Vikings Volcanic Activity Thread

[Guest Viking141]

Could this be a sign of the eruptions finally ending, as far as i know, the volcano has erupted constantly since 1980.

Could we have an update on the Itlaian and Greek volcanoes????

Hi SB

No activity at any of the Greek volcanos at the moment, and I ve checked all the seismogrammes for the Italian volcanos and they too are relatively quiet, even Stromboli seems to have quietened down after her last eruption back in March.

[Guest Viking141]

Update - Kamchatkan volcanos

Klyuchevksoy

The eruption at this volcano continues with KVERT reporting continuous ash emissions up to heights of 32,000ft. Seismicity is still at elevated levels and the thermal anomaly detected earlier is still present in the main crater.

The photo below shows the ongoing eruption at Klyuchevskoy on 15 June - (courtesy Yuri Demyanchuk - Russian Academy of Sciences)

Sheveluch

The Aviation Concern Colour Code remains at ORANGE for this volcano and activity continues. Seismic activity is above background levels and emissions of steam and gas continue.

Below is a photo taken on 11 June at Sheveluch (again courtesy Yuri Demyanchuk)

Karymsky

Seismic activity is also at above background levels at this volcano and ash plumes have been observed on satellite imagery rising to altitudes of 19,000ft.

[Guest Viking141]

Just to let you know I will hopefully have a full update later today.

Thats all for now folks!

[Guest Viking141]

Hi all

Just to keep you up to date, one of the main sites that I use seems to be unavailable for some reason hence the delay in updating. Bear with me whilst it is resolved or I find alternatives.

Cheers

Viking

[Guest Viking141]

Latest Volcanic update from around the world

Central America

Fuego (Guatemala)

According to latest reports from INVISUMEH, Fuego has been fairly active in the last week or so. On 27 June a new, 100m long lava flow was observed to go with the older lava flow on the S flank of the volcano, which itself was advancing and producing incandescant blocks which rolled into the Taniluya River valley. On 29 June there were pyroclastic explosions which ejected lava up to 75m above the crater and produced white coloured plumes up to heights of 13,000ft. On 1 July a Strombolian eruption ejected material about 75m above the crater and the resulting lava flows travelled between 800m and 1300m down the west flank. Rumbling sounds were heard and shockwaves rattled windows in nearby villages. Due to this CONRED raised the Aviation Concern Colour Code to ORANGE.

Popocatapetl (Mexico)

According to latest information from CENEPRED and the Washington VAAC, “Popo” let out one of its frequent puffs of volcanic smoke on 28 June which rose to an altitude of 28,000ft and drifted SW.

USA

Kilaeua (Hawaii)

This volcano continues to be in a paused state with no fresh lava erupting from the volcano at the moment. Views of the Pu’u O’o crater have been obscured by steam and fuming was observed from the base of Kane Nui O Hamo.

St.Helens (Washington State)

Growth of the new lava dome, in the crater created by the major slope failure during the famous 1980 eruption, continues apace and is accompanied by relatively low seismic activity with occasional Mag 1.5-2.5 earthquakes and occasionally stronger ones.

Russian Far East

Klyuchevskoi (Kamchatka)

The Aviation Concern Colour Code at this volcano remains at RED as it continues with the recent spate of activity. KVERT reports seismicity contonuing at above background levels, ash plumes rising to altitudes of 32,000ft and a thermal anomaly visible on satellite imagery persisting in the main crater.

Karymsky (Kamchatka)

Again, seismicity at this volcano is at elevated levels and the volcano continues to produce ash plumes up to heights of 15,000ft. A large steam and gas plume was visible on satellite imagery was visible on satellite imagery on 27 June. This activity is almost constant and may indicate an imminent eruption. One to watch!

Sheveluch (Kamchatka)

Again, seismic activity at this volcano remains above background level, with the production of ash plumes and the existence of a persistent thermal anomaly in the main crater. The Aviation Concern Colour Code remains at ORANGE and again this volcano may be one to watch in what is a very active part of the world at the moment.

South America

Tunguruhua

IG-EPN reports that on 27 June ash plumes from Tungurahua rose to altitudes of over 24,000 ft, this was accompanied by ashfall in areas to the SW of the volcano, roaring noises and a lahar to the NNW.

