Saturday, February 25, 2006

Man tells story about how he survived volcano eruption while climbing the volcano!

THE title of his Huddersfield talk is a flamboyant one: How To Get Blown Off A Volcano In Ecuador!

But Richard Snailham, from Windsor, is very much in the tradition of reticent British heroes.
It was August 1976 when he was one of a party of six Britons caught about 1,000ft from the top of the Sangay volcano in Ecuador when it suddenly erupted.

Official accounts state that the explosion dropped blocks up to 14in in diameter on the group.
Richard says matter-of-factly: "We slithered 2,000 ft down."

The lucky ones were Richard and one of his fellow climbers. They only had arm injuries. Richard says he broke his right elbow: "I have never had an elbow on that arm since."

But at least they were mobile. They spent some time in a ravine but eventually they emerged from the smoke, ash and dust on the 17,154ft mountain into sunshine.

Of the four people left behind on the mountain, two later died from their injuries.

The isolated Sangay volcano, about 25 miles north-west of the town of Macas and its 30,000 inhabitants, is considered by many to be the most active one in South America and indeed currently one of the world's more active volcanoes.

Because of its remoteness records are poor but it is known to have had periods of almost continuous eruptions from 1728 till 1916 and from 1934 to present times.

During the day it is often seen as a smoking snowcapped volcano, while at night a reddish halo exudes from inside the largest of its three craters, the one from where eruptions take place.
The following year, 1977, Richard wrote The Sangay Tragedy in Geographical Magazine and in 1978 brought out his book Sangay Survived: The story of the Ecuador volcano disaster.
Some 20 years later, at the insistence of his wife Christina, a medical doctor, he went back to Sangay to exorcise the ghost of the tragedy.

You can't help wondering if that was strictly necessary.

For Richard, who worked for 25 years as senior lecturer at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, is today a seasoned traveller as well as the writer of several books on his adventures.
He has taken part in expeditions to Mongolia, Honduras, Chile and Zaire and now leads tour groups to Bolivia, Peru and Ethiopia.

For six years he was honorary foreign secretary of the Royal Geographical Society. Now he is chairman of the Anglo-Ethiopian Society.

He's friends with famous explorer adventurers like John Blashford-Snell - and he has a good few Huddersfield connections.

Another of his explorer friends is Peter Drake of Brockholes - and he will be staying with him during this Huddersfield visit.

And his words in Bath in 2000 at a Royal Geographical Society lecture on Ethiopia inspired John Broadbent, of Golcar, into a personal crusade to trace the footsteps of his great grandfather, colour sergeant John McGrath, who fought at the battle of Magdala in Ethiopia in 1868.

John is a leading member of the Huddersfield and Halifax branch of the Geographical Association who will be hosting Richard's lecture - along with the Royal Geographical Society.

It will not be the first time that Richard has spoken to the Geographical Association.

He gave the first lecture of the 2002-2003 season with a talk Out Of Bolivia about an expedition he shared with Col John Blashford-Snell in 1998-99.

The idea was to prove that there must have been contact between the Tiwanaku people on the shores of Lake Titicaca deep in South America, on the Peru-Bolivia border, and the ancient Egyptians thousands of miles away.

What other explanation could there be for tobacco and the coca plant turning up in ancient Egypt many, many centuries before Europeans found them in the New World?

The expedition proved that the native reed boats could navigate their way from the high Andes to the Atlantic coast of South America.

The world is still waiting for some intrepid navigator to fill in the last part of the puzzle by proving that it is possible to sail - as Thor Heyerdahl famously did earlier with transatlantic reed-boat voyages - round the Cape of Good Hope to the Red Sea.

* The illustrated lecture, How To Get Blown Off A Volcano In Ecuador! by Richard Snailham, is being held at Huddersfield University at 7.15pm on Tuesday, Feburary 28, in the W5/10 Technology Building.

Visitors are welcome and pay £1 per lecture


Study helps scientists to understand what happens underground prior to volcano eruptions!

Researchers at Leeds University are part of a project known as ERUPT – or European Research on Understanding Processes and Timescales of Magma Evolution in Volcanic Systems – which looks at the behaviour of four volcanoes.The Leeds team has been investigating Stromboli, in Italy, and why the pattern of its eruptions dramatically changed in 2002.

Stromboli is known as "the lighthouse of the Mediterranean" because of its regular mild eruptions which have made it a tourist attraction.But around every 10 years the pattern changes and becomes more violent and it is one of these periods three years ago that scientists in Leeds have been investigating.By studying material thrown from the volcano the researchers have been able to chart what was happening beneath the surface before the violent eruptions began.

Professor Marjorie Wilson, from the university's School of Earth and Environment, compared the technique to reading the rings in tree trunks.Scientists on the ERUPT project have been able to match information gained from deposits around volcanoes to geophysics readings taken from them to put a timescale on events under ground and draw links to later eruptions.

Professor Wilson warned every volcano was different and it was a case of finding out "what makes each one tick."She added: "Nevertheless we have made a fundamental jump forward."In all, seven universities across the European Union are taking part in the ERUPT project, including Durham University.Being able to predict when a volcano will erupt and on what scale is considered the "holy grail" of vulcanologists, who study the phenomena.

Millions of people around the world live in the shadow of volcanoes and being able to accurately chart their behaviour could save lives.Professor Jon Davidson, from Durham University, said: "These new techniques are helping us build up profiles for different volcano types, which will help vulcanologists around the world understand better how magma works, its composition, what makes it more volatile, how it is stored and how and when it is likely to cause an eruption."ERUPT is a three-year project funded by the European Union.

Mayon displays some activity again!

MORE than a hundred quakes shook Mayon Volcano which sprayed ash across its slopes yesterday, triggering fears of a potential eruption.

As a result, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised its alert and advised residents to stay out of a danger zone covering a radius of 6 km from the crater.

It said there was no need to evacuate Legazpi City, home to 160,000 people, and nearby areas for the time being.

But the institute may suggest “further precautionary measures” if the activity persists on the 2,460-meter Mayon, one of the Philippines’ 22 active volcanos.

An ash column rose 500 meters above the crater of Mayon early yesterday, it said in an advisory.
Seismographs around the mountain detected 147 small “explosion-type” quakes during the past 24 hours, seismologists assigned to the site told Agence France Press.


