화산 소식

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VOLCANO NEWS 화산 소식 Updated on January 1st, 2005 (latest news classified according to countries) 2005. 1. 1. Updated (국가별 최신 뉴스) Highlight today : Eruption occured at the Barren Island volcano - India (read reports below) - 오늘의 하이라이트 - 인도 바렌 섬 화산 *** 이렇게 많은 화산이 폭발하고 있어도 신문, TV만 보면 모릅니다 ***
ECUADOR - Guagua Pichincha volcano December 15th, 2004 Activity at Guagua Pichincha remained at low levels over period of November early December with only very weak gas plumes rising from fumaroles. Previous notable information reported that during 18-20 February 2004, harmonic tremor was recorded. A visit to the area by IG scientists on 13 January confirmed that a lahar traveled down the NNE wall of the volcano’s crater. In addition, there were small fractures in the SE sector of the volcano and in the crater. IG noted that this activity does not indicate a change in volcanic activity at Guagua Pichincha. The official colour of the volcanic alarm light remains on YELLOW. Guagua Pichincha rises immediately W of Quito, Ecuador's capital city. The broad volcanic massif is cut by a large horseshoe-shaped summit caldera, ~6 km in diameter and 600 m deep, that was breached to the W during a slope failure ~50,000 years ago. - Information : I G Quito *****************************************************************************************	Cratère du Guagua Pichincha - Aôut 1999 -Viracucha
ECUADOR - Tungurahua volcano January 1st, 2005 As of the 31st of December, the Instituto Geofisico (IG), reported that the activity continues being low and the emissions have diminished in intensity. The occurrence of tectonic events volcano gives account of a variation in the field of efforts by movements of fluid and in previous occasions they have preceded to periods of greater activity mainly of explosive type. One has entered 3 very small events of long period, 5 volcano-tectonic events, 1 small explosion at 1621 of yesterday with a DR smaller than 1.0 cm2 and 6 signals of emissions. This morning, the emissions diminished in ash content and intensity, this is the reason why they did not reach much height and they dispersed near the crater. One reported ash fall during afternoon of yesterday and dawn of today in the sector of Pondoa The official colour of the volcanic alarm light remains on YELLOW for the Tungurahua - Geophysical Institute of Quito *************************************************************************************	Tungurahua from Pelileo - H.Gaudru - 1999
MONTSERRAT - Soufriere Hills volcano -West-Indies December 30th, 2004 Report for the period from 21st of December 2004 to 28th of December 2004- As of the 28th of December, the Global Volcanism Network (GVN) reported that during the reporting period 6 hybrid earthquakes and 1 volcano tectonic earthquake were recorded by the seismic network at the Soufriere Hills Volcano. Measured sulphur dioxide fluxes were between 200 tonnes per day and 500 tonnes per day with an average during the week of 325 tonnes per day. An observation flight over the volcano revealed the continued existence of the explosion pit pond and no dome growth. The Current Colour Code for volcano Soufriere Hills is YELLOW . Residents of Montserrat and visitors to the island are advised to tune into ZJB Radio for up-to-date information on the volcano. Access to all areas south of Richmond Hill, and south of Jack Boy Hill to Bramble airport and beyond is prohibited at all times. The daytime entry zone, comprising the top part of St. George’s Hill, is open from 6 am to 6 pm. The maritime exclusion zone around the southern part of the island extends 2 km off shore from Pelican Ghaut to Roches Yard on the east side of the volcano, 2 km offshore from O’Garras to Gingoes on the south-west, and 200 m offshore from Plymouth There was no evidence of new dome growth . Residents of Montserrat and visitors to the island are advised to tune into ZJB Radio for up-to-date information on the volcano. The Monserrat Volcano Observatory is back online and includes some nice photos of the 3 March collapse event/eruption. If you are interested, the URL is: http://www.mvo.ms - Information : Montserrat Volcano Observatory : View latest NOAA satellite image of Montserrat ( every 30 mn) *********************************************************************************	Soufriere Hills dome on December 6, 2000 (Courtesy Caraibean Helicopter)
MEXICO - Popocatepetl volcano January 1st, 2005 As of the 31st of December, the CENAPRED reported that in the last 24 hours the monitoring system of Popocatépetl volcano, recorded 7 low intensity exhalations accompanied by steam and gas. The other monitored parameters remain without important changes. During this morning the volcano has shown a light emission of gas and steam. Popocatépetl, whose name is the Aztec word for smoking mountain, towers to 5,426 m 70 km SE of México City and is North America's second-highest volcano. Frequent historical eruptions have been recorded since the beginning of the Spanish colonial era. A small eruption on 21 December 1994 ended five decades of quiescence. Since 1996 small lava domes have incrementally been constructed within the summit crater and destroyed by explosive eruptions. Intermittent small-to-moderate gas-and-ash eruptions have continued, occasionally producing ashfall in neighbouring towns and villages. The colour of the volcanic alarm light remains on YELLOW . - Information from CENAPRED - Live cam of Popocatepetl ************************************************************************************ MEXICO - Colima volcano December 7th, 2004 As of the 2nd of December, the Universidad de Colima reported that during 26-30 November, several small explosions occurred at Colima. Based on information from the Mexico City MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that a steam-and-ash emission occurred on 25 November. Satellite imagery showed the plume at a height of ~6 km a.s.l. As of the 25th of November, the Universidad de Colima reported that during 16-22 November, block-lava flows continued to travel down Colima's N, W, NW, and S flanks as they have since 30 September. The lava flow on the N flank is 2200 m long and approximately 330 m wide. The lava flow advancing on the NW flank is at least 600 m long by 200 m at its widest part. Several small explosions occurred daily. As of the 18th of November, the Universidad de Colima reported that during 10-15 November, block-lava flows continued to travel down Colima's N, W, NW, and S flanks as they have since 30 September. Several explosions occurred daily during the report period. Block-and-ash flows spilling from the fronts of the advancing lava flows on the W flank remained within ~2 km of the summit. According to the Washington VAAC, satellite imagery from 1615 on 10 November indicated a plume moving N from Colima to a height of ~5 km a.s.l. The plume, consisting mostly of steam and a little ash, was emitted around 1610; by 1745 it had drifted ~45 km NAs of the 4th of November, the Universidad de Colima reported that during 27 October to 1 November, block-lava flows continued to travel down Colima's N, W, NW, and S flanks as they have since 30 September. Colima's web video camera A strong increase in volcanic tremor at Colima caused the Scientific Committee on 18 May 2002 to evacuate hundreds of residents from several towns on the SW and SE flanks. Scientists also recorded changes in deformation, the chemistry of spring water near the volcano, and the composition of ejected rocks. In addition, heightened temperatures were recorded on infrared imagery. As of the 23rd of May, the Universidad de Colima has reported that during last the 24 hours tremor type as well as events of degasificaction with levels of the previous days continue the seismic signals such. The sulfur dioxide measurements (SO2) made the morning of today indicate an increase, reaching values of 1000 tons per day. As reference will have to take the obtained value the 9 from May of 2002 that was of 204 tons per day. With respect to the previous days an increase in the level of incandescence in the top was observed. Also the number of landslides from the lava front was increased by the West-Southwestern sector, reaching a considered average of 136 landslides per day. It continues the same tendency in the other parameters being monitored such as the deformation (inclinometers), chemistry of the water of near springs, composition of emitted rocks, and the temperature observed through the infrared visual monitoring. The probability of occurrence of a scene that could be included/understood between the eruptive events of 1999 (moderate explosions) and of 1913 stays (great explosions). In agreement with the previous, the state systems of Civil defense of Colima and Jalisco continue with the preventive evacuation of the communities of Marijuana and Juan Barragán, the El Agostadero, Los Machos and El Borbollón (Jalisco and the Borbollón (Jalisco), situation that stays until the moment. . Live Cam link *************************************************************************************** GUATEMALA - Fuego volcano December 30th, 2004 As of the 30th of December, the Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) reported that on 22 December a narrow lava flow on Fuego's S flank reached a distance of ~200 m from the central crater. Many small block-lava avalanches traveled SW towards the Taniluyá River. The Washington VAAC reported that steam-and-ash emissions on 23 December rose to ~4.5 km a.s.l. As of the 16th of December, INSIVUMEH reported that several small explosions occurred at Fuego during 8-14 December, producing plumes that rose to ~600 m above the volcano. During the report period, small avalanches of volcanic blocks traveled towards Taniluyá, Ceniza, and Santa Teresa ravines. As of the 2nd of December, INSIVUMEH reported that during 24-26 November there were several explosions at Fuego. On 25 and 26 November ash plumes from these explosions rose to low levels above the volcano. Incandescent lava was hurled ~100 m above the volcano and avalanches of block lava traveled towards the Taniluyá and Ceniza ravines. GVN/GVP from (INSIVUMEH) GUATEMALA - Santa Maria - Santiaguito December 30th, 2004 As of the 30th of December, the Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) reported that on 22 December, explosions at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex produced ash plumes to 700-1,300 m above the dome. Small collapses occurred from lava-flow fronts on the SW side of Caliente Dome. According to the Washington VAAC, ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery on several days during 22-27 December. As of the 16th of December, INSIVUMEH reported that during 8-14 December, weak-to-moderate explosions occurred at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex, producing plumes to a maximum height of 1.5 km above the crater. Block-lava avalanches traveled down the SW flank of Caliente Dome. As of the 2nd of December,INSIVUMEH reported that during 24-26 November, weak-to-moderate explosions occurred at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex, producing plumes to a maximum height of 1.3 km above the crater. Block-lava avalanches traveled down the SW flank of Caliente Dome. As of the 25th of November, INSIVUMEH reported that during 17-22 November, weak-to-moderate explosions occurred at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex, causing the emission of ash columns to heights of 300-1000 m above the active crater. Slight amounts of light gray ash fell on the flanks of the volcano. As of the 18th of November, the Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) reported that during 10-15 November, weak-to-moderate explosions occurred at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex, causing the collapse of a small sector of the SW edge of the Caliente dome. A pyroclastic flow from that area was noted on 12 November. On 14 November at 2012, a tectonic earthquake caused a lava-flow collapse SW of the Caliente dome, triggering a pyroclastic flow that descended to the head of San Isidro ravine, an area of abundant accumulation of pyroclastic material and a known area for lahar initiation. As of the 4th of November, INSIVUMEH reported that during 28-29 October, weak-to-moderate explosions occurred at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex, producing gas-and-ash plumes to ~800 m above the volcano. Some explosions were followed by collapses of the lava dome in the crater of Caliente dome. Pyroclastic flows traveled down the volcano's NE and SW flanks after some collapses. The stratovolcano has a sharp-topped, conical profile that is cut on the SW flank by a large, 1-km-wide crater, which formed during a catastrophic eruption in 1902 and extends from just below the summit to the lower flank. The renowned plinian eruption of 1902 followed a long repose period and devastated much of SW Guatemala. The large dacitic Santiaguito lava- dome complex has been growing at the base of the 1902 crater since 1922.(GVN/GVP) ***************************************************************************************** NICARAGUA - San Cristobal volcano December 9th, 2004 As of the 5th of December, the Nicaraguense Institute of Territorial Studies informed that as of 3 of December in the morning, had small explosions of gases and ashes in the volcano San Cristóbal. Observers of INETER and Civil Defence and the local population reported ash fall in the proximity of the volcano. The ashes were sent made the skirts South of the volcano and taken by the wind the communities of Paniagua, the bordering Uvita reached and zones. Small amounts of ash reached to the city of Chinandega. In the images of the camera Web that monitors the volcano is observed that the exit of gases and ashes is very small and that was the influence of the wind that produced the dispersion of the material. In our sismogramas INETER also observed the registry of ash & gas explosions. INETER considered that these explosions are normal phenomena in the activity of the volcano that in the last years has maintained always certain seismic and volcanic activity of low level. INETER does not have indications for an excellent increase of the activity. INETER will continue informing if another anomaly happens. The San Cristóbal volcanic complex, consisting of five principal volcanic edifices, forms the NW end of the Marrabios Range. The symmetrical 1745-m-high youngest cone, named San Cristóbal (also known as El Viejo), is Nicaragua's highest volcano and is capped by a 500 x 600 m wide crater ******************************************************************************************** COSTA RICA - Arenal volcano December 2nd, 2004 As of the 1st of December, the Costa Rica National Emergency Commission (CNE) has reported that Arenal still erupts from time to time during the month of November. As of the 15th of July, the Costa Rica National Emergency Commission (CNE) has reported that since an eruption during the evening of 6 July sent an avalanche of lava cascading down the side of Arenal volcano, no subsequent activity has been reported. According to news reports, on 7 July, Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission (CNE) issued an alert and prohibited people from approaching the volcano. As of the 8th of July, the Costa Rica National Emergency Commission (CNE) was issued an alert following an eruption of Arenal volcano on Tuesday, the 6th of July. The eruption caused an avalanche of lava down one side of the volcano. No new eruptions were reported on Wednesday, but the CNE has prohibited people approaching the volcano in a bid to highlight its potential danger to visiting tourists. Arenal is the youngest stratovolcano in Costa Rica and one of its most active. The earliest known eruptions of Arenal took place about 7000 years ago. Arenal's most recent eruptive period began with a major explosive eruption in 1968. Continuous explosive activity accompanied by slow lava effusion and the occasional emission of pyroclastic flows has occurred since then. The Current Colour Code for Arenal is YELLOW ************************************************************************************** COLOMBIA- Galeras volcano November 25th, 2004 Galeras volcano erupted explosively on 21 November at 1544, INGEOMINAS reported. The eruption produced a shock wave felt as far away as Cimarrones (18 km N of the volcano), Chachagui (17 km N of the volcano), and Laguna de La Cocha (20 km SW of the volcano). Effects of the shock wave varied from a loud roar, to the vibration of large windows, to the feeling of an earthquake. Ballistic rock blocks were expelled and fell nearly 3 km from the volcano on its eastern flank, producing short-lived forest fires. The eruption produced an ash-and-gas column that rose to an estimated height of 9-10 km a.s.l. and drifted to the S and W. The Washington VAAC reported that satellite imagery through 2015 on 21 November revealed that high level ash estimated to be near 9 km a.s.l. had moved to the W, while low level ash estimated to be near 4-5 km a.s.l. remained in the vicinity of the summit of the volcano and showed little motion. As of the 14th of October, the INGEOMINAS reported that during 8-11 October, emissions of gas and fine ash continued at Galeras. Plumes rose to a maximum height of ~1.5 km above the volcano. Small-amplitude tremor associated with gas-and-ash emissions was recorded. INGEOMINAS reported that volcanic and seismic activity increased at Galeras on 11 August at 2349 when an eruption began that sent an ash-and-gas cloud to an unknown height and generated visible incandescence. According to