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 25 January-31 January 2023
Name	Location	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Asosan	Kyushu (Japan)	—	New
Chikurachki	Paramushir Island (Russia)	—	New
East Epi	Vanuatu	—	New
Erta Ale	Ethiopia	1967 Jul 2 (in or before) ± 182 days	New
Lascar	Northern Chile	—	New
Myojinsho	Izu Islands	—	New
Nishinoshima	Izu Islands	—	New
Ahyi	Mariana Islands (USA)	2024 Jan 1	Continuing
Aira	Kyushu (Japan)	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	—	Continuing
Ebeko	Paramushir Island (Russia)	2022 Jun 11	Continuing
Etna	Sicily (Italy)	2022 Nov 27	Continuing
Great Sitkin	Andreanof Islands (USA)	2021 May 25	Continuing
Kaitoku Seamount	Volcano Islands (Japan)	—	Continuing
Kilauea	Hawaiian Islands (USA)	—	Continuing
Krakatau	Sunda Strait	—	Continuing
Lewotolok	Lembata Island	2020 Nov 27	Continuing
Merapi	Central Java	2020 Dec 31	Continuing
Popocatepetl	Mexico	2005 Jan 9	Continuing
Sabancaya	Peru	2016 Nov 6	Continuing
Semeru	Eastern Java	2017 Jun 6	Continuing
Semisopochnoi	Aleutian Islands (USA)	—	Continuing
Sheveluch	Central Kamchatka (Russia)	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Stromboli	Aeolian Islands (Italy)	1934 Feb 2	Continuing
Suwanosejima	Ryukyu Islands (Japan)	2004 Oct 23	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Asosan | 25 January-31 January 2023 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Asosan
Kyushu (Japan)

JMA reported that the amplitude of volcanic tremor signals at Asosan increased at around 1200 on 30 January and then increased again around 1220 and remained high. At 1330 JMA raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) and warned the public to stay at least 1 km away from the crater. White plumes were visible rising 300 m above the crater rim.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Chikurachki | 25 January-31 January 2023 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Chikurachki
Paramushir Island (Russia)

KVERT reported that an explosive eruption at Chikurachki likely began at 0630 on 29 January. Ash plumes rose to as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km SE based on satellite data. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). At 1406 and 1720 ash plumes were identified in satellite images rising to 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 70 km E. Ash plumes had dissipated by 2320.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

East Epi | 25 January-31 January 2023 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

East Epi
Vanuatu

The Wellington VAAC reported that a low-level plume of ash and sulfur dioxide from a new eruption at Epi was identified in satellite data at 0730 on 31 January. According to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) residents saw steaming at the ocean’s surface in the area over the vents at around 0748, and phreatic explosions that ejected steam and tephra 100 m above the water. The Alert Level was raised to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) and the public was warned to stay 10 km away from the East Epi submarine volcano. Observers reportedly saw a growing cone from ongoing ash emissions. The VAAC noted that the eruption was short-lived and had ceased by 1548; the ash had dissipated.

Three submarine cones, Epi A, Epi B, and Epi C, and smaller cones and craters, are located 10-16 km NNE from the summit of Epi Island and are aligned along the N rim of an inferred caldera. Epi B is the shallowest of the seamounts and has been historically active, most recently in February 2004. A March 2004 bathymetric survey revealed that Epi B was about 300 m tall, with a diameter of about 1.8 km at the base. The summit crater was about 150 m in diameter and the crater floor was at a depth of 90 m. The highest point was on the NW rim of the summit crater, at a depth of 34 m.

Sources: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD), Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Erta Ale | 25 January-31 January 2023 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Erta Ale
Ethiopia

Small thermal anomalies in both of Erta Ale’s N and S pit craters were identified in satellite images on 23 January. On 28 January the anomaly in the N pit crater was large and intense.

