IG-EPN reported that the eruption at Fernandina that began on 2 March occurred from about 20 circumferential fissures within an area 4.3 km long on the upper SE flank, between 1,000-1,200 m elevation. Multiple lava flows descended the SE flank; the longest lobe traveled SE then curved S, reaching about 750 m elevation, and having a total length of 8-9 km. Activity declined on 6 March and only Fissure 13 continued to effuse lava. The characterization of the activity level was changed from high to moderate on 13 March. The lava flows from Fissure 13 were active during 13-19 March based on thermal anomalies identified in satellite images, gas emissions, and photos shared by the Parque Nacional Galápagos. Sulfur dioxide emissions detected by satellite fluctuated between 576 and 1,133 tons per day.

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

The Japan Coast Guard conducted an overflight of Ioto (Iwo-jima) on 13 February and observed no eruptive activity. A remnant part of the island remained that was about 25 m wide and 10 m high and in the shape of an arch. White fumarolic activity occurred at the S end of the island and hot water over the main vent area was observed. Eruptive activity in an area adjacent to the island was observed during an overflight on 16 March. A video posted with the report showed a roughly circular area of disturbed whitish water with several steaming rocks located around the margins. The report urged nearby ships to use caution in the area.

Source: Japan Coast Guard

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua the Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya continued to be closed on 12 March due to an increased potential for explosive activity due to the blocking of the lava lake from landslide deposits in Santiago Crater. A satellite image from 13 March showed a slightly larger thermal anomaly on the NE crater floor compared to an 8 March image. According to a 13 March news article, INETER reported that landslides from the inner SW and NW crater walls were continuing. In a 14 March news article, a resident that lived near the volcano noted that the typical gas emissions seen before the 2 March landslide were no longer observed.

Sources: Copernicus, Onda Local, U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua, 100% Noticias

After about 40 minutes of increased seismicity and ground deformation, a fissure eruption within the Reykanes volcanic system began at 2023 on 16 March near the older Sundhnúkagígar crater row on the Reykjanes Peninsula, prompting IMO to raise the Aviation Color Code to Red (the highest level on a four-color scale). According to a news report about 700 people at the Blue Lagoon spa and the few people in Grindavík were evacuated within about a 30-minute period. IMO noted that the fissure quickly lengthened to 2.9 km and that the length and location was similar to the 8 February fissure eruption. The fissure was oriented roughly NE-SW and small fissure segments were aligned in the same orientation but offset at each end. A steam-and-gas-rich plume rose above 3 km; no ash was evident in the plume so IMO lowered the Aviation Color Code to Orange at 2122. Lava fountaining occurred along the length of the fissure and lava flows advanced E, SE, SW, and NW at a rate of about 1 km per hour. By 2210 the S flow was about 200 m from the earthen barriers constructed to protect the E part of Grindavík. Lava advanced NW, curved around the Stóra Skógfell cones, and then flowed SW; by 2220 lava was 700-800 m from Grindavíkurvegur (Road 43) and advancing towards the road at a rate of about 660 m per hour. At around 0030 on 17 March lava flowed W over the road, along the earthen barrier, and towards the water distribution pipe from the Svartsengi power plant; the flow slowed during the morning about 200 m from the pipe, only advancing minimally.

Eruptive activity decreased overnight during 16-17 March. Seismicity significantly decreased with only a few earthquakes recorded after 0300 on 17 March, coinciding with decreased tremor. Lava flows to the S were diverted from Grindavík along the barriers towards the SE. The effusion rate decreased substantially at around 0400, and lava was produced by a segment near the middle of the fissure that was 500 m long. By 1300 lava fountaining was concentrated at three areas along the fissure. The S flow advanced at a rate of about 12 m per hour during 1015-1630 and a few hours later the leading lobe was about 330 m from Suðurstrandarvegur, the main road along the S coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula. During the morning sulfur dioxide emissions peaked at 15,000 micrograms per cubic meter and emissions detected by satellite that day were the highest measured of the recent 2023-2024 eruptions. Sulfur dioxide fluxes were as high as 50 kilograms per second. A news articles noted that some small lava ponds formed near the Grindavík barriers and at the flow near Suðurstrandarvegur. The area of the flow field was an estimated 5.85 square kilometers based on a satellite image acquired at 1456 on 17 March.