Volcanic activity

Increased activity at Montserrat's Soufriere Hills Volcano produced columns of steam and ash that soared high into the eastern Caribbean sky. Ash fallout from the eruption was reported as far away as the Virgin Islands and parts of Puerto Rico. The volcano roared to life in 1997 after remaining dormant for more than a half a century. It has remained active since covering the now-abandoned capital of Plymouth with a deep layer of ash.

Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano is now producing its largest eruptions for the past five hundred years. Recent visitors to the island have been treated to spectacular nighttime views as the glowing lava lighted up the sky while entering the ocean.

Mayon volcano under close watch!

Scientists closely monitored the Mayon volcano in the eastern Philippines on Tuesday after low-frequency quakes and ash puffs indicated magma was rising in its crater.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said as of early Tuesday, 147 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes were recorded over a 1.5-hour period, compared with five or fewer during quiet times.

Minor rockfalls and wispy to moderate steaming were also observed, it added.

"These low-frequency volcanic earthquakes were relatively large ... and are interpreted to be caused by the shallow movement of magma within the summit crater,'' a bulletin issued by the institute said.

The 2,474-meter (8,118-foot) volcano has been restless since October 2004, when officials raised the second of a five-level alert system, indicating "increasing unrest,'' and warned villagers to stay out of a permanent 6-kilometer (3.75-mile) danger zone.

The institute's director, Renato Solidum Jr., said the alert level is not being raised again but officials are warning people not to go near the volcano in view of the latest increse in seismic activity.

"Technically the volcano has been erupting because of the lava growing inside the crater, but what we are trying to warn about would be the explosive one which would really be dangerous,'' he said.
Volanologists are on the lookout for more frequent ash puffs or further increases in seismic activity, indications of imminent eruption, he added.

Mayon last came to life in a series of eruptions in 2001, forcing the evacuation of about 50,000 people. It has erupted about 50 times since 1616.-AP


Wonderful sources of information on volcanic eruptions around the world!

VOLCANO:
YEAR OF MOST RECENTSIGNIFICANT ERUPTION
DATE OF MOST RECENT ACTIVITY REPORT:


LOCATIONSATELLITE VIEWand WEB CAM(if available)

Augustine, Cook Inlet, Alaska USA During 8-14 February, seismicity at Augustine remained at low levels, but was still above background. Also, low-level ash plumes and occasional pyroclastic flows occurred. Satellite and seismic data, and other remote observations indicated that a lava dome had been growing at the volcano's summit since 28 January. On the evening of 7 February, gas, ash, and incandescent blocks were observed descending the upper NE flank of Augustine. All available data indicated that as the lava dome grows, it periodically becomes unstable and small portions of it avalanche down the N flank, producing pyroclastic flows. The number of these flows gradually decreased during several days before 10 February, suggesting that the rate of lava extrusion also slowly declined.

Data from continuous GPS receivers on the island indicated that the flanks of the volcano began to deflate around 28 January, marking a reversal in the swelling trend observed beginning in roughly June of 2005. AVO reported that based on all available data, eruptive activity associated with lava-dome building will continue over the next few days or weeks and may continue intermittently over the next several months. Augustine remained at Concern Color Code Orange. Sources: Alaska Volcano Observatory, Anchorage Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
February 14, 2006
59.363N, 153.43W
Satellite View WEB CAM

Cleveland, Chuginadak Island, Alaska AVO decreased the Concern Color Code at Cleveland from Orange to Yellow on 11 February. They received no information about further eruptive activity or ash emissions after 6 February, and no ash clouds were detected on satellite imagery. Clouds obscured the volcano during 6-11 February, therefore, AVO could not verify that eruptive activity ended and it is possible that the volcano remains in a state of low-level unrest. Sources: Alaska Volcano Observatory, Anchorage Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2001
February 14, 2006
52.82N, 169.95W
Satellite View

Galeras, Colombia INGEOMINAS reported on 10 February that a lava dome was growing inside the main crater of Galeras. The lava dome was not seen during the previous observation flight on 16 January. Seismicity was dominated by long-period earthquakes, with an average of 150 occurring daily during 13 January to 8 February. On 5 February, strong degassing was visible from different parts of the active cone and around the lava dome. Cracks were visible on the high parts of the lava dome. During a field visit on 8 February, scientists found fall material [originally incorrectly reported in the WVAR as pyroclastic-flow deposits] high on the SE flank of the volcano.

The exact date of the small emission was not known, but it occurred after 26 November when scientists previously visited the area. Galeras remained at Alert Level 3 ("changes in the behavior of volcanic activity have been noted"). Source: Instituto Colombiano de Geologia y Mineria - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
February 14, 2006
1.22N, 77.37W
Satellite View

Guagua Pichincha, EcuadorOn 5 February, beginning around 1300, three small gas emissions occurred at Guagua Pichincha. IG reported that this phreatic activity was associated with accumulated rainfall that was heated by magmatic material from the previous eruptive period, and was not related to renewed volcanic activity. After the emissions, a series of seismic signals associated with rockfalls and long-period earthquakes were recorded. The signals were related to degassing that commonly occurs after emissions. Cloudy conditions prevented observations of the volcano. IG recommended that people should not visit Guagua Pichincha's crater since emissions or explosions can occur at any time.Source: Instituto Geof?co-Escuela Polit飮ica Nacional - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
February 14, 2006
0.17S, 78.6W
Satellite View

Kilauea, Hawai'i, USA During 8-14 February, surface lava flows were not visible on Kilauea's Pulama pali fault scarp due to lava traveling underground through the PKK lava tube until reaching the East Lae`apuki lava delta and flowing into the sea. Observations on 7 February revealed that the lava delta had broadened 120 m westward since 30 January. During the report period, background volcanic tremor was near normal levels at Kilauea's summit, with numerous sporadic shallow earthquakes continuing to occur at the summit and upper E rift zone. Volcanic tremor reached moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o. Slow, steady inflation continued at Kilauea's summit as it has more-or-less since mid-January. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
February 14, 2006
19.452N, 155.292W
Satellite View WEB CAM

Santa Ana, El SalvadorDuring 3-10 February, volcanic activity was at moderate levels at Santa Ana. Seismicity was relatively stable, and steam plumes rose to low levels above the volcano. The sulfur-dioxide flux averaged 1,200 metric tons per day. The Alert Level at Santa Ana remained at Red, the highest level, within a 5-km radius around the volcano's summit crater. Sources: Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET)- "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
February 14, 2006
13.9N, 89.6W
Satellite View