Source: Sentinel Hub

Lascar | 25 January-31 January 2023 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Lascar
Northern Chile

SERNAGEOMIN reported increased seismicity at Láscar on 26 January with long-period (LP) events indicating fluid movement at shallower depths. The Alert Level was raised to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) and SENAPRED warned the public to stay at least 3 km away from the crater. ONEMI declared an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-color scale) for San Pedro de Atacama (70 km NW). A seismic signal at 2259 corresponded to the ejection of incandescent material and the emission of a plume that likely contained tephra and rose almost 1.9 km and drifted NW.

The intensity of LP events significantly increased at 2300 on 27 January and remained at anomalous levels. A series of four LP events were recorded at 0015, 0032, 0043, and 0052 on 28 January and corresponding emissions rose 380 m above the crater rim and drifted NW. An M 3.2 volcano-tectonic earthquake was recorded at 0115 and felt by residents. LP earthquakes continued to be detected, along with tremor and volcano-tectonic events to a lesser extent. Minor crater incandescence was visible and gas plumes rose as high as 760 m. At 0430 the Alert Level was raised to Orange and the restricted zone was increased to 5 km. Elevated levels of seismicity continued to be detected during 28-30 January. Whitish-gray gas plumes possibly containing tephra rose to low heights and minor crater incandescence was occasionally observed. On 31 January SERNAGEOMIN stated that a satellite image from the day before showed a dome-like feature on the crater floor that was 81 m by 93 m in dimension and covered an area of about 5,332 square meters. The exclusion zone was increased to 10 km.

Sources: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN), Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI)

Myojinsho | 25 January-31 January 2023 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Myojinsho
Izu Islands

According to JMA an area of pale yellow-green discolored water with a diameter of about 100 m was visible about 65 km SSE of Myojinsho on 26 January, based on an overflight conducted by the Japan Coast Guard. An eruption warning was issued to mariners. Discolored water was last observed in March 2018.

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Japan Coast Guard

Nishinoshima | 25 January-31 January 2023 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Nishinoshima
Izu Islands

The Japan Coast Guard reported that during an overflight of Nishinoshima on 25 January scientists observed intermittent activity and small, blackish-gray plumes rising 900 m from the central part of the crater. The fumarolic zone on the E flank and base of the cone had expanded and emissions had intensified. Dark brown discolored water was visible all around the volcanic island.

Source: Japan Coast Guard

Ahyi | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ahyi
Mariana Islands (USA)

Unrest at Ahyi Seamount continued during 24-31 January. Pressure sensors on Wake Island, 2,270 km E of Ahyi Seamount, detected a possible explosion signal on 25 January. Plumes of discolored water were identified in satellite images during 27-31 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory (the second lowest level on a four-level scale).

Source: US Geological Survey

Aira | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Kyushu (Japan)

JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 23-30 January and crater incandescence was visible nightly. Two explosions were recorded on 24 January, though weather clouds prevented visual confirmation. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high at 2,800 tons per day on 26 January. An explosion at 2342 on 28 January produced an ash plume that rose 2.2 km above the crater rim and ejected large blocks as far as 700 m from the crater. 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)

Cotopaxi | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Cotopaxi
Ecuador

IG reported that the eruption at Cotopaxi continued during 24-31 January, characterized by almost daily gas-and-steam and ash emissions; inclement weather conditions prevented views of the volcano on 29 January. During 24-25 January steam-and-gas plumes rose to the crater level and drifted W. During 26-27 January gas-and-ash plumes rose less than 1 km above the crater rim and drifted SW and W. Minor ashfall was reported in San Agustín de Callo (18 km WSW), Lima Villacís, Mulaló, Barrancas, Ticatilín and Caspi (20 km WSW), and San Ramon (127 km W). Steam-and-gas emissions rose 600 m and drifted S on 28 January. A significant increase in the size and density of ash emissions was evident in satellite images at 0820 on 30 January. The plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted SW, S, and SE. Minor amounts of ash fell in Mulaló and Latacunga (18 km WSW). Ash plumes rose as high as 1.7 km and drifted S and SE on 31 January. Servicio Nacional de Gestión de Riesgos y Emergencias (SNGRE) maintained the Alert Level at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).

