Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

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 2 February-8 February 2022
Name	Location	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Ambrym	Vanuatu	—	New
Chikurachki	Paramushir Island (Russia)	—	New
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai	Tonga Ridge	—	New
Krakatau	Sunda Strait	—	New
Taal	Luzon (Philippines)	2024 Apr 12	New
Villarrica	Central Chile	2014 Dec 2 ± 7 days	New
Wolf	Isla Isabela (Galapagos)	—	New
Aira	Kyushu (Japan)	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Ambae	Vanuatu	—	Continuing
Davidof	Aleutian Islands (USA)	—	Continuing
Etna	Sicily (Italy)	2022 Nov 27	Continuing
Great Sitkin	Andreanof Islands (USA)	2021 May 25	Continuing
Kilauea	Hawaiian Islands (USA)	—	Continuing
Lewotolok	Lembata Island	2020 Nov 27	Continuing
Merapi	Central Java	2020 Dec 31	Continuing
Pavlof	Alaska Peninsula, Alaska	—	Continuing
Popocatepetl	Mexico	2005 Jan 9	Continuing
Rincon de la Vieja	Costa Rica	2021 Jun 28	Continuing
Sangay	Ecuador	2019 Mar 26	Continuing
Santa Maria	Southwestern Guatemala	1922 Jun 22	Continuing
Semeru	Eastern Java	2017 Jun 6	Continuing
Semisopochnoi	Aleutian Islands (USA)	—	Continuing
Sheveluch	Central Kamchatka (Russia)	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Suwanosejima	Ryukyu Islands (Japan)	2004 Oct 23	Continuing
Turrialba	Costa Rica	—	Continuing
Yasur	Vanuatu	1270 ± 110 years	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Ambrym | 2 February-8 February 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ambrym
Vanuatu

On 2 February the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that sulfur dioxide gas emissions from Ambrym were detected in satellite images drifting E. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). VMGD warned the public to stay outside of the Permanent Danger Zone A, defined as a 1-km radius around Benbow Crater and a 2-km radius around Marum Crater, and additionally to stay 500 m away from the ground cracks created by the December 2018 eruption.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

Chikurachki | 2 February-8 February 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Chikurachki
Paramushir Island (Russia)

KVERT reported that the eruption at Chikurachki that began around 0300 on 31 January was over by 2 February. Explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 255 km W, SW, S, and SE. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow on 3 February and to Green on 5 February, the lowest color on a four-color scale.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai | 2 February-8 February 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai
Tonga Ridge

On 4 February the Tonga Geological Services (TGS) posted drone footage of the Good Samaritan Beach, located on the NE side of Tongatapu, showing that tsunamis from the 15 January Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption reached areas at 15 m elevation, 200 m inland. A 6 February post provided details of what happened when tsunamis reached Mango Island (75 km ENE), stating that waves 12 m high went over the church tower, reached 500 m inland, and pushed buildings and structures against the inland wall of trees. Residents fled to an area that was 30 m elevation, 700 m from the coast, and stayed there all night as ash fell. TGS noted that clean-up efforts were continuing on the islands and communications were slowly being restored.

Source: Tonga Geological Services, Government of Tonga

Krakatau | 2 February-8 February 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Krakatau
Sunda Strait

PVMBG reported that as many as 10 eruptive events at Anak Krakatau were recorded during 3-5 February, with dense, gray-black ash plumes rising 800-1,000 m above the vent and drifting N, NE, E, and S. Ash emissions were first visible at 1000 on 3 February, and incandescence above the crater was observed at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Taal | 2 February-8 February 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Taal
Luzon (Philippines)

PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 1-8 February, with persistent low-level background tremor, hot volcanic fluids circulating in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes rising as high as 1.5 km above the lake that drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 7,008-7,902 tonnes/day on 2 and 4 February.