Santa Maria, GuatemalaDuring 9-14 February, weak-to-moderate explosions at Santa Mar?a's Santiaguito lava-dome complex produced plumes that rose to a maximum height of 1.2 km above the volcano (or 16,300 ft a.s.l.) on the 9th. Several explosions were accompanied by small pyroclastic flows that traveled down the SW and SE sides of Caliente Dome. Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia- "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
February 14, 2006
14.8N, 91.5W
Satellite View

Soufriere Hills, Montserrat, West Indies MVO reported to the Washington VAAC that increased activity began at Soufri貥 Hills on 10 February. That day, satellite imagery showed a prominent hotspot at the volcano and a NW-drifting ash plume at a height of ~3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. Ash-and-gas emissions continued through 15 February, producing plumes to a height of ~2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. MVO reported that on 15 February, there was markedly less volcanic activity, with steam and a small amount of ash emitted to ~1.4 km (4,450 ft) a.s.l. Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
February 14, 2006
16.7N, 62.2W
Satellite View

Mount St. Helens, USA Growth of the new lava dome inside the crater of Mount St. Helens continued during 8-15 February, accompanied by low rates of seismicity, low emissions of steam and volcanic gases, and minor production of ash. Comparison of photos taken between 17 December and 7 February showed that the base of the active lobe of the lava dome enlarged by about 100 meters. A series of photographs taken during the week of 5 February showed that the active part of the new lava dome continued to extrude, with points on the surface of the dome moving a couple of meters per day.

St Helens remained at Volcano Advisory (Alert Level 2); aviation color code Orange. Source: US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory- "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
February 14, 2006
46.2N, 122.2W
Satellite View WEB CAM

Tungurahua, EcuadorDuring 6-14 February, several moderate-sized emissions of gas and ash occurred at Tungurahua, with plumes rising to ~500 m above the volcano (or 18,100 ft a.s.l.). On the 6th, the number of long-period earthquakes increased. An explosion around midnight on 12 February expelled incandescent volcanic material that traveled down the N flank of the volcano. A small amount of ash fell in the town of Puela, SW of the volcano. Source: Instituto Geofisico-Escuela Politecnica Nacional- "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
February 14, 2006
1.467S, 78.44W
Satellite View

Colima, MexicoDuring 4-7 February, small explosions occurred at Colima. The highest resultant ash plume reached ~8.5 km (28,000 ft) a.s.l. on 4 February. Sources: Universidad de Colima, Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
February 07, 2006
19.51N, 103.62W
Satellite View WEB CAM

Fuego, Guatemala During 1-3 February, weak-to-moderate explosions occurred at Fuego. Shock waves from the explosions were sometimes felt in villages near the volcano. Small avalanches of volcanic material traveled down Fuego's S and W flanks. Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia- "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
February 07, 2006
14.5N, 90.9W
Satellite View

Karymsky, Kamchatka, RussiaAccording to reports from pilots of local airlines, ash emissions from Karymsky rose to 4-5 km (13,100-16,400 ft) a.s.l. during 30-31 January. The ash plumes extended 13-29 km from the volcano to the SW and SE, respectively. A thermal anomaly was visible at the lava dome during 27 January to 3 February, except when the volcano was obscured by clouds on the 28th. KVERT warned that activity from the volcano could affect nearby low-flying aircraft. Karymsky remained at Concern Color Code Orange. Source:Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
February 07, 2006
54.0N, 159.5E
Satellite View

Popocatepetl, MexicoDuring 1-7 February, several small-to-moderate emissions of steam, gas, and small amounts of ash occurred at Popocat?petl. On the 4th, an explosion produced a plume that rose to ~6.7 km (22,000 ft) a.s.l. Sources: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres, Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center- "Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
February 07, 2006
19.0N, 98.6W
Satellite View WEB CAM(Select Tamano A or B)

Sakura-Jima, Kyushu, JapanBased on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an explosion at Sakura-jima on 5 February produced a plume that reached a height of ~1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center- "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
February 07, 2006
31.58N 130.67E
Satellite View WEB CAM

Suwanose-Jima Ryukyu Islands, JapanBased on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that several explosions occurred at Suwanose-jima during 6-7 February. A resultant plume from an explosion on the 6th rose to 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and extended NW. Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
February 07, 2006
29.53N, 129.72E
Satellite View

Barren Island, Andaman Islands, IndiaDuring 12-13 January, a team from the Geological Survey of India visited Barren Island. They reported that dense clusters of incandescent tephra of various sizes were ejected from the crater. In addition to the eruption from the main crater, the scientists saw incandescence on the N flank of the volcanic cone and thin layers of incandescent material on the W slope. In comparison to activity during the early stages of the eruption in May-June 2005, activity had diminished considerably. The Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes emitted from Barren Island during 26-27 January rose to ~3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. Sources: Geological Survey of India, Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1995
January 31, 2006
12.29N, 93.88E
Satellite View

Garbuna Group, New Britain, Papua New Guinea During 1-15 January, the two vents at the summit of Garbuna emitted small-to-moderate volumes of gas. There were no other unusual observations. Seismicity was low and dominated by occasional low-frequency earthquakes. Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

Unknown
January 31, 2006
5.45S, 150.03E
Satellite View

Langila, New Britain, Papua New Guinea A slight increase in vulcanian activity occurred at Langila's Crater 2 during 1-15 January. The increase was characterized by nearly continuous ash emissions that rose to 1-2 km above the summit (or 7,650-10,900 ft a.s.l.) and drifted WSW. Occasionally during the report period observers noted loud noises, incandescence, and weak emissions of glowing lava fragments.Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory via the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
January 31, 2006
5.52S, 148.42E
Satellite View

Lopevi, Central Islands, Vanuatu Following reports of plumes from Lopevi reaching heights of ~2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. on 24 and 25 January, the Wellington VAAC reported that plumes of "smoke" rose to ~2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. on 26 January and drifted S. They also reported that lava flowed down the S flank of the volcano on the 26th. Sources: Wellington VAAC - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2003
January 31, 2006
16.507S, 168.346E
Satellite View

Manam, Papua New GuineaMild eruptive activity occurred at Manam during 1-15 January, with occasional ash emissions during 1-4 January. Dull incandescence was visible on 1 and 2 January. Gas was emitted from Southern Crater during 1-7 January. Seismicity was at low levels during the report period. The Alert Level remained at 1, which reflected low activity. Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory via the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
January 31, 2006
4.1S, 145.0E
Satellite View