the Washington VAAC, satellite imagery showed that an ash plume rose to a height of ~10.7 km a.s.l. It spread in all directions, but mainly to the NE, E, and SW. Later in the day, a thin plume at a height of ~7.3 km a.s.l drifted SW into northern Ecuador. A plume also drifted NW at a height of ~6.1 km a.s.l. By 1315 ash was no longer visible on satellite imagery. Fine ash was deposited in villages near the volcano including, La Florida (~10 km NW of the volcano), Nariño, Sandoná, and Consacá, and farther afield in Ancuya, Linares, and Sotomayor (~ 40 km NW of the volcano). News articles reported that ~230 families were evacuated mainly from the volcano's N flank. Ash contaminated potable water in some villages, impacted farm animal's health, and left hundreds of dead fish floating in rivers. The village of La Florida was most strongly impacted by the eruption. On 16 August, ash emissions continued, depositing ash in several villages. A thin plume was visible on satellite imagery extending ~75 km NW.. Previous information from IG, the Washington VAAC reported that an activity increase at Galeras during several days prior to 24 July consisted of emissions that rose ~600 m above the volcano's summit. Ash was not visible on satellite imagery. According to a news report, a wide area around the volcano was declared off limits to visitors. Background. Galeras, a stratovolcano with a large breached caldera located immediately W of the city of Pasto, is one of Colombia's most frequently active volcanoes. The dominantly andesitic Galeras volcanic complex has been active for more than 1 million years, and two major caldera collapse eruptions took place during the late Pleistocene. Major explosive eruptions since the mid Holocene have produced widespread tephra deposits and pyroclastic flows that swept all but the southern flanks. A central cone slightly lower than the caldera rim has been the site of numerous small-to-moderate historical eruptions since the time of the Spanish conquistadors. (from GVN/GVP) ****************************************************************************************** ECUADOR - Reventador volcano December 30th, 2004 As of the 30th of December, after receiving conformation, SWVRC has learned that the Instituto Geofisico (IG), after being translated from Spanish, reports that during 19-26 December, seismic signals at Reventador revealed that lava emission that began in early November continued. Seismic signals also suggested that mudflows occurred on 17 and 19 December. According to the Washington VAAC, satellite imagery on 2 December showed an ash plume from Reventador at a height of ~5 km extending W of the volcano. Also, IG reported to the VAAC that ash was seen drifting NW on 4 December. A hot spot was visible on infrared satellite imagery. On 4 December, Strombolian activity was seen in Reventador's crater. Since 9 November, volcanic material continued to gradually fill the crater and generate a lava flow down one flank. Activity was accompanied by a gas column that reached a maximum height of 3 km. Background. Reventador is the most frequently active of a chain of Ecuadorian volcanoes in the Cordillera Real, well east of the principal volcanic axis. The forested stratovolcano rises to 3,562 m above the remote jungles of the western Amazon basin. A 4-km-wide caldera widely breached to the east was formed by edifice collapse and is partially filled by a young, unvegetated stratovolcano that rises about 1,300 m above the caldera floor to a height above the caldera rim. Reventador has been the source of numerous lava flows as well as explosive eruptions that were visible from Quito in historical time. ******************************************************************************************	Volcan Popocatepetl - 19 December 2000 CENAPRED
JAPAN - Asama volcano November 15th, 2004 According to news reports, Asama volcano erupted with a loud explosion 14 November at 2059. The Japan Meteorological Agency rated the eruption as mid-sized, 3 on a scale of 5 in terms of power of the explosion. The agency issued a warning of falling ash in areas downwind of the volcano, although no ash plume was observed due to cloudy weather conditions. Following the explosion, falling rocks were observed over a large area on the slopes of the volcano. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. According to JMA, as reported by the news media, Asama erupted almost continuously for a third straight day on 16 September, causing more than 1,000 earthquakes. Incandescent fragments were ejected ~300 m from the summit and ash columns rose ~1,200 m above the crater. Late that night winds carried ash as far as central Tokyo. The frequency of the eruptions appeared to have tapered off by the afternoon of the 17th, although television footage showed gray smoke mixed with ash billowing over the mountain. By 18 September, JMA was reporting that ash plumes were still rising ~1,200 m, but only about 23 small eruptions and nearly 140 tremors had been recorded that afternoon, a significant change from the nearly consinuous activity of the previous few days. The hazard status remained at 3 on a scale of 5, meaning more small-to-medium eruptions could occur. A radar analysis conducted on 16 September confirmed that there was a lava dome in the crater, the JMA and Geographical Survey Institute reported, the first since 1973. Radar images showed a dome-shaped, layered form several dozen meters high with a radius of about 100 m in the NE part of the crater; it is an estimated 500,000 cubic meters in volume Following an increasing of the volcanic tremor during Thursday, 31st of August, Mount Asama (87 miles NW Tokyo) erupted first Wesnesday 1st of September at nigh spewing rock and ash on areas as far as 124 miles away. The eruption was preceded on Tuesday by 116 tremors, and 177 by 5pm on Wednesday. Volcanic rock and ash has spread about a mile from the crater, and volcanic tremor was continuing. A local meteorological station in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture recorded a huge explosion and shock waves at the time of the eruption. Police in nearby Komoro said they received dozens of phone calls from residents reporting the sound of a large bang. Television footage showed a red glow lighting up the night sky from the eruption, which occurred shortly after 8 p.m. The eruption set fire to forest on the volcano slopes. A ranch in the town of Naganohara in Gunma Prefecture, about 20 km north of the mountain, was hit by a shower of molten rock at around 8:50 p.m. Volcanic ash falls were observed in Tochigi and Fukushima prefectures. The height of emissions was not observed due to cloud cover. There were no reports of casualties although some 50 people, mostly tourists, evacuated voluntarily. The Meteorological Agency lifted its activity rating for Mount Asama to 3. Residents have been advised to stay away from the craterMount Asama has had several minor eruption in recent yaers, including at least four in 2003, but Wesnesday was the biggest since April 1983. Last major eruption occured in1783 (JMA) ******************************************************************************************
USA - Kilauea volcano ( Hawaian islands) January 1st, 2005 As of the 31st of December, it has been reported from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), that the PKK flow is behaving about the same this morning as it has for the past week. The west arm has breakouts scattered pretty evenly between about the 1800-foot elevation high on Pulama pali down to about the 400-foot elevation on the gentle slope below the pali. On the coastal flat, the west arm also hosts breakouts about halfway between Paliuli and Lae`apuki. The middle or east arm is likewise active at the surface, though most of the lava is confined to the 1300-1200-foot elevation. Light kona wind continues to keep fume in Pu`u `O`o's crater, generally obscuring vents. Brief breaks show January Vent and Beehive. Kilauea's summit is relatively quiet seismically. A few small long-period earthquakes occurred in the past 24 hours, but background tremor is weak to absent. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remains at a moderate level. The past 24 hours are characterized by deflation at both Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. The changes are small, at most 0.5 microradians, and the rates slow. Information from HVO - Near real-time web cam Pu'u'O'o. **************************************************************************************** U.S.A. - Mauna Loa ( Hawaii) December 30th, 2004 As of the 29th of December, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has reported that this morning sees no changes at Mauna Loa. Since early July 2004, an increased number of earthquakes has been recorded from beneath Mauna Loa. From week to week, the numbers fluctuate but remain well above the norm, though the swarm appears to be tapering off. During the week ending December 14, 44 earthquakes were located under the summit. Through December 14, more than 1450 earthquakes related to the ongoing seismic activity have been located beneath Mauna Loa’s summit caldera and the adjacent part of the southwest rift zone. Most of these earthquakes are quite deep, from 35 to 50 km below the ground surface and small, less than magnitude 3. They are "long-period" (LP) earthquakes, which means that their signals gradually rise out of the background rather than appearing abruptly. Such a concentrated number of deep LP earthquakes from this part of Mauna Loa is unprecedented, at least in our modern earthquake record dating back to the 1960s. Inflation continued at the summit through the start of the earthquake swarm. In late August, however, distances across the summit caldera began to contract significantly. The contraction was apparently caused by a shift in the center of inflation a little to the south, rather than by deflation. This was the first contraction since inflation started in late April or early May 2002. Toward the end of September, the contraction ended and the line once again began to lengthen . (HVO) ****************************************************************************************** USA - Mount Spurr( Alaska) January 1st, 2005 As of the 31st of December, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), has reported that elevated levels of seismicity continue to be recorded beneath Mt. Spurr. Clear views of the volcano were observed by satellite and web camera today but no activity was observed. There are no indications that an eruption is imminent. On Monday, August 23, AVO scientists conducted an airborne thermal survey of the summit of Spurr. Although flying conditions were not ideal for acquiring such data, there does not appear to be any significant increase in heat flux compared to a similar survey conducted on August 12. Retrospective analysis suggests that the current increase began slowly, perhaps as early as February 2004. At present, AVO is locating 15-20 earthquakes below the volcano each day. This is a rate greater than any observed since the last eruptive period in 1992. All earthquakes are less than magnitude 1.5 and range in depth between 1 and 6 km (0.6 and 4 miles) below sea level. To date, relatively few earthquakes have been located beneath the Crater Peak vent, the site of the 1953 and 1992 eruptions. The current earthquake activity differs markedly from that seen prior to the 1992 eruption, which started with a small cluster of earthquakes directly beneath Crater Peak nearly a year before the eruption began. AVO geologists visited Spurr by fixed-wing aircraft on July 15 and observed no indications of recent volcanic activity. On July 11, a pilot flying by the volcano reported a sulfur smell and new area of steaming, but neither was noted during the AVO flight, although a significant portion of the Crater Peak area was obscured by low clouds. AVO geologists did document several fresh-looking, dark debris flow/avalanche deposits on the southeast and south face of the summit dome complex suggesting water flow at the surface, but this may simply reflect recent unseasonably warm and sunny conditions. AVO will continue to monitor activity at Mount Spurr closely using seismic data, satellite images, and overflights, and will issue further information releases as appropriate. Spurr volcano is an ice- and snow-covered stratovolcano located on the west side of Cook Inlet. The only historical eruptions in 1953 and 1992 occurred at the Crater Peak flank vent located 3.5 km (2 mi) south of the Spurr summit. These eruptions were explosive, brief in duration, and produced towering columns of ash that rose up to 20 km (65,000 ft) above sea level and deposited several mm of ash on populated areas of south-central Alaska, including approximately 6 mm of ash in Anchorage in 1953. ***************************************************************************************** USA - Veniaminof volcano (Alaska) October 23rd, 2004 As of the 22nd of October, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has reported that low-level seismic tremor continues to be recorded at Mt. Veniaminof. Clouds obscured views of the volcano in satellite and web camera today. Low level ash emissions may still be occurring, posing a hazard to people and low flying aircraft in the vicinity of the caldera. Activity at Mt. Veniaminof could increase quickly and ash bursts above the intracaldera cone may occur with little or no warning as they have for the past several months. The Mt. Veniaminof volcano is an andesitic stratovolcano with an ice-filled, 10-km diameter summit caldera located on the Alaska Peninsula, 775 km (480 mi) southwest of Anchorage and 35 km (22 mi) north of Perryville. Veniaminof is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the Aleutian Arc and has erupted at least 12 times in the past 200 years. The most recent eruption occurred in 1993-95. Veniaminof live webcam U.S.A. - Shishaldin volcano (Alaska) October 21st, 2004 As of the 20th of October, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), reported that seismicity at Shishaldin Volcano continues to be characterized by low-level tremor. There is no evidence of any increased activity and conditions at the volcano remain the same as they have been for the past several months. Clouds obscured the volcano in satellite data. Should activity at Shishaldin increase, ash emissions could occur with little or no warning and these would pose a hazard to people and low-flying aircraft in the immediate vicinity of the summit. The colour code at Shishaldin is currently at YELLOW Shishaldin volcano, located near the center of Unimak Island in the eastern Aleutian Islands, is a spectacular symmetric cone with base diameter of approximately 10 miles (16 km). A small summit crater typically emits a noticeable steam plume with occasional small amounts of ash. Shishaldin is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian volcanic arc, erupting at least 28 times since 1775. (from GVN/GVP) A.V.O. U.S.A. - Mount St.Helens December 28th, 2004 As of the 28th of December, the Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) reported that growth of the new lava dome inside the crater of Mount St. Helens continues. As long as this eruption is in progress, episodic changes in the level of activity can occur over days, weeks, or even months. Increase in the intensity of eruption could occur suddenly or with very little warning and may include explosive events that produce hazardous conditions within several miles of the volcano. Small lahars (volcanic debris flows) could suddenly descend the Toutle River valley if triggered by heavy rain or by interaction of hot rocks with snow or glacier ice. During 21-26 October, the new lava dome inside the emerging dome of St Helens continued to grow, and seismicity remained at low levels compared to early in the unrest. Geological and thermal-imaging observations on 20 October confirmed that both the area of uplift, and the new lava extrusion increased in size noticeably since last seen on 14 October. In addition, the area of uplift and intense deformation continued to move southward and was nearing the crater wall. About 0.3 m of new snow with a light dusting of ash covered much of the uplift, except for the new lava extrusion, which was steaming heavily. The new lava extrusion, which occupies the western part of the uplift, was about 275 m long by 75 m wide, 70 m high, and had a volume of almost 1.5 million cubic meters. Its maximum temperature was about 600 degrees C. Low levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide were recorded on the 20th, an observation which did not rule out the continued rise of magma from depth. On 21 October a new protrusion had a maximum temperature of about 650 degrees C. As of the 11th of October, CVO reported that earthquakes continue to occur at a rate of about 1 per minute, but most have magnitudes of 1.0 or less. With the improving weather, a gas measuring flight is planned within the next two days. Additional analysis of lidar and photographs of the intensely uplifting area on the south side of the lava dome suggests that the total volume change represented by the deformation between late September and October 6 is about 16 million cubic meters (21 million cubic yards). The average rate of change is about 2 million cubic meters per day (2.6 million cubic yards per day). If this figure represents the rate of intrusion of magma into shallow levels of the dome and(or) underlying crater floor, it is an intrusion rate about twice that measured during dome-building eruptions at Mount St. Helens in the 1980s. Cartographers with the USGS office in Denver are working