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

Ebeko | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ebeko
Paramushir Island (Russia)

KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 19-26 January. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions during 20-24 January generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, NE, and N. An ash plume was identified in satellite images drifting 40 km NE on 21 January and a thermal anomaly was visible during 21-22 January. 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)

Etna | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Etna
Sicily (Italy)

INGV reported that the vents at the NE base of Etna’s SE Crater, in the Valle del Leone at about 2,800 m elevation, continued to feed lava flows during 23-29 January, without notable changes compared to the week before. Intense gas emissions rose from Bocca Nuova Crater while gas emissions at Northeast Crater (NEC) and Voragine were minimal. Activity at Southeast Crater was characterized by fumarolic activity localized along the crater rim and from the May-June 2022 eruptive vent which also occasionally produced flashes of incandescence at night. Diffuse ash emissions rapidly dispersed with the wind.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Great Sitkin | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Great Sitkin
Andreanof Islands (USA)

AVO reported that slightly elevated surface temperatures at Great Sitkin were identified in satellite images during 25-26 January. Seismicity was low during 25-31 January and a few small earthquakes recorded during 27-28 January. Satellite and webcam views were mostly cloudy. A 26 January radar image confirmed growth of the flow field to the E. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Kaitoku Seamount | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kaitoku Seamount
Volcano Islands (Japan)

Discolored water around the Kaitoku Seamount was visible in a 26 January Sentinel 2 satellite image. The plume was diffuse and dispersed a few kilometers E. No discolored water was visible in a 31 January image.

Source: Sentinel Hub

Kilauea | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian Islands (USA)

HVO reported that lava continued to erupt in the E portion of Kilauea’s Halema’uma’u Crater floor during 24-31 January. Activity was concentrated in the E half of the crater in a large, perched lava lake with well-defined levees, covering about 10 hectares. A smaller lake to the W was active in the basin of the 2021-2022 lava lake. One dominant lava fountain, 6-7 m high, was active in the E lake. Small daily overflows occurred along the margins of the E lake. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Krakatau | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Krakatau
Sunda Strait

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Anak Krakatau continued during 24-31 January. Eruptive events at 0231 and 2256 on 25 January and 0003 on 26 January ejected incandescent material from the vent, based on webcam photos. Eruptive events at 0512, 0633, and 0732 on 26 January and 1312 on 27 January produced dense gray ash plumes that rose 300-500 m above the summit and drifted NE, E, and SE. Webcam images showed incandescent ejecta at 2135, 2144, and 2328 January. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 5 km away from the crater.

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

Lewotolok | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Lewotolok
Lembata Island

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok was ongoing during 24-31 January. Nighttime webcam images captured near-daily incandescent material that was ejected above the summit crater. Almost daily emissions that were white and gray and had variable densities rose as high as 600 m above the summit and drifted SE, E, and NE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the summit crater.

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

Merapi | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Merapi
Central Java

BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 20-26 January and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced 14 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Kali Bebeng drainage). Avalanche sounds were heard on seven occasions. No significant morphological changes at the SW dome were observed but the central dome decreased in height based on webcam images. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3-7 km away from the summit based on location.

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

Popocatepetl | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Popocatepetl
Mexico

CENAPRED reported that there were 81-238 steam-and-gas emissions, often containing ash, rising from Popocatépetl each day during 24-31 January and explosions occurred almost daily. Two explosions were recorded at 1424 and 1426 on 24 January. Minor ashfall was reported on 25 January in San Nicolás de los Ranchos (15 km ENE). Later that day, at 2231, an explosion ejected incandescent material onto the flanks. An overflight was conducted by Instituto de Geofísica de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Guardia Nacional on 27 January to observe the crater. They saw a small lava dome that was about 30-40 m in diameter and 5-10 m tall on the inner crater floor. The inner crater floor had remnants of the previous domes mixed with fine tephra deposits and was 160-180 m deep. The rim of the inner crater was 390-410 m in diameter, similar to previous observations. A minor explosion later that day at 2214 produced an ash plume, based on a webcam image. Minor explosions were recorded at 0451, 0521, 1828, and 2232 on 28 January. A webcam image from 0343 on 29 January showed deposits of incandescent material that was ejected onto the flanks. Another explosion occurred at 2254. Explosions were noted at 0141 and 0621 on 30 January; minor ashfall was recorded in Amecameca (19 km NW), Temamatla (32 km NW), and Tenango Del Aire (28 km NW). A moderate explosion at 0029 on 31 January produced an ash plume that rose 1.8 km above the crater rim and ejected incandescent material onto the flanks almost 2 km from the crater rim. Minor explosions occurred at 0533, 0619, and 0721. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (the middle level on a three-color scale).