Each day during 1-3 February the seismic network recorded as many as 152 volcanic earthquakes, 114 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes per day, five hybrid events, and 33 daily episodes of volcanic tremor each lasting 1-2 minutes. One short-lived (two minutes) phreatomagmatic burst recorded at 1555 on 2 February produced a plume that rose 300 m from the lake and drifted SW. Two low-frequency earthquakes were noted during 3-4 February and one volcanic earthquake was recorded during 7-8 February. Tilt, continuous GPS, and InSAR data all indicated that Taal Volcano Island and the Taal region had begun deflating in October 2021. The Volcano Alert Level remained at a 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and warned against extended stays on Taal Lake.

Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)

Villarrica | 2 February-8 February 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Villarrica
Central Chile

The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that an ash plume from Villarrica rose 2.7-4.6 km (9,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E at 1050 on 2 February based on webcam images and information from SERNAGEOMIN. By 1130 the ash plume was barely visible in satellite images. Webcam images showed continuous emissions of gas with sporadic puffs of ash that rose as high as 4.9 km (16,000 ft) a.s.l. The puffs of ash were diffuse by 1730, and by 2330 no emissions were visible in webcam and satellite images.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Wolf | 2 February-8 February 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Wolf
Isla Isabela (Galapagos)

IG reported that the eruption at Wolf continued during 1-8 February. Daily thermal alert counts, anywhere from a few to well over two hundred, indicated active and advancing lava flows on the SE flank. Gas emissions were identified in satellite images on most days.

Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Aira | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Kyushu (Japan)

JMA reported that very small eruptive events were recorded at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 31 January-4 February. Ejected incandescent material was visible at night during 4-7 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and residents were warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Ambae | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ambae
Vanuatu

On 5 February the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that the cone in Ambae’s Lake Voui continued to grow and produce steam, gas, and ash emissions. Images from two webcams (in Saratamata, Ambae Island and in Enar, Pentecost Island) showed the plumes rising above the summit and drifting S and SE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and the public was warned to stay outside of the Danger Zone defined as a 2-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui and away from drainages during heavy rains.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

Davidof | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Davidof
Aleutian Islands (USA)

An earthquake swarm, either related to tectonic processes or volcanic unrest, began in the vicinity of Davidof on 24 January. The swarm continued at low levels during 1-8 February with daily small earthquakes. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Etna | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Etna
Sicily (Italy)

INGV reported that sporadic explosive activity at Etna’s Southeast Crater (SEC) resumed at 0115 on 30 January, producing diffuse ash emissions that rapidly dispersed near the summit, and weak Strombolian activity was visible the next day. Webcam views were intermittent due to weather clouds the next day, but by the morning of 2 February all activity had definitely stopped. Minor and variable gas emissions rose from the Northeast Crater, Bocca Nuova, and Voragine Crater.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Great Sitkin | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Great Sitkin
Andreanof Islands (USA)

AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 2-8 February, though cloudy conditions often prevented satellite and webcam views. Seismicity remained slightly elevated. The flow field expanded with up to 100 m of advancement of the S, W, and N flank lava flows. Elevated surface temperatures were periodically identified in satellite images. A steam plume was visible in webcam images during 5-6 February. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Kilauea | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian Islands (USA)

HVO reported that lava effusion at the vent of the main cone in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued during 2-8 February. The lake level fluctuated, likely reflecting variable lava supply along with periods of inflation and deflation. A small spatter cone, less than 6 m tall, located near the E end of the crater produced lava fountains that were 10 m tall in the evening of 1 February. The fountains fed a short flow confined to the E margin of the crater. Effusion from the W vent paused during around 0900-1730 on 2 February. During the rest of the week the effusion rate fluctuated; the lake continued to circulate, although less when the effusion rate was lower. Multiple ooze-outs of lava along the N, E, and S margins of the crater were visible. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Lewotolok | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Lewotolok
Lembata Island

