This is the overview of our “volcano news” articles we have written in March 2012.
Click on this link to read our latest volcano news
March 31, 2012
Italy / Sicily / Etna
Etna is currently erupting (March 31 @ 20:45 UTC). Incandescent lava is elected in the air. Click here for the best webcam.
Image courtesy guide-etna.com
March 29, 2012
Active volcanoes in the world
16 volcanoes have shown changes in activity last week. New unusual activity has been noticed around 5 volcanoes (below).
SOUFRIERE HILLS
Montserrat 16.72°N, 62.18°W; summit elev. 915 m
MVO reported that during 16-23 March activity at the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level, although seismicity increased. Two swarms of volcano-tectonic earthquakes occurred, the first between 1604 and 1651 on 22 March (49 events) and the second between 0310 and 0527 on 23 March (54 events). Earthquakes in the second swarm were markedly larger than those in the first. Several changes on the volcano were observed on 23 March; fumarolic activity had increased and a new fumarole had appeared on the NW face of the lava dome behind Gages Mountain. In addition a vent producing pulsing steam emissions with a small amount of ash had formed in the back of the February 2010 collapse scar. Ash plumes rose 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and very light ashfall occurred on the W flank of the volcano. Audible roaring associated with the venting was heard intermittently from MVO, 5.75 km NW of the volcano. The Hazard Level remained at 2.
Based on a METAR weather report and analyses of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 24 March a gas-and-ash plume drifted 65 km WSW. Later that day the VAAC reported a detached area of ash drifting NW and a second small emission of ash drifting WNW. The next day haze and vog W of Soufrière Hills was detected in satellite imagery and a pilot reported ash at altitudes of 1.5-3 km (5,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. drifting NW.
On 26 March MVO noted that activity returned to a low level following the ash-venting on 23 March. The report noted that Zone C on the volcanic risk map, which was temporarily closed the previous week due to an increase in volcano-tectonic earthquakes below Soufrière Hills, re-opened for day-time entrance on 27 March. Zone C is to the WNW of Soufrière Hills and includes Cork Hill, Weekes, Foxes Bay, Richmond Hill, and Delvins, and extends 500 m out to sea
Time lapse of a 2009 eruption
IJEN
Eastern Java (Indonesia) 8.058°S, 114.242°E; summit elev. 2799 m
On 24 March, CVGHM reported that Ijen’s lake water chemistry changed during 10 January-17 March, exhibiting a significant increase in carbon dioxide, especially after 5 February, and an increase in acidity. The lake surface temperature increased from 28.8 degrees Celsius on 3 March to 45.1 degrees Celsius on 17 March. The lake water temperature at a depth of 5 m also rose from 42.7 to 44.7 degrees Celsius on 3 and 17 March, respectively. Seismicity increased starting in March. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
ILIAMNA
Southwestern Alaska 60.032°N, 153.090°W; summit elev. 3053 m
AVO reported that during 21-27 March seismicity at Iliamna remained above background levels, although just slightly during 25-27 March. When not obscured by clouds, satellite and web camera views showed nothing unusual. The Alert Level remained at Advisory and the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.
NEVADO DEL RUIZ
Colombia 4.895°N, 75.322°W; summit elev. 5321 m
According to INGEOMINAS, the Observatorio Vulcanológico and Sismológico de Manizales reported that during 19-25 March seismicity at Nevado del Ruiz increased and gas emissions remained at significant levels. Gas plumes rose 2 km above Arenas crater and sulfur dioxide odors were reported by local people. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; “changes in the behavior of volcanic activity”).
PACAYA
Guatemala 14.381°N, 90.601°W; summit elev. 2552 m
INSIVUMEH noted in a special report that on 20 March patterns of seismicity and emissions from Pacaya’s MacKenney cone changed, although remained characteristic of normal behavior for the volcano. On 26 March avalanches were detected and during 26-27 March gas plumes drifted S and SW. The report noted that after the eruption on 27 May 2010 only fumarolic emissions, mainly composed of water vapor, rose from MacKenney cone.