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Sabancaya | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sabancaya
Peru

Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 23-29 January with a daily average of 59 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.1 km above the summit and drifted SW and W. Four thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected near Hualca Hualca (4 km N). The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 12-km radius.

Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)

Semeru | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semeru
Eastern Java

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 24-31 January. Dense white-and-gray ash plumes rose 500-600 m above the summit at 0450 and 0540 on 25 January and drifted N. A dense gray ash plume rose 600 m at 0534 on 27 January and drifted NW, and at 0802 a dense white-and-gray ash plume rose 500 m and drifted N. At 0602 and 0639 on 29 January dense gray ash plumes rose 500-600 m and drifted NE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 5 km away from the summit, and 500 m 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 | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semisopochnoi
Aleutian Islands (USA)

AVO reported that eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s Mount Young was ongoing during 24-31 January. Seismicity was elevated and daily weak tremor was recorded. Minor steam emissions were visible in webcam images on 24 January and 29-30 January. Discolored snow observed at the summit in webcam images during 28-29 January possibly indicated minor, low-level explosive activity at the vent. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale).

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Sheveluch | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Central Kamchatka (Russia)

KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch during 19-26 January was generally characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, lava-dome extrusion, and strong fumarolic activity. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images, and minor ash plumes from explosions and lava-dome collapses drifted 25 km SW on 22 January. 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)

Stromboli | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Stromboli
Aeolian Islands (Italy)

INGV reported that both explosive and effusive activity at Stromboli occurred during 23-29 January at four vents in Area N, within the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco, and at two vents in the Area C-S (South-Central Crater area) in the crater terrace area. Explosions at vents N1 and N2 in Area N were variable in intensity and ejected coarse material (bombs and lapilli) 80-150 m at a rate of 4-6 explosions per hour. Intense spattering occasionally occurred at N2 vents. Explosive activity at the Central-South area (CS) ejected fine-to-coarse material as high as 150 m above the vent at a rate of 6-7 explosions per hour during 23-27 January; the rate decreased to less than one event per hour the rest of the week.

At 1419 on 24 January lava overflowed vents in the N2 area after a period of intense spattering. The lava flowed partially down the Sciara del Fuoco, and by the next morning, they were cooling. A major explosion began at 1007 on 30 January that lasted three minutes long. Coarse pyroclastic material was ejected several hundred meters high and was deposited on the crater terrace and the upper parts of the Sciara del Fuoco. An ash cloud quickly dispersed to the S.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Suwanosejima | 25 January-31 January 2023 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Islands (Japan)

JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 23-30 January. The number of explosions increased on 26 January; a total of 13 explosions were recorded during the week. The explosions produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 1.7 km above the crater rim and entered weather clouds. Large blocks were ejected as far as 400 m from the crater’s center. Nighttime crater incandescence was observed starting on 26 January. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale) and residents were warned to stay 1 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

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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.

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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 Asosan
JMA reported that the amplitude of volcanic tremor signals at Asosan increased at around 1200 on 30 January and then increased again around 1220 and remained high. At 1330 JMA raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) and warned the public to stay at least 1 km away from the crater. White plumes were visible rising 300 m above the crater rim.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Report for Chikurachki
KVERT reported that an explosive eruption at Chikurachki likely began at 0630 on 29 January. Ash plumes rose to as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km SE based on satellite data. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). At 1406 and 1720 ash plumes were identified in satellite images rising to 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 70 km E. Ash plumes had dissipated by 2320.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Report for East Epi
The Wellington VAAC reported that a low-level plume of ash and sulfur dioxide from a new eruption at Epi was identified in satellite data at 0730 on 31 January. According to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) residents saw steaming at the ocean’s surface in the area over the vents at around 0748, and phreatic explosions that ejected steam and tephra 100 m above the water. The Alert Level was raised to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) and the public was warned to stay 10 km away from the East Epi submarine volcano. Observers reportedly saw a growing cone from ongoing ash emissions. The VAAC noted that the eruption was short-lived and had ceased by 1548; the ash had dissipated.

Three submarine cones, Epi A, Epi B, and Epi C, and smaller cones and craters, are located 10-16 km NNE from the summit of Epi Island and are aligned along the N rim of an inferred caldera. Epi B is the shallowest of the seamounts and has been historically active, most recently in February 2004. A March 2004 bathymetric survey revealed that Epi B was about 300 m tall, with a diameter of about 1.8 km at the base. The summit crater was about 150 m in diameter and the crater floor was at a depth of 90 m. The highest point was on the NW rim of the summit crater, at a depth of 34 m.
Sources: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD), Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Report for Erta Ale
Small thermal anomalies in both of Erta Ale’s N and S pit craters were identified in satellite images on 23 January. On 28 January the anomaly in the N pit crater was large and intense.
Source: Sentinel Hub

Report for Lascar
SERNAGEOMIN reported increased seismicity at Láscar on 26 January with long-period (LP) events indicating fluid movement at shallower depths. The Alert Level was raised to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) and SENAPRED warned the public to stay at least 3 km away from the crater. ONEMI declared an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-color scale) for San Pedro de Atacama (70 km NW). A seismic signal at 2259 corresponded to the ejection of incandescent material and the emission of a plume that likely contained tephra and rose almost 1.9 km and drifted NW.

The intensity of LP events significantly increased at 2300 on 27 January and remained at anomalous levels. A series of four LP events were recorded at 0015, 0032, 0043, and 0052 on 28 January and corresponding emissions rose 380 m above the crater rim and drifted NW. An M 3.2 volcano-tectonic earthquake was recorded at 0115 and felt by residents. LP earthquakes continued to be detected, along with tremor and volcano-tectonic events to a lesser extent. Minor crater incandescence was visible and gas plumes rose as high as 760 m. At 0430 the Alert Level was raised to Orange and the restricted zone was increased to 5 km. Elevated levels of seismicity continued to be detected during 28-30 January. Whitish-gray gas plumes possibly containing tephra rose to low heights and minor crater incandescence was occasionally observed. On 31 January SERNAGEOMIN stated that a satellite image from the day before showed a dome-like feature on the crater floor that was 81 m by 93 m in dimension and covered an area of about 5,332 square meters. The exclusion zone was increased to 10 km.
Sources: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN), Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI)

Report for Myojinsho
According to JMA an area of pale yellow-green discolored water with a diameter of about 100 m was visible about 65 km SSE of Myojinsho on 26 January, based on an overflight conducted by the Japan Coast Guard. An eruption warning was issued to mariners. Discolored water was last observed in March 2018.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Japan Coast Guard

Report for Nishinoshima
The Japan Coast Guard reported that during an overflight of Nishinoshima on 25 January scientists observed intermittent activity and small, blackish-gray plumes rising 900 m from the central part of the crater. The fumarolic zone on the E flank and base of the cone had expanded and emissions had intensified. Dark brown discolored water was visible all around the volcanic island.
Source: Japan Coast Guard

Report for Ahyi
Unrest at Ahyi Seamount continued during 24-31 January. Pressure sensors on Wake Island, 2,270 km E of Ahyi Seamount, detected a possible explosion signal on 25 January. Plumes of discolored water were identified in satellite images during 27-31 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory (the second lowest level on a four-level scale).
Source: US Geological Survey