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 1-7 February, though weather conditions sometimes prevented visual confirmation. Rumbling and weak banging noises were heard throughout the week. Crater incandescence from active lava effusion was periodically observed. White, gray, and black ash plumes rose 100-400 m above the summit during 3-4 and 6-8 February. Incandescent material was ejected 300 m SE during 7-8 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the summit crater and 4 km away from the crater on the SE flank.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Merapi | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Merapi
Central Java

BPPTKG reported no significant morphological changes at Merapi’s lava domes, located just below the SW rim and in the summit crater, during 28 January-3 February. Seismicity remained at high levels and earthquakes were more intense than the previous week. In the SW-flank Bebeng drainage there were as many as 133 lava avalanches that traveled a maximum of 2 km and two pyroclastic flows that extended 2-2.5 km; one lava avalanche also went 300 m NW. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3-5 km away from the summit based on location.

Source: Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG)

Pavlof | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Pavlof
Alaska Peninsula, Alaska

AVO reported that the eruption at Pavlof was ongoing during 1-8 February with lava effusion on the upper SE flank feeding a branching flow on the E flank. Seismicity was elevated with periods of tremor and elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images; both were consistent was continuing lava effusion. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Popocatepetl | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Popocatepetl
Mexico

CENAPRED reported that each day during 1-8 February there were 25-77 steam-and-gas emissions with diffuse ash rising from Popocatépetl and drifting ENE. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (the middle level on a three-color scale).

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Rincon de la Vieja | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Rincon de la Vieja
Costa Rica

OVSICORI-UNA reported that an eruption at Rincón de la Vieja was recorded at 1853 on 2 February. No plumes were visible due to weather conditions.

Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)

Sangay | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sangay
Ecuador

IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 2-7 February, and seismicity was characterized by daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions. Weather clouds and rain often prevented visual and webcam observations of the volcano, though almost daily ash-and-gas plumes were identified in satellite images by the Washington VAAC or in webcam views; plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the volcano and drifted in multiple directions. Multiple daily thermal anomalies over the volcano were visible in satellite data. Several ash emissions were observed in satellite images on 8February; at 0430 an ash plume rose more than 7 km above the summit, the highest a plume had risen since the current eruption started in 2019. Ashfall was reported in areas to the NW, in the provinces of Chimborazo and Bolivar.

Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Santa Maria | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Santa Maria
Southwestern Guatemala

INSIVUMEH reported that activity at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex had increased on 29 January and remained elevated. Block-and-ash flows on 3 February descended the W and SW flanks and generated ash clouds that rose 600-800 m high and drifted W and NW. Ashfall was reported in San Martin Sacatepéquez (11 km NW), Llanos del Pinal (6 km NNE), Xecaracoj (7 km NNE), Loma Linda (6 km WSW), and El Palmar (12 km SSW), all in the department of Quetzaltenango. The report noted that during 30 January-3 February a total of 20 pyroclastic flows had traveled 1-3 km down the San Isidro drainage. Block-and-ash flows descended the W, SW, and NE flanks during 3-4 February. A lahar descended the San Isidro River, a SSW-flank tributary of the Tambor River, on 8 February.

Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH), Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED)

Semeru | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semeru
Eastern Java

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 1-8 February, though weather conditions often prevented visual confirmation. Crater incandescence was visible during 1-2 and 7-8 February. White steam-and-gas plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim during 2-3 February. Eruptive events produced gray-to-white ash plumes that rose 300-700 m during 2-4 and 7-8 February. The active lava flow on the SE flank was 3.5 km long; avalanches from the end of the flow traveled 100-200 m down the drainage during 7-8 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 500 m away from Kobokan drainages within 17 km of the summit, along with other drainages originating on Semeru, including the Bang, Kembar, and Sat, due to lahar, avalanche, and pyroclastic flow hazards.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Semisopochnoi | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semisopochnoi
Aleutian Islands (USA)

AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi's North Cerberus cone continued during 1-8 February. Seismicity was elevated, and explosions were occasionally detected in both seismic and infrasound data during 4-8 February. Steam and low-level ash emissions likely occurred daily, though due to weather clouds they were only confirmed in satellite and webcam images during 1-2 and 5-8 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Sheveluch | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Central Kamchatka (Russia)

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 28 January-4 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Suwanosejima | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Islands (Japan)

JMA reported that volcanic plumes from Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater rose as high as 2.2 km above the crater rim during 31 January-7 February. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 3 and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Turrialba | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Turrialba
Costa Rica

OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 1259 on 6 February a small phreatic eruption at Turrialba’s Cráter Oeste produced an ash plume that rose 100 m above the crater rim. A thermal anomaly from the floor of Cráter Oeste was identified in satellite images on 4 February. The anomaly was last seen in the same location on 25 January, and twice in 2021, during clear weather conditions; the location of the anomaly was the same in those images since March 2021, and likely represented a hot crack venting on the crater floor. Two incandescent points in the crater were visible in overnight webcam images during 7-8 February.

Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)

Yasur | 2 February-8 February 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Yasur
Vanuatu

On 2 February the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that sulfur dioxide gas emissions from Yasur’s active lava lake were detected drifting NW in satellite images. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-4) and the public was reminded not to enter the restricted area within 600 m around the cone, defined by Danger Zone A on the hazard map.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

Weekly Reports Archive

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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.

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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 Ambrym
On 2 February the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that sulfur dioxide gas emissions from Ambrym were detected in satellite images drifting E. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). VMGD warned the public to stay outside of the Permanent Danger Zone A, defined as a 1-km radius around Benbow Crater and a 2-km radius around Marum Crater, and additionally to stay 500 m away from the ground cracks created by the December 2018 eruption.
Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

Report for Chikurachki
KVERT reported that the eruption at Chikurachki that began around 0300 on 31 January was over by 2 February. Explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 255 km W, SW, S, and SE. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow on 3 February and to Green on 5 February, the lowest color on a four-color scale.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Report for Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai
On 4 February the Tonga Geological Services (TGS) posted drone footage of the Good Samaritan Beach, located on the NE side of Tongatapu, showing that tsunamis from the 15 January Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption reached areas at 15 m elevation, 200 m inland. A 6 February post provided details of what happened when tsunamis reached Mango Island (75 km ENE), stating that waves 12 m high went over the church tower, reached 500 m inland, and pushed buildings and structures against the inland wall of trees. Residents fled to an area that was 30 m elevation, 700 m from the coast, and stayed there all night as ash fell. TGS noted that clean-up efforts were continuing on the islands and communications were slowly being restored.
Source: Tonga Geological Services, Government of Tonga

Report for Krakatau
PVMBG reported that as many as 10 eruptive events at Anak Krakatau were recorded during 3-5 February, with dense, gray-black ash plumes rising 800-1,000 m above the vent and drifting N, NE, E, and S. Ash emissions were first visible at 1000 on 3 February, and incandescence above the crater was observed at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the crater.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Report for Taal
PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 1-8 February, with persistent low-level background tremor, hot volcanic fluids circulating in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes rising as high as 1.5 km above the lake that drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 7,008-7,902 tonnes/day on 2 and 4 February.

Each day during 1-3 February the seismic network recorded as many as 152 volcanic earthquakes, 114 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes per day, five hybrid events, and 33 daily episodes of volcanic tremor each lasting 1-2 minutes. One short-lived (two minutes) phreatomagmatic burst recorded at 1555 on 2 February produced a plume that rose 300 m from the lake and drifted SW. Two low-frequency earthquakes were noted during 3-4 February and one volcanic earthquake was recorded during 7-8 February. Tilt, continuous GPS, and InSAR data all indicated that Taal Volcano Island and the Taal region had begun deflating in October 2021. The Volcano Alert Level remained at a 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and warned against extended stays on Taal Lake.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)

