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 11 December-17 December 2024
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Ahyi	United States	Mariana Volcanic Arc	2024 Aug 5	New
Dukono	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	1933 Aug 13	New
Home Reef	Tonga	Tofua Volcanic Arc	2024 Dec 4	New
Kanlaon	Philippines	Negros-Sulu Volcanic Arc	2024 Oct 19	New
Kirishimayama	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	—	New
Raung	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2024 Dec 15	New
Whakaari/White Island	New Zealand	Taupo Volcanic Zone	2024 May 24	New
Aira	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Ebeko	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	2022 Jun 11	Continuing
Great Sitkin	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	2021 May 25	Continuing
Ibu	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	2008 Apr 5	Continuing
Lewotobi	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2023 Dec 23	Continuing
Merapi	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2020 Dec 31	Continuing
Semeru	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2017 Jun 6	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Suwanosejima	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2004 Oct 23	Continuing
Taal	Philippines	Taiwan-Luzon Volcanic Arc	2024 Apr 12	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Ahyi (United States) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ahyi
Mariana Volcanic Arc

No plumes of discolored water surrounding Ahyi Seamount were identified in satellite images during 7-13 December and no significant signals were identified in data from underwater pressure sensors near Wake Island (about 2,270 km E of Ahyi). 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

Dukono (Indonesia) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that the eruption at Dukono was ongoing during 11-17 December. A dense black, gray, and white ash plume rose 3 km above the summit and drifted NW on 11 December. White-and-gray ash plumes rose 100-1,500 m above the crater rim and drifted in multiple directions during 12-13, 15, and 17 December. White plumes rose 200-300 m and drifted S and E on 14 December and no emissions were visible on 16 December. The Alert Level remained at Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the Malupang Warirang Crater.

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

Home Reef (Tonga) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Home Reef
Tofua Volcanic Arc

The Tonga Geological Services reported that a thermal anomaly at Home Reef was identified in satellite data at 0115 on 4 December. Thermal anomalies persisted at least through 13 December. The Maritime Alert Level was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and mariners were advised to stay 4 km away from the island, the Aviation Color Code remained at Green (the lowest color on a four-color scale), and the Alert Level for residents of Vava’u and Ha’apai remained at Green (the lowest color on a four-color scale). A comparison of satellite images from 7 and 12 December showed that a new lobe of lava had flowed to the NE, expanding the coastline. There was also a thermal anomaly over the central part of the island.

Sources: Tonga Geological Services, Government of Tonga, Copernicus

Kanlaon (Philippines) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Kanlaon
Negros-Sulu Volcanic Arc

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported continuing eruptive activity at Kanlaon during 11-17 December. The seismic network recorded 2-32 daily volcanic earthquakes, and sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from 3,620 to 8,600 tonnes per day. Gas-and-steam emissions that were continuous rose 50-100 m above the summit and drifted mainly W, WSW, SSW, and SW; weather clouds obscured views on 11 and 13 December. There were 1-6 ash emission events during 3-5 and 7-8 December, with each lasting 3-40 minutes. Periodic ash emissions were recorded during the week: two ash emission events lasting 11-29 minutes occurred on 10 December, 13 ash emission events on 12 December were as short as two minutes and as long as 78 minutes, and four ash emission events on 16 December lasted 6-35 minutes.

The Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) report issued at 2000 on 17 December stated that 15,391 people (4,865 families) were spread across 32 evacuation centers and another 2,711 people (803 families) were staying elsewhere. The report also stated that 40 people involved with farming or fishing were affected, a total of 21.27 hectares of agricultural fields were damaged, and 32 cities had declared a “state of calamity”. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5); the public was warned to stay 6 km away from the summit and pilots were warned not to fly close to the volcano.

Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)

Kirishimayama (Japan) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Kirishimayama
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported increasing unrest at Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group). The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) indicated minor inflation starting in November 2023. The number of earthquakes with epicenters beneath Shinmoedake had been increasing since late October 2023; during 1-11 December 2024 the seismic network detected 284 earthquakes. At 1100 on 12 December the Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a 5-level scale) and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from Shinmoedake Crater. Sulfur dioxide emissions were below detectable limits on 3 and 9 December.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Raung (Indonesia) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Raung
Sunda Volcanic Arc

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) issued a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) for Raung at 1751 on 12 December, noting that white plumes rose 500 m above the summit and volcanic tremor was recorded by the seismic network. Increasing volcanic activity prompted the release of another VONA at 2003 on 15 December; the Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (the second lowest color on a four-color scale). An eruptive event produced a medium-dense to dense ash plume that rose 500 m above the summit and drifted E and SE. According to the Darwin VAAC the ash plume had dissipated by 0940 on 16 December. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the summit crater.

Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Whakaari/White Island (New Zealand) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Whakaari/White Island
Taupo Volcanic Zone

On 12 December GeoNet reported that larger steam-and-gas plumes were recently being emitted from Whakaari/White Island. During an overflight on 5 December scientists observed a vivid white steam-and-gas plume rising from the vent area with no detected ash. There were no new ash deposits in the crater or on the island, and the plume was relatively cool at 150 degrees Celsius. During 1500-1800 on 10 December a larger steam-and-gas plume was visible in images from webcams located at Whakatane and Te Kaha, as well as in satellite images. Additional larger plumes were sometimes visible when weather conditions allowed during 10-12 December. Sulfur dioxide emissions detected by satellite had generally increased during the previous two weeks. During a gas monitoring overflight on 14 December scientists observed the emissions changing to include more ash content. The gas data showed increases in sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide emissions, possibly indicating the start of a new eruptive episode. On 16 December the Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). GeoNet stated that the Alert Levels were reflective of the current level of activity, but there was uncertainty due to the current lack of consistent, usable, real-time monitoring data.

Source: GeoNet

Aira (Japan) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 9-16 December. Nightly crater incandescence was visible in webcam images and small eruptive events were occasionally recorded during the week. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and the public was warned to stay 1 km away from both craters.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Ebeko (Russia) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ebeko
Kuril Volcanic Arc

The Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that moderate activity was ongoing at Ebeko during 5-12 December. Explosions during 9-10 December generated ash plumes that drifted NE, according to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E). Satellite images indicated that the volcano was quiet or obscured by weather clouds. 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)

Great Sitkin (United States) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Great Sitkin
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported that slow lava effusion continued to feed a thick lava flow in Great Sitkin’s summit crater during 10-17 December. Minor lava flow advancement along the N margins had gradually filled the summit crater. The local seismic network continued to detect small earthquakes associated with the ongoing eruption. Nothing notable was identified in satellite and webcam images, though weather clouds occasionally obscured webcam and satellite views 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)

Ibu (Indonesia) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ibu
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that the eruption at Ibu continued during 11-17 December. Gray or white-and-gray ash plumes that were often dense rose 0.3-1.2 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions on most days; emissions were not reported on 15 December likely due to weather clouds. Webcam images posted with 11 December reports showed incandescence at the summit of the inner active cone. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the second highest level on a four-level scale) and the public was advised to stay 4 km away from the active crater and 5.5 km away from the N crater wall opening.

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

Lewotobi (Indonesia) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Lewotobi
Sunda Volcanic Arc

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that eruptive activity continued at Lewotobi Laki-laki during 11-17 December. White-and-gray ash plumes that were sometimes dense rose as high as 800 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions during 11 and 13-14 December. White plumes rose as high as 700 m above the summit and drifted N, NW, W, and SW on 12 and 16 December. Eruptive events were recorded on 15 December, though weather conditions prevented visual confirmation. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 6 km away from the center of Laki-laki and 7 km in a semicircle counterclockwise from the NE to the SW.

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

Merapi (Indonesia) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Merapi
Sunda Volcanic Arc

The Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG) reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 6-12 December. Seismicity remained at high levels. The SW lava dome produced 113 lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km SW down the Bebeng drainage and 43 that traveled SW down the Krasak drainage. Morphological changes to the SW lava dome resulted from continuing effusion and collapses of material. The SW dome grew larger and was an estimated 3,315,200 cubic meters based on an analysis of webcam images. The volume of the main crater was stable at an estimated 2,361,800 cubic meters. 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)

Semeru (Indonesia) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semeru
Sunda Volcanic Arc

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that eruptive activity continued at Semeru during 4-10 December with several daily eruptive events recorded by the seismic network. White-and-gray or gray ash plumes that were sometimes dense rose 400-1,000 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions during 13-15 and 17 December. Emissions were not observed on the other days of the week. The Alert Level remained at 2 (the second lowest 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)

Sheveluch (Russia) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

The Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that lava extrusion may have continued at Sheveluch’s “300 years of RAS” dome on the SW flank of Old Sheveluch and at the dome at Young Sheveluch during 5-12 December. Daily thermal anomalies over the domes were identified in satellite images. 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 (Japan) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that eruptive activity at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater continued during 9-16 December. Crater incandescence was observed nightly in webcam images. Blocks were ejected as far as 300 m from the center of the crater. Eruptive events at 1231 on 12 December, at 0750 on 13 December, at 1908 on 14 December, and at 0341 on 15 December produced ash plumes that rose 1-1.2 km above the cater rim and drifted S and SE; the plumes on 12 and 13 December rose into weather clouds. An explosion was recorded at 1213 on 15 December, though no emissions were reported. Another explosion at 0221 on 16 December produced an ash plume that rose 800 m above the crater rim and drifted E. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale) and the public was warned to stay at least 1.5 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Taal (Philippines) | 11 December-17 December 2024 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Taal
Taiwan-Luzon Volcanic Arc

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported continuing unrest at Taal during 10-17 December. Daily emissions that were mostly diffuse rose 400-600 m above the crater rim and drifted SW and WSW. There were 3-10 daily occurrences of volcanic tremor during 10-12 December, with highly variable periods of between three minutes to six hours. Two volcanic earthquakes were recorded on 15 December. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions averaged 2,825 tonnes per day (t/d) on 11 December and 5,800 t/d on 14 December. An advisory issued at 1745 on 16 December stated that of sulfur dioxide emissions had reached 8,322 t/d, higher than the year’s average of 6,057 t/d. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5); PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island was a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited.

Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)

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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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