Planchon-Peteroa, Chile The Buenos Aires VAAC reported that based on SIGMETs, increased fumarolic activity occurred at Planchon-Peteroa and Cerro Azul beginning on 26 January. Servicio Nacional de Geolog?a y Mineria clarified that intense fumarolic activity only occurred at Planchon-Petero around 25 January. Increased fumarolic activity is normal during the summer when snow melts in the crater and more steam is produced. Sources: Servicio Nacional de Geologia y Mineria, Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1998, ongoing
January 31, 2006
35.240S, 70.570W
Satellite View

Rabaul, Papua New GuineaAsh emissions from Rabaul caldera's active Tavurvur cone on 10,11,12, and 15 January rose over 1.5 km above the volcano's summit and drifted E. Seismicity was at low levels during 1-15 January. Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory via the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center- "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
January 31, 2006
4.27S, 152.20E
Satellite View

Pacaya, GuatemalaWeak incandescence was noted from the Pacaya crater during 18-24 January. A white- and blue-colored fumarolic gas plume rising from the crater frequently extends many kilometers downwind. Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2002
January 24, 2006
14.4N, 90.6W
Satellite View

Mount Martin, Alaska USA Increased seismicity occurred at Martin during 8 January until at least 15 January. About 300 earthquakes were recorded during 2 days, in contrast to the background rate of ~25 earthquakes per month since the seismic network was installed in 1996. AVO increased the Concern Color Code to Yellow. AVO reported that swarms of earthquakes of this nature are common at volcanoes such as Martin, and do not suggest that eruptive activity is imminent. Satellite data showed nothing unusual, although steaming is frequently observed at the volcano.

1953
January 17, 2006
58.172N, 155.361W
Satellite View

Dukono, Halmahera, IndonesiaAsh from Dukono was visible on satellite imagery on 12 January at a height of ~3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l., extending SW. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center- "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
January 17, 2006
1.70N, 127.87E
Satellite View

Aoba, Ambae Island, Vanuatu According to a news report on 4 January, all of the 3,000 people displaced by the eruption of Aoba returned home. The eruption began on 27 November 2005. During 6-10 December, small-scale volcanic activity that began at Aoba (also locally called Mt. Manaro) on 27 November continued from active vents within Lake Vui, the summit crater lake. Molten material entered the crater lake and reacted with water, producing small explosive eruptions and a plume of steam and gas that rose to a height of 3.9-4.5 km (12,800-14,800 ft) a.s.l.

The eruption built a cone around the active vents, enclosing them on three sides and forming an island ~200 m wide and 50-60 m high in the lake. Sources: Radio New Zealand International News, Charlie Douglas and Morris Harrison, Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources (DGMWR), Brad Scott, and Steve Sherburn, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) via the Volcano Listserv - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1995
January 10, 2006
15.40S, 167.83E
Satellite View

Spurr, Southwestern Alaska, USASeismicity remained above background levels at Spurr during 30 December to 6 January. Clear satellite and web camera views of the volcano showed no unusual activity. Spurr remained at Concern Color Code Yellow. Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1992
January 10, 2006
61.299N, 152.251W
Satellite View WEB CAM

Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island, Indian OceanFollowing summit inflation that had been measured at Piton de la Fournaise since the last eruption on 29 November, a seismic crisis began beneath Dolomieu Crater on 26 December at 1444. During the next 2 hours, seismicity shifted to the NE in the direction of "Nez Coupe de Sainte Rose." A first fissure opened at 1715 at the NE base of Piton de la Fournaise. At 2200 eruptive fissures opened in the caldera wall ~500 m E of "Nez Coupe de Sainte Rose," and a lava flow traveled into the "Plaine des Osmondes." By the 28th, eruptive activity was almost constant and an aa lava flow slowly traveled in the "Grandes Brule" and had reached to within ~3 km of the national road. Source: Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise via the Volcano Listserv - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
December 27, 2005
21.23S, 55.71E
Satellite View WEB CAM

Soputan, Sulawesi, IndonesiaA phreatic eruption began at Soputan on 26 December around 1230 following heavy rain that contacted lava at the volcano's summit. On 27 December at 0400, a Strombolian eruption began that lasted ~50 minutes. Incandescent volcanic material was ejected ~35 m, and avalanches of volcanic material traveled as far as 750 m E. Around 0640 the avalanches became larger, as pyroclastic avalanches occurred from the edge of the lava. The avalanches extended 200 m E, and booming noises were heard as far as 5 km from the summit. The Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume reached a height of ~5.8 km (~19,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. As of 28 December, eruptive activity continued at Soputan, producing ash plumes to a height of ~1 km above the volcano (or 9,100 ft a.s.l.).

Strombolian eruptions continued, ejecting incandescent volcanic material up to 200 m above the summit (or 6,500 ft a.s.l.). Pyroclastic avalanches traveled ~500 m E and SW. This was the fourth event at Soputan in 2005, with previous activity on 14 and 20 April, and on 12 September. The Alert Level remained at 2, since the volcano is about 11 km from the nearest settlement. Visitors are prohibited from climbing Soputan's summit and camping around Kawah Masem. Sources: Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
December 27, 2005
1.11N, 124E
Satellite View

Bezymianny, Kamchatka, RussiaAfter an explosive eruption at Bezymianny on 30 November, seismic activity at the volcano decreased to background levels. On 2 December the Concern Color Code was reduced from Orange to Yellow. On 9 December, KVERT reported that based on past experience with Bezymianny, a viscous lava flow was probably active at the summit lava dome and there were no indications that an explosive eruption was imminent. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."
2005


December 13, 2005
55.98N, 160.58E
Satellite View WEB CAM

Karthala, Comoros Islands, Indian OceanAccording to news reports, a phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Karthala during the evening of 24 November. Ash fell in several towns, including in the capital city Morini along the Grand Comore island's SW coast and on the volcano's W flank. According to a UN OCHA report, local authorities estimated that about 2,000 people temporarily fled their villages in the region of Bamboa in the central part of Grand Comore Island, and sought refuge in less exposed areas, such as Mitsamiouli, Mboud?, and Oichili.

During the evacuation, an infant died due to respiratory distress. Ashfall caused the closure of shops and schools in Moroni and security forces cleaned the streets using water tankers. Residents were warned to avoid inhaling ash. Preliminary assessments revealed that about 118,000 people living in 75 villages may have been affected by the contamination of domestic water tanks. This is of particular concern because it is the height of the dry season. A UN worker reported that 245,000 people live in the area exposed to ash and estimated that 175,000 could face water shortages.