Report for Villarrica
The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that an ash plume from Villarrica rose 2.7-4.6 km (9,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E at 1050 on 2 February based on webcam images and information from SERNAGEOMIN. By 1130 the ash plume was barely visible in satellite images. Webcam images showed continuous emissions of gas with sporadic puffs of ash that rose as high as 4.9 km (16,000 ft) a.s.l. The puffs of ash were diffuse by 1730, and by 2330 no emissions were visible in webcam and satellite images.
Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Report for Wolf
IG reported that the eruption at Wolf continued during 1-8 February. Daily thermal alert counts, anywhere from a few to well over two hundred, indicated active and advancing lava flows on the SE flank. Gas emissions were identified in satellite images on most days.
Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Report for Aira
JMA reported that very small eruptive events were recorded at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 31 January-4 February. Ejected incandescent material was visible at night during 4-7 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and residents were warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Report for Ambae
On 5 February the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that the cone in Ambae’s Lake Voui continued to grow and produce steam, gas, and ash emissions. Images from two webcams (in Saratamata, Ambae Island and in Enar, Pentecost Island) showed the plumes rising above the summit and drifting S and SE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and the public was warned to stay outside of the Danger Zone defined as a 2-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui and away from drainages during heavy rains.
Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

Report for Davidof
An earthquake swarm, either related to tectonic processes or volcanic unrest, began in the vicinity of Davidof on 24 January. The swarm continued at low levels during 1-8 February with daily small earthquakes. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Report for Etna
INGV reported that sporadic explosive activity at Etna’s Southeast Crater (SEC) resumed at 0115 on 30 January, producing diffuse ash emissions that rapidly dispersed near the summit, and weak Strombolian activity was visible the next day. Webcam views were intermittent due to weather clouds the next day, but by the morning of 2 February all activity had definitely stopped. Minor and variable gas emissions rose from the Northeast Crater, Bocca Nuova, and Voragine Crater.
Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Report for Great Sitkin
AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 2-8 February, though cloudy conditions often prevented satellite and webcam views. Seismicity remained slightly elevated. The flow field expanded with up to 100 m of advancement of the S, W, and N flank lava flows. Elevated surface temperatures were periodically identified in satellite images. A steam plume was visible in webcam images during 5-6 February. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Report for Kilauea
HVO reported that lava effusion at the vent of the main cone in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued during 2-8 February. The lake level fluctuated, likely reflecting variable lava supply along with periods of inflation and deflation. A small spatter cone, less than 6 m tall, located near the E end of the crater produced lava fountains that were 10 m tall in the evening of 1 February. The fountains fed a short flow confined to the E margin of the crater. Effusion from the W vent paused during around 0900-1730 on 2 February. During the rest of the week the effusion rate fluctuated; the lake continued to circulate, although less when the effusion rate was lower. Multiple ooze-outs of lava along the N, E, and S margins of the crater were visible. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.
Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Report for Lewotolok
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 1-7 February, though weather conditions sometimes prevented visual confirmation. Rumbling and weak banging noises were heard throughout the week. Crater incandescence from active lava effusion was periodically observed. White, gray, and black ash plumes rose 100-400 m above the summit during 3-4 and 6-8 February. Incandescent material was ejected 300 m SE during 7-8 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the summit crater and 4 km away from the crater on the SE flank.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Report for Merapi
BPPTKG reported no significant morphological changes at Merapi’s lava domes, located just below the SW rim and in the summit crater, during 28 January-3 February. Seismicity remained at high levels and earthquakes were more intense than the previous week. In the SW-flank Bebeng drainage there were as many as 133 lava avalanches that traveled a maximum of 2 km and two pyroclastic flows that extended 2-2.5 km; one lava avalanche also went 300 m NW. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3-5 km away from the summit based on location.
Source: Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG)