Report for Aira
JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 23-30 January and crater incandescence was visible nightly. Two explosions were recorded on 24 January, though weather clouds prevented visual confirmation. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high at 2,800 tons per day on 26 January. An explosion at 2342 on 28 January produced an ash plume that rose 2.2 km above the crater rim and ejected large blocks as far as 700 m from the crater. 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 Cotopaxi
IG reported that the eruption at Cotopaxi continued during 24-31 January, characterized by almost daily gas-and-steam and ash emissions; inclement weather conditions prevented views of the volcano on 29 January. During 24-25 January steam-and-gas plumes rose to the crater level and drifted W. During 26-27 January gas-and-ash plumes rose less than 1 km above the crater rim and drifted SW and W. Minor ashfall was reported in San Agustín de Callo (18 km WSW), Lima Villacís, Mulaló, Barrancas, Ticatilín and Caspi (20 km WSW), and San Ramon (127 km W). Steam-and-gas emissions rose 600 m and drifted S on 28 January. A significant increase in the size and density of ash emissions was evident in satellite images at 0820 on 30 January. The plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted SW, S, and SE. Minor amounts of ash fell in Mulaló and Latacunga (18 km WSW). Ash plumes rose as high as 1.7 km and drifted S and SE on 31 January. Servicio Nacional de Gestión de Riesgos y Emergencias (SNGRE) maintained the Alert Level at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).
Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Report for Ebeko
KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 19-26 January. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions during 20-24 January generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, NE, and N. An ash plume was identified in satellite images drifting 40 km NE on 21 January and a thermal anomaly was visible during 21-22 January. 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 Etna
INGV reported that the vents at the NE base of Etna’s SE Crater, in the Valle del Leone at about 2,800 m elevation, continued to feed lava flows during 23-29 January, without notable changes compared to the week before. Intense gas emissions rose from Bocca Nuova Crater while gas emissions at Northeast Crater (NEC) and Voragine were minimal. Activity at Southeast Crater was characterized by fumarolic activity localized along the crater rim and from the May-June 2022 eruptive vent which also occasionally produced flashes of incandescence at night. Diffuse ash emissions rapidly dispersed with the wind.
Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Report for Great Sitkin
AVO reported that slightly elevated surface temperatures at Great Sitkin were identified in satellite images during 25-26 January. Seismicity was low during 25-31 January and a few small earthquakes recorded during 27-28 January. Satellite and webcam views were mostly cloudy. A 26 January radar image confirmed growth of the flow field to the E. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Report for Kaitoku Seamount
Discolored water around the Kaitoku Seamount was visible in a 26 January Sentinel 2 satellite image. The plume was diffuse and dispersed a few kilometers E. No discolored water was visible in a 31 January image.
Source: Sentinel Hub

Report for Kilauea
HVO reported that lava continued to erupt in the E portion of Kilauea’s Halema’uma’u Crater floor during 24-31 January. Activity was concentrated in the E half of the crater in a large, perched lava lake with well-defined levees, covering about 10 hectares. A smaller lake to the W was active in the basin of the 2021-2022 lava lake. One dominant lava fountain, 6-7 m high, was active in the E lake. Small daily overflows occurred along the margins of the E lake. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Report for Krakatau
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Anak Krakatau continued during 24-31 January. Eruptive events at 0231 and 2256 on 25 January and 0003 on 26 January ejected incandescent material from the vent, based on webcam photos. Eruptive events at 0512, 0633, and 0732 on 26 January and 1312 on 27 January produced dense gray ash plumes that rose 300-500 m above the summit and drifted NE, E, and SE. Webcam images showed incandescent ejecta at 2135, 2144, and 2328 January. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 5 km away from the crater.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Report for Lewotolok
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok was ongoing during 24-31 January. Nighttime webcam images captured near-daily incandescent material that was ejected above the summit crater. Almost daily emissions that were white and gray and had variable densities rose as high as 600 m above the summit and drifted SE, E, and NE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the summit crater.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Report for Merapi
BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi continued during 20-26 January and seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced 14 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km down the SW flank (upstream in the Kali Bebeng drainage). Avalanche sounds were heard on seven occasions. No significant morphological changes at the SW dome were observed but the central dome decreased in height based on webcam images. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3-7 km away from the summit based on location.
Source: Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG)