Ubinas

Buenos Aires VAAC reports contuing ash plumes rising from Perus most active volcano, up to heights of 23,000ft, which drifted SW, NE and E.

[Guest Viking141]

For another view of the ongoing eruption of Klyuchevskoy in Kamchatka follow the link below for an image from the ASTER sensor aboard the NASA Terra satellite showing new and old lava flows , ash plume etc.

ASTER Satellite Image

[Guest Viking141]

Strong earthquake in Southern Mexico

A strong earthquake has occurred in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, near the border with Guatemala. The quake measured 6.1 on the Richter scale and was centred near the state capital of Tuxtla Gutierrez.

This may have an impact on volcanos in the area so it may be worth keeping an eye on. There are three volcanos in the area, San Martin (last eruption 1796), El Chichon (last eruption a violently explosive one in 1982) and Tacana (last eruption 1986).

[Guest Viking141]

ERUPTION ALERT - MOUNT GAMKANORA - INDONESIA

Latest reports from Indonesia suggest a major eruption at Mount Gamkanora may be imminent.

BBC News

Gamkanora lies on the island of Halmahera and is the islands highest peak at 1635m. Last erupting in 1987 this volcano has historically prduced small to moderate explosive eruptions. The last major eruption was in 1673 which produced tsunamis which inundated surrounding villages. This eruption was estimated at VEI 5, all eruptions since have been VEI1-2 magnitude which may suggest that another "biggie" is due.

Watch this space for further updates.

GAMKANORA

Latest Volcanic Ash Advisory from the Darwin VAAC timed at 1236 UTC today states ash clouds observed up to heights of 8,000ft.

FURTHER UPDATE

Jakarta Post reports Mag 5.5 earthquake in the same area today - approx 4 hours ago.

Edited July 10, 2007 by Viking141

[Guest Viking141]

Regional Update - Indonesia

It would appear that Mount Gamkonora is not the only volcano showing increased activity in Indonesia.Senior Indoensian Government Officials have warned the population to brace themselves for potentially several major volcanic eruptions and associated tsunamis etc in the coming weeks.

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Energy and Natural Resources Minister said that 12 volcanos are currently giving cause for concern, with Gamkanora at the highest alert level, Soputan and the second highest alert level and Talang, Merapi, Semeru, Bromo, Batutara, Kerang Etan, Lokon, Dukono, Ibu and perhaps most famously, Anak Krakatau (child of Krakatoa) are also at heightened levels of activity.

Obviously this is an area I shall be keeping a close eye on over the coming weeks and months.

[Guest Viking141]

Update - Kilauea

USGS HVO (Hawaiian Volcanos Observatory) has confimed that in recent days, Kilaeua, after being in a state of "pause" seems to be coming back to life again. As a consequence of this, the Aviation Concern Colour Code was raised from YELLOW to ORANGE on 11th July.

The main centre of activity is again the Pu'u O'o crater where a lava lake is again growing. The summit of Kilaeua is inflating at a rate of 1 microradian per day although seismic tremors are still below the level of the previous eruption.

[Just Before Dawn]

Regional Update - Indonesia

It would appear that Mount Gamkonora is not the only volcano showing increased activity in Indonesia.Senior Indoensian Government Officials have warned the population to brace themselves for potentially several major volcanic eruptions and associated tsunamis etc in the coming weeks.

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Energy and Natural Resources Minister said that 12 volcanos are currently giving cause for concern, with Gamkanora at the highest alert level, Soputan and the second highest alert level and Talang, Merapi, Semeru, Bromo, Batutara, Kerang Etan, Lokon, Dukono, Ibu and perhaps most famously, Anak Krakatau (child of Krakatoa) are also at heightened levels of activity.

Obviously this is an area I shall be keeping a close eye on over the coming weeks and months.

Glad to hear it Viking - I'm off to Southern Indonesia in May next years, so I'll be reading this thread avidly

[Guest Viking141]

Volcanic Activity Update

Global volcanic activity, at present, seems to be more or less concentrated in two areas of the world, South-East Asia and Kamchatka, in the Russian Far East.

South-East Asia

Gamkanora (Indonesia)

After the rumblings and fireworks recently and the evacuation of thousands of local villagers, CVGHM reports a dramatic decrease in seismic activity at this volcano and as a result on 16th July the local alert level at the volcano was lowered from 4 to 3 (on a scale of 1-4). There has also been a noted decrease in ash plume production and production of incandescant material in the crater. However, this volcano is still being watched carefully as this may only be a temporary lull.