Report for Pavlof
AVO reported that the eruption at Pavlof was ongoing during 1-8 February with lava effusion on the upper SE flank feeding a branching flow on the E flank. Seismicity was elevated with periods of tremor and elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images; both were consistent was continuing lava effusion. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Report for Popocatepetl
CENAPRED reported that each day during 1-8 February there were 25-77 steam-and-gas emissions with diffuse ash rising from Popocatépetl and drifting ENE. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (the middle level on a three-color scale).
Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Report for Rincon de la Vieja
OVSICORI-UNA reported that an eruption at Rincón de la Vieja was recorded at 1853 on 2 February. No plumes were visible due to weather conditions.
Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)

Report for Sangay
IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 2-7 February, and seismicity was characterized by daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions. Weather clouds and rain often prevented visual and webcam observations of the volcano, though almost daily ash-and-gas plumes were identified in satellite images by the Washington VAAC or in webcam views; plumes rose as high as 1.5 km above the volcano and drifted in multiple directions. Multiple daily thermal anomalies over the volcano were visible in satellite data. Several ash emissions were observed in satellite images on 8February; at 0430 an ash plume rose more than 7 km above the summit, the highest a plume had risen since the current eruption started in 2019. Ashfall was reported in areas to the NW, in the provinces of Chimborazo and Bolivar.
Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Report for Santa Maria
INSIVUMEH reported that activity at Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex had increased on 29 January and remained elevated. Block-and-ash flows on 3 February descended the W and SW flanks and generated ash clouds that rose 600-800 m high and drifted W and NW. Ashfall was reported in San Martin Sacatepéquez (11 km NW), Llanos del Pinal (6 km NNE), Xecaracoj (7 km NNE), Loma Linda (6 km WSW), and El Palmar (12 km SSW), all in the department of Quetzaltenango. The report noted that during 30 January-3 February a total of 20 pyroclastic flows had traveled 1-3 km down the San Isidro drainage. Block-and-ash flows descended the W, SW, and NE flanks during 3-4 February. A lahar descended the San Isidro River, a SSW-flank tributary of the Tambor River, on 8 February.
Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH), Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED)

Report for Semeru
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 1-8 February, though weather conditions often prevented visual confirmation. Crater incandescence was visible during 1-2 and 7-8 February. White steam-and-gas plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim during 2-3 February. Eruptive events produced gray-to-white ash plumes that rose 300-700 m during 2-4 and 7-8 February. The active lava flow on the SE flank was 3.5 km long; avalanches from the end of the flow traveled 100-200 m down the drainage during 7-8 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 500 m away from Kobokan drainages within 17 km of the summit, along with other drainages originating on Semeru, including the Bang, Kembar, and Sat, due to lahar, avalanche, and pyroclastic flow hazards.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Report for Semisopochnoi
AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi's North Cerberus cone continued during 1-8 February. Seismicity was elevated, and explosions were occasionally detected in both seismic and infrasound data during 4-8 February. Steam and low-level ash emissions likely occurred daily, though due to weather clouds they were only confirmed in satellite and webcam images during 1-2 and 5-8 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Report for Sheveluch
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 28 January-4 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Report for Suwanosejima
JMA reported that volcanic plumes from Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater rose as high as 2.2 km above the crater rim during 31 January-7 February. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 3 and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Report for Turrialba
OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 1259 on 6 February a small phreatic eruption at Turrialba’s Cráter Oeste produced an ash plume that rose 100 m above the crater rim. A thermal anomaly from the floor of Cráter Oeste was identified in satellite images on 4 February. The anomaly was last seen in the same location on 25 January, and twice in 2021, during clear weather conditions; the location of the anomaly was the same in those images since March 2021, and likely represented a hot crack venting on the crater floor. Two incandescent points in the crater were visible in overnight webcam images during 7-8 February.
Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)

Report for Yasur
On 2 February the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that sulfur dioxide gas emissions from Yasur’s active lava lake were detected drifting NW in satellite images. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-4) and the public was reminded not to enter the restricted area within 600 m around the cone, defined by Danger Zone A on the hazard map.
Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)