption at Fogo had ended; sulfur dioxide emissions were almost undetectable on 8 February and continued to remain so at least through 11 February. During that period, pahoehoe flows remained stagnant and only minor fumarolic activity was present at the edge of the new crater. In addition, since 7 February, temperatures of the fumaroles and of an area at the base of the cone had decreased significantly.

Source: Universidade of Cabo Verde

Kilauea (United States) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

During 19-24 February HVO reported that Kilauea’s 27 June NE-trending lava flow continued to be active with several small breakouts across the interior and edges of the lobes, upslope of the leading front. These breakouts included a lobe extending to the N, about 1.6 km upslope from Highway 130, and a lobe on the S side of the flow, about 870 m upslope of Malama Market. The most northern lobe of lava remained about 500 m above Highway 130, near police and fire stations. At Pu'u 'O'o Crater, glow emanated from several outgassing openings in the crater floor. The circulating lava lake occasionally rose and fell in the deep pit within Halema'uma'u Crater. Gas emissions remained elevated.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Kuchinoerabujima (Japan) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kuchinoerabujima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that no eruptions occurred from Kuchinoerabujima during 16-20 February, although the level of activity remained elevated. White plumes rose 600 m above the crater. Low-level seismicity continued and tremor was absent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Manam (Papua New Guinea) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Manam
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

Based on observations of satellite imagery and wind data analyses, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 24 February ash plumes from Manam rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 40 km W.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Ontakesan (Japan) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ontakesan
Nankai Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that cloud cover mostly prevented visual observations of Ontakesan during 13-20 February; white plumes rose 50-200 m above the crater rim. Seismicity remained low. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Popocatepetl (Mexico) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Popocatepetl
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

CENAPRED reported that during an overflight of Popocatépetl on 17 February volcanologists observed dome number 55, 150 in diameter, at the bottom of the inner crater (formed in July 2013) which was 100 m below the floor of the main crater. Each day during 18-24 February the seismic network recorded between 47 and 166 low-intensity events, accompanied by steam-and-gas emissions that visibly contained minor amounts of ash most days. Incandescence from the crater was noted some nights. On 18 February five explosions generated plumes that rose no more than 1 km and drifted NE. A series of small explosions detected during 0844-1300 was accompanied by periods of harmonic tremor. On 21 February there were 22 small explosions, some of which ejected tephra 200 m onto the NE flank. Another series of small explosions, detected from 2221 on 22 February to 0220 on 23 February, were again accompanied by periods of harmonic tremor. Steam, gas, and ash plumes drifted SW on 24 February. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two.

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Reventador (Ecuador) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Reventador
Andean Northern Volcanic Arc

During 18-24 February IG reported moderate seismic activity including explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and tremor at Reventador; cloud cover often prevented visual observations. On 19 February observers confirmed the presence of a 1-km-long lava flow that had been advancing down the SW flank since 11 February. A diffuse steam plume with minor amounts of ash rose 1 km and drifted SW. On 21 February steam-and-ash emissions rose 600 m and drifted NW. Vapor plumes with minor amounts of ash rose 500 m and drifted SW on 24 February.

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

Sheveluch (Russia) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that during 13-20 February lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by incandescence, hot block avalanches, and fumarolic activity. Strong explosions on 16 and 17 February generated ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 180 km NW. A thermal anomaly over the dome was detected daily. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Shishaldin (United States) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Shishaldin
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that seismicity at Shishaldin continued to be elevated over background levels during 18-24 February. Cloud cover often prevented webcam and satellite-image views of the volcano. Weakly elevated surface temperatures were detected in satellite images during 22-24 February. Low-level eruptive activity confined to the summit crater likely continued. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Zhupanovsky (Russia) | 18 February-24 February 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Zhupanovsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a moderate explosive eruption at Zhupanovsky continued during 13-20 February. Satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over the volcano during 14-15 and 18 February. Ash clouds rose to altitudes of 3-3.5 km (10,000-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 200 km W during 15-16 February and SE during 17-19 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

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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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