Activity for the week of 13 December-19 December 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
Agung
| Bali (Indonesia)
| 8.343°S, 115.508°E
| Elevation 2997 m
PVMBG reported that during 13-19 December gray-and-white plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above Agung’s crater rim and drifted W, N, and E; weather clouds and fog sometimes prevented visual observations. Incandescence from the crater was sometimes observed at night. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 1-4), and the exclusion zones continued at a general 8-km radius and 10 km in the NNE, SE, S, and SW directions.
BNPB posted two map-view images of Agung, one from 20 October showing pre-eruptive conditions and one from 16 December showing the lava that had erupted onto the crater floor, noting that about 1/3 of the crater had been filled with an estimated 20 million cubic meters of lava.
Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Badan Nacional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB)
Bezymianny
| Central Kamchatka (Russia)
| 55.972°N, 160.595°E
| Elevation 2882 m
On 18 December hot avalanches on the SE flank of Bezymianny’s lava dome were recorded by a webcam, prompting KVERT to raise the Aviation Color Code to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). A strong explosion that started at 1555 on 20 December generated ash plumes that rose 10-15 km (32,800-49,200 ft) a.s.l., prompting KVERT to raise the Aviation Color Code to Red. Ash plumes were identified in satellite data drifting 85 km NE. Later that day satellite images indicted decreased activity; the Alert level was lowered back to Orange.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Kanlaon
| Philippines
| 10.412°N, 123.132°E
| Elevation 2435 m
PHIVOLCS reported between 1 and 7 volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon were recorded each day during 2-8 December, prior to the phreatic eruption on 9 December. Only three events were detected on 10 December, and then the number increased to 155 the next day. The number of daily volcanic earthquakes increased to 578 on 13 December, rising to 1,007 the next day, and peaking at 1,217 on the 15th. The earthquake count dropped to 149 on 16 December before returning to six or less through 19 December. White steam plumes rose 800 and 300 m above the crater on 13 and 14 December, respectively. White plumes were diffuse on 15 December; weather clouds prevented views of the summit area during 16-18 December. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 603-687 tons per day during 13-14 December. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
Klyuchevskoy
| Central Kamchatka (Russia)
| 56.056°N, 160.642°E
| Elevation 4754 m
Based on satellite observations KVERT reported that gas-and-steam plumes from Klyuchevskoy contained some ash and drifted about 95 km E and SW on 7 and 13 December, respectively. A weak thermal anomaly was visible on 11 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Pacaya
| Guatemala
| 14.382°N, 90.601°W
| Elevation 2569 m
INSIVUMEH reported that during 12-19 December Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney cone ejected material as high as 100 m above the main cone. A 75-m-long lava flow on the NW flank was visible.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Shishaldin
| Fox Islands (USA)
| 54.756°N, 163.97°W
| Elevation 2857 m
AVO reported that seismic and infrasound data from Shishaldin continued to indicate elevated activity during 13-19 December. Robust steaming was recorded by a webcam during 13-14 December; ice and poor weather conditions prevented views during the rest of the period. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
Stromboli
| Aeolian Islands (Italy)
| 38.789°N, 15.213°E
| Elevation 924 m
INGV reported after an effusive eruption during August-November 2017, activity at Stromboli remained at modest levels. In recent months however activity was characterized by frequent explosions from different vents on the crater terrace, punctuated by four major explosions (on 26 July, 23 October, 1 November, and 1 December 2017). Activity remained high after the last explosion, prompting authorities to restrict access to the summit areas. In the late morning on 15 December one of the vents began spattering, and by 1400 lava flows from two vents had begun to fill the crater depression. At 1430 the lava spilled onto the N flank of the Sciara del Fuoco. Spattering rapidly stopped later in the afternoon and the lava flows stopped advancing.
Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)
Ongoing Activity
Aira
| Kyushu (Japan)
| 31.593°N, 130.657°E
| Elevation 1117 m
JMA reported that very small events occurred at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) on 14 and 18 December, and at Showa Crater on 16 December. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Cleveland
| Chuginadak Island (USA)
| 52.825°N, 169.944°W
| Elevation 1730 m
AVO reported that a small explosion at Cleveland was detected in seismic and infrasound data at 1817 on 17 December; no eruption plume was visible in satellite observations, though conditions were cloudy. 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 13-19 December ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, ENE, and E.
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 during 8-9 and 11 December generated ash plumes that rose as high as 2.3 km (7,500 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Fuego
| Guatemala
| 14.473°N, 90.88°W
| Elevation 3763 m
INSIVUMEH reported that activity at Fuego increased on 14 December. Vulcanian explosions generated ash plumes that rose 1.7 km above the crater and drifted 15 km NW, N, and NE. Ashfall was reported in San Miguel Dueñas, Alotenango (8 km ENE), and Ciudad Vieja (13.5 km NE). Explosions caused rumbling noises and shock waves that rattled nearby structures. The high level of activity continued during 14-15 December with 5-8 explosions per hour causing shock waves and rumbling. Ash plumes rose 1.2 km and drifted 20 km W and SW, and incandescent material was ejected 200-250 m above the crater. Ash fell in Panimaché I (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), and El Porvenir. Explosions occurred at a rate of 4-6 per hour during 16-19 December, and weak shock waves were generated. Ash plumes rose as high as 1 km and drifted 12-15 km W and SW, causing ashfall in areas downwind including Panimaché I and II, Morelia, Santa Sofia, Sangre de Cristo, Palo Verde farm, and Yepocapa. Incandescent material was ejected 150-200 m above the crater.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Karymsky
| Eastern Kamchatka (Russia)
| 54.049°N, 159.443°E
| Elevation 1513 m
KVERT reported that an ash plume from Karymsky was identified in satellite data drifting 50 km E on 14 December. The Aviation Color Code was raised to 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 13-19 December HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. 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. Surface lava flows were active above and on the pali, and on the coastal plain.
Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)
Lopevi
| Vanuatu
| 16.507°S, 168.346°E
| Elevation 1413 m
The Wellington VAAC noted that on 20 December a low-level eruption plume from Lopevi was visible in satellite and webcam images drifting NW at an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l.
Source: Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Reventador
| Ecuador
| 0.077°S, 77.656°W
| Elevation 3562 m
IG reported that on most days during 12-19 December gas, steam, and ash plumes rose 600 m above Reventador’s summit vent and drifted in multiple directions; weather clouds sometimes prevented visual observations. Crater incandescence was often visible, and blocks rolled as far as 600 m down the flanks. The Alert Level remained at Orange.
Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG)
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 decreased compared to the previous week; there was an average of 55 explosions recorded per day during 11-17 December. Seismicity was dominated by long-period events, with signals indicating emissions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted 50 km NW, W, and SW. The MIROVA system detected six thermal anomalies. The sulfur dioxide flux was high, at 2,200 tons per day on 15 December. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius.
Sources: Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET), Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
Sheveluch
| Central Kamchatka (Russia)
| 56.653°N, 161.36°E
| Elevation 3283 m
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 8, 11, and 13-14 December. 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, satellite and webcam images, and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-19 December ash plumes from Sinabung rose 4-5.5 km (13,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ENE, ESE, SE, and S. PVMBG noted that avalanches of hot material traveled as far as 3.5 km S, SE, ESE, and E.
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
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 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.
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