Ongoing activity was noted among the following volcanoes :
Cleveland, Chuginadak Island, Alaska (USA) – Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) – Kilauea, Hawaii (USA) – Kizimen, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) – Puyehue-Cordón Caulle (Chile) – Reventador (Ecuador) – Sakura-jima, Kyushu (Japan) – Sangay (Ecuador) – Santa María (Guatemala) – Shiveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia) – Tungurahua (Ecuador)
March 22, 2012
Not in this list, but still active is the Nyragongo Volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A scientist team from INVOLCAN, the research institute of the Canary Island has visited the volcano and has published the following video on YouTube of the lava crater lake. Video 1 shows the crater from a distance, Video 2 zooms to the crater itself and Video 3 shows a zoomed detail of the lava fountains.
Active volcanoes in the world
17 volcanoes have shown changes in activity last week. New unusual activity has been noticed around 5 volcanoes (below).
ILIAMNA
Southwestern Alaska 60.032°N, 153.090°W; summit elev. 3053 m
AVO reported that during 9-20 March seismicity at Iliamna was above background levels. Satellite images acquired during 9-16 March showed a plume drifting 56 km downwind that was likely water vapor. The report noted that long-lived fumaroles at the summit of Iliamna frequently produced visible plumes, but the current plume appeared to be more robust than usual. Scientists aboard an overflight on 17 March observed vigorous and plentiful fumaroles at the summit, consistent with the elevated gas emissions. Gas measurements indicated that the volcano was emitting elevated levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. The Alert Level remained at Advisory and the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.
NEVADO DEL RUIZ
Colombia 4.895°N, 75.322°W; summit elev. 5321 m
According to INGEOMINAS, the Observatorio Vulcanológico and Sismológico de Manizales reported that during 12-18 March seismicity at Nevado del Ruiz decreased but gas emissions remained at significant levels. Gas plumes rose 2 km above the crater and sulfur dioxide odors were reported by local people. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; “changes in the behavior of volcanic activity”).
Ongoing activity was noted among the following volcanoes :
Cleveland, Chuginadak Island, Alaska (USA) – Etna, Sicily (Italy) – Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) – Kilauea, Hawaii (USA) – Kizimen, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) – Popocatépetl (México) – Puyehue-Cordón Caulle (Chile) – Sakura-jima, Kyushu (Japan) – Shiveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia) – Soufrière Hills (Montserrat) – Tungurahua (Ecuador) – Villarrica (Central Chile)
Not in this list, but still active is the Nyragongo Volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A scientist team from INVOLCAN, the research institute of the Canary Island has visited the volcano and has published the following video on YouTube of the lava crater lake.
March 18, 2012
Etna, Sicily, Italy
Etna erupts again ! Since at least 2 hours Etna is spewing hot ash, lava and steam into the air.
Click here for the webcams of the Etna Observatory to see the current action
Click here to see one of the many “action” webcams of Guide-Etna.com
Etna Eruption action on March 18, 2012 - image courtesy, Etna-trekking.com
March 9 to March 17, 2012
A week of holidays
March 8, 2012
Active volcanoes in the world
17 volcanoes have shown changes in activity last week. New unusual activity has been noticed around 5 volcanoes (below).
BEZYMIANNY
Central Kamchatka (Russia) 55.978°N, 160.587°E; summit elev. 2882 m
KVERT reported that during 24 February-2 March seismic activity at Bezymianny remained elevated, with about 7-19 weak events registered daily. A thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images. Gas-and-steam activity was observed on 26 February; clouds obscured the volcano on the other days. One short volcanic tremor episode was detected on 29 February. About 40 seismic events were detected on 1 March and, according to satellite data analysis, the size and brightness of a thermal anomaly abruptly increased on 2 March. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red. During 2-5 March there were 25-40 weak seismic events detected; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano.
Bezymianny volcano durung a 2004 eruption - image courtesy and COPYRIGHT Alexander Belousov - kscnet.ru
CLEVELAND
Chuginadak Island 52.825°N, 169.944°W; summit elev. 1730 m
AVO reported that during 24 February-2 March satellite images of Cleveland revealed no unusual activity and no significant changes in the size of the lava dome. A weak thermal anomaly was detected in satellite imagery on 3 March. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange. No current seismic information was available because Cleveland does not have a real-time seismic network.