to develop precise volume change estimates for the uplifted area from stereo airphotos acquired between 1 and 5 October. As a result of the intense unrest of the past 17 days, we infer that magma is at a very shallow level. During times of unrest, Mt. St. Helens and similar volcanoes elsewhere typically go through episodic changes in level of unrest over periods of days to weeks, or even months. Such changes are in part driven by variations in the rate of magma movement. CVO expects fluctuations in the level of unrest to continue during coming days. Escalation in the degree of unrest and perhaps an eruption could occur suddenly or with very little warning. There may be little time to raise the alert level before a hazardous event occurs. Therefore, CVO continues to monitor the situation closely and will issue additional updates and changes in alert level as warranted. As of the 8th of October, the Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO) reported that part of the lava dome in Mt. St. Helens' crater has risen 50 to 100 feet since Tuesday while earthquake activity remained lower than previous days. This indicates magma is moving upward without much resistance. The south side of the dome has been rising for the past week and has uplifted 250 ft. A new steam vent opened overnight of 6th-7th October, and joined the two that have been present for several days. Steaming from the vents generated a cloud rising above the south side of the lava dome. October 6th update : Following yesterday morning’s steam-and-ash eruption, seismicity dropped to a low level and has remained low. Low-level tremor observed following the eruption is also gradually declining. Lack of earthquake and rockfall signals suggest that deformation of the uplift area on the south side of the 1980-86 lava dome has slowed. Brief visual observations this morning from Coldwater Visitor Center showed weak steam emissions from the crater. We infer that the vigorous unrest of the past few days has lessened and that the probability of an imminent eruption that would endanger life and property is significantly less than at any time since Saturday, October 2, when the alert level was raised to Volcano Alert (‎Level 3). Therefore, we are lowering the alert level to Volcano Advisory (Alert Level 2).New steam release began at 9:40 am PDT yesterday, October 4, 2003, generating a steam and ash/dust plume that rose above the summit (to about 10,000 to 11,000 feet altitude) and was carried slowly to the NE by very gentle winds. Steam releases continued at a lower rate after the initial release, but after 15-20 muntes the activity ceased. More dust/ash was released than on October 1, and an ashfall advisory is in effect until 1 pm PDT for the southern Washington Cascades. Seismicity continued without interruption through the steam release. As of 3rd of October CVO reported at 2 pm , CVO increased the alert level to Volcano Alert due to a change in the character of seismic signals (50 minute long tremor) that occurred immediately after a steam emission at 1216, recognition of ongoing uplift of the crater floor, and reports of sulfur gas odor. In addition, CVO believes that there is a significantly increased probability that gas-rich magma is moving toward the surface. After another period of tremor starting 4th of October at 0257 AM seismicity returned to discrete earthquakes. Seismic activity decreased gradually until about 2:00 P.M. then increased again, reaching levels comparable to those prior to steam and ash eruptions. M3 earthquakes are occurring at a rate of about one every 5 minutes. All earthquake locations remain shallow. Yesterday’s gas sensing flights detected significant concentrations of carbon dioxide north and west of the dome. No significant levels of sulfur gasses were detected. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)odors detected by helicopter crews are attributed to steam emissions. These low levels of hydrogen sulfide are likely the result of boiling of the hydrothermal system. Results from GPS measurements indicate no significant deformation of the outer flanks of the volcano. However, visual observations and photographic analysis show large-scale uplift (10’s of meters) of part of the glacier and a nearby segment of the south flank of the lava dome. This suggests rise of magma to shallow levels. Additional steam and ash eruptions could occur at any time. There is also an increased probability of larger magnitude and more ash-rich eruptions. Today field crews took additional thermal images of the dome and crater and conducted gas sensing, infrared and geologic observation flights. Deformation crews retrieved data from GPS instruments and lowered a new GPS station from a helicopter onto the dome. In addition, two telemetered microphones are now operating to detect explosions. Mount St. Helens erupted on 1st of October at 12:03pm PDT. The activity continued for about 24 minutes, creating a steam and dust plume that reached about 10,000 feet elevation and drifted SSW toward Portland, OR and the Pacific coast. Steam vented from a location at the southern edge of the dome where the dome edge is covered by glacial ice and debris from the southern crater wall. On Thursday afternoon N-S linear cracks were observed in the glacier ice there, implying a slight uplift beneath the ice. Video images of the eruption showed steam, some possibly superheated, venting from a limited area and carrying blocks and fines upward into a mostly-white steam plume. A USGS helicopter flight at the time of the eruption detected no thermal anomaly with a thermal IR device, implying that this was a steam explosion only, without magma being directly involved. Live video images taken by helicopter at roughly 2:00pm PDT show a large hole in the glacial ice at the edge of the dome, with a layer of gray ash and ejected blocks extending from it over the ice only toward the SW. The ongoing seismic activity decreased substantially during the eruption, but then has rebounded at least slightly since the eruption ceased. There have been no reported mudflows, but a possibility of slightly increased flow of water out of the crater. A USGS team was installing a seismometer on the NW flank of the volcano at the time, but they were not affected by the event and were not in the path of the plume.The seismic energy level remains elevated with a rate of 3-4 events per minute and earthquakes as large as magnitude 3.3 Mt.St. Helens Live Cam ******************************************************************************************	Pu'u' O'o cone ( Kilauea ) - HVO -
ITALY - Etna volcano ( Sicily) December 11th, 2004 As of the 10th December, it has been reported by the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia reported that the bad atmospheric conditions on the tops for two days with important falls of snow have not allowed observations on the ground. On 6th of December, Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia reported that an overflight in the helicopter produced by l' I.N.G.V, December 2nd with licence to locate a new vent on the side East of the Southern crater East. The recognitions made on the ground the 4th of December, indicates that this new vent is located at 2850m of altitude and 110m of distance of settling appeared the day before the eruption on September 10 at the edge of Valle del Bove. The latter became incandescent thereafter in the first days of the eruption. This new vent with a diameter external of 6m and 2m with l interior. It emits gases at high temperature. No presence of projection and fresh material on the edges of the vent. As of the 25th of November, it has been reported by the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia reported that two active flows of lava which started in Valle del Bove since the effusive craters at 2620m and 2350m continue to be fed with a more or less constant rate. The most advanced face of lava emitted since the craters at 2620m and 2350m is located at the neighbourhoods of +/- 1700m. As of the 15th of November, INGV reported that since the last update of November 12 there is no change of effusive activity. Two active lava flows continue at Mt Etna volcano. The flows originate at 2620m and 2350m elevation and flow in the Valle del Bove towards the craters Monti Centenari. As of the 8th of November, the bad weather has persisted on the summit craters, with falls of snow for two days on the tops. The two points of emissions of lava at the top of Valle del Bove are always identical to 2620m and 2350m. At 2620m, the lava circulates in a tunnel is fate to be air free with the transitory crater at 2500m, the lava flow in the channel is fed with a slightly principal arm and ramifications. The most advanced face of lava is at 1900m. The face of lava of the effusive crater mouth at 2350m is at 1700m. The activity of the summit craters for the last two days has been characterized mainly by abundant vapour emissions. The phenomenon is amplified by an atmospheric increase in the humidity and the water infiltration coming from the falls of snow and rain of these last days. Previous update of 24th of October, it has been reported by INGV that a new visit with the effusive crater at 2540m and new configuration of this crater. It remains with 2540m a small transitory crater of 0.40m of width, that leaves on the left (with dimensions North) along the dykes, arrives on the stiff slope of will "Serra Giannicola Piccola", form a small cascade and leans then right in direction of the Centenari craters. Largest the lava leaves in tunnel 5 meters below the effusive crater observed higher like the previous days flow is done in channel. The whole set (left the tunnel and channel lava) is still in reduction today. Two arms of lava separate below and move in the fields of lava of preceding castings. Below stops effusive 2620m (blocked 16/10 in the morning) the guides of Etna perforated at a place is less important the top of the channel of lava to manufacture ashtrays of lava. The level of magma observed with the interior of this hole towards 1500 located at the edge, time to go down to make observations with the crater at 2540m and along the slope of will "Serra Giannicola Piccola", to return towards the guides about 1700 the found level 2m low. On the summit craters it is necessary to especially note an increase in the gas emissions on the Cental crater. On 2nd of October, lava flow issuing from 2560 m vent moved at 1700 m elevation and the lava flow issuing from the 2310 m vent moved at about 1900 m elevation into Siera Giannicola Grande. No villages or infrastructures are threatened by the lava flows, as they spread in a desert zone. SO2 measurements carried out on 30th of September showed 2600t/j. As of the 27th of September, the effusive eruption from the eastern flank of Mount Etna wa still going on. Two lava flows were spreading on the western wall of the Valle del Bove, between Serra Giannicola Piccola and Serra Giannicola Grande. The two flows are less than 2 km long, and are pouring out from two vents, located respectively at 2620 m and 2340 m a.s.l. The output rate is almost constant and very low, being between 2 and 4 m3/s for the upper vent, and less than 1 m3/s for the lower vent. The most advanced flow fronts formed during the first few days of emplacement, and new flows are overlapping to the previous lava flow field without causing further advance of the front regions. A complex system of lava tubes and channels formed on the steep wall of the Valle del Bove. No villages or infrastructures are threatened by the lava flows, as they spread in a desert zone. Yesterday, on 26th of September two seismic event occured beneath the Etna Southeast flank. First at 0658 AM (mag. 1.9) located 7 km depth beneath Monte Rinatu and second one at 0612 PM (mag. 2.4) located 5 km depth beneath Monte Fontane. As of 20th of September, INGV reported that efusive eruption is still continuing with lava flows moving slowly towards the Valle del Bove. Lava flow from the eruptive vent located at 2620 m elevation crossed the Serra Giannicola Piccccola. The lava front moved at 1950 m elevation ( total lenght : 1,5 km). Lava flow from a second vent moved into a tunnel and the front was located at about 2100 m elevation (total lenght : 700 m). Measurements of the SO2 emissions from the summit craters showed a flux of 1000 t/j. September 17th update : INGV Catania was reported that effusive activity is still continuing. Lava flow issuing from active vent (4m3/s) located at 2620 m is moving slowly into a canal trending North-South and divided into two arms. At about 10:00 am of 13 September, along the system of eruptive fissures formed between 7 and 9 September at the east base of SE-Crater, an explosive vent opened through the carpet of ash and snow at 2,820 m elevation. This vent was about 4 m wide, and produced a weak explosive activity and emission of lapilli. This activity lasted a few hours, leaving room to a strong degassing. The lava flow spreading from the 2,650-m vent on the western wall of the Valle del Bove showed an output rate of about 2-4 m3/s, and the lava flow front had reached an altitude of about 2,000 m, west of Monte Centenari. On early afternoon of 13 September, while the lava flow from the 2,650-m elevation vent was still going on, another effusive vent opened on the western wall of the Valle del Bove. The new vent was located at approximately 2,250 m elevation, between the Serra Giannicola Piccola and the Serra Giannicola Grande, at about 500 m SE of the previous vent. A slow lava flow poured out from this vent, spreading on the upper Valle del Bove. At about 6:00 pm of 13 September the new flow had reached the length of about 300 m, while the previous flow from the vent at 2,650 m was still feeding a 1-km long lava flow. No lava flows are threatening villages, and the closest lava flow is at least 10 km away from the nearest village. News, maps and photos of the eruption are regularly posted at the INGV-CT website, where also a webcamera is showing the site of the eruption (www.ct.ingv.it). Also, recent photographs of the Etna eruption As of the 12th of September, the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia reported that Mt. Etna lava flows emitted 3 cubic metres per minute, and has reached 2513 m elevation, at the Valle del Bove. The terminal end of the lava flow had a 5m lava cascade. Over the past year there has been deformation along the Valle del Bove of 6-17mm. A short repose periode occured between 10 and 11 september. According to SVE observation lava flow moved very slowly from the fracture opened at the base of Etna's Southeast Crater between cones created by eruptions in 1999 and 2001. On 7 September 2004 at about 10:30 local time a new effusive eruption started from the summit of Mt. Etna. A N110°E eruptive fissure about 230 m long opened at the base of the SE-Crater without any significant seismic activity. A degassed lava flow poured out from the base of the fissure, spreading towards the Valle del Bove. The lava flow had very low output rate (between 0.2 and 0.5 m3/s), was about 1 m thick, 10 m wide and up to 250 m long. In the morning of 8 September the flow appeared no longer fed, but the eruptive fissure is still spreading down slope. The eruptive event is not accompanied by seismicity and explosive activity. However, the situation is still evolving. Other news and updates will be given as soon as available. Since the cessation of the last eruption of Mt. Etna on 28 January 2003 no further eruptive activity was observed. Summit activity was limited to pulsating gas emissions from the Northeast Crater (NEC) and from one of the two vents within the Bocca Nuova (BN). The other central crater vents and the Southeast Crater are essentially blocked and are producing extremely weak gas emissions. The first significant variation from this very low level of activity was seen between 12 and 14 February 2004, when a weak ash emission was observed within the summit crater plume. The INGV-CT Geochemistry group performs regular remote sensing measurements of volcanic gas flux and chemical composition on Mt. Etna using COSPEC and FTIR instruments respectively. COSPEC and FTIR measurements since the 2002-2003 eruption demonstrate that the upper conduit system of Mt Etna has been weakly supplied with magma since the end of the 2002-2003 eruption. This is demonstrated both by relatively low fluxes of SO2 and low molar ratios of SO2/HCl. Occasional discrete injections of magma into the upper conduit system have been observed however, as sharp increases in both SO2 flux and SO2/HCl ratio. These inputs have occurred in August 2003, December 2003 and in late January 2004. New Live cam Etna - Etna monitoring page ***************************************************************************************** ITALY - Stromboli volcano (Eolian Islands) September 13th, 2004 As of the 12th of September , during a SVE visit on September 10th 2004, Stromboli Volcano continued its normal "Strombolian" eruptions, with frequent summit explosions ( average 3-4 per hour at the high end of normal activity. However some larger explosions sent scoria to an elevation of 200m above the craters, and produced fallout of fresh bombs and lapilli on Pizzo Sopra la Fossa. As of the 15th of June, a SVE team was reported that during the week 7-13 June 2004, normal "Strombolian" eruptions, with 1 - 3 relatively weak summit explosions per hour. Some explosions sent scoria to an elevation of about only 40-50 m above the craters, and produced fallout of fresh bombs and lapilli on Pizzo Sopra la Fossa and Sciara del Fuoco. Previous information of the 17th of May, reported by our colleague Dr. Marco Fulle