Bulusan (Philippines)

PHIVOLCS has also lowered the alert stage at Bulusan from 2 to 1 (on a scale of 1-5) due to a decrease in activity including much decreased seismic activity and lowered sulphur dioxide output although steam plumes continue to issue from vents.

Langila (Papua New Guinea)

RVO (Rabaul Volcano Observatory) reports continued production of ash plumes up to heights of 7,500ft.

Rabual (Papua New Guinea)

RVO also reports continued ash plumes from the Tarvurur cone with fine ash fall reported in areas downwind including Rabual Town. An explosion on 17th June showered the flanks of the volcano with lava fragments, accompanied with loud booming noises and a smell of sulphur downwind. Further ashfall was reported in Malaguna.

Kamchatka

Kliuchevskoi

KVERT reports that although seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi has decreased recently, it remains at above background levels. Ash plumes rising to altitudes of 21,400ft were observed on satellite imagery and the Aviation Colour Concern Code remains at ORANGE.

Karymsky

Seismicity at this volcano remains at above background levels and the Aviation Concern Colour Code remains at ORANGE. A Thermal anomaly was detected in the crater during 10-11 July and ash plumes rose to heights of 12,500ft. This eruptive phase at Karymsky has now been ongoing for 500 years without rest!

[Guest Viking141]

Eruption Alert - Kilauea - Hawaii

A new eruption is in progress at Kilaeua in Hawaii. For a time recently, Kilaeua was in a "paused" state with nothing happening at the main eruption site, the Pu'u O'o crater and now we know why!

A new fissure has opened to the east of the Pu'u O'o and this is where Kilaeua is now erupting from. USGS HVO staff have been able to confirm that a new eruption is in progress from a fissure some 150 m east of the Pu'u O'o crater. This event is the first new eruption east of Pu'u O'o since February 1992 and is in the same area as an eruption in November 1991.

According from the latest news release dated yesterday, USGS states that the lava flows are confined to the area of the east rift zone and the lava is flowing over older lavas from the previous eruption in this area.

The photo below shows some of the new lava flows (courtesy USGS HVO)

The map shows the new eruption (in red) (courtesy USGS HVO)

Edited July 25, 2007 by Viking141

[Guest Viking141]

Volcanic activity round-up - Part 1

Round-up of the latest volcanic activity from around the world. Part 2 to follow later.

Cleveland (Alaska)

The Alaskan Volcanos Observatory (AVO) has raised the Aviation Concern Colour Code at Cleveland to ORANGE on 20 July. This was due to the presence of an intense thermal anomaly detected by satellite imagery in the crater and associated steam and gas plumes. The latest report dated yesterday states that this thermal anomaly persists and there is a risk of explosions sending ash clouds to heights in excess of 20,000ft.

Mount Cleveland lies at the western end of the uninhabited Chuginadak Island in the east-central Aleutians and is one of the Aleutians most active volcanos.

Fuego (Guatemala)

INSVUMEH reports that during 17-18 July gas plumes from Fuego rose to altitudes of 12,800ft and a hot lahar, 20m wide and 1.5m wide carried large blocks down the Santa Teresa ravine. On 20 July 21 explosions were recorded on the seismic network and assocaited ash plumes rose to heights of 15,400ft. As a result CONRED raised the alert level at the volcano and vulcanian explosions produced ash plumes up to 17,000ft and fired incadescant material up to 250m above the crater. This was accompanied by rumbling noises and shockwaves which rattled windows up to 25km away.Ashfall was reported from villages up to 8km away to the SW and avalanches of hot blocks travelled up to 800m down the S flank.

Oldoiyno Lengai (Tanzania)

You may have read recently about several recent earthquakes in Africas East rift Valley area which had terrorised inhabitants in Tanzania and Kenya, well this has precipitated an eruption at Oldoiyno Lengai, which seismologists hope, will relive the geologic stresses in the area and bring the earthquakes to an end.

The eruption began, according to local news reports, on 19 July, causing over 1,500 villagers to flee the area. Villagers reported hearing loud roaring noises after which the volcano began discharging ash and lava. A local school was damaged and there were reports of 2 injuries, but fortunately no deaths.