ETNA
Sicily (Italy) 37.734°N, 15.004°E; summit elev. 3330 m
Sezione di Catania – Osservatorio Etneo reported that the third episode of lava fountaining from Etna’s New Southeast Crater (New SEC) occurred on the morning of 4 March and was more explosive than the preceding episode. The beginning of the eruption was characterized by a rapid increase in volcanic tremor amplitude coincident with Strombolian explosions that increased in intensity and frequency. Just after 0800 lava overflowed the deep breach in the SE rim of the crater and reached the SE base of the cone within 15 minutes, then advanced towards the W rim of the Valle del Bove. Explosive activity changed to continuous lava fountaining and an eruption plume developed at about 0830. Large pyroclasts fell on the steep flanks of the cone, causing avalanches.
At about 0850 small pyroclastic flows generated by the partial collapse of the eruption column mainly descended the NE flank, and somewhat down the S flank. A lava flow was emitted from a new eruptive vent on the upper SW flank of the New SEC cone and descended into the saddle between the old and new SEC cones. The lava interacted with snow, causing powerful explosions and small pyroclastic flows. These phreatic explosions generated jets of vapor and launched rock fragments to distances of several tens of meters. A lahar developed which traveled toward the “Belvedere” monitoring station, on the W rim of the Valle del Bove, and passed a few tens of meters to the N of the monitoring instruments.
A lava flow also issued from an eruptive fissure on the upper N flank of the cone and descended a few hundred meters to the NE, surrounding the N base of the cone. After descending the steep W slope of the Valle del Bove, the flow split into several branches on the more gently sloping terrain. These branches exceeded in length those of 9 February, reaching a total distance of about 3.5 km from the crater. Shortly after 1000, the activity started to diminish; lava fountaining ceased at 1032, two hours after the onset of the paroxysmal phase. The lava flow emitted from the fissure on the SW flank of the cone continued advancing for a few hours after the cessation of the activity.
The eruption column rose several kilometers above the summit of Etna. Ash and lapilli were carried NE by the wind, affecting the areas around Piedimonte, Etneo, and Taormina. Fine ash fell as far as the Messina area and southern Calabria. Again, the pyroclastic cone of the New SEC had grown in height, mainly on its N rim.
KANAGA
Andreanof Islands 51.923°N, 177.168°W; summit elev. 1307 m
AVO reported that the level of unrest at Kanaga declined to background levels. On 2 March the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Normal and the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green.
TUNGURAHUA
Ecuador 1.467°S, 78.442°W; summit elev. 5023 m
IG reported that during 29 February-2 March cloud cover prevented views of Tungurahua. On 3 March seismicity increased. Clouds mostly prevented observations; during breaks in the cloud cover ash plumes were observed rising 3 km above the crater and drifting S and SW. Explosions ejected blocks that rolled down the flanks. Two of the explosions generated sounds resembling cannon shots, and vibrated windows. Ashfall was reported in Choglontus (13 km WSW), Manzano (8 km SW), Cahuají (8 km SW), and Motilones (W). On 4 March ashfall was reported in Yuibug and observers noted hot deposits from a small pyroclastic flow that occurred high in the Achupashal drainage (NW). Ash plumes observed during breaks in the cloud cover on 5 March rose 1 km and drifted W. Ash again fell in Choglontus. Clouds prevented observations on 6 March.