showed that activity was extremely low during observation (one small eruption per hour or less) and that climbing above 400m.a.s.l. was still forbidden . Previous information as of the 11th of March, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania was reported that during the first week of March 2004, Stromboli Volcano continued its normal "Strombolian" eruptions, with frequent summit explosions at the high end of normal activity. Some larger explosions sent scoria to an elevation of 200m above the craters, and produced fallout of fresh bombs and lapilli on Pizzo Sopra la Fossa. During February 2004, explosive activity was high at the three summit craters, and there was significant growth of the cinder cones located in the craters. Explosive activity at the summit craters of Stromboli volcano resumed on early June 2003, before the end of the effusive eruption that finished between 21 and 22 July 2003. Eruptive activity at this volcano is continuously monitored by INGV-CT using two web cameras located at Il Pizzo Sopra la Fossa (920 m a.s.l.) and at 400 m elevation along the east margin of the Sciara del Fuoco, the depression on the north flank of the volcano that contains the summit craters. Additionally, a web thermal camera is also located at the 400 m elevation site, and a web infrared camera at Il Pizzo Sopra la Fossa. The thermal and video cameras at 400 m elevation give important insights when visibility of the summit is poor or craters are surrounded by clouds. The infrared video camera at Il Pizzo allows a continuous view of the activity at the summit craters, and a quantification of the energy released by the explosions at the three summit craters through an automated system called VAMOS (Cristaldi et al., 2004). Explosive activity at the three summit craters increased after 10 February 2004, leading to a significant growth of the cinder cones inside the three summit craters. Several powerful explosions, especially from crater 1 (the NE-crater) and crater 3 (the SW-crater) carried scoria 200 m above the craters. These powerful explosions led to fallout of fresh bombs and lapilli on Il Pizzo Sopra la Fossa in early March. Samples of lapilli and scoria collected on Stromboli by local guides have been analysed with the scanning electron microprobe and microanalysis instruments of INGV-CT (Corsaro et al., 2004). Measurements of glass compositions evidence that products erupted until 25 February 2004 belong to the “black scoriaceous volcanics” normally erupted during Strombolian activity. No “golden basaltic pumices” were present in available samples. Emission of golden pumice at this volcano is generally associated with paroxysmal explosive events (Bertagnini et al., 1999) such as that of 5th April 2003. Analysis of components carried out on several ash samples allowed us to recognize sideromelane and tachylite as the main components, making up ~80% of the erupted ash (Andronico et al., 2004). The activity of this volcano at the time of writing (8 March 2004) can be described as Strombolian activity, with variations in the number and frequency of explosions within normally observed limits, and intensity of explosions at the higher limit of commonly observed activity. As of the 2nd of January, the Instituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania has reported that a year after a tsunami was caused by the detachment of lava material along the Sciara del fuoco, Stromboli volcano has intensified its activity, launching scoriae and lapilli. Technicians and volcano experts, who are constantly monitoring Stromboli, have said that the situation is not alarming. The Stromboli Web video camera showed a small explosion on 10 December that produced a plume to a height of ~1 km above the volcano. No ash was visible on satellite imagery. From the seismic point of view, not only explosive events are recorded (sufficiently deep that no visible strombolian activity is associated to them in the crateric area), but also events related to the continuous small rockfall episodes that continue to descend along the Sciara del Fuoco- INGV-CT webpage www.ct.ingv.it. *************************************************************************************** ICELAND - Grimsvotn volcano November 8th, 2004 Eruption of Grimsvotn volcano, Iceland, ended on November 6, 2004 The eruption of Grimsvotn volcano, Iceland, which started on November 1 (Sigmundsson et al., 2004a) came to an end on November 6, with no low-frequency volcanic tremor above background values recorded after 12 GMT. A minor steam plume emanated from the eruptive site after the end of the eruption. The eruption was phreatomagmatic throughout its duration. No lava was formed; all magma fragmented into pyroclasts that accumulated at the eruptive site or was carried by the eruption plume as tephra. The composition of the magma is quartz tholeiite, similar to earlier Grimsvotn eruptions. The eruptive fissure melted a circular 1 km diameter void in the ice cap. At the end of the eruption, steep about 100 m high ice walls surrounded the void. The whole 1 km long E-W trending eruptive fissure was active during the first days of the eruption, but only one vent was active on November 4 and 5. Eruptive material piled up at the main crater, forming a low relief island in a meltwater lake in the ice void at the end of the eruption. Although the eruptive site is located inside the Grimsvotn caldera, it is outside the Grimsvotn subglacial caldera lake. Preliminary estimates put the ice melting at 0.2 km3 at the eruptive site. This meltwater flowed towards the Grimsvotn subglacial lake which stored about 0.7 km3 of water prior to the onset of the jokulhlaup near the end of October. Some ice melting occurred in areas separate from the main eruptive site, including at ice depressions above the subglacial water flow path from Grimsvotn, but the melted ice volumes are small. The total volume of the jokulhlaup, the glacial outburst flood that had started prior to the eruption and which may have triggered it (Sigmundsson et al., 2004b) was only about 0.5-0.6 km3 (based on information from the Icelandic Hydrological Service). After the eruption, water continues to leak from Grimsvotn. However, a large increase in the flow or another jokulhlaup is not anticipated in relation to the eruption. Even though air traffic was disrupted in a large area, the tephra sector was thin outside of the Vatnajokull ice cap. At the northern edge of the ice cap the tephra sector was about 1 cm thick. In inhabited areas further north its thickness was less than 1 mm and ash particles did not form a continuous layer. The November 1-6, 2004 eruption of the Grimsvotn volcano was of similar duration as an eruption in 1983, but somewhat shorter than its 1998 eruption that lasted 10 days.The eruption was initially under 150-200 m thick ice and melted its way through the ice cap in about 1 hour. An eruption plume was detected by weather radar around midnight, and reached an altitude of 13 km during the night of November 2. The initial inspection of the eruption from an aeroplane around 8 GMT on November 2 confirmed that a phreatomagmatic eruption was in progress from a short (less than 1-km-long) eruptive fissure at 64.40N, 17.23W. At that time a continuous plume rose to an elevation of about 9 km. Observations throughout the day revealed periods of high explosive activity, with maximum plume heights of 12-14 km. The strength of the eruption correlated with the seismically recorded volcanic tremor. Some explosive activity had occurred in a second ice cauldron near the SE edge of Grimsvotn, 8-km to the east of the main crater. This cauldron issued steam when first detected in the afternoon of November 2. The main tephra sector formed November 1-3 trends to north-northeast as a result of strong southerly winds. The sector is about 30 km wide near the north edge of Vatnajokull at a distance of 50 km from the eruptive site. Tephra fell in inhabited areas in north and northeast Iceland, but only in small quantities. The eruption plume was seen on satellite images and ash drifted over large parts of the North Atlantic and reached Scandinavia. Air traffic was disrupted; an area of 311 thousand square kilometres was closed for flights from the beginning of the eruption until the morning of November 4. Farmers sheltered grazing animals in North Iceland to prevent them from consuming soluble fluorine adhering to ash grains. On November 4, winds changed to north-westerly direction and in the afternoon tephra had been dispersed over the ice cap east of Grimsvotn. After the onset of the eruption insignificant earthquake activity occurred at the eruptive site, but continuous low-frequency tremor has been recorded during the eruption. The tremor was steady for the initial 15-hours of the eruption. After that it was pulsating and declining. The jokulhlaup, the glacial outburst flood that preceded the eruption by few days and triggered the eruption (Sigmundsson et al., 2004), reached a maximum in the afternoon of November 2. At that time the peak discharge in the rivers on Skeidararsandur was 3000-4000 m3/s (based on information from the Icelandic Hydrological Service). Discharge declined fast after the peak. No damage has occurred to roads or bridges. The total volume of the jokulhlaup is about 0.5 km3. Earthquake activity increased in middle of 2003, at about the same time uplift exceeded its 1998 maximum. Pressure in the Grimsvotn magma chamber is likely to have exceeded its pre-eruption level from 1998 at this time. Additional uplift and expansion of the volcano since then suggested approaching failure of the vol cano. Earthquake activity increased further in late October, 2004. Geothermal heat sustains a lake in the caldera that intermittently causes glacial outburst floods. On October 26 high frequency seismic tremor indicated increased water flow from the caldera lake and suggested that a glacial outburst flood was about to begin. On October 29 discharge increased in river Skeidara. The outburst flood was caused by high water level in the Grimsvotn caldera lake from ice melting by geothermal activity. The release in overburden pressure associated with the outburst flood triggered the eruption. The drop in water level in the Grimsvotn caldera at the onset of the eruption is uncertain, but is probably on the order of 10-20 meters, corresponding to a pressure change of 0.1-0.2 MPa on the volcano surface. This modest pressure change triggered the eruption because internal pressure in the Grimsvotn shallow magma chamber was high after continuous inflow of magma to the volcano since 1998. Background: Grimsvotn volcano (N 64.41°, W 17.33°), situated near the center of the Vatnajokull ice cap in central Iceland, is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes. Grimsvotn last erupted six years ago. It also eruption in 1995 and 1993 causing floodind. Informations N.V.I. *****************************************************************************************
FRANCE - Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion island) October 5th, 2004, Third phase of the eruption began on 13th of August ended Sunday. However, new seismic signal were registred yesterday 4th of October in the morning, and new phase couls occurs over the next days. As of 3rd of October JIR News reported that the effusive activity was still slowly going on. Lava flows are issuing from lava tubes about 1800 m elevation. A weak plume rose above the crater. Since Wednesday, tremor increased slightly. As of 27th of September JIR reported that renewed increasing activity has been recorded on Saturday morning. On Sunday, 26th of September, lava flow, issuing from a vent at 1850 m elevation were visible on the flank of the volcano. Activity at the 2200 m crater decreased in comparaison of Saturday. On September 16th only one very small lava flow was issuing from the fissure located at about 1900 m elevation on the Est flank of the volcano. Signal of the tremor showed slight increasing, but remained weak. As of 15th of September one lava flow (divided into two arms) about 250 m long, moved very slowly at 1900 m elevation. The lava flow is issuing from the same source of the previous phase. Second phase of the eruption ended on Thursday 9th of September, but few hour after the end of the alert, new tremor appeared during the night between Friday 10th and Saturday 11th, and Sunday 12th in the morning (0215 AM) resident of the Tremblet village obverve lava flows just before poor meteorological condition prevent new direct observations. However, at the end of the afternoon, around 0645 PM, red glowing was visible at the shelf above the Grande Pente. This is the Third phase of the eruption. As of the 8th of September, JIR reported that the activity was continuing. On September 7th, several lava flows were still issuing from an eruptive fissure located 1900 m elevation. During the afternoon, one of them moved at 800 m elevation. Following a short repose period (since Thursday) a new eruptive phase started on Saturday 4th of September when the tremor gradually increased. On Sunday, red glowing was visible within the August eruptive cone. As of the 6th of Sepember, OVPF reported that the signal of the tremor reached high level (same the previous week). During an helicopter overfligh, two lava flows issuing from lava tube were visible to 1km distance of the cone. Over the day of Monday, main lava flow went down quickly on the flank toward the RN2, South to the August lava flow pathway. Previous information of the 3rd of September, from JIR newspaper reported the eruption began on Friday 13th of August, ended on Thursday 2nd of September in the end of the afternoon at about 0715 PM. As of 2nd of September in the morning lava was still issuing from the main active cone of the flank of the volcano and lava flow went down toward the sea. During the nigh between Monday 30th of August and Tuesday 31st of August, a new cone appeared on the lava bench builded on the coastline by lava flow. According to scientists of the OVPF, this cone is probably a hornito, not a eruptive cone over a new fissure. On the morning, tremor signal remained at high level. Previous update 29 th of August - While the main lava flow is still entering into the sea, building a large lava bench, on Sunday 29th of August, at 0945 PM a second arm poured into the ocean. Volcanolological Observatory reported that no significative changes occured at the tremor signal but remained at a hight level. On 27th of August, in the afternoon, Volcanological Observatory recorded even an increasing of the tremor signal while lava was still flowing from the eruptive fissure. Main lava flow was still entering into the sea and a second arm to the South moved at about 250 m distance of the sea. The third arm, at the boundary of the villages of St. Philippe and Sainte Rose moved near the RN2. On August 25th, JIR newspaper reported that after 13 days, the eruption was still continuing and around 0345 AM the main lava flow has reached the costline of the island. At 0800 AM, for the first time, the lava poured into the sea. On Sunday 22th, at about 0315 PM, main lava flow reached the RN2, then moved about 350 m across the forest of Grand Brûlé, located between RN2 and the sea.Yesterday, 23rd of August, lava front (80-100 m large) moved slowly at about 400 m distance of the cliff above the sea. A second lava flow arm (South) also crossed the RN2 yesterday morning and moved only a 10 m across the forect. On Sunday, the third arm moved near the road, then stopped.Previous news from JIR reported rthat in morning, 20th of August, the lava flow divided into three arms which moved down to the North of Piton Madore. In the afternoon, activity increased and in the evening (1100 PM) the front of the lava flows moved at 200 m elevation a.s.l at about 750 m distance of the RN2. According previous news from JIR (19 th of August), the eruption was still continuing from eruptive fissures located at about 2200 m elevation. On 17 th of August in the morning, lava flow front moved at about 800 elevation on the flank of the volcano. On 18 th of August, in the morning, increasing activity occured between 3h30- 9h20 AM when scientists of the observatory recorded more important tremor. During the day, the lava flow moved quickly and in the evening, at about 9 PM lava front moved at about 370 m elevation ( 2 km distance from the RN2) juste before the Plaine of Grand Brûlé. Following a brief seismic crisis (About 30 mn) this new eruption started on Friday 13th, 2004. Eruptive fissures opened on the upper part of the Dolomieu Crater (at about 2200 m a.s.l.) and lava flow (2-3 km long) go down toward the sea at about 1500 m elevation. Seismicity beneath Piton de la Fournaise and ground deformations increased since end of June and early July and were going on. On 11th of August Scientists observed between 50 and 70 seismic events per day, even though most of them are of very low intensity. This new eruption, is the third this year. (from OVPF-IPG) **************************************************************************************** INDIA - Barren Island volcano January 1st, 2005 As of the 31st of December, the Darwin VAAC, et al, has confirmed that Barren Island volcano has erupted. The volcano erupted on Tuesday 28th December after the great earthquake and aftershocks hit the area a few days previously. People have been evacuated from the area around the crater near Baratang town on Middle Strait island, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) from the capital Port Blair. Flames and lava are shooting up three metres high. The population has been cleared from a half kilometre range as a