Kilauea (Hawaii)

The new eruption east of the Pu'u O'o crater continues without much change. A Mag 3.2 earthquake was recorded yesterday at a depth of 2 miles. Lava from the fissure is pooling just below the fissure and there is a lava flow which is moving slowly south-east.

[Guest Viking141]

Volcanic update Part Deux

As promised, heres the second part of the update, beginning with:

Karymsky (Kamchatka)

Seismic activity remains at above background levels with around 500-900 shallow earthquakes happening daily. A thermal anomaly was visible on satellite imagery during the last week and the Aviation Concern Colour Code remains at ORANGE.

Kliuchevskoi (Kamchatka)

The Concern Code Colour at this volcano, however, has been lowered from ORANGE to YELLOW. Latest reports from KVERT suggest that seismic activity has returned to background levels and there was an absence of ash plumes from 17 July.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka)

Seismic activity remians at above background leves at Shiveluch and ash and gas plumes continue to be produced, rising to altitudes of over 19,000ft. A large thermal anomaly remains evident in the crater and this volcano remains at Aviation Concern Colour Code ORANGE.

Lascar (Chile)

Buenos Aires VAAC reports an ash plume was observed from Lascar rising to an altitude of 30,000ft on 18 July which drifted NE. Lascar is the most active of the northern Chilean Andes. Rising to a height of 18,346ft, Lascar has six overlapping summit craters.This volcano regularly produces small top moderate explosive eruptions with the occasional major one. The last major eruption was in 1993 with ashfall as far away as Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Sangay (Ecuador)

Washington VAAC reports minor ash plumes emanating from Sangay over the last week rising up to 18,000ft. Sangay is Ecuadors most active volcano and is capped by a summit glacier.

Tugurahua (Ecuador)

Our old friend, Tungurahua, continues to grumble away with the production of intermittent ash plumes. Ashfall was reported SW of the volcano on 19-21 and 24 July and this activity was accompanied by roaring noises and "cannon shots."

[Guest Viking141]

Update - Indonesia

Further seismic activity in the North Maluku (North Maluccas) area of Indonesia. On 26 July the area was hit by a large undersea earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter Scale. This is the same area in which Mount Gamkonora erupted recently and was also subject to a Mag 5.5 earthquake around the same time. Both the Indonesian and US authorities issued a tsunami alert which was later cancelled.

Again, this area seems highly active at the momemnt and one wonders if something major is brewing.

[Guest Viking141]

Hi all

Just to let you know I will be doing a full update tomorrow.

Regards

Viking

[Cookie]

nice work you do here mate

[Guest Viking141]

Cheers Cookie!

Hi all, sorry this update has been a bit delayed but I have been rather busy both at home and work so its taken a bit of time to get round to it. Anyway here goes.

Bulusan (Philippines)

An explosion from Bulusan on 31st August prodcued an ash plume which rose to an altitude of 21,700ft, and, according to local news reports, was accompanied by white steam plumes which rose from fissures and craters on 2nd August. Despite this activity, however, the local alert state remains at 1 (on a scale of 1-5).

Bulusan lies on the island of Luzon and was formed more than 36,000 years ago within the 11km-wide Irosin Caldera. It is prone to moderate explosive eruptions.

Cleveland (Aleutian Islands, Alaska)

Despite bad weather limiting observations, a thermal anomaly persists in the crater of Cleveland and was clearly visible on satellite imagery during 2-6 August.Photographs taken during overflights on both 27 July and " august indicated fresh volcanic ejecta on the slopes. The eastern portion of Chuginadak Island (Cleveland is situated at the western end) was dusted with volcanic ash on 3 August. The Aviation Concern Colour Code is now at Orange for this volcano.

Fuego (Guatemala)

According to latest reports from INVISUMEH, explosions occurred at Fuego on 1 August which ejected volcanic material some 50-75m above the crater rim and hot avalanches travelled some 500-700m down the S and W flanks.This was accompanied by rumbling noises heard in nearby villages.On 2 August a moderate eruption produced a pyroclastic flow which travelled some 2km SW down the Ceniza River valley and the resultant ash plume produced ashfall in areas to the S, SW & W.