Ongoing activity was noted among the following volcanoes :
Bagana, Bougainville (Melanesia) – Fuego (Guatemala) – El Hierro, Canary Islands (Spain) – Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) – Kilauea, Hawaii (USA) – Kizimen, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) – Popocatépetl (México) – Puyehue-Cordón Caulle, Central Chile (Chile) – Sakura-jima, Kyushu (Japan) – Santa María (Guatemala) – Shiveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia) – Suwanose-jima, Ryukyu Islands (Japan)
March 7, 2012
Gaua volcano Vanuatu - image courtesy pacificislands.com
Vanuatu volcanoes / New Zealand technological aid
Helping reduce the risk to communities from volcanic eruptions in Vanuatu is one of the goals of a five-year New Zealand-funded project launched this week. The $500,000 scientific program will see three Vanuatu volcanoes being closely monitored to pick up early signs of unrest and allow time to put emergency procedures in place. New monitoring equipment will be installed on volcanoes Tanna, Ambae, and Gaua island and will send data back to scientists in Port Vila allowing warnings to be sent to the islands if volcanic activity changes. $$$$$
March 6, 2012
Spain / Canary Islands / El Hierro submarine volcano
- Change From RED to YELLOW Alert for Volcanic Area
- Yesterday evening, the scientific committee who is monitoring the submarine eruption declared the current eruption as “ended“. Spanish authorities will continue bathymetry sessions until the month of May to map the ocean floor and the volcano cone. The scientist monitoring will continue until pre-activity conditions are obtained (seismic and deformation conditions as present before July 17, 2011). $$$$$
USA / Hawaii / Kilauea / Royal Gardens
Jack Thompson, the last remaining habitant of the lava threatened Royal Gardens subdivision was evacuated last Friday night as a fresh lava flow burned through surrounding forest toward his home. Thompson took a few vital possessions into the two helicopters, but his home and all of its furniture will be eaten by the Pāhoehoe lava flow. $$$$$
March 5, 2012
Italy / Sicily / Etna
The video below from Etna Walk is showing a destructive Pyroclastic flow which looks like a snow avalanche but which has in fact a temperature of several hundred degrees C. Luckily nothing was around at that time, otherwise it would have been burned to ash. Pyroclastic flows tend to follow the natural valleys.
March 4, 2012
Italy / Sicily / Etna : 08:40 UTC
Etna is currently erupting. Click here for the LIVE images of the ETNA WEBCAM page.
The infra-red image below is showing the very high temperatures in the eruption plume. During darkness the plume would turn red but the coloring is difficult to see during daylight.
For more Etna webcams Click here
Webcam image courtesy INGV Catania - Italy
Infrared ETNA eruption image courtesy INGV Catania, Italy
Etna-Trekking webcam image with Catania in the front (Catania is at sea level)
March 1, 2012
Active volcanoes in the world
14 volcanoes have shown signs of activity last week. New unusual activity has been noticed around 4 volcanoes (below).
CLEVELAND
Chuginadak Island 52.825°N, 169.944°W; summit elev. 1730 m
AVO reported that satellite observations of Cleveland during 22-28 February revealed that the growth of the lava dome continued at a slow rate. Cloud cover over the volcano prevented views of the lava dome during 22 and 25-28 February. On 23 February a thermal anomaly was detected in partly cloudy satellite images. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange. No current seismic information was available because Cleveland does not have a real-time seismic network.
KANAGA
Andreanof Islands 51.923°N, 177.168°W; summit elev. 1307 m
AVO reported that no unusual activity was detected in seismic data or in partly-cloudy satellite images of Kanaga during 22-24 and 26-28 February. Low-level volcanic tremor was detected on 25 February. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory and the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.
Kanaga volcano during an eruption in 1994 - image courtesy Joe Meehan
RINCON DE LA VIEJA
Costa Rica 10.830°N, 85.324°W; summit elev. 1916 m
OVSICORI-UNA reported that seismic data revealed two eruptions on 19 and 20 February from Rincón de la Vieja’s active crater. Two more eruptions also occurred on 23 February. Explosions were heard in Guachipelin (11 km SW) between 0400 and 0430.
TUNGURAHUA
Ecuador 1.467°S, 78.442°W; summit elev. 5023 m
IG reported moderate activity at Tungurahua during 22-28 February. Steam plumes with some ash content rose to altitudes of 1-2 km (3,300-6,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W during 22-24 February. Ash fall was reported in Palitahua (6 km SSW), Choglontus (13 km WSW), and Manzano (8 km SW) on 23 February, and in the Mapayacu (SW) and Achupashal (NW) gorges on 24 February. Strombolian activity was observed on 24 February, and incandescence material that rose as high as 500 m above the crater fell on the W and NW flanks. Ashfall was reported to the SW in Manzano again on 25 February. A steam-and-ash plume rose as high as 800 m above the crater and drifted W on 26 February. Crater incandescence was observed on 23 and 27 February.
Ongoing activity was noted among the following volcanoes : Bezymianny, Central Kamchatka (Russia) – El Hierro, Canary Islands (Spain) – Karymsky, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) – Kilauea, Hawaii (USA) – Kizimen, Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) – Popocatépetl, México – Puyehue-Cordón Caulle, Central Chile – Sakura-jima, Kyushu (Japan) – Santa María, (Guatemala) – Shiveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia)