precaution and barricades have been put up. Barren volcano last erupted in 1995. Barren Island, a possession of India in the Andaman Sea about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, is the only historically active volcano along the N-S-trending volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). The 354-m-high island is the emergent summit of volcano that rises from a depth of about 2250 m. The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide caldera with walls 250-350 m high. The caldera, which is open to the sea on the west, was created during a major explosive eruption in the late Pleistocene that produced pyroclastic-flow and -surge deposits. The morphology of a fresh pyroclastic cone that was constructed in the center of the caldera has varied during the course of historical eruptions. Lava flows fill much of the caldera floor and have reached the sea along the western coast during eruptions in the 19th century and more recently in 1991 and 1995. ******************************************************************************************* CONGO - Nyiragongo volcano December 19th, 2004 GVO Special Report November 29 – December 12, 2004. For the considered period, the activity of volcano Nyiragongo has remained at quite high level. All seismic stations in the volcano vicinity have recorded permanent banded tremor of high amplitude. In comparison with the previous period (November 18- November 29) this amplitude seems to remain constant Visual observations from the crater rim done on December 09 and 10 are showing the stability of the lava lake level. The activity is very sustained with strong lava fountains responsible of Pele hairs and scoria falls in the volcano surroundings, important gas plume and permanent strong red glowing at night. All control measures done on the fracture systems on the volcano southern slopes are showing that the fractures remain stable and are not presently affected by the volcano activity. The Goma Volcano Observatory maintains a carefull surveillance in sismology, ground deformation and phenomenological observations. Information given by foreign media about an imminent eruption of Nyiragongo volcano that could impact the habited area are just groundless rumors. The Goma Volcano Observatory keeps the current alert level YELLOW and recommends to everyone to not follow rumors and false alerts. Clear and detailed information will be published by GVO and any change in the situation will presented in a special bulletin. For the Goma Volcano Observatory, Kasereka Mahinda, Scientist in Charge. - Below is a summary report about general activity of the volcano covering the last months. Volcano Activities : During all this previous months period, volcanic activity has been concentrated inside the Nyiragongo crater : an almost permanently boiling lava lake occupies the crater at the depth of 700m. If the level of the lake inside the crater seems to remain constant, its size is slowly growing due to collapses of the active pit walls. Degassing remains also very important marked by a large gas plume above the crater. This plume is generally deported to the West by the prevailing winds and extends on several tens of km. Impact of this permanent activity on the environment becomes to be quite important : inside the National Park a 50 km2 area of forest is totally destroyed by volcanic gases and acid rains, a zone with 50% destruction extends on more than 700 km2 with important impact on crops (potatoes, corn, beans, bananas). In the same areas important pollution by Fluoride was also detected and in several localities water tanks collecting rain water are showing F concentrations up to 23 mg/l (WHO tolerance = 1.5 mg/l). GVO, with several partners, has initiated a survey of the impact of the permanent volcano activity. Seismology : In the Nyiragongo area, long period events are commonly detected but at reduced number, and mainly located at the NW and SW of the volcano. The activity is largely dominated by permanent tremor generated by the activity of the lava lake. Informations from : Goma Volcano Observatory ******************************************************************************************** TANZANIE - Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano April 8th, 2004 An expedition team including Christoph Weber and others visited Lengai for five days, 10-14 February 2004. The team used GPS to conclude that the summit of the tallest hornito, located in the center area of the active crater at Ol Doinyo Lengai (T49 or T56B location), was at approximately 2,886 m elevation, standing about 33 m above the surrounding crater floor to the N. While this hornito was no longer active, T48B (T58B) contained a lava lake deep inside, which was clearly indicated by noise and tremor. Observers in February noted effusive and lava lake activity. This occurred at the old T49 eruption center, also indicated by the activity of T49B during observation and an active new vent numbered T49G at the N flank of T49 (T56B), about half way up from its base to the N side. T56B sits in the center of the active (N) crater. The hornito’s summit was at 2,886 m elevation. This new activity probably caused two collapses (which left depressions) in the N flank of T49 (T56B), seen since January 2004. The T49G vent, located at the upper collapse, had a steady degassing lava lake with many overflows recorded during the February visit. Lava penetrated the lower collapse at T49 and lava flows reached as far as the NW overflow. On 12 and 13 February the T49B vent spattered lava for hours, feeding lava flows to the W (to the vicinity of T51), and finally escaping into a lava tube system. The lava temperature very close to the lava lake was measured at 588°C. Immobile aa lava flows on flat terrain were measured between 480°C and 500°C - information : F.Benton via GVN/GVP - Photos of Lengai volcano and its activity during 1-7 August 2003 are online at www.decadevolcano.net ************************************************************************************* ETHIOPIA - Erta Ale volcano December 9th, 2004 Over the last few years the Afar National Regional State has allowed a program of visitation to Erta Ale volcano by natural science field workers. As a result, numerous expeditions have visited the volcano from November 2000 until now. A SVE-SVG group visited recently the Erta Ale (4th of December) and observed an important change in the activity of the volcano. The lava lake activity stopped within the South pit crater and a solidified lava crust has filled the whole part of the crater floor (about 15 m below the crater rim). Three (4) coalescent hornitos (about ten meters high) have built on the solidified lava crust in the SE part of the South crater. During the night between 4th of 5th of December, some incandescent degassing lava was visible at the summit of two hornitos. Moreover, we have also noted that a new activity has recently occured within the North crater. A solidified lava bulge uplifted and filled more than 4/5 of the crater floor (about 20-25 below the crater rim). Strong and noisy degassing activity was occcuring in the central part of the lava bulge from several small hornitos. From the smell and bluish color, these gases contained a high quantity of SO2. During the night , ten small incandescent vents were visible at the periphery of the lava bulge. In the morning, two plumes rose above the volcano. Information : Henry Gaudru (SVE) and Co (SVG) - Explor'Action group. Join us for the next (SVE Erta Ale fieldwork 2005 *****************************************************************************************	Piton de la Fournaise - Eruptive fissure - 16th November 2002 - Photo Laï-Yu (JIR)
PHILIPPINES - Mayon Volcano December 11th, 2004 According to a news report, in early December strong rains brought by typhoon Yoyong in the Philippines caused lahars to flow down the stream channels of Mayon, particularly in the Padang settlement, and Legazpi City (~14 km SE of the volcano's summit). The Provincial Disaster Management Officer stated that the lahars would not cause damage to homes or rice fields, and that villagers residing near the volcano were not asked to evacuate.According to a news report, seismicity increased at Mayon during 18-19 October. Based on information from PHIVOLCS, the article reported that seven low- frequency earthquakes and harmonic tremor were recorded in a 24-hour period. On 12 September, faint glow was visible at Mayon's summit that coincided with a slight increase in overall background tremor. According to PHIVOLCS, these observations indicated a possible renewed episode of volcanic unrest, probably due to small incremental intrusions of magma at shallow depths that caused the intensified glow at the summit. They reported that small explosions, similar to the events on 3 June and 22 July 2004, may be expected as pockets of gas beneath the crater are suddenly released. There were no significant changes in ground deformation or SO2 flux. According to a news report, volcanic material was emitted from Mayon late on 12 September, setting fire to grass on the volcano's slopes. People were reminded to remain outside of the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone. Mayon was at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 0-5). Information : PHIVOLCS - Latest satelllite image of the Mayon (every 30 mn) PHILIPPINES - Taal volcano November 4th, 2004 PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level at Taal from 0 to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) on 29 October due to an increase in seismicity at the volcano. The seismic network at Taal began to record significant volcanic earthquakes on 23 September. In general, through 29 October the number of earthquakes increased, with a maximum of 13 earthquakes recorded on 15 October. Initial epicenter locations were in the vicinity of Main Crater and to the NNW near Binintiang Malaki and to the SSE near Calauit. No significant changes in thermal and steam emissions were observed. PHIVOLCS recommended appropriate vigilance by the public when visiting the island and noted that Main Crater was off-limits to visitors because of the potential for sudden steam explosions and high concentrations of noxious gases. ( PHIVOLCS communication) ******************************************************************************************	Mayon volcano - Philippines
INDONESIA Volcanoes activity VSI Reports : Report period - - September-October- July 2004 G. Merapi (Java) - Updated September 2004 information from local observer has reported that volcanic activity remains at a normal background. Visual observation noted only a weak white-gray ash plume, rose about 150m high. The Merapi volcano is currently at the ALERT LEVEL 2 alert level. Soputan (Sulawesi) - As of the 15th of December, the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (DVGHM) has reported that the previous eruption of Soputan volcano was on 18 October 2004, sent ash column rose up to 600 meters above the crater. On 11 December 2004 , the tremor activity tend to rise with the peak to peak amplitude 0.5-3.0 mm and they could see a fire glow on the lips of the crater. After Midnight on 12 December at 00.46 WITA, tremor again recorded with maximum pp amplitude around 45 mm, and at 00.50 Soputan volcano was erupted, sent ash cloud rose up to 1000 meters, followed by the hot cloud glowing to a distance about 200 meter went to the east. Hot lava flow spread to W-S of Soputan.There was heard a rumbling noise and thunder sounds from the Post of Soputan Volcano Observatory (SVO). (about 11 Km from the crater). The white gray ash goes to the East. At 01.30 SVO got a problem with the seismic sensors, because of the solar panel was blocked by the ash. At 06.00 the sensor was down. At 05.00 WITA hot cloud occurred glow to a distance about 150 meters and the height about 200 meters. Up to 10.30 the activities of eruption still occurred. On the 13 December at 17.52 there was a fetl earthquake with a scale of I – II MMI. Seismograph still not works because of ash covered the solar panel. The volcano erupted twice in 2003, spewing ashplume as far away the provincial capital Manado. Soputan was small volcano located on the Southern rim of the Quaternary Tondano caldera on the Northern arm of Sulawesi Island. This stratovolcano type was the Sulawesi’s most active volcanoes. The youthful, largely unvegetated volcano rises to 1784 m and is located South West of Sempu volcano. It was constracted at the Southern end of a South South West-North North East trending line of vents. During historical time the locus of eruptions has included both the summit crater and Aeseput, a prominent North East-flank vent that formed in 1906 and was the source of intermittent major lava flows until 1924. The Current Colour Code for volcano Soputan is ORANGE Gunung Rinjani (Lombok island) - From visual observation on 2-4 October 2004 ash explosions still continues sent ash column rose to ~ 300-800 m above the summit. Grey, thick Ash column drifted to the North. Point of explosion was in North-East slope of Baru Jari volcano. A light material was from the peak and fall down around the Baru Jari volcano. Every explosion along with detonation sounds. No visible change over the Segara Anakan Lake meant that no water was entering to the caldera. Interval time explosion was in range between 5 to 160 minutes. Seismicities dominated by explosion earthquakes with amplitude maximum 30 mm. It’s recommended to stop climbing activities to Rinjani until situation going back to normal again. As of the 1st of October, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI) reported that the Rinjani volcano erupted today at 05:30 am. Activity volcanic visually was not detected from the post monitoring at Sembalun Lawang cause of covered by caldera’s wall. Seismicities activities in Rinjani volcano prompted increasing in volcanic quakes since 5 September 2004. There fluctuated in the range of 0-7 events per days. Increasing of tectonic quakes that tended to be increased since the last of 18 August 2004 triggered increasing of volcanic quakes. Tremor quakes was registered since 23, 24, 25 and 26 September 2004, in number of 6-36 per days with range of amplitude between 12 mm - 14 mm, duration between 94 - 1450 mm. Based on increasing of hazards at Rinjani after explosion, the authorities was rise of status hazards become Alert Level III (Orange) since 1 October 2004 at 06.00 WITAHikers have been banned from climbing Mt. Rinjani after the volcano after renewed volcanic activity. The volcano, a popular destination for mountain climbers from all over the world, began rumbling last week. Despite the warning for the hikers, it was not necessary to evacuate villagers living near the volcano. Rinjani is Indonesia's second highest volcano, and last erupted in 1995. On 3 November 1994, a cold lahar from the summit area of Rinjani Volcano traveled down the Kokok Jenggak River. Thirty people from the village of Aikmel who were collecting water from the river were killed. Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. The Current Colour Code for volcano Rinjani is ALERT LEVEL 2. Awu volcano (Sangihe islands) - As of the 18th of June, the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (DVGHM) reported that there was no significant activity in the last 24 hours, white smoke about 50-100 meters rose from the summit and low pressure. The seismograph recorded 7 events of emission, 1 shallow volcano quake (Type B) and 5 tectonic events and an earthquake at 22.33.30 on scale II MMI for about 300 seconds. As of the 13th of June. VSI dowgraded alert level following last week eruption that sent rocks 3,000 metres into the air. Officials say most of the 20-thousand people who fled their homes can now return. Only those living on the northern slope of the volcano are being told to stay away. The volcano may still reactivate at some time in the future. As of the 8th of June,DVGHM reported that since 6 June 11.17 Local time(WITA) we upgraded AWU to level 4, and at 18.07 AWU erupted with black/grey ash cloud rose up about 1000 meters. Up to 20.00 tremors still occured and the peak to peak amplitude was 5 mm. About 10,000 Local people already evacuated to Tahuna and Peta. About 20,000 people have been evacuated from the slopes of a volcano in northern Indonesia, which is showing signs it is about to erupt. "Smoke" could be seen rising from Awu volcano early yesterday. The fleeing residents were sheltered in several school buildings and churches in Tahuna, a district town some 15 kilometers (9 miles) away. A dome-extruding occured in the previously lake-bearing crater on 2 June 2004. he volcano monitoring station on Sangihe Island has raised the alert status to the maximum level (RED). A large eruption is possible. The observatory reported the mountain has been emitting "flames" and thick smoke since the second week of May. The level of volcanic earthquakes have also intensified since early on Sunday As of the 29th of May, DVGHM reported that visual observation from Observatory Post noted gas plume rarely in active normal level. When the weather is very clear sometimes marked that a very thin gas plume crawl up into crater's rim. Seismic activity record volcanic earthquake average as 1 event/day. On May 15, 2004, tectonic felt earthquake which has intensity of I MMI scale occurred, followed by recording 2 events of volcanic earthquake. On May 16, volcanic earthquake recorded continuously as 12 events. This sudden increase on volcanic earthquake event seems give a chance to gas fluid moving up, marked by tremor recording on May 16, at 11.10-15.40 WITA (local time) with maximum amplitude (peak to peak) is 8 mm. Gas plume rose 75 m from the crater's rim, it getting thicker slightly but no changes in color and formed no clump. On May 17, 2004, volcanic earthquake recorded 4 events, while tremor decresed relatively with maximum amplitude peak to peak is 5 mm. Till May 18, 2004, at 13.00 WITA (local time) volcanic earthquake still recorded as 6 events, while amplitude of tremor steady at 5 mm. An interesting matter revealed; since May 16, (S-P) value of volcanic earthquake reduced from 2.0-1.75 second at the beginning, into 0.5 second, which is implement the migration of earthquake source to be shallower. Considering that the shortest repose time of Awu volcano is 25 years has been passed over, as anticipation, volcano alert level of Awu volcano is upgraded into alert level 2 since May 18, 2004, at 15.00 WITA (local time). The massive Mt. Awu stratovolcano occupies the northern end of Great Sangihe Island, the largest of the Sangihe arc. Deep valleys that form passageways for lahars dissect the flanks of the 1320-m-high volcano, which was constructed within a 4.5-km-wide caldera. Awu is one of Indonesia's deadliest volcanoes; powerful explosive eruptions in 1711, 1812, 1856, 1892, and 1966 produced devastating pyroclastic flows and lahars that caused more than 8000 fatalities. Before this activity the crater contained a green lake (volume in 2003 was about 50x10 m3) In 1922, but a previous lake was largely ejected during the 1966 eruption. The Current Colour Code for volcano Awu is ALERT LEVEL 2. Papandayan Volcano (Java island) - DVGHM reported that seismic and volcanic activity were at heightened levels on 17 July at Papandayan. The number of volcanic earthquakes increased on 13 July from 1-3 per day to 7-9, then further increased to 57 earthquakes on 16 July. The temperature at Baru crater I increased from 84 to 88.5 ºC, and the temperature of Baru crater II rose from 89 to 102 ºC. The Alert Level was raised from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and visits to the crater were prohibited. Background. Papandayan is a complex stratovolcano with four large summit craters, the youngest of which was breached to the NE by collapse during a brief eruption in 1772 and contains active fumarole fields. Marapi volcano (Sumatra) -As of the 12th of August, the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (DVGHM) has reported that increased volcanic activity at Marapi during early August led DVGHM to raise the Alert Level to 2 from 1 (on a scale of 1-4) on 5 August. Ash explosions rose 500-1,000 m above the summit and no seismic data were available. Visitors and villagers in the Tanah Datar and Padang Panjang districts were advised not to climb the volcano. Marapi volcano, not to be confused with the better-known Merapi volcano on Java, is Sumatra's most active volcano. Marapi is a massive complex stratovolcano that rises 2000 m above the Bukittinggi plain in Sumatra's Padang Highlands. A broad summit contains multiple partially overlapping summit craters constructed within the small 1.4-km-wide Bancah caldera. The summit craters are located along an ENE-WSW line, with volcanism migrating to the west. More than 50 eruptions, typically consisting of small-to-moderate explosive activity, have been recorded since the end of the 18th century; no lava flows outside the summit craters have been reported in historical time Kerinci volcano (Sumatra) - As of the 22nd of June, the Volcanology Society of Indonesia (VSI) has reported that Kerinci volcano erupted at 0500 hr UT on Monday 21st June. Ash reached 12,500 ft and drifted west. Further details next when received by SVE. The 3800-m-high Kerinci volcano in central Sumatra forms Indonesia's highest volcano and is one of the most active in Sumatra. Kerinci is capped by an unvegetated young summit cone that was constructed NE of an older crater remnant. The volcano contains a deep 600-m-wide summit crater often partially filled by a small crater lake that lies on the NE crater floor, opposite the SW-rim summit of Kerinci. The massive 13 x 25 km wide volcano towers 2400-3300 m above surrounding plains and is elongated in a N-S direction. The frequently active Kerinci has been the source of numerous moderate explosive eruptions since its first recorded eruption in 1838. The Current Colour Code for volcano Kerinci is ALERT LEVEL 2. Egon volcano ( Flores island ) - As of the 11th of September, the Global Volcanisom Network (GVN) has reported that further eruptions were reported yesterday from Mt Egon volcano, where emissions reached 5000m above the crater. 2000 people have been evacuated from the slopes of Egon volcano, as it erupted for the second time in two months. A white plume was emitted to a height of 3000 m earlier in the week, accompanied by ejection of rocks and lava. Egon began to erupt last Sunday, affecting thousands of hectares of cacao, coffee, vanilla and clove plantations. Mt. Egon is one of numerous active volcanoes in Indonesia. Its crater is 525 meters-by-425 meters in diameter, and has a depth of between 47.5 meters and 195 meters. On July 25 2004 at 22.40 WITA (local time) Egon has erupted Ash explosion along with rumbling sounds revealed material explosions rose up to ~ 1000-1500m above the summit. Black thick column drifted to the NW-N and sulphur gas smelt very strong. Seismograph PS-2 recorded duration of the eruptions were ~ 2 hours and 30 minutes with amplitude 30-35 mm. People on the villages spontaneously went off to the places more save but it just temporarily. According to the Darwin VAAC, a plume was visible on satellite imagery. DVGHM reported that about 630 residents near Egon self evacuated from the villages of Egon, Nangatobong, and Itoper. According to a news article, about 1,400 people evacuated. At 1500 on 26 July seismographs recorded nearly continuous explosions produced plumes to ~250 m above the volcano.. Previous news of the 15th of July, from DVGHM were reported that the activity of Egon volcano at 12-13 July 2004 was characterized by white, thin-medium plume rose ~ 100 m above the summit. Tremor emission continues with amplitude maximum 2 mm. On 13 July 2004 volcanic earthquakes increased, tectonic earthquakes decreased in number. Recorded at 13 July volcanic type-A 3 events, volcanic type-B 23 events and tectonic none. Leveling result used EDM there are increased as far as 3 cm between benchmark in post observatory and on west slope of Egon volcano. Increasing volcanic activity began at Egon on 3 July. Ash from an explosion on the night of the 3rd drifted as far W as Maumere, the capital of Flores. About 2,000 residents near the volcano were evacuated. The four villages worst affected were Egon Gahar, Natakoli, Hale, and Hebing. According to DVGHM, two small explosions occurred at Egon, producing ash clouds to heights of ~150 m. Egon was listed at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Previous information of the 7th of February, from DVGHM reported that more than 1,000 of about 5,600 refugees who fled the slopes of Mt. Egon after it began erupting last week, returned home as volcanic activity continued to die down on Thursday. As many as 1,000 refugees have already returned home. Some of them went home on their own initiative. The local government has helped them by providing transportation. Their return followed an announcement by a local scientific monitoring agency that volcanic activity on Mount Egon had significantly reduced. Pregnant women and children have been urged to stay at refugee camps until the volcano returns to normal. As of the 5th of February, the Volcanological Society of Indonesia (VSI) reported that volcanic activity began at Egon on 29 January around 0400 when a landslide traveled down the volcano's E crater wall. Around 1700 an explosion produced a black ash cloud to a height of ~750 m above the summit. During 30-31 January, loud noises from the volcano were followed by emissions of gray ash clouds. In addition, there was a strong scent of sulfur every 50-60 minutes. Visual observations on the 31st revealed that a new solfatara tunnel (sulfur-rich fumarole) was created on the S side of the volcano. Small volcanic earthquakes, deep-volcanic earthquakes, and harmonic tremor were recorded. DVGHM put Egon at Alert Level 3 (on a scale of 1-4) beginning on 2 February. The volcano did not previously have an Alert Level. The Darwin VAAC reported that ash was not visible on satellite imagery. Most of the evacuees are in bad shape after breathing sulfurous gases and are now facing shortages of food and bedding at accommodation centres. Officials from the Sikka administration said that the refugees had began to suffer dysentery. What was most needed was food, medicine and bedding. At least one person was reported dead amid the influx of refugees. The death toll is likely to increase as the local authorities continue to collect information on the victims. Residents began to evacuate the area after Mount Egon erupted last Thursday (Jan. 29th), spewing dark clouds of ash and molten lava over at least one subdistrict. Other subdistricts on the slopes of the volcano are now being evacuated. Three subdistricts on the eastern side of the mountain are next to be evacuated because they may be next to be affected by the eruption. According to the latest estimates, renewed eruptions may also affect three other subdistricts on the northern side of the mountain, so residents of those subdistricts may have to evacuate as well. Evacuations are necessary to avoid fatalities should a major eruption occur. Those residents who have already been evacuated are now living in 10 makeshift shelters in Maumere city. The government has also established a public kitchen to help feed the evacuees. Maumere and Sikka administrations would also provide doctors to treat the evacuees. One person has been reported killed from smoke and ash inhalation from the eruption of Egon volcano. Thick clouds of smoke and a great discharge of hot ash, large chunks of sulfur and volcanic rocks were seen nearby. The eruption caused panic among residents nearby, and they fled the mountain villages of Hale, Hebing, Lere, Natakoli, Pedat, Bau Krengat and Kelawair. Eyewitnesses said the lower part of the crater was seen bursting and that was believed to be the main outlet for the hot lava that spewed from the volcano. The local government has deployed vehicles and volunteers to evacuate residents. Several public buildings and schools in Maumere town were being prepared to accommodate the refugees. Egon is one of 15 volcanoes in the many islands of East Nusa Tenggara that are categorized as either active or with the possibility of eruptions. A total 6,416 residents living in four villages in the danger zone have been evacuated to Maumere district town, about 35 kilometres away. The 1,703-meter high Mount Egon, about 25 kilometers from the islands main town, Maumere, suddenly started rumbling Thursday, belching sulfuric ash and black smoke from its crater in Bola subdistrict, Sikka regency.A team of volcanology experts from the province are closely monitoring Egon’s activity to determine whether it is due for a major eruption. Egon volcano is located on the island of Flores and last erupted in April 1925. G. Karangetang (Siau Island)- As of the 4 th of April , HIGP MODIS thermal-alert reports showed thermal activity at the volcano on April, 2, 2004. On 28 October 2003 an ash explosion produced a 2,000-m-high column with ashfall reaching the sea to the E and a lava avalanche toward the Batu Awang area, 750 m from the summit. Except for the week of 17-23 November, local seismicity decreased compared to the first half of October. The hazard status remained at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Anak Krakatau ( Sunda Strait) - As of the 19th of July, the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (DVGHM) eported that Anak Krakatau also seems of intense activity that observed since July 2004. Emission of gas and steam were increased on the crater of Anak Krakatau. Volcanic earthquakes were exceeded since July 5 and had a range between 1-4 events per days but abruptly become 57 events on the following days. And then volcanic earthquakes become fluctuate with range between 2-17 events. Base on the increased condition volcanic at Anak Krakatau the status hazards was incremented to alert level 2 (waspada).Looking at the hazard at the volcano, the visitor were not allowed climbing approached to the summit or crater. The colour code at Krakatau is currently at ALERT LEVEL 2. Background. The renowned Krakatau volcano lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 AD, resulted in a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of this volcano formed Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently Rakata, Danan, and Perbuwatan volcanoes were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes, and left only a remnant of Rakata volcano. The post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau), constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan, has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927. Ijen volcano - Java- As of the 20th of June, the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (DVGHM) reported that Ijen volcano has been closed to visitors since it showed signs of unrest this week. There have been sulphuric rocks coming out of the edge of the crater and the fluid in it has turned from green to white and it has emitted hot foam. There are also increasing tremors. Nearby Mt bromo erupted last week killing two people. The colour code at IJEN is currently at ALERT LEVEL 1 Semeru volcano (Java) - A pilot reported to the Darwin VAAC that on 10 August ash from Semeru was at a height of ~6.1 km a.s.l. According to a news article, people were temporarily banned from climbing the volcano. The symmetrical stratovolcano rises abruptly to 3,676 m above coastal plains to the S and lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending N to the Tengger caldera. Semeru has been in almost continuous eruption since 1967. Dukono volcano ( Halmahera) - As of the 27th of May, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 19-25 May, Dukono occasionally emitted ash plumes that were visible on satellite imagery. Plumes rose to heights of ~3 km a.s.l. Reports from this remote volcano in northernmost Halmahera are rare, but Dukono has been one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. More-or-less continuous explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, occurred since 1933 until at least the mid-1990s, when routine observations were curtailed. Dukono is a complex volcano presenting a broad, low profile with multiple summit peaks and overlapping craters. Malupang Wariang, 1 km SW of Dukono's summit crater complex, contains a 700 x 570 m crater that has also been active during historical time. The Current Colour Code for Dukono is ALERT LEVEL 2. : VSI website ****************************************************************************************	Merapi volcano - Java island - VSI
RUSSIA - Bezymianny volcano (Kamtchatka) December 30th, 2004 As of the 30th of December, the Kamchatka Volcano Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that seismic activity at the volcano increased beginning December 25. The possibility of an explosive eruption increases. Seismic activity did not exceed background levels on December 23-24. Beginning December 25, activity began to rise and was above background levels on December 27-28. About 10 shallow earthquakes of Ml=0.6-1.7 were registered in the area of the volcano on December 25 and 27-28. According to visual observations, weak gas-steam plumes were observed on December 26-29 and extending to the east on December 28. Clouds obscured the volcano at other times. According to satellite data from the USA and Russia, a 1-2-pixel thermal anomaly was registered over the dome on December 25-28. The Current Colour Code for Bezymianny is now at YELLOW RUSSIA - Sheveluch volcano ( Kamchatka) December 30th, 2004 As of the 30th of December, the Kamchatka Volcano Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that unrest at the volcano continues. A lava dome is growing in the active crater. At any time and with little warning, explosions could produce ash plumes that could rise as high as 8 km or 26,400 ft. ASL, as well as localized ash fall. Seismic activity was above background levels on December 23-28 but generally decreasing. Weak shallow earthquakes occurred at a depth 0-5 km beneath the active dome. Intermittent spasmodic volcanic tremor of 0.2-0.3x10-6 mps was registered all days. According to seismic data, possible ash-gas explosions rose up to 3.5-4 km (11,500-13,100 ft) ASL on December 26 and 27. Possible weak ash-gas explosions and hot avalanches occurred all week. According to visual and video data, ash-gas explosions up to 1500-2000 m above the dome (or 9,800 - 12,500 ft ASL) were observed on December 26 and 27. Gas-steam plumes up to 800-1000 m above the dome (or 10,800 - 11,500 ft ASL) were noted on December 26-27, and 29 extending 10 km from the volcano (or 5.4 mi) to the south on December 26 and to the west-southwest - on December 27 and to the north - on December 29. Clouds obscured the volcano at other times. According to satellite data from the USA and Russia, a 1-7-pixel thermal anomaly was registered over the dome all week. A possible gas-steam plume extending for 50 km (or 31 mi) to the east was noted on December 28. The Current Colour Code for Sheveluch is ORANGE . Live cam link RUSSIA - Karymsky volcano (Kamchatka) December 30th, 2004 As of the 30th of December, the Kamchatka Volcano Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that activity