Activity for the week of 6 September-12 September 2017
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, notices of volcanic activity posted on these pages are preliminary and subject to change as events are studied in more detail. This is not a comprehensive list of all of Earth's volcanoes erupting during the week, but rather a summary of activity at volcanoes that meet criteria discussed in detail in the "Criteria and Disclaimers" section. Carefully reviewed, detailed reports on various volcanoes are published monthly in the Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network.
New Activity / Unrest
Ambae
| Vanuatu
| 15.389°S, 167.835°E
| Elevation 1496 m
On 30 August the Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory (VGO) stated that conditions at Aoba had been changing, increasing the potential for eruptive activity. On 6 September a VGO report noted that activity continued to increase; the Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 0-4) signifying that the volcano is in a minor eruption phase. VGO reminded residents and tourists not to approach the volcano within a 3-km radius, and to stay out of areas subject to trade-wind exposure.
Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD)
Fernandina
| Ecuador
| 0.37°S, 91.55°W
| Elevation 1476 m
IG reported that activity at Fernandina began on 4 September with the detection of hybrid earthquakes followed by long-period events, and finally the onset of tremor at 1225 which heralded the beginning of the eruption. Lava emerged from a circumferential fissure near the SSW rim of the caldera and flowed down the S and SW flanks (with no evidence of the flows reaching the sea). A gas plume with low ash content rose 4 km above the crater rim and drifted W. Flows continued to be active on 5 September but by the evening the intensity had weakened. An eruptive plume rose about 2.5 km. Activity decreased significantly by 6 September.
Source: Instituto GeofÃsico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG)
Nevados de Chillan
| Chile
| 36.868°S, 71.378°W
| Elevation 3180 m
According to Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI), Servicio Nacional de GeologÃa and MinerÃa (SERNAGEOMIN) Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) reported that during 16-31 August phreato-magmatic explosions at Nevados de Chillán's Volcán Arrau dome complex had decreased. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the middle level on a three-color scale, and the public was reminded not to approach the craters within a 3-km radius.
Source: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI)
Villarrica
| Chile
| 39.42°S, 71.93°W
| Elevation 2847 m
In a summary of August activity at Villarrica, Proyecto Observación Villarrica Internet (POVI) reported that the crater was only partially visible on nine days. On 2 September a small incandescent vent at the bottom of the crater was visible. An explosion at 0924 on 30 August ejected gas and ash that drifted E due to strong winds; observers noted ash and lapilli deposits on the snow during a field visit later that day.
Source: Proyecto Observación Villarrica Internet (POVI)
Ongoing Activity
Aira
| Kyushu (Japan)
| 31.593°N, 130.657°E
| Elevation 1117 m
JMA reported that 30 explosive events at Showa Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 4-11 September ejected material as far as 800 m. Ash plumes rose as high as 2.2 km above the crater rim. Crater incandescence was observed most nights. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Bagana
| Bougainville (Papua New Guinea)
| 6.137°S, 155.196°E
| Elevation 1855 m
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-12 September an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Bezymianny
| Central Kamchatka (Russia)
| 55.972°N, 160.595°E
| Elevation 2882 m
KVERT reported that during 1-8 September a thermal anomaly over Bezymianny was identified daily in satellite images. A lava flow continued to flow down the W flank of the dome; incandescence from the dome was visible at night. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Bogoslof
| Fox Islands (USA)
| 53.93°N, 168.03°W
| Elevation 150 m
AVO reported that during 6-12 September nothing significant was observed in mostly cloudy satellite images of Bogoslof, and no activity was detected in seismic or infrasound data. The 8 September report noted that the crater lake had been bisected by a narrow isthmus of land. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in one satellite image during 10-11 September. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
Cleveland
| Chuginadak Island (USA)
| 52.825°N, 169.944°W
| Elevation 1730 m
AVO reported that during 6-12 September nothing significant was observed in often cloudy satellite images and web camera views of Cleveland; minor steaming was noted during 10-11 September. In addition, nothing noteworthy was detected in seismic or infrasound data. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
Dukono
| Halmahera (Indonesia)
| 1.693°N, 127.894°E
| Elevation 1229 m
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 6-10 and 12 September ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW, W, and NW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Ebeko
| Paramushir Island (Russia)
| 50.686°N, 156.014°E
| Elevation 1103 m
Based on observations by volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions on 2 September generated ash plumes that rose 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. Explosions during 3 and 6-7 September produced ash plumes that rose 2.1 km (6,900 ft) a.s.l. Minor amounts of ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk during 2-3 and 6-7 September. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Kilauea
| Hawaiian Islands (USA)
| 19.421°N, 155.287°W
| Elevation 1222 m
During 6-12 September HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater, though a deflationary trend the second half of the week caused the lake level to mostly drop. Several rockfalls and collapses of the inner crater wall veneer were noted during 7-10 September; frequent rockfalls were not uncommon during periods of lake level lowering. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna. Surface lava flows were active above and on the pali, and on the coastal plain. HVO noted that cracks running parallel to the coastline underscored the potential for bench collapse into the sea.
Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)
Klyuchevskoy
| Central Kamchatka (Russia)
| 56.056°N, 160.642°E
| Elevation 4754 m
KVERT reported that on 7 September explosions at Klyuchevskoy recorded by a webcam generated ash plumes that rose as high as 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 50 km NE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Langila
| New Britain (Papua New Guinea)
| 5.525°S, 148.42°E
| Elevation 1330 m
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 7-8 and 10-12 September ash plumes from Langila rose 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNW, NW, and SW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Poas
| Costa Rica
| 10.2°N, 84.233°W
| Elevation 2708 m
OVSICORI-UNA reported that an event at Poás at 0820 on 13 September generated plume that rose 300 m above the crater rim.
Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)
Sabancaya
| Peru
| 15.787°S, 71.857°W
| Elevation 5960 m
Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya was slightly lower compared to the previous week; there was an average of 38 explosions recorded per day during 4-10 September. The earthquakes were dominated by long-period signals, with fewer numbers of hybrid events and emission signals. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 3.5 km above the crater rim and drifted no more than 40 km SE. The MIROVA system detected five thermal anomalies. The report warned the public not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
Sources: Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET), Instituto GeofÃsico del Perú (IGP)
Sangay
| Ecuador
| 2.005°S, 78.341°W
| Elevation 5286 m
Based on information from the Guayaquil MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that on 6 September an emission from Sangay rose 7.3 km (24,000 ft) a.s.l.
Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Sheveluch
| Central Kamchatka (Russia)
| 56.653°N, 161.36°E
| Elevation 3283 m
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified daily in satellite images during 2-3 and 6-7 September. Two explosive events on 7 September generated ash plumes that rose 8-10 km (26,200-32,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, SE, and S. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Sinabung
| Indonesia
| 3.17°N, 98.392°E
| Elevation 2460 m
Based on observations by PVMBG, webcam and satellite images, and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 6-8 and 12 September ash plumes from Sinabung rose 3-5.5 km (10,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W, NW, and E.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Suwanosejima
| Ryukyu Islands (Japan)
| 29.638°N, 129.714°E
| Elevation 796 m
Based on JMA notices and satellite-image analyses, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions on 6 September generated plums that rose 1.5-1.8 km (5,000-6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E.
Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Turrialba
| Costa Rica
| 10.025°N, 83.767°W
| Elevation 3340 m
OVSICORI-UNA reported that an event at Turrialba at 0730 on 11 September generated a plume that rose 500 m above the crater rim and drifted N. Another event at 0820 on 13 September passively produced an ash plume that rose 100 m and drifted NW.
Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)
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 monthly, and 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.
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An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed for the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report first made available on 5 March 2008 can be utilized with the aid of various free downloadable readers. The report content of the news feed is identical to the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report minus some features including the header information (latitude and longitude and summit elevation), the Geologic Summary, and a link to the volcano's page from the Global Volcanism Program. Each volcano report includes a link from the volcano's name back to the more complete information in the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report on the Smithsonian website. On 12 March 2009, GeoRSS tags were added so that the latitude and longitude for each volcano could be included with the feed.
At the end of each individual report is a list of the sources used. We would like to emphasize that the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) website (http://www.wovo.org/) lists the regional volcano observatories that have the most authoritative data for many of these events.
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Google Earth Placemarks
A Google Earth network link for the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report was first made available on 1 April 2009. This file can be loaded into the free Google Earth software, and in turn will load placemarks for volcanoes in the current weekly report. Placemark balloons include the volcano name, report date, report text, sources, and links back to the GVP volcano page for that volcano and to the complete Weekly Report for that week.