There were also concerns about the impact of ash on agriculture and livestock.The Toulouse VAAC reported that ash from the early phase of the eruption was not immediately seen on satellite imagery, but that ash fell at the local airport. AFWA reported that the ash cloud was visible on satellite imagery on 25 November at a height of ~11.6 km (~38,000 ft) a.s.l. According to the Karthala Volcano Observatory, a lava lake formed in the volcano's crater.

As of 29 November, seismic activity continued at the volcano. Sources: Toulouse VAAC, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Integrated Regional Information Network, Air Force Weather Agency, Agence France Presse, News 24, Angola Press - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1991
November 29, 2005
11.75N, 43.38E
Satellite View

Tanaga, Aleutian Islands, USA AVO reported on 25 November that for several weeks seismicity beneath young volcanic vents on Tanaga Island decreased significantly from levels recorded in early October. Satellite images of the island showed no anomalous temperatures or evidence of ash emissions. AVO reported that based on the decrease in earthquake counts and frequency of tremor episodes, the likelihood of an eruption had diminished. Therefore, AVO downgraded the Concern Color Code from Yellow to Green. Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
November 29, 2005
51.88N, 178.15W
Satellite View

Ulawun, New Britain, Papua New GuineaA thin plume emitted from Ulawun was visible extending N on satellite imagery on 23 November.

2003
November 29, 2005
5.04S, 151.3E
Satellite View

San Cristobal, NicaraguaThere was an increase in seismicity at San Crist?bal beginning on 19 November. Increased tremor was interpreted as being related to gas and ash emissions. Ash fell W of the volcano and near the town of Chinandega, ~15 km SW of the volcano. The amount of tremor decreased later.Source: Instituto Nicaraguense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER) - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1998
November 22, 2005
12.7N, 87.0W
Satellite View

Avachinsky, Kamchatka, RussiaKVERT reported on 8 November that the number and energy of shallow earthquakes below Avachinsky increased during the previous month. A weak thermal anomaly near the volcano's summit was visible on satellite imagery on 7 November. KVERT reported that based on these changes the possibility of sudden ash explosions at Avachinsky had increased, so the Concern Color Code was raised from Green to Yellow on 8 November.Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
November 22, 2005
53.25N, 158.83E
Satellite View
Reventador, EcuadorDuring 7-13 November, the number of earthquakes at Reventador increased slightly in comparison to the previous week. Small explosions produced ash plumes that rose to a height of ~4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. Sources: Instituto Geofisico-Escuela Poltecnica Nacional, Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005

November 22, 2005
0.07S, 77.67W
Satellite View

Montagu Island, South Sandwich Islands A partly cloudy ASTER satellite image from 3 November appeared to indicate that large-scale effusive activity from the summit of Montagu Island (Mt. Belinda) had ceased. The image showed that the 3.5-km-long lava flow noted in previous reports (observed entering the sea in an image from 23 September 2005) had extended the shoreline on the N side of island.

The new land extended approximately 500 m from the previous shoreline, and was ~400 m wide, equating to a total area of 0.2 square kilometers. Source: Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) Thermal Alerts Team and John Smellie of the British Antarctic Survey - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
November 15, 2005
58.42S, 26.33W
Satellite View

Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo On 13 November, a plume that may have contained some ash was emitted from Nyiragongo and seen on satellite imagery. Source: Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
November 15, 2005
1.52S, 29.25E
Satellite View

Arenal, Costa RicaExplosive activity began at Arenal on 2 November at 1454. A pyroclastic flow was generated at 1502 and movement continued for ~10 minutes. During a visit to the volcano the next day, OVISICORI-UNA scientists found that the mid-sized pyroclastic flow traveled down the volcano's W flank, producing an ash cloud that drifted SE. An area was impacted that extended from the volcano's summit to about 1,000 m a.s.l. on Arenal's W flank. The pyroclastic flow occurred in an area that is closed to visitors. During the previous several months lava flows on the volcano's SW flank had been growing rapidly.Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVISICORI-UNA) - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
November 08, 2005
10.46N, 84.70W
Satellite View

Veniaminof, Alaska Peninsula, USA The Concern Color Code at Veniaminof was increased on 4 November from Green to Yellow after a low-level minor ash emission occurred from the intracaldera cone beginning at 0929. Ash rose a few hundred meters above the cone, drifted E, and dissipated rapidly. Minor ashfall was probably confined to the summit caldera. During the previous 2 weeks, occasional steaming from the intracaldera cone was observed.

Very weak seismic tremor and a few small discrete seismic events were recorded at the station closest to the active cone. However, AVO reported that there were no indications from seismic data that a significantly larger eruption was imminent. They expect that steam and ash emissions may continue intermittently and could pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the active cone. Sources: Alaska Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
November 08, 2005
56.17N, 159.38W
Satellite View WEB CAM

Katmai, Alaska, USA Strong winds in the Katmai area picked up loose ash deposited during the 1912 eruption and carried it E over Kodiak Island. AVO recorded a large area of resuspended ash on satellite imagery. The National Weather Service estimated that the top of the plume was at 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. Katmai remained at Concern Color Code Green. Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1912
November 08, 2005
58.28N, 154.96W
Satellite View

Kliuchevskoi, Kamchatka, Russia Seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi was at background levels during the previous 3 weeks and no activity was observed on satellite imagery. Since there were no indications that an eruption was imminent at Kliuchevskoi, KVERT reduced the Concern Color Code from Yellow to Green on 4 November. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
November 08, 2005
56.06N, 160.64E
Satellite View WEB CAM

Shiveluch, Kamchatka, Russia Seismic activity and lava-dome growth continued at Shiveluch during 28 October to 4 November. Seismicity decreased gradually during the previous 2 weeks and only weak avalanches were recorded, so KVERT reduced the Concern Color Code at Shiveluch from Orange to Yellow on 4 November. - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
November 08, 2005
56.65N, 161.36E
Satellite View WEB CAM

Sierra Negra, Galapagos IslandsAccording to IG, an eruption began at Sierra Negra on the S end of Isabela Island on 22 October at 1730 when an explosion was heard by many people in the town of Villamil, 20 km SE of the volcano. The eruption was preceded by a seismic event on 22 October at 1438, and by earthquakes on 19 October and 2 weeks earlier.