probably continues. The danger of a sudden explosion or series of explosions up to 4 km (or 16,500 ft.) ASL remains. A local ash fall within a few tens of km around the volcano is also possible. There is no seismic data from December 12. According to visual information from the staff of Kronotsky reserve, gas-steam explosions containing small amounts of ash rose 800 m above the crater (2,300 m or 7,600 ft. ASL) on December 28. According to satellite data from the USA and Russia, a 2-pixel thermal anomaly was registered over the dome on December 27 and 28. Clouds obscured the volcano at other times. The official colour of the volcanic alarm light at Karymsky is now on ORANGE RUSSIA - Kliuchevskoy volcano (Kamchatka) November 27th, 2004 As of the 24th of November, the Kamchatka Volcano Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that seismic activity of the volcano continues. Fumarolic activity of the volcano is recorded every day. Potential danger of an eruption of the volcano remains. Seismic activity was at background levels this week. Number of earthquakes of Ml=1.1-2.1 remains in limits about 72 (23) strong ones of Ml=1.7-2.1) at a depth ~ 30 km beneath the volcano. According to video and visual observations from Klyuchi, gas-steam plumes rose up to 5 km (or 16,400 ft) ASL km on November 11-15 and 19. On November 16-17, clouds obscured the volcano. The official colour of the volcanic alarm light at Kliuchevskoi remains on YELLOW. Live cam link ***************************************************************************************** RUSSIA - Alaid volcano (Kurile islands) December 6th, 2003 As of the 5th of December, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT) has reported that seismic activity of the volcano continues. An explosive eruption could occur at any time. Possible height of ash plumes could be up to 9,000 m ASL (~30,000 ft. ASL). Seismic activity was slightly above background levels during the past week. Continuous spasmodic volcanic tremor of 0.5-3.4x 10-6 mps and a large number of weak local events were registered. The volcano was obscured by clouds all the week. The colour code at Alaid is currently at YELLOW The last eruption was in April 1981. The maximum height of the ash plume was 8,000-9,000 m ASL, and the plume extended for more than 1,500 km mostly to the SE and NE. more about Kurile islands ******************************************************************************************* NEW ZEALAND - White island volcano December 11th, 2004 As of the 10th of December, the Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (IGNS) has reported that a plane flight to White Island last Thursday recorded sulphur dioxide levels at about the same fairly low value as in October. The lake level at White Island has not changed, and seismic activity there remains low. The colour code at White Is. is currently at ALERT LEVEL 1. . As of the 22nd of October, the Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (IGNS) has reported that volcanic tremor at White Island continues to be weak, while the temperature of the crater lake has risen and steam plumes continue to be observed. Over the last 10-15 years many small ponds and lakelets have formed in topographic lows or the floors of small sub-craters within the 1978/90 Crater Complex. Their life has often been short as they have been in filled by the next eruption, or drained as new vents have formed. The small volumes of these lakes, was such that they had no influence on eruptive activity. However, the current lake volume is large enough that it will influence the next phase of eruptive activity from the volcano and result in a new hazard to people visiting the island. Ejection of the lake in an eruption could cause flooding of the shallow stream valleys across the Main Crater floor, maybe as far as the sea. This would occur along with the already existing hazards caused by rock and ash fall during explosive eruptions. Should there be no significant eruptive activity within the next 18-24 month period and the lake continues to fill, it may reach overflow level. In this situation water may overflow into drainage channels on Peg 12 Flat, to the south of 1978/90 Crater Complex and these channels may further erode if water is continuously flowing in them. It is our intention to establish a monitoring programme to accurately measure the level of the lake or its rate of rise. There is no significant change in volcanic activity on the island. Live cam link NEW ZEALAND - Ruapehu volcano December 28th, 2004 As of the 28th of December, the Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (IGNS) has reported that The temperature of Ruapehu’s Crater Lake continues to slowly increase, and is now 21 degrees C. Other activity at the volcano shows little change. The colour code at Ruapehu is currently at ALERT LEVEL 1. Ruapehu Live cam NEW ZEALAND - Rotorua caldera November 4th, 2003 Two small phreatic eruptions occurred at Kuirau Park in Rotorua caldera around 1100 on 6 November. They blasted mud, rock, and ash 14 m into the air. Gray mud and small rocks littered a zone ~20 m wide. The eruption destroyed trees around the crater. The eruptions occurred just meters from the site of a large blowout in 2001. The area is known for this kind of phreatomagmatic activity. The 17-km-wide Rotorua caldera is the NW-most caldera of the Taupo volcanic zone. Rotorua is the only single-event caldera in the Taupo volcanic zone and was formed about 220,000 years ago following eruption of the >500 cu km rhyolitic Mamaku ignimbrite. The major city of Rotorua lies at the S end of the lake that fills much of the caldera.(IGNS) ****************************************************************************************** PAPUA- NEW GUINEA - Bagana volcano May 8th, 2004 As of the 6th of May, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) repported that according to a news article, following the emission of new lava from Bagana on 27 April, local volcanologists and a team of provincial disaster delegates conducted an aerial inspection of the area around the volcano on 2 May. The team concluded that the lava flows were not an immediate threat to the safety of villagers near the volcano. A spokesperson for Papua New Guinea's national Disaster Center reportedly said, "the aerial inspection team noted a continual effusion of lava flowing in a south-westerly direction but there is a lot of vegetation in the area which is acting as a buffer. As of the 30th of April, RVO reported that lava was begun flowing from Bagana volcano on Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea. The lava is about eight to nine kilometres from the village of Torokina, but there are also smaller settlements closer to the volcano, which have been built in recent years. RVO was uncertain about the local topography between the volcano and Torokina, and therefore could not assess the degree of danger for the residents of the village from the lava flow. Attempts at establishing communication with these villagers had so far failed. Government officials have not been able to conduct aerial inspections of the volcano. Bagana is one of the world's most active volcanoes with eruptions almost every year. First information from a helicopter pilot reported to RVO that new lava was being emitted from Bagana around 1240 on 27 April. RVO has no permanent monitoring equipment at Bagana.- Bagana volcano, occupying a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is one of Melanesia's youngest and most active volcanoes. Bagana is a massive symmetrical lava cone largely constructed by an accumulation of viscous andesitic lava flows. The entire lava cone could have been constructed in about 300 years at its present rate of lava production. Eruptive activity at Bagana is characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although explosive activity occasionally producing pyroclastic flows also occurs. PAPUA-NEW GUINEA - Rabaul volcano March 24th, 2004 Eruptive activity, which began at Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone in October 2002, ceased on 17 February. During 1-17 February, emissions of “light-to-pale ash clouds” were accompanied by occasional moderate explosions that produced thick ash plumes. The ash plumes rose 1-2 km above the summit and drifted E and NE, resulting in ashfall in Duke of York, Rabaul Town, and other villages. During 18-29 February there were only weak gas emissions. Ground-deformation measurements showed a deflationary trend during the last half of February.The low-lying Rabaul caldera on the tip of the Gazelle Peninsula at the NE end of New Britain forms a broad sheltered harbor. The outer flanks of the 688-m-high asymmetrical pyroclastic shield volcano are formed by thick pyroclastic-flow deposits. The 8 x 14 km caldera is widely breached on the E, where its floor is flooded by Blanche Bay.(RVO from GVN/GVP) PAPUA - NEW GUINEA - Ulawun volcano August 18th, 2004 According to the Darwin VAAC, a thin plume emitted from Ulawun was visible on satellite imagery at a height of ~3 km a.s.l. on 14 and 15 August. The symmetrical basaltic-to-andesitic Ulawun stratovolcano is the highest volcano of the Bismarck arc, and one of Papua New Guinea's most frequently active. Ulawun volcano, also known as the North Son, rises above the north coast of New Britain opposite Bamus volcano, the South Son. Historical eruptions date back to the beginning of the 18th century. Twentieth-century eruptions were mildly explosive until 1967, but after 1970 several larger eruptions produced lava flows and basaltic pyroclastic flows, greatly modifying the summit crater. PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Manam volcano December 30th, 2004 As of the 30th of December, the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory RVO) reported that volcanic activity has decreased at Manam volcano, but the volcano still remains dangerous. A bright red crater glow is still visible at the summit indicating that the magma column is high. An explosive eruption could send glowing lava bombs on to the volcano's flanks. Manam volcano activity has been reaching a peak about the middle of every month which may be related to the phase of the moon creating tidal pressure on the volcano. Seismograph recordings are showing continuing volcanic tremor, which is consistant with magma movenment under the volcano. Roaring noises have been heard coming from the summit, which indicates high gas pressure inside the mountain. The Current Colour Code for Manam is currently at ALERT LEVEL 2. As of the 17th of December, An ash cloud reached 20,000 ft and drifted west at speed of 8 knots. Ongoing eruptions continue to deposit large amounts of ash on the island. The summit region of the volcano was already steep and bare before the current series of eruptions. Heavy ashfall, lava flows, and scoria deposits from the current eruption will make the summit region dangerously unstable for an extended period of time. The Current Colour Code for Manam has been upgraded again to ALERT LEVEL 5. A hotspot was visible on satellite images, indicating the proximity of magma to the surface. As of the 8th of December, the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory RVO) reported that eruptions continue at Manam volcano in Papua New Guinea. It is disappointing that the international community has not taken the Manam volcano disaster more seriously. An event of this magnitude is too large for any one country to deal with. Urgent food supplies are needed to feed the thousands of people evacuated to the mainland. Gardens and trees have been destroyed in the eruptions, and people will not be able to return to the island for some considerable time, assuming that volcanic activity declines to a safe level. Monitoring equipment needs to be installed on the island to enable scientific study of the volcanic activity. Manam continues its high level of eruptive activity. Heavy rains from the start of the wet season are creating mudflows. The international community needs to start taking action to prevent further loss of life. Five people are confirmed dead, and 9300 people are being evacuated from the island. The refugees are being relocated to three relief centres on the mainland. International assistance is being requested by local authorities to deal with the situation. Thousands of people are still on the island waiting to be evacuated. Food, shelter, and water are scarce in the relief centres. Manam is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea. PAPUA - NEW GUINEA - Pago volcano April 4th, 2004 Pago update : During 15 March to 1 April, volcanic and seismic activity at Pago remained at low levels. All vents gently released small volumes of "thin white vapor." On some days, small amounts of "blue vapor" were emitted from the lower vents. A dull glow was observed at the volcano on 17 March (GVN/GVP). On Friday 11th of October 2002, local scientists warned that an ongoing volcanic eruption which has already forced thousands from their homes in northern Papua New Guinea could escalate, but probably not with a catastrophic explosion that other observers have predicted. Volcanologist Steve Saunders, who monitors Pago daily from nearby Rabaul, said he expects only that the current low-level eruption will continue. Pago is presently releasing streams of lava at about 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit), but is not ejecting rocks or ash from its cone. There are signs that a flow of fresh magma molten rock is building up below the volcano, suggesting it could be in line for another eruption. According to Steve Sanders the volcano is still inflating and has shown an uplift of one centimeter (about half an inch) in a month, which is not comforting. About 15,000 villagers have been evacuated since Mt. Pago began erupting in August, spewing ash and lava over New Britain island. The eruption that began in August destroyed local food gardens, water sources, oil palm plantations and other vegetation but many local people have begun returning to their gardens, with the ash now dispersed.( RVO) According to the latest report from USGS team (September 22), eruptive activity is still continuing.This week as many as 10,000 people are still evacuated from the immediate area around Pago. Sporadic explosions, ashfall, and an erupting lava flow are clear signs that the volcano is not yet finished. Pago can produce large explosive eruptions that would endanger as many as 30,000 people within 19 miles. Scientists are now establishing the first ever monitoring network on the volcano, even while it erupts unpredictably. Volcano monitoring is desperately needed to track the volcano's activity and assess the possibility of more intense and more hazardous activity. A team of experienced scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Volcano Disaster Assistance Program is now in Papua New Guinea working with colleagues from Rabaul Volcano Observatory. As of the 10th of September, Mt. Pago erupted violently again over the weekend spewing out heavy dark smoke but activity subsided later, the West New Britain provincial disaster office reported yesterday. According to local news via reliefweb people within 15 to 20 kilometers (9 to 12 miles) from the volcano have been advised to move to safer areas or designated care centers. Only five schools in Hoskins have been allowed to reopen but with strict conditions, which include functional evacuation plans, communications systems and transport. Meanwhile, work on the reopening and upgrading of the old Talasea airstrip is progressing well, provincial administrator and disaster coordinator William Padio said yesterday. NCP, a local construction company, has been working on the Talasea airstrip and the work is likely to be completed in time for an opening on September 21. The upgraded airstrip will be able to accommodate Dash 8 aircraft, Mr. Padio said. As a temporary measure, the Bialla airstrip is being used for light aircraft while work continues at Talasea. As of the 4th of September, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) has reported that toxic ash that has rained down on farmland around Papua New Guinea's Mount Pago volcano for a month is making the area uninhabitable and up to 4,000 people will have to find new homes, an official said on Tuesday. The volcano on New Britain Island is spewing fine silicone ash, suffocating and poisoning trees in palm oil and coconut plantations and drying them out so they catch fire at the slightest spark. William Padio, chairman of the provincial disaster committee, said the area most affected extended for 10 km (6.2 miles) from the volcano through a 45 degree arc. "We are looking at relocation in the long term and immediately," Padio said. "We're talking about 3,000 to 4,000 people. They'll have to learn to live with it." Up to 15,000 people have been either evacuated or affected although no one has been injured. Australia, New Zealand and Japan have contributed emergency assistance and seismological monitoring equipment and researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey are expected in the area soon to help determine whether there is a risk of a serious eruption. Mt. Pago, a relatively unstudied volcano, last spewed smoke and ash in 1933 and erupted in the 1920s. Volcano experts say there are trench-like deformations in the crater that could indicate that magma is pooling beneath the surface and may one day force its way out in an explosion. (RVO) As of the 31st of August, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) has reported that the following summary report is based on information from the United Nations Resident Coordinator in PNG. Situation. After