Report for Popocatepetl
CENAPRED reported that there were 81-238 steam-and-gas emissions, often containing ash, rising from Popocatépetl each day during 24-31 January and explosions occurred almost daily. Two explosions were recorded at 1424 and 1426 on 24 January. Minor ashfall was reported on 25 January in San Nicolás de los Ranchos (15 km ENE). Later that day, at 2231, an explosion ejected incandescent material onto the flanks. An overflight was conducted by Instituto de Geofísica de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Guardia Nacional on 27 January to observe the crater. They saw a small lava dome that was about 30-40 m in diameter and 5-10 m tall on the inner crater floor. The inner crater floor had remnants of the previous domes mixed with fine tephra deposits and was 160-180 m deep. The rim of the inner crater was 390-410 m in diameter, similar to previous observations. A minor explosion later that day at 2214 produced an ash plume, based on a webcam image. Minor explosions were recorded at 0451, 0521, 1828, and 2232 on 28 January. A webcam image from 0343 on 29 January showed deposits of incandescent material that was ejected onto the flanks. Another explosion occurred at 2254. Explosions were noted at 0141 and 0621 on 30 January; minor ashfall was recorded in Amecameca (19 km NW), Temamatla (32 km NW), and Tenango Del Aire (28 km NW). A moderate explosion at 0029 on 31 January produced an ash plume that rose 1.8 km above the crater rim and ejected incandescent material onto the flanks almost 2 km from the crater rim. Minor explosions occurred at 0533, 0619, and 0721. 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 Sabancaya
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 23-29 January with a daily average of 59 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.1 km above the summit and drifted SW and W. Four thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected near Hualca Hualca (4 km N). The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 12-km radius.
Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)

Report for Semeru
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 24-31 January. Dense white-and-gray ash plumes rose 500-600 m above the summit at 0450 and 0540 on 25 January and drifted N. A dense gray ash plume rose 600 m at 0534 on 27 January and drifted NW, and at 0802 a dense white-and-gray ash plume rose 500 m and drifted N. At 0602 and 0639 on 29 January dense gray ash plumes rose 500-600 m and drifted NE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 5 km away from the summit, and 500 m 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 eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi’s Mount Young was ongoing during 24-31 January. Seismicity was elevated and daily weak tremor was recorded. Minor steam emissions were visible in webcam images on 24 January and 29-30 January. Discolored snow observed at the summit in webcam images during 28-29 January possibly indicated minor, low-level explosive activity at the vent. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale).
Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Report for Sheveluch
KVERT reported that the ongoing eruption at Sheveluch during 19-26 January was generally characterized by explosions, hot avalanches, lava-dome extrusion, and strong fumarolic activity. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images, and minor ash plumes from explosions and lava-dome collapses drifted 25 km SW on 22 January. 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 Stromboli
INGV reported that both explosive and effusive activity at Stromboli occurred during 23-29 January at four vents in Area N, within the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco, and at two vents in the Area C-S (South-Central Crater area) in the crater terrace area. Explosions at vents N1 and N2 in Area N were variable in intensity and ejected coarse material (bombs and lapilli) 80-150 m at a rate of 4-6 explosions per hour. Intense spattering occasionally occurred at N2 vents. Explosive activity at the Central-South area (CS) ejected fine-to-coarse material as high as 150 m above the vent at a rate of 6-7 explosions per hour during 23-27 January; the rate decreased to less than one event per hour the rest of the week.

At 1419 on 24 January lava overflowed vents in the N2 area after a period of intense spattering. The lava flowed partially down the Sciara del Fuoco, and by the next morning, they were cooling. A major explosion began at 1007 on 30 January that lasted three minutes long. Coarse pyroclastic material was ejected several hundred meters high and was deposited on the crater terrace and the upper parts of the Sciara del Fuoco. An ash cloud quickly dispersed to the S.
Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Report for Suwanosejima
JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 23-30 January. The number of explosions increased on 26 January; a total of 13 explosions were recorded during the week. The explosions produced eruption plumes that rose as high as 1.7 km above the crater rim and entered weather clouds. Large blocks were ejected as far as 400 m from the crater’s center. Nighttime crater incandescence was observed starting on 26 January. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale) and residents were warned to stay 1 km away from the crater.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)