The Washington VAAC recorded an ash cloud on satellite imagery at 1745 at a height of ~15.2 km (50,000 ft) a.s.l. moving SW, and a very large hotspot. The ash cloud may have reached a height of 20 km (65,600 ft) a.s.l. Extensive lava fountains were seen rising to heights of 200-300 m along a segment of the Sierra Negra rim. Incandescent lava flowed several kilometers down the outer NW flank of the volcano's edifice and tourists reported seeing two lava flows descending the N flank.

The exact orientation of flows on the volcano's flanks was not clear from early reports. Scientists did not see active lava flows in this area or evidence of flows entering the sea during an overflight on 23 October.During a visit to Sierra Negra on 23 October, scientists saw that the eruption originated from four adjacent craters aligned along a 500-m-long fracture at the base of the inner wall of the volcano's caldera in the NE sector. Lava traveled from four principal vents southwards with exceptional force, volume, and speed downslope in several main channels.

Based on observations, the main lava river traveled nearly 20 m/sec as it left its source vents. Two vents mainly supplied lava to the many lava rivers flowing southward over the northern caldera bench and then down onto the caldera floor. The feeding fracture apparently extended westward along the inner wall, but then climbed up onto the caldera rim itself where its trace was not obvious. However, small vents with fountaining and incandescent lava were observed on the rim along this general fracture system, implying that the active fracture extended for about 2 km W of the main vents.

By 23 October around 1530, the lava formed one large flow that was 1-1.5 km wide and had progressed ~7 km southeastward along the base of the eastern interior wall of the caldera, then westward along the southern wall reaching a point almost halfway across the caldera. The volume of lava ejected at this time was estimated at 25 million cubic meters.

On 26 October, there were reports that lava was no longer emitted from one of the four principal vents. No populated areas on the island were threatened by the eruption. Sources:Instituto Geofisico-Escuela Politecnica Nacional - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
November 01, 2005
0.83S, 91.17W
Satellite View

Nyamuragira, Democratic Republic of CongoBeginning on 23 October, GVO recorded heightened seismic activity along the East African Rift and around the Virunga volcanoes when a swarm of long-period earthquakes occurred N of Nyamuragira. More than 140 events were recorded at a station 19 km E of the volcano.

On 27 October at 1500, another swarm of long-period earthquakes began beneath the same area. More than 300 events were recorded until at least 28 October. At 2010, a M 4.5 tectonic earthquake occurred N of Lake Tanganika, which was followed by several aftershocks. GVO noted that this activity reinforces the likelihood of an eruption in the near future, but volcanic activity would not pose a threat to inhabited areas.

The Alert Level for the nearby city of Goma remained at Yellow. Source: Goma Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
November 01, 2005
1.4S, 29.2E


Sangay, EcuadorBased on information from IG, the Washington VAAC reported that ash was seen over Sangay on 26 October at 0758. No ash was visible on satellite imagery. Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
November 01, 2005
2.0S, 78.3W
Satellite View

Dabbahu, EthiopiaVolcanic activity at Erta Ale discussed in the 5-11 October 2005 Weekly Volcanic Activity Report actually occurred at Dabbahu. The correct report is below. A team of scientists visited the Da'Ure locality immediately adjacent to the NE flank of the Quaternary Dabbahu (or Boina) felsic complex on 4 and 5 October after receiving reports of volcanic activity there on 26 September.

People in the area noted that on 26 September at about 1300 a very strong earthquake shook the area, and was followed by a dark column of "smoke" that rose high into the atmosphere and spread out to form a cloud, which darkened the area for 3 days and 3 nights. The scientists determined that a minor explosive eruption occurred from two semi-circular vents, producing ashfall that was ~5 cm thick near the vent.

Ash deposits extended more than 500 m from the vent. Boulders emitted during the eruption were as large as 3 m and were deposited as far as 20 meters away. The scientists noted intense degassing from the vents, the scent of sulfur dioxide, and the sound of boiling water in the vents.

As of about 10 October, the Addis Ababa University Geophysical Observatory reported that seismic activity in the area was continuing. Sources: Gezahegn Yirgu, Department of Earth Sciences, Addis Ababa University - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
October 18, 2005
12.6N, 40.48E
Satellite View

Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica According to the Mt. Erebus activity log, several "small- to medium-sized" eruptions occurred during 12-18 October, with a "very large" eruption occurring on 14 October. The eruption sizes were based on comparisons of seismic data for known Erebus eruptions. Source: Mount Erebus Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
October 18, 2005
77.53S, 167.17E
Satellite View

Karangetang, Siau Island, Indonesia Gas was emitted from Karangetang's North and Batukole craters during 10-16 October. Seismicity was dominated by multiphase events, which decreased in number in comparison to the previous week. The number of deep volcanic earthquakes increased. Karangetang remained at Alert Level 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Source: Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
October 18, 2005
2.78N, 125.48E
Satellite View

Mount Michael, Saunders Island, South Sandwich Islands The first MODVOLC alerts at Mount Michael since May 2003 recently began, indicating an increased level of activity in the island's summit crater (and presumed lava lake). The alerts occurred on 3, 5, and 6 October. Sources: Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) Thermal Alerts Team and John Smellie of the British Antarctic Survey - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2003
October 18, 2005
57.78S, 26.45W
Satellite View

San Miguel, El SalvadorSNET reported that activity had not changed at San Miguel after small clusters of earthquakes occurred at the volcano during 27 September to about 14 October. During a visit to the volcano on 13 October small rockfalls were seen, but there were no significant changes in the crater and sulfur-dioxide emissions were very weak.Source: Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET) - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
October 18, 2005
13.431N, 88.272W
Satellite View

Stromboli, Italy A plume emitted from Stromboli that may have contained ash was visible on satellite imagery on 14 October at a height around 1.8-2.4 km (6,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. The plume extended ~10 km NW of the volcano.Source: Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
October 18, 2005
38.79N, 15.21E
Satellite View WEB CAM

Cayambe, Ecuador A cluster of earthquakes that had been recorded at Cayambe since 16 September, with about 300 small earthquakes occurring during 16-18 September, decreased in number significantly after 19 September. During 19-25 September, an average of 5.3 earthquakes occurred daily. Source: Instituto Geofisico-Escuela Politecnica Nacional - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1786
October 04, 2005
0.029 N 77.986 W
Satellite View

Bagana, Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea Ash was emitted from Bagana during 17-18 September and drifted W and NW. During 14-18 September, incandescence from the volcano was visible at night. On the 18th, observers described what could have been cascading volcanic material detached from a possible active lava flow. Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005, ongoing
September 27, 2005
6.14S, 155.19E
Satellite View

