All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Ambae (Vanuatu) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Ambae Vanuatu Volcanic Arc	Based on satellite and webcam observations, the Wellington VAAC reported that during 4-6 March ash plumes from Ambae rose to altitudes of 3.7-4.6 km (12,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and N. Source: Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Kadovar (Papua New Guinea) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Kadovar Bismarck Volcanic Arc	According to the Darwin VAAC a pilot observed an ash plume from Kadovar on 2 March drifting SE at an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Kirishimayama (Japan) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Kirishimayama Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	JMA reported that volcanic earthquakes at Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak), a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group, increased during 24-25 February. Volcanic tremor began to be recorded at 0815 on 1 March and intensified within a few hours. Residents in Takahara-machi, 12 km E (Miyazaki prefecture), reported ashfall at 1100; poor weather conditions prevented visual observations of the volcano. Later that day a small eruption was confirmed. Ashfall was reported in the Takahara-cho neighborhood, 12 km E (Miyazaki prefecture), around 1615. The eruption was observed at 1707 during an overflight. The sulfur dioxide flux was 5,500 tons/day, but then decreased to 2,200 tons/day on 2 March. During 2-3 March gray ash plumes rose as high as 1 km above the crater, and ash fell in Takahara-cho on 3 March. Ash plumes rose 400 m on 4 March. Explosive events on 6 March generated ash plumes that rose 2.3 km. During an overflight observers noted new lava on the E side of the crater, and plumes rising from both the center of the crater and an area on the N side. Ashfall was confirmed over a wide area from Kirishima prefecture and Kagoshima prefecture to the S, to Miyakonojo city (Miyazaki prefecture) to the E. A high number of volcanic earthquakes continued to be recorded. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-5). Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Kusatsu-Shiranesan (Japan) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Kusatsu-Shiranesan Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc	JMA reported that during 26 February-5 March the number of volcanic earthquakes recorded at the Kusatsu-Shiranesan complex remained elevated. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale). Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Agung (Indonesia) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Agung Sunda Volcanic Arc	PVMBG reported that on 28 February gray-white plumes rose as high as 300 m above Agung’s crater rim. During 1-5 March white plumes rose as high as 500 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the exclusion zone continued at a 4-km radius. Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Aira (Japan) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Aira Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	JMA reported that very small events occurred at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 26 February-5 March, two of which were explosive. An explosive event at 0031 on 27 February ejected tephra as far as 700 m and generated a plume that rose 1.3 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale). Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Bagana (Papua New Guinea) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Bagana Solomon Volcanic Arc	Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 2 March an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Cleveland (United States) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Cleveland Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	AVO reported that elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images of Cleveland during 28 February-3 March. Local seismic and infrasound sensors recorded a small explosion at 0557 on 2 March prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level to Watch. A volcanic cloud rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ENE. A satellite image acquired on 5 March showed no new lava effusion in the crater. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory. Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
Dukono (Indonesia) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Dukono Halmahera Volcanic Arc	Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 28 February, and 1-2 and 4 March, ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Ebeko (Russia) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Ebeko Kuril Volcanic Arc	Based on observations by volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions during 23-25 and 27-28 February generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3.3 km (10,800 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) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Fuego Central America Volcanic Arc	INSIVUMEH reported that explosions at Fuego during 27-28 February and 3-5 March generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km and drifted 10-20 km W, SW, and S. Sometimes the explosions were accompanied by weak shock waves. Incandescent material was ejected as high as 300 m above the crater rim, and generated avalanches of material in the Seca (Santa Teresa, W), Cenizas (SSW), Las Lajas (SE), and Honda (E) ravines. Ash fell in areas downwind including in Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché (8 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), and Finca Palo Verde. Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Kilauea (United States) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Kilauea Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	During 28 February-6 March HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. Webcams recorded incandescence from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of Pu'u 'O'o Crater. Surface lava flows were active above and on the pali. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)
Mayon (Philippines) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Mayon Eastern Philippine Volcanic Arc	PHIVOLCS reported that during 27 February-5 March activity at Mayon was characterized by lava effusion from the summit crater, lava fountains, steam and ash emissions, advancing lava flows on the flanks, and pyroclastic flows. Weak and intermittent lava fountains generated steam and ash plumes that rose as high as 800 m and drifted in multiple directions; rumbling sounds were audible at least within a 10-km radius. Active lava flows extended 3.3 km, 4.5 km, and 1.9 km in the Mi-isi (S), Bonga (SE), and Basud (E) drainages, respectively. During 27 February-5 March pyroclastic flows generated by collapses of lava at the fronts and margins of flows traveled 4-5 km down the flanks. On 6 March PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level to 3 (on a 0-5 scale) noting a decline in the intensity and frequency of events during the previous week. Data from precise leveling surveys and real-time electronic tilt continued to record deflation of the lower flanks that began on 20 February. The report reminded residents to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the SSW and ENE flanks. Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
Pacaya (Guatemala) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Pacaya Central America Volcanic Arc	INSIVUMEH reported that during 27-28 February and 3-5 March Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 20 m above the main cone. Lava flows [advanced to 250 m elevation]. Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Sabancaya (Peru) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Sabancaya Andean Central Volcanic Arc	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 12 explosions recorded per day during 26 February-4 March. Seismicity was dominated by long-period events, with signals indicating emissions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 2 km above the crater rim and drifted 30 km NW, W, and SW. The sulfur dioxide flux was high, at 2,440 tons per day on 3 March. The report noted that the public should not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius. Sources: Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET), Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)
San Miguel (El Salvador) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
San Miguel Central America Volcanic Arc	On 2 March SNET reported that gas plumes rose as high as 400 m above San Miguel’s crater rim during the previous week. Ash was in the emissions on 24, 26, and 28 February, and 1 March. RSAM values fluctuated between 70 and 179 units (normal values are 50-150 units) during 1-2 March. At 2200 on 5 March seismic amplitude began to increase, with RSAM values rising to 318 units by 0600 on 6 March. A webcam recorded minor gas emission during 5-6 March. Source: Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET)
Santa Maria (Guatemala) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Santa Maria Central America Volcanic Arc	INSIVUMEH reported that explosions at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex, detected by the seismic network during 27-28 February and 3-5 March, generated ash plumes that rose as high as 700 m and drifted S and SW. Avalanches of material descended the SE flank of the lava dome. Ash fell locally on the flanks and in San José. Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Sheveluch (Russia) | 28 February-6 March 2018 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Sheveluch Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images on 26 February and 1 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

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.

Some of the documents on this server may contain live references (or pointers) to information created and maintained by other organizations. Please note that USGS does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of these outside materials.

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)