The eruption continued at stable levels during 18-19 March. Lava activity was concentrated at a series of vents which had built cones at the S end of the fissure; occasional fountaining was observed. The lava flows that had crossed Grindavíkurvegur and stopped near Suðurstrandarvegur were slow moving. Deformation data suggested that magma continued to flow into the dyke system. According to Almannavarnadeild ríkislögreglustjóra (National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management) Grindavík residents were permitted to return to town on 19 March, though it was not recommended that they stay overnight. The Blue Lagoon remained closed.

Sources: Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), Almannavarnadeild ríkislögreglustjóra (National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management), Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV), Simon Carn

JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 11-18 March with nighttime crater incandescence. Sulfur dioxide emissions were extremely high, averaging 3,100 tons per day on 12 March. During an overflight on 13 March emissions obscured views of Minamidake Crater, though observers noted no changes at the either the Showa Crater geothermal area or around the flanks of both craters. An explosion at 0536 on 13 March produced an ash plume that rose 1 km above the crater rim and drifted S and ejected large blocks 300-500 m from the vent. Eruptive events at 1345 on 13 March and at 0450 and 0538 on 15 March generated ash plumes that rose 1-2.9 km above the crater rim and drifted SE. An ash plume from an explosion at 2158 on 16 March rose 600 m above the crater rim and drifted NE; large blocks were ejected 600-900 m from the vent. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from both craters.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Dukono was ongoing during 13-19 March. Gray-and-white ash plumes rose as high as 1.9 km above the summit and drifted NW, NE, E, and S on most days; emissions were not observed on 14 March. The Alert Level remained at Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

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

KVERT reported that moderate explosive activity was ongoing at Ebeko during 8-14 March. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E), explosions on 12 March generated ash plumes that rose as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. Ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk that same day. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third level on a four-color scale). Dates are UTC; specific events are in local time where noted.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

AVO reported that slow lava effusion continued in Great Sitkin’s summit crater during 13-19 March. Weather clouds obscured or partly obscured satellite and webcam views during most of the week. A radar satellite image acquired during 17-18 March showed advancement of the active NW lava flow, movement at the E lava flow, and uplift of the center of the lava dome above the vent. Seismicity was low and a few small earthquakes were recorded during 18-19 March. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the third level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third color on a four-color scale).

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

PVMBG lowered the Alert Level for Inielika to 1 (on a scale of 1-4) at 1100 on 16 March, noting that unrest had decreased based on visual observations, seismicity, and geochemistry data. The public was warned to stay at least 500 m away from the summit crater and to avoid solfatara zones and hot springs.

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

On 8 March satellite data showed a plume of discolored water from the submarine Kavachi volcano extending N and curving E about 25 km before dissipating.

Source: NASA Earth Observatory

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolok continued during 13-19 March. White steam-and-gas plumes rose 50-200 m above the summit and drifted E and SE on 15, 17, and 19 March; emissions were not visible on the other days. According to a news report the lava flows on the S and SE flanks remained at 600 m and 1.8 km long, respectively, and had not advanced, though lava effusion was ongoing. Strombolian explosions continued through at least 15 March, ejecting incandescent material as far as 500 m from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the vent and 3 km away from the vent on the S and SE flank.

Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Antara News

PVMBG reported that eruptive activity at Marapi (on Sumatra) was ongoing during 13-19 March. White-and-gray ash plumes rose 150-1,000 m above the summit and drifted E, SE, and SW during 13-14 and 16 March. White steam-and-gas plumes rose 100-200 m above the summit and drifted NE, E, and SE on 15, 17, and 19 March. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 4.5 km away from the active crater.