Kilauea (Hawaii)

The renewed activity at Kilauea continues, with the ongoing fissure eruption reported earlier.This remained active during the last week and has now opened four fissures called A - D.Fissure C has been slowly feeding a lava pond and Fissure D has been feeding a NE advancing lava flow.Small earthquakes have been noted below the Halema'uma'u crater and offshore between Kilauea and Lo'ihi.

Papandayan (Indonesia)

CVGHM has raised the alert level at Papandayan from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) due to an increase in activity at this volcano. From 15 July onwards the number of earthquakes has been steadily increasing and the temperature of fumarloes in The Mas crater had increased by 10C.A diffuse white plume was observed at the volcano on 1 August and it seems that this one could be ready to blow! A 1km radius exclusion zone is in force around the volcano and local villagers and tourists have been advised to remain outside the exclusion zone.

Papandayan is a new one to us here on this thread. It is a complex stratovolcano (one having the classic conical shape) with four, large summit craters, one of which, Gunung Puntang to the N, gives the volcano a "twin peaked" appearance. This volcano is prone to collapse of its craters. The last major eruption was in 1772 in which a major debris avalanche destroyed some 40 villages. Since then there have been only minor phreatic eruptions, could be one to watch.

Karymsky (Kamchatka)

Seismic activity continues to be at above background levels, according to KVERT. Up to last week, some 150-600 shallow earthquakes were occurring daily and a thermal anomaly persists in the crater, according to satellite imagery. The Aviation Concern Colour Code remains at Orange.

Popocatapetl (Mexico)

According to both the Washington VAAC and CENAPRED, eruption plumes with ash content were observed rising to altitudes of 23,000 at various times between 28 July and 3 August, which drifted WSW from "Popo." Popocatapetl does this frequently, indeed its name is the Aztec word for "smoking mountain."

Rabaul (New Britain Island - Papua New Guinea)

Activity at Rabaul continues with the RVO reporting white and blue vapour plumes being emitted from the Tavurvur crater to an approx altitude of 3,000ft. Roarinf noises and incandescence were occasionally heard/observed between 1-7 August and slight ashfall was reported in Rabaul Town and surrounding areas during the same period.

Sakura-Jima (Japan)

Another new name for us! Sakura-Jima is one of Japans most active volcanos, lying at the northern end of Kagoshima Bay on the island of Kyushu. It was originally an island which was joined to the Osumi Peninsula during a major eruption in 1914. It is prone to both explosive and effusive erutpions anmd has frequently despoited ash on the nearby city of Kagoshima, one of Kyushus largest.

Latest information from JMA and the Tokyo VAAC states an exlposion took place on 4 August although ash could not be immediately indentified on satellite imagery.

Shiveluch (Kamchatka)

Again, seismic activity remains at above background levels at this Kamchatkan volcano and the Aviation Concern Colour Code remains at Orange.A thermal anomaly persists in the main crater and ash, steam and gas plumes were visible, drifting to the S.

This will probably be my last update for about 3 weeks as Im off on my hols! Couple of relaxing weeks in the Yorkshire Dales and Im looking forward to it very much. See you all in about 3 weeks time. If anything happens in the meantime please feel free to chip in!

Cheers

Viking

[parmenides3]

Hi, Vikes. Sorry for the silence; been busy a while, like you. Can we have some links to one or two of the more interesting webcams, eg. Kilauea?

Keep up the good work...

:)P

[Guest Viking141]

Hi P3

Ask and ye shall receive! Below is the link to the webcam at the Pu'u O'o crater at Kilaeua. At the page not only is there webcam images but further links to photos, movies, maps etc.

Kilaeua webcam

I'll post some more links to various others a bit later.

Edited August 13, 2007 by Viking141

[parmenides3]

Ta muchly. :)P

[Guest Viking141]

Interesting article in the New Scientist which links to a paper published in Geophysical Research Letters concerning underwater volcanism. It seems we may have vastly underestimated the sheer number of underwater volcanos which may number something like 3 million!! Could it be that volcanism is a much bigger driver in rising sea temps than has been hitherto understood? Read for yourself.

New Scientist link

Edited August 15, 2007 by Viking141

[kippure]

here

Check this out

Edited August 17, 2007 by kippure

[Rustynailer]

Here is the picture of the thermal anomaly http://www.avo.alaska.edu/image.php?id=13410