Ebeko, Kuril Islands, Russia Strong fumarolic activity continued at Ebeko's crater during 9-16 September. Ebeko remained at Concern Color Code Yellow. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1991
September 20, 2005
50.68N, 156.02E
Satellite View

Anatahan, Mariana IslandsSatellite images did not show ash emissions from Anatahan during 3 September to at least 12 September, and there were no reports of volcanic activity from pilots. Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and the US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1920
September 13, 2005
16.35N, 145.67E
Satellite View

Cotopaxi, Ecuador During 29 August to 4 September, the number of long-period and hybrid earthquakes at Cotopaxi decreased slightly, and the number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes increased, in comparison to the previous week. No changes in deformation were recorded, and no surficial changes were seen at the volcano. Source: Instituto Geofisico-Escuela Politecnica Nacional - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1940
September 13, 2005
00.677S, 78.436W
Satellite View

Chiginagak, AlaskaAVO reported that a 400-m-wide "melt-water lake" formed in the snow-and-ice filled summit crater of Chiginagak sometime after the previous observation in August 2004. Earlier this summer, the southern crater rim of Chiginagak was breached, allowing a portion of the lake to drain. The resulting lahar left a deposit on a glacier draining the crater to the S and caused flooding of 1-2 m above normal at Indecision Creek. The breach in the crater rim and the ensuing lahar probably occurred in July 2005; there were reports from a nearby lodge at this time of strong sulfur smells and cloudy, yellowish water in the Indecision Creek drainage. There were no indications that an eruption is imminent or that this event is necessarily precursory to an eruption. Chiginagak is not seismically monitored, so AVO did not assign it a Concern Color Code. Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1998
August 30, 2005
57.13N, 157.00W
Satellite View

Mayon, PhilippinesPHIVOLCS reported on 23 August that an aerial survey of Mayon conducted on 17 August revealed that lava had accumulated within the volcano's summit crater. The lava dome was extruding very slowly and the volume of lava was contained within the crater. PHIVOLCS warned that the volcano remains at Alert Level 2, and that people cannot enter the Permanent Danger Zone of 6 km radius around the volcano.Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
August 30, 2005
13.3N, 123.7E
Satellite View

Mauna Loa, Hawai'i, USAHVO reported on 21 August that extension across Mauna Loa's summit had resumed over the previous few weeks after pausing for much of July. Seismicity remained at low levels at the volcano. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1984
August 23, 2005
19.5N, 155.6W
Satellite View WEB CAM

Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania, Africa During a trip to Ol Doinyo Lengai by Fred Belton during 19 July to 9 August, three eruptions occurred at cone T58C on 20 and 21 July, one of which lasted 20 hours. No further eruptions were observed through 9 August. The most recent eruption prior to 20 July occurred on 9 July when large lava flows completely covered the campsite in the E part of the crater. Photos indicated that there may have been infrequent activity at the volcano at least as long ago as 15 May. No new cones had formed at the volcano since 15 July 2004 when T58C was created.Source: Fred Belton via the European Volcanological Society (SVE) - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
August 23, 2005
2.751S, 35.902E
Satellite View

Pago, New Britain, Papua New GuineaPago was quiet during 15-21 August, with only steam emissions occurring from the upper vents of the fissure system. Seismicity was at low levels.Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory via the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2003
August 23, 2005
5.58S, 150.52E
Satellite View

Sarigan, Mariana IslandsA seismic swarm was recorded at Sarigan beginning on 9 August. By 14 August, 630 earthquakes had been recorded. The seismic swarm that began at Sarigan on 9 August tapered off on 18 August. Source: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and the US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

No recorded events
August 23, 2005
16.35N, 145.67E
Satellite View

McDonald Island, southern Indian Ocean, AustraliaThe Darwin VAAC issued a precautionary advisory on 10 August warning pilots of the possible presence of low-level ash near McDonald Island. The advisory was based on a press release made by the Australian Minister for the Environment and Heritage, the parent agent of the Australian Antarctic Division. The press release discussed a hotspot at McDonald Island that was visible on satellite imagery on 12 July.

The Darwin VAAC did not see ash in satellite imagery.Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center, Australian Antarctic Division - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2001
August 16, 2005
53.03S, 72.60E
Satellite View

Concepcion, Island of Ometepe, Nicaragua According to INETER by 0400 on 3 August, 38 earthquakes had occurred on the Island of Ometepe. The strongest earthquake (ML 5.6) occurred at 0603 and was felt in the surrounding region. The epicenter was estimated to be underneath Lake Nicaragua, SE of the Island of Ometepe, ~10-15 km SE of Volcan Maderas. This earthquake did not cause significant damage because the epicenter was not close to populated areas.

The magnitude of this event was comparable to the 1972 earthquake in Managua. Sources: Instituto Nicaraguense de Estudios Territoriales - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2002
August 09, 2005
11.5N, 85.6W
Satellite View

Merapi, Java, Indonesia DVGHM raised the Alert Level at Marapi from 1 to 2 on 18 July after the number of earthquakes increased dramatically during 8-14 July. During this period, the volcano's seismic network recorded 112 deep volcanic earthquakes. Normally, an average of 7 deep volcanic earthquakes occur in 1 week. No significant activity changes were seen at the volcano; gas emissions rose ~50 m above the summit (9,650 ft a.s.l.) and fumarole temperatures were normal.

Source: Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2002
July 26, 2005
7.54S, 110.44E
Satellite View

Talang, Sumatra, IndonesiaDVGHM increased the Alert Level at Talang from 2 to 3 on 18 July due to an increase in seismicity at the volcano. During 15-18 July, the seismic network recorded 93 deep volcanic earthquakes, one low-frequency tremor, and three "felt shocks" around the N slope of the crater. Minor phreatic activity occurred at the southern and northern slope craters, with ash plumes rising 0.5-1.5 km above the crater (11,100-14,400 ft a.s.l.).

Source: Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2001
July 26, 2005
1.0S, 100.7E
Satellite View

Fukutoku-Okanoba, Japan On the evening of 2 July, members of the Japan Coast Guard observed a steam plume rising ~1 km above the sea near the island of Minami-Iwo-jima. On 3 July, JMA confirmed that a small-scale eruption had occurred at the submarine volcano Fukutoku-Okanoba, prompting the Japan Coast Guard to issue a warning against sailing in the area.

Observers saw rock and mud rising to the sea's surface near the volcano and a ~1-square-km area of water that had turned orange-brown. As of 4 July, a new island had not formed. Sources: Daily Yomiuri News, Reuters, Associated Press - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1992
July 05, 2005
24.28N, 141.485E

Papandayan, Java, IndonesiaOn 16 June, DVGHM raised the Alert Level at Papandayan from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) due to increased activity at the volcano. Beginning in early June 2005 the number of volcanic earthquakes increased in comparison to the previous months and the temperatures of fumaroles increased 3-9 degrees C above normal levels. People were not permitted to visit Mas and Baru craters. Source: Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2002
June 23, 2005
7.32S, 107.73E

Ijen, Java, IndonesiaAccording to the Darwin VAAC, on 17 June a pilot observed a plume from Ijen at a height of ~6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. Ash was not visible on satellite imagery. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1999
June 23, 2005
8.1S, 114.2E

Mutnovsky, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia The Concern Color Code at Mutnovsky was reduced from Yellow to Green during 3-10 June. There were no significant changes in volcanic activity during the week. A thermal anomaly was observed at the volcano on satellite imagery, possibly due to the heat from a thermal field. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2000
June 14, 2005
52.453N, 158.195E

Canlaon, PhilippinesSteam emissions continued at Canlaon during 25-26 May, rising to a maximum height of 1 km above the volcano's crater (11,300 ft a.s.l.). Seismic activity remained at low levels. The sulfur-dioxide flux was at ~1,400 metric tons on 26 May, above the usual flux of 500 metric tons per day. Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2003
May 31, 2005
10.4N, 123.1E

Fernandina, Galapagos Islands, EcuadorAccording to the Washington VAAC, a weak hotspot was visible at Fernandina on 29 May at 2045 and a very short narrow plume of ash and gas was visible around 2215. There were no local reports confirming an eruption. By 30 May at 0615 the emission had dissipated and only the hotspot remained visible on satellite imagery. Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1995
May 31, 2005
0.37S, 91.55W

Semeru, Java, IndonesiaThe Darwin VAAC received a report that a small plume was visible above Semeru's summit on 25 May. Source: Darwin VAAC - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
May 31, 2005
8.1S, 112.9E

Krakatau, Sunda Strait, IndonesiaAn increase in seismic activity at Krakatau around 16 May prompted DVGHM to raise the Alert Level at the volcano from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on the 16th. - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2001
May 24, 2005
6.10S, 105.42E

Awu, Sulawesi, IndonesiaAt 1715 on 16 May a pilot reported a low-level plume above Awu. No ash was seen in satellite imagery about one hour or eight hours later. - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
May 17, 2005
3.67N, 125.50E

Lascar, ChileThe Buenos Aires VAAC reported an eruption from Lascar seen on satellite imagery early on 4 May that sent an ash plume into the 4.5-10.6 km a.s.l. range (15,000-35,000 feet), where it was moving to the SE. Source: Buenos Aires VAAC - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2002
May 10, 2005
23.57S, 67.73W
Satellite View

Chikurachki, Kurile island, RussiaDuring 15-22 April, satellite imagery of Chikurachki lacked a thermal anomaly or ash plumes, so KVERT reduced the Concern Color Code from Orange to Yellow. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."
2003
April 26, 2005
50.325N, 155.46E
Satellite View
Aso, Kyushu, JapanAccording to a news article, a small explosion at Aso on 14 April emitted a plume of "white smoke" to ~200 m above the crater (~5,900 ft a.s.l.) and deposited ash around the crater. The explosion occurred after hundreds of small earthquakes were recorded by JMA during the previous 2 weeks. Source: Associated Press - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
April 19, 2005
32.88N, 131.1E
Satellite View

Tangkubanparahu, Western Java, Indonesia At Tangkubanparahu "white thin smoke" was emitted from Upas Baru crater and Ratu crater on 14 April, and from Upas Baru crater on 15 April. On 14 and 15 April shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes were recorded. During this time visitors were banned from the volcano. On 19 April the Alert Level was reduced from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the volcano was opened to the public, but access was restricted around Ratu crater and not permitted at the other craters. Source: Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1983
April 19, 2005
6.77S, 107.60E
Satellite View

Villarrica, Chile According to a news report, the Oficina Nacional de Emergencia reported that unusual seismicity was recorded at Villarrica during early April. Fresh ash deposits were seen outside of the volcano's crater. Visitors were banned from climbing the volcano. - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2005
April 19, 2005
39.25S, 71.42W
Satellite View

Atka, Aluetian Islands, United StatesAVO did not receive reports of activity at Korovin volcano in the Atka volcanic center after the original report of ash-and-steam emissions on 24 February. During 25 February to 4 March, cloud cover prohibited satellite views of the volcano and no unusual seismicity was registered. Korovin is not monitored by a standard AVO seismic network. Therefore, AVO did not assign a Concern Color Code to the volcano during the report period. On 24 February AVO raised the Concern Color Code at Korovin volcano of the Atka volcanic center from Green to Yellow after receiving a report that ash and steam were emitted from Korovin on 23 February around 1900.

According to residents of Atka village near the volcano, the initial ash burst rose to a height of ~ 2.4 km a.s.l. and drifted E. It was followed by several smaller ash-and-steam bursts. No ashfall was reported in Atka village, nor were there reports of accompanying volcanic odors, earthquakes, or larger volcanic explosions. Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1998
March 08, 2005
52.381N, 174.154W
Satellite View

Egon, Flores Island, IndonesiaThe Darwin VAAC reported that DVGHM reduced the Alert Level at Egon to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) around 8 March. Ash was not visible on satellite imagery during 2-8 March. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

2004
March 08, 2005
8.7S, 122.55E

Soufriere St. Vincent, St. Vincent Island, West Indies According to a news article, residents of the island of St.Vincent reported smelling sulfur in towns as far S as Kingstown. This sparked fears among the population that volcanic activity had increased at Soufriere St. Vincent. Staff from the Soufriere Monitoring Unit of the Seismic Research Unit visited the volcano and reported that there was no increase in volcanic activity according to monitoring-station data and observations.

The increased scent of sulfur in towns was attributed to a southward shift in wind direction towards the towns, rather than the usual E direction. Accordingly, the Alert Level remained low at Soufriere St. Vincent. Source: Caribbean Net News - "Report provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program."

1979
March 01, 2005
13.33N, 61.18W
Satellite View

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