All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Egon (Indonesia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Egon Sunda Volcanic Arc	PVMBG reported that during October-November seismicity at Egon was at baseline levels, characterized by an average of one event per day of both deep and shallow volcanic earthquakes. On 15 December the network recorded 29 shallow volcanic earthquakes, a number significantly above baseline. PVMBG raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) that same day and advised residents and tourists to stay at least 1.5 km away from the crater. Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Fuego (Guatemala) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Fuego Central America Volcanic Arc	On 16 December INSIVUMEH reported that activity at Fuego decreased, although lava flows remained active in the Las Lajas (SE), Trinidad (S), and Santa Teresa (SW) drainages. Ash plumes from weak explosions drifted 15 km SW, S, and SE. During 16-17 December there were 4-5 explosions per hour, generating ash plumes that rose 650-750 m above the crater and drifted 8-12 km W and SW. Explosions during 20-22 December produced ash plumes that rose 550-950 m and drifted 8-10 km W. Incandescent material was ejected 150 m high, landed on the flanks, and then formed small avalanches in the Santa Teresa (SW), Taniluyá (SW), Trinidad, and Ceniza drainages. Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Kanlaon (Philippines) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Kanlaon Negros-Sulu Volcanic Arc	PHIVOLCS reported that at 2138 on 15 December a low-frequency earthquake at Kanlaon that lasted 45-47 seconds possibly corresponded to an ash emission, though inclement weather prevented visual observations of the crater. Rumbling was heard in neighborhoods on the SE flank. On 17 December white steam plumes rose 50 m above the crater. Poor weather conditions prevented views of the crater through 22 December. Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
Masaya (Nicaragua) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Masaya Central America Volcanic Arc	INETER reported that rumbling and shock waves from small gas explosions at Masaya's Santiago Crater were reported during 15-17 December. Scientists conducting field work on 18 December observed that the crater hosting a lava lake had widened. Sounds from the volcano were louder and sulfur dioxide emissions had increased. During 19-20 December spatter from the lava lake was ejected from the vent and landed a few meters away on the crater floor. RSAM levels were stable at low-to-moderate levels. Source: Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER)
Piton de la Fournaise (France) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Piton de la Fournaise Reunion Hotspot Volcano Group	OVPDLF reported that at 1850 on 31 October the effusive phase of the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise, which had begun on 24 August, had ceased. The report noted that gas emissions and seismicity continued to decrease through November, and deformation data suggested no inflation. Source: Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF)
Tengger Caldera (Indonesia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Tengger Caldera Sunda Volcanic Arc	According to a news article, ash from Tengger Caldera's Bromo cone emitted on 15 December caused the Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport in Malang to close. On 16 December BNPB reported that ash plumes continued to rise from the cone. Based on satellite and webcam images, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 15, 17-19, and 21-22 December ash plumes rose to altitudes of 3-3.6 km (10,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 25-95 km W, NW, N, E, and SE. Sources: Badan Nacional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB), Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Bernama
Zhupanovsky (Russia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Zhupanovsky Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	KVERT reported that an explosive eruption that began at Zhupanovsky on 6 June likely finished on 30 November. Only moderate levels of fumarolic activity was observed in early-to-mid December. On 17 December the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Awu (Indonesia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Awu Sangihe Volcanic Arc	PVMBG reported that on 24 November the number of shallow volcanic earthquakes at Awu increased significantly from a baseline maximum of 4 per day to 258 events; only seven events were recorded the next day. Seismicity continued to decline during 2-15 December. Fog prevented visual observations of the crater. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and tourists were advised to stay 3 km away from the crater. Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Colima (Mexico) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Colima Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	Based on satellite images, wind data, webcam images, and notices from the Mexico City MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that during 16-21 December ash plumes from Colima rose to altitudes of 4.6-7.3 km (15,000-24,000 ft) a.s.l. and NW, NNE, NE, and E. Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Copahue (Chile-Argentina) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Copahue Andean Southern Volcanic Arc	Based on satellite and webcam views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 18-20 December steam and gas emissions with minor amounts of ash rose to altitudes of 3-3.6 km (10,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted N on 18 December and 55-150 km SSE and SE on 19 December. During 20-22 December the webcam recorded continuous ash emissions drifting short distances. Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Cotopaxi (Ecuador) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Cotopaxi Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	IG reported that after 119 days of closure due to volcanic activity at Cotopaxi, the Cotopaxi National Park reopened to visitors. Both seismic and surficial activity have declined in recent weeks. Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)
Dukono (Indonesia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Dukono Halmahera Volcanic Arc	Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 16-22 December ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55-225 km ENE, E, SE, S, and SW. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Karangetang (Indonesia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Karangetang Sangihe Volcanic Arc	Based on observations conducted at the Karangetang Volcano Observation Post in the village of Salili, PVMBG reported during 10-16 December that the lava dome was incandescent at night. Variable amounts of white emissions rose as high as 150 m above Main Crater. RSAM values had been stable since 6 November. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4); visitors and residents were warned not to approach Karangetang within a 4-km radius. Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Karymsky (Russia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Karymsky Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	KVERT reported that moderate explosive activity at Karymsky continued during 11-18 December. Satellite images detected a thermal anomaly on 14 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Kilauea (United States) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Kilauea Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	HVO reported that seismicity beneath Kilauea's summit, upper East Rift Zone, and Southwest Rift Zone was at background levels during 16-22 December. The lava lake continued to circulate and spatter in the Overlook vent. Webcams recorded multiple incandescent outgassing vents within Pu'u 'O'o Crater. Scientists conducting fieldwork on 17 December observed an active lava pond on the E rim of Pu'u 'O'o. The June 27th NE-trending lava flow continued to be active within 6 km NE of Pu'u 'O'o Crater. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)
Lokon-Empung (Indonesia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Lokon-Empung Sangihe Volcanic Arc	Although inclement weather sometimes obscured views of Lokon-Empung's Tompaluan Crater, PVMBG reported that during 10-16 December observers at the post in Kakaskasen Tomohon (North Sulawesi, 4 km from the crater), saw white plumes rising as high as 150 m above the crater. Seismicity fluctuated, but the seismic spectral amplitude measurement (SSAM) showed a gradual and significant increasing trend over the previous 3-4 months. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the crater within a radius of 2.5 km. Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Nevado del Ruiz Andean Northern Volcanic Arc	Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that a volcanic tremor signal at 0214 on 18 December may have been associated with an ash emission from Nevado del Ruiz, although dark conditions prevented visual confirmation. Volcanic tremor which began at 1247 on 20 December was associated with an ash emission observed by numerous people both near the volcano and in Manizales (30 km NW). Many also reported a strong sulfur odor. The permanent DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectrometer) station detected the highest levels of sulfur dioxide measured since the current activity began. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity"). Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)
Sheveluch (Russia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Sheveluch Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	KVERT reported that during 11-18 December lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Satellite images detected a daily and intense thermal anomaly over the dome, and ash plumes from hot avalanches that drifted 50 km SE on 15 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Sinabung (Indonesia) | 16 December-22 December 2015 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Sinabung Sunda Volcanic Arc	Based on information from PVMBG, satellite images, and ground reports, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 16-22 December ash plumes from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 3.7-4.3 km (12,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW, SE, and E. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Weekly Reports Archive

Since the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report began in November 2000, there have been 20,322 individual reports over 1,229 weeks (average of 17 per week) on 336 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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For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, this government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this website are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act. Information may also be used for authorized law enforcement investigations. (Last modified September 21, 1999.)

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)