its eruption on 5 August 2002, Mt Pago Volcano in Papua New Guinea's West New Britain Province remains very active, spewing fine ash with silicone of a high health risk factor and fluorine/sulphur dioxide fumes which will cause acid rain. The combination of these factors will eventually destroy all crops, kill livestock, and continue to have adverse effects on human health. Therefore, human and environmental consequences of the eruption are becoming increasingly serious. Ash falls are affecting the north-northwest part of Mt Pago reaching areas of more than 10 km from the Hoskins Peninsula. Changing wind patterns have shifted previously declared low risk areas to high risk zones. Lava is continuing to flow from the vent system that extends northwest from Mt. Pago. Ground deformation is likely to continue in the western part of Witori Caldera. The Provincial Government has evacuated more than 12,000 people from villages surrounding the Mt Pago Volcano. About 8,000 people are being sheltered in seven evacuation centres around the Kimbe area. More than a third of the affected people remain at risk in their villages. Kimbe, a town of about 20,000 populations and the evacuated people, is located 35 km from Mt. Pago. Although it has not yet been affected, the entire town may need to be evacuated in the event of a large scale of eruption, which remains possible. The Pago volcano is currently at the ORANGE alert level. (From UN-OCHA) According to information (20th of August) from RVO, lava has begun flowing from Pago volcano in northern Papua New Guinea, three weeks after thousands of villagers were evacuated from nearby villages when it began spewing smoke and ash. Rabaul Volcano Observatory seismologist Ima Itikarai said Wednesday the lava from Mount Pago was being contained in a natural passage and was not threatening villages. "Lava is flowing from one of the small vents that was formed," Itikarai said. "But the lava is still contained within the corridor, so it's not a threat." The refugees are now being cared for in emergency camps about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the volcano. Relief supplies for the refugees arrived Wednesday from Japan. The Pago is relatively unstudied volcano, that is, only now being rigged with high-tech seismic monotoring equipment.. Activity was begun after several months of reports of vegetation dying off at the summit of Mt. Pago in Witori Caldera (near Hoskins) in West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, small earthquakes and temors began occurring around the base of the mountain on Friday 2 July. On the morning of 5 August thick dark gray ash and sulfurous fumes began billowing out. An aerial inspection by the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory (RVO) showed increased activity from 5 vents on the northwest flank of the Pago cone, including short lava flows were also seen from the vents. RVO noticed that the main vent had commenced activity, and an explosion had been heard. Witori Caldera has long been recognized as active and is considered a potential dangerous volcano in the area. Since the Mt. Pago and Witori volcano are located in the same caldera, there is a possibility that the eruption of Mt. Pago may have a similar effect on the Witori volcano. At this stage, however, no eruption activities have been recorded at Witori. According to the latest RVO report, the current rate of eruptions may continue with slight fluctuations, and continue indefinitely. The current level of the eruptions at the moment is considered small in magnitude, but the situation could rapidly deteriorate. The latest eruption of Mt Pago was in 1911, but that occurrence resulted in ashes being into the environment for 22 (twenty two) years and there is some possibilities that this could occur again. In the town of Hoskins, the airport was closed due to ash fall. Approximately 5,000 people from about 9 villages around the base of Mt. Pago had by Monday evacuated their villages and moved to the township of Kimbe. The evacuees were accommodated at town facilities, with the local church and with the Salvation Army Center. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Office, more people may have to be evacuated if the volcanic activities intensify. If the current trend of eruption continues, many local fields and cash crops already affected in the areas could become severely affected due to the ash falls. ******************************************************************************************** Solomon Islands- Kavachi submarine volcano April 7th, 2003 As of the 2nd of April, the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Committee (DVAAC) reported that a news report has emerged from the Solomon Islands about an new eruption from Kavachi undersea volcano in mid March. The volcano is situated 30 kilometers offshore and erupted every few minutes. Over the years, the volcanic eruptions have caused an island to build in a number of shifting locations, each time subsiding under the action of waves and tides. Previous information from The Wilderness Lodge reported that a 15-m-high island formed at Kavachi during an eruptive cycle 3 months prior to a visit on 16 November. By 16 November the summit had reduced to ~32 m below sea level. No evidence of volcanic activity was observed during the 3 previous months, which is the first time this has occurred in 4 years of observation. Kavachi, one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the SW Pacific, occupies an isolated position in the Solomon Islands far from major aircraft and shipping lanes. Kavachi is located S of Vangunu Island only 30 km N of the site of subduction of the Indo-Australian plate beneath the Pacific plate. The shallow submarine basaltic-to-andesitic volcano has produced ephemeral islands up to 150 m long at least eight times since its first recorded eruption during 1939. The roughly conical volcano rises from water depths of 1.1-1.2 km on the North and greater depths to the South. Information from GVN/GVP ************************************************************************************* Mariannes islands - Anatahan volcano December 8th, 2004 Based on a pilot report to the Guam Forecast Office, the Washington VAAC reported that ash from Anatahan was at a height of ~3 km a.s.l. on 2 December. Ash was not visible on satellite imagery, but a hotspot was briefly evident on infrared satellite imagery.On 27 September, the first long-period seismic events since July 2004 were recorded at Anatahan. Only a few, small events were recorded. Beginning on 12 October, several periods of small, rather regularly spaced long-period events were recorded at intervals of 4 to 15 seconds. This seismicity began several hours after the onset of a series of intense tropical depressions and storms. On 18 October, people in Saipan smelled H2S during very hazy visibility, but no plume was detected on satellite imagery by the Washington VAAC.Seismicity at Anatahan approached the highest levels of the year on 23 July. That day, Strombolian explosions frequently threw mostly coarse material up to hundreds of meters at intervals of tens of seconds to minutes. On 26 July, there were nearly continuous ash-and-gas emissions. By 27 July, seismicity had decreased to very low levels in comparison to the previous 2 months, and seismic signals indicated that the frequent individual explosions that occurred during the previous week decreased greatly in size and number. As of the 8th of July, the Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands reported that on 2 July, the seismicity level at Anatahan rose nearly as high as it was in late April 2004. After the 2nd, seismicity declined slightly. The nature of the seismic signals suggested that Strombolian explosions occurred at intervals of tens of seconds to minutes. The Washington VAAC reported that during clear weather on 3 July, a ~30-km-long ash plume was visible below ~3 km a.s.l. During a visit to the volcano on 10 June, Strombolian explosions at an active spatter cone threw volcanic material as high as ~100 m every 10-60 seconds. Around 15 June, the amplitude and number of discrete seismic events appeared to slightly decrease. As of the 13th of May, the Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands reported that the moderate eruption that began at Anatahan on 24 April continued through 12 May. Seismicity remained at high levels and consisted of discrete explosion signals. Beginning around 5 May explosion signals became less frequent (averaging one event every 2 minutes), but stronger (commonly reaching about M 3). Steam-and-ash emissions continued to rise several hundred meters above the volcano. As of the 15th of April, DVAAC was reported that on 12 April the presence of a new lava dome at Anatahan within a crescent-shaped crater lake was confirmed by scientists. Fresh ejecta were visible within the lowest reaches of the crater. High levels of volcanic seismicity that began on 31 March continued through 12 April, although it was not quite as high as during its 6-7 April peak. Scientists believed that small steam and/or ash emissions occasionally rose to levels below 1 km, but could increase in height relatively abruptly without much warning. A seismic swarm began beneath Anatahan on 31 March. During 31 March to at least 4 April, volcanic seismicity was at its highest level since the eruption of May- June 2003, with events as large as M 2.5. The earthquakes were usually followed by tremor-like signals that scientists believed indicated steam and/or ash emissions to altitudes well below 1 km. As of 6 April, the seismic swarm continued to intensify slowly. After more than 5 months of very low-level seismic activity, long-period earthquakes began at Anatahan on 1 February with a maximum magnitude of 2. On 10 May, 2003 around 1700 an eruption has began at Anatahan, a volcanic island which has had no historically documented eruptions. Scientists on a small ship about 10 km away saw an ash plume that eventually rose to ~12 km a.s.l. The eruption occurred primarily from Anatahan’s eastern crater and observers did not see lava flows. No precursory activity was recorded (the island of Anatahan is uninhabited and lacks working seismometers) and no signs of the impending eruption were seen by scientists who visited the island on 6 May. According to the Washington VAAC, an ash cloud was visible on satellite imagery beginning around 1730 on 10 May. The next day around 0655 ash was seen moving in three different directions; WNW at a height around 5.5 km a.s.l., SW around 8.5 km a.s.l., and two separate and smaller ash plumes were drifting SE at heights around 13.4 km a.s.l. Local authorities issued a special advisory on 11 May stating that “… the general public especially fisherman, tour operators and commercial pilots are advised to stay away from the island of Anatahan until further notice from the Office of Emergency Management.” As of 13 May ash emissions continued and a hot spot was visible on satellite imagery. Residents of the small island of Anatahan (part of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) were evacuated in 1990 after a shallow earthquake swarm. The most recent reported seismicity occurred in 1993. Background. The elongated, 9-km-long island of Anatahan -- 80 miles north of Saipan- consists of two coalescing volcanoes with a 2.5 x 5 km, E-W-trending summit depression formed by overlapping summit craters. The floor of the steep-walled crater of the younger eastern cone is only 68 m above sea level. The spareness of vegetation on the most recent lava flows on Anatahan indicate that they are of Holocene age. Information from : volcano listserv. ************************************************************************************** South Sandwich Islands- Mount Belinda (Montagu Island) October 23rd, 2004 As of the 21st of October, the Earth Observatory (EO) has reported the confirmation of the ongoing eruption of the Mt. Belinda volcano on Montagu Island, in the South Sandwich Islands of the Scotia Sea, some 250 kilometers from South Georgia Island. Previous information from Satellite imagery from 7 December 2003 showed that low-level ash emission and lava effusion had persisted steadily at Montagu Island (Mount Belinda) for the past 2 years. A NE-trending, 2-km-long lava flow was emplaced on the summit ice shelf in July 2003, and ash continued to blanket the eastern side of the island. The automated MODVOLC satellite monitoring system indicated that total heat output from the volcano reached its highest intensity in October 2003. Background. The largest of the Sandwich Islands, Montagu consists of one or more stratovolcanoes with parasitic cones and or domes. The roughly rectangular- shaped island rises about 3,000 m from the sea floor and is roughly 10 x 12 km wide with a prominent peninsula at its SE tip. Around 90% of the island is ice- covered; glaciers extend to the sea over much of the island, forming vertical ice cliffs. Mount Belinda, rising to 1,370 m, is the high point of the island and lies at the southern end of a 6-km-wide ice-filled summit caldera. Mount Oceanite, an isolated 900-m-high peak, lies at the SE tip of the island and was the source of lava flows exposed at Mathias Point and Allen Point. There was no record of Holocene or historical eruptive activity at Montagu until MODIS satellite data, beginning in late 2001 revealed thermal anomalies consistent with lava lake activity that has been persistent since then. Apparent plumes and single anomalous pixels were observed intermittently on AVHRR images during the period April 1995 to February 1998, possibly indicating earlier unconfirmed and more sporadic volcanic activity. (GVP/USGS) **************************************************************************************** ANTARCTICA - no name volcano June 20th, 2004 A previously unknown underwater volcano has been discovered off the coast of Antarctica, and explains mariners' historical reports of discolored water in the area. The research vessel Lawrence M. Gould was returning from a study of a collapsed ice self when it passed over the volcano. Temperature probes showed evidence of geothermal heating of seawater. A lack of marine life on dark rock around the volcano indicated that lava had flowed fairly recently. The volcano is in an area known as Antarctic Sound, at the northernmost tip of Antarctica. There is no previous scientific record of active volcanoes in the region where the new peak was discovered. The volcano is located on the continental shelf, in the vicinity of a deep trough carved out by glaciers passing across the seafloor. The volcano stands 2,300 feet above the seafloor and extends to within roughly 900 feet of the ocean surface *************************************************************************************** ANTARCTICA - Erebus Volcano December 15th, 2004 As of the 15th of December, Mt. Erebus, the southern most volcano in the world, still continues to be the most active volcano in Antarctica. Mt. Erebus (3794 meters above sea level) is classified as a polygenetic stratovolcano. The composition of the current eruptive activity on Mt. Erebus is anorthoclase-phyric tephriphonolite and phonolite, which constitute the bulk of exposed lava flow on the volcano. The oldest eruptive products from Mt. Erebus consist of relatively undifferentiated and non-viscous basanitic lavas that form the low, broad platform shield of the Erebus edifice. Slightly younger basanites and phonotephrite lavas crop out on Fang Ridge, an eroded remnant of an early Erebus volcano and at other isolated locations on the flanks of the Mt. Erebus edifice. Lava flows of more viscous phonotephrite, tephriphonolite and trachyte are erupted after the basanites. The upper slopes of Mt. Erebus are dominated by steeply dipping (~30°) tephriphonolite lava flows with large scale flow levees. A conspicuous break in slope at approximately 3200 meters is a summit plateau representing a caldera. The summit caldera itself is filled with small volume tephriphonolite and phonolite lava flows. In the center of the of the summit caldera is a small, steep-sided cone composed primarily of decomposed lava bombs and a lag deposit of anorthoclase crystals. It is within this summit cone that the active lava lake continuously degasses and periodically erupts. Mt. Erebus located on Ross Island, Antarctica is the world’s southern-most active volcano. Discovered in 1841 by James Ross, it is one of only a very few volcanoes in the world with a long-lived (decades or more) lava lake. Scientific research, sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) since began the early 1970’s had included basic study of the petrology and geophysics of the volcano, the eruptive history, activity and degassing behavior of the lava lake, and the overall impact of the volcano on the Antarctica and global environment. Research on Mt. Erebus has been primarily conducted by scientists in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science and the Bureau of Geology and Mineral resources at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Information from : MEVO - Live cam link *********************************************************************************** VANUATU - Ambrym volcano November 25th, 2004 Following a recent observation in November , SVE correspondents reported that the two "lava lakes" ( Benbow and Marum) located in the summital caldera disapeared. During the visit, any lava lake activity was visible. Only strong degassing occured from the craters (further details as soon as possible). Previous information on 2nd of May, from Dr. John Seach, reported that eruptions continued at Ambrym volcano in Vