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Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

Weekly Volcanic Activity Map

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 22 April-28 April 2020
Name Country Volcanic Province Eruption Start Date Report Status
Karymsky Russia Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc New
Krakatau Indonesia Sunda Volcanic Arc New
Aira Japan Ryukyu Volcanic Arc 2017 Mar 25 Continuing
Dukono Indonesia Halmahera Volcanic Arc 1933 Aug 13 Continuing
Ebeko Russia Kuril Volcanic Arc 2022 Jun 11 Continuing
Fuego Guatemala Central America Volcanic Arc 2002 Jan 4 Continuing
Irazu Costa Rica Central America Volcanic Arc Continuing
Klyuchevskoy Russia Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc Continuing
Nevado del Ruiz Colombia Andean Northern Volcanic Arc 2014 Nov 18 Continuing
Pacaya Guatemala Central America Volcanic Arc Continuing
Reventador Ecuador Andean Northern Volcanic Arc 2008 Jul 27 Continuing
Rincon de la Vieja Costa Rica Central America Volcanic Arc 2021 Jun 28 Continuing
Santa Maria Guatemala Central America Volcanic Arc 1922 Jun 22 Continuing
Semeru Indonesia Sunda Volcanic Arc 2017 Jun 6 Continuing
Sheveluch Russia Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc 1999 Aug 15 Continuing
Suwanosejima Japan Ryukyu Volcanic Arc 2004 Oct 23 Continuing
All times are local unless otherwise stated.
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.

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Agung Cotopaxi Iliamna Little Sitkin Planchon-Peteroa Stromboli
Ahyi Cuicocha Iliwerung Llaima Poas Sulu Range
Aira Cumbal Inielika Lokon-Empung Popocatepetl Sumbing
Akan Dabbahu Ioto Lonquimay Purace Sumisujima
Alaid Davidof Irazu Lopevi Puyehue-Cordon Caulle Sundoro
Alu-Dalafilla Dempo Iya Machin Rabaul Suoh
Ambae Descabezado Grande Izu-Torishima Makushin Raikoke Suretamatai
Ambang Dieng Volcanic Complex Jackson Segment Maly Semyachik Ranakah Suwanosejima
Ambrym Dukono Kaba Manam Raoul Island Taal
Anatahan East Epi Kadovar Manda Hararo Rasshua Tair, Jebel at
Aniakchak Ebeko Kaitoku Seamount Marapi Raung Takawangha
Antillanca Volcanic Complex Ebulobo Kama'ehuakanaloa Maroa Redoubt Talang
Antuco Edgecumbe Kambalny Martin Reventador Tambora
Apoyeque Egon Kanaga Masaya Reykjanes Tanaga
Arenal Ekarma Kanlaon Matthew Island Rincon de la Vieja Tandikat-Singgalang
Asamayama Eldey Karangetang Maule, Laguna del Rinjani Tangkoko-Duasudara
Askja Erebus Karkar Mauna Loa Ritter Island Tangkuban Parahu
Asosan Erta Ale Karthala Mayon Rotorua Tara, Batu
Atka Volcanic Complex Etna Karymsky McDonald Islands Ruang Ta'u
Augustine Etorofu-Yakeyama [Grozny Group] Kasatochi Melebingoy Ruapehu Taupo
Avachinsky Eyjafjallajokull Katla Melimoyu Ruby Telica
Awu Fagradalsfjall Katmai Merapi Ruiz, Nevado del Tenerife
Axial Seamount Fernandina Kavachi Midagahara Sabancaya Tengger Caldera
Azul, Cerro Fogo Kelimutu Misti, El Sakar Three Sisters
Azumayama Fonualei Kelud Miyakejima Salak Tinakula
Bagana Fournaise, Piton de la Kerinci Momotombo San Cristobal Tofua
Balbi Fourpeaked Ketoi Monowai San Miguel Tokachidake
Bamus Fuego Kharimkotan Montagu Island San Vicente Tolbachik
Banda Api Fujisan Kick 'em Jenny Moyorodake [Medvezhia] Sangay Toliman
Bardarbunga Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba Kie Besi Mutnovsky Sangeang Api Tongariro
Barren Island Galeras Kikai Myojinsho Santa Ana Trident
Batur Galunggung Kilauea Nabro Santa Maria Tungurahua
Bezymianny Gamalama Kirishimayama Negra, Sierra Sao Jorge Turrialba
Bogoslof Gamkonora Kita-Ioto Negro, Cerro Sarigan Ubinas
Brava Gareloi Kizimen Nightingale Island Sarychev Peak Ugashik-Peulik
Bristol Island Gaua Klyuchevskoy Nishinoshima Saunders Ukinrek Maars
Bulusan Gorely Kolokol Group Nisyros Savo Ulawun
Calbuco Great Sitkin Koryaksky Novarupta Semeru Unnamed
Callaqui Grimsvotn Krakatau NW Rota-1 Semisopochnoi Unnamed
Cameroon Guagua Pichincha Krummel-Garbuna-Welcker Nyamulagira Seulawah Agam Veniaminof
Campi Flegrei Guallatiri Krysuvik-Trolladyngja Nyiragongo Sheveluch Villarrica
Campi Flegrei del Mar di Sicilia Guntur Kuchinoerabujima Ofu-Olosega Shishaldin Vulcano
Cayambe Hachijojima Kurikomayama Okataina Simbo West Mata
Chachadake [Tiatia] Hakoneyama Kusatsu-Shiranesan Okmok Sinabung Westdahl
Chaiten Heard Kverkfjoll Ontakesan Sinarka Whakaari/White Island
Chiginagak Hekla La Palma Oraefajokull Siple Witori
Chikurachki Helgrindur Lamington Osorno Sirung Wolf
Chiles-Cerro Negro Hierro Lamongan Pacaya Slamet Wrangell
Chillan, Nevados de Hokkaido-Komagatake Langila Pagan Snaefellsjokull Yakedake
Chirinkotan Home Reef Lanin Palena Volcanic Group Soputan Yasur
Chirpoi Hood Lascar Paluweh Sorikmarapi Yellowstone
Ciremai Huaynaputina Late Panarea Sotara Yufu-Tsurumi
Cleveland Hudson, Cerro Lateiki Papandayan Soufriere Hills Zaozan [Zaosan]
Colima Huila, Nevado del Lengai, Ol Doinyo Pavlof Soufriere St. Vincent Zavodovski
Colo Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Leroboleng Pelee South Sarigan Seamount Zhupanovsky
Concepcion Ibu Lewotobi Peuet Sague Spurr Zubair Group
Copahue Ijen Lewotolok Pinatubo St. Helens
 News Feeds and Google Placemarks


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The RSS (Really Simple Syndication) 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. At the end of each report is a list of the sources used. 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. This feature was first made available on 5 March 2008.



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A Google Earth network link for the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 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 profile page and to the complete Weekly Report for that week. This feature was first made available on 1 April 2009.

 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.

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)

Report for Karymsky
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was identified in satellite images on 17 and 21 April; gas-and-steam plumes containing some ash drifted 80 km SE on those same days. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Report for Krakatau
PVMBG reported that during 21-28 April weather conditions around Anak Krakatau often prevented visual observations, though white plumes were sometimes seen rising 25-50 m high. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km-radius hazard zone from the crater.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Report for Aira
JMA reported that during 20-27 April incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was visible nightly. The seismic network recorded 11 eruptive events and five explosions. Ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and blocks were ejected as far as 1.1 km away from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Report for Dukono
Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-28 April ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Report for Ebeko
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Ebeko was identified in satellite images on 18 and 20 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Report for Fuego
INSIVUMEH reported that lava began to descend Fuego’s Ceniza (SSW) drainage on 19 April. The rate of effusion increased in the evening of 23 April and observatory staff saw a second lava flow in the Seca (W) drainage that was 170 m long. On 24 April satellite data confirmed thermal anomalies from both lava flows. The main part of the lava flow in the Ceniza was 200 m long, but prodced incandescent blocks from the end of the flow traveled an additional 240 m, reaching vegetated areas. Incandescent blocks from the end of the flow in the Seca drainage traveled 520 m. Explosions at the summit crater generated shock waves and ash plumes that rose almost 1.2 km above the crater. Avalanches of blocks from these explosions traveled up to 1 km down all flanks.

There were 5-12 explosions per hour recorded during 22-28 April, generating ash plumes as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim that generally drifted 10-15 km W and SW. Ashfall was reported in several areas downwind including Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), and Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW). The two lava flows continued to be active during 25-28 April; the flow in the Ceniza drainage did not advance past 200 m and the flow in the Seca drainage had extended to 800 m long. The ends of the lava flows continued to generate blocks that reached vegetated areas.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Report for Irazu
OVSICORI-UNA reported that on 21 April scientists confirmed that the lake in Irazú’s crater was gone and noted continuous intra-crater landslides from unstable parts of the crater.
Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)
Report for Klyuchevskoy
KVERT reported that Strombolian activity at Klyuchevskoy was visible during 17-24 April along with a bright thermal anomaly identified in satellite images. Gas-and-steam plumes with some ash rose to 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 470 km E. A lava flow began to descend the SE flank in the Apakhonchich drainage at 0607 on 19 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Report for Nevado del Ruiz
On 28 April Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that small ash-and-gas emissions from Nevado del Ruiz were periodically visible in webcam images and observed by Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados officials during the previous week. These emissions drifted WSW and NW. A gas-and-steam plume rose 1.2 km above the crater rim on 21 April. The Alert Level remained at 3 (Yellow; the second lowest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)
Report for Pacaya
INSIVUMEH reported that during 22-28 April Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 100 m above the crater rim. Lava flows were active during 26-27 April, traveling about 150 m SW. Seismicity increased at 2140 on 27 April, and a lava flow on the SW flank lengthened to 400 m. Later investigation of a linear “fuming area” on the NE flank identified a forest fire as the cause.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Report for Reventador
IG reported that during 21-28 April seismic data from Reventador’s network indicated a high level of seismic activity, including explosions, long-period earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions. Gas, steam, and ash emissions were observed almost daily, though cloudy weather sometimes prevented views of the volcano; IG and the Washington VAAC reported gas-and-ash emissions rising as high as 1.3 km above the crater rim and drifting W, NW, N, and NE. Incandescent blocks rolled 500-800 m down the flanks in all directions during 21-24 and 26-27 April.
Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)
Report for Rincon de la Vieja
OVSICORI-UNA reported periodic phreatic explosions at Rincón de la Vieja during 22-28 April. At 0535 on 22 April a phreatic event was recorded by the seismic network; weather conditions prevented good visual observations, though a steam plume was seen rising 1.5 km above the crater rim. There were five events recorded by the seismic network during the morning of 24 April, with most producing steam-and-gas plumes that rose 300-500 m above the crater rim. The largest event, recorded at 1020, ejected water and solid material 300 m above the crater rim and a steam plume that rose 1 km. An event at 1547 on 26 April ejected sediment 200 m above the rim and plumes 300 m above the rim. A plume with no ash rose 1 km at 1720 on 27 April.
Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)
Report for Santa Maria
INSIVUMEH reported that explosions at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex generated ash plumes that rose 800-900 m above the crater and drifted as far as 1.2 km NW, W, and SW. Avalanches of blocks descended the S, SE, and E flanks of Caliente cone. Ashfall was recorded in areas downwind including Loma Linda, San Marcos Palajunoj, and La Florida and Santa Marta fincas.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)
Report for Semeru
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 22-28 April. Eruptive events produced dense gray ash plumes that rose as high as 500 m above the summit. Lava blocks traveled 300 m from the ends of lava flows in the Kembar drainage. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded to stay outside of the general 1-km radius from the summit and 4 km on the SSE flank.
Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Report for Sheveluch
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 17-24 April, and a plume of re-suspended ash drifted 140 km NE on 18 and 20 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Report for Suwanosejima
JMA reported that during 17-24 April incandescence from Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly. Small eruptions occasionally occurred, along with an explosion on 24 April, producing gray-white plumes that rose as high as 600 m above the crater rim and ejected material as far as 600 m from the crater. Rumbling sounds were noted in a village 4 km SSW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)