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

BPPTKG reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 8-14 March. Seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced 91 lava avalanches that descended the SW flank as far as 1.8 km. Morphological changes to the SW lava dome identified in webcam images were due to continuing effusion and collapses of material. 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)

The Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma (OVG) reported that lava effusion at Nyamulagira was continuing. Thermal anomalies in an area just NE of the central part of the caldera were identified in a 17 March satellite image. A larger thermal anomaly in the same area, though it extended farther SE, was evident in a 7 March image.

Sources: Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma (OVG), Copernicus

IG-EPN reported that a moderate eruption at Reventador was ongoing during 12-19 March. Seismicity was characterized by 23-48 daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and tremor associated with emissions. Ash-and-gas plumes rose as high as 1.3 km above the crater rim and drifted in multiple directions on most days. Weather conditions sometimes prevented views; emissions were not visible during 14-15 March. Avalanches of incandescent material were visible most overnights, descending the flanks as far as 900 m from the summit. Minor crater incandescence was visible during 14-15 March. The weather was occasionally rainy during the week; a seismic signal indicating a lahar was recorded at 0210 on 19 March. Secretaría de Gestión de Riesgos maintained the Alert Level at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Sources: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN), Secretaría de Gestión de Riesgos (SGR)

Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that the eruption at Sabancaya continued at moderate levels during 11-17 March with a daily average of 29 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.2 km above the summit and drifted less than 10 km W, SW, and S. Thermal anomalies over the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Slight inflation was detected near the Hualca Hualca sector (4 km N). The Alert Level remained at Orange (the third 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)

IG-EPN reported that high levels of eruptive activity continued at Sangay during 12-19 March. The seismic network recorded 61-319 daily explosions during 12-18 March, though there were 3,838 explosions during 18-19 March with most of the events attributed to a period of heightened activity. Inclement or cloudy weather prevented views on most days, though incandescent material was visible descending the SE flank as far as 2 km during dark hours on most days. Crater incandescence was sometimes visible. A series of explosions began at 1540 on 18 March and lasted several hours. The explosions produced ash-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 2.5 km above the crater rim and drifted W and SW. Ashfall was reported in several towns including Palmira (46 km W), Alausí (60 km SW), and Achupallas (56 km SW) in the province of Chimborazo. Incandescent material was ejected above the crater and descended the upper SE flanks. Pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 1.8 km down the SE flank. During the afternoon and into the night roaring noises and vibrations were reported in areas surrounding the volcano. Secretaría de Gestión de Riesgos (SGR) maintained the Alert Level at Yellow (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Sources: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN), Secretaría de Gestión de Riesgos (SGR)

PVMBG reported that eruptive activity continued at Semeru during 13-19 March. Eruptive events were recorded at 0047 on 15 March and at 1653 on 17 March by the seismic network, though emissions were not observed. At 0625 on 19 March a dense white-and-gray ash plume rose 500 m above the summit and drifted NE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the third highest level on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 5 km away from the summit in all directions, 13 km from the summit to the SE, 500 m from the banks of the Kobokan drainage as far as 17 km from the summit, and to avoid other drainages 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)

KVERT reported that eruptive activity at Sheveluch continued with a thermal anomaly identified in satellite images on 7, 9, and 13 March. Weather clouds obscured views on the other days during 7-14 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third 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)

JMA reported that the eruption at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 11-18 March. Crater incandescence was observed in webcam images nightly and large blocks were sometimes ejected up to 600 m from the vent. An explosion at 0501 on 18 March generated an ash plume that rose 900 m above the crater rim and drifted SE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale) and the public was warned to stay at least 1 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

A thermal anomaly extending from the summit of Tinakula down the W flank to the coast was identified in satellite images on 11 March. Images acquired on 6 and 16 March were cloudy or mostly cloudy.

Source: Copernicus

Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that lahars on the SE flank of Ubinas descended through the Volcánmayo drainage towards the Ubinas River at 1507 on 13 March and at 1454 on 17 March. The public was warned to stay away from the drainage and to avoid driving on the Querapi-Ubinas-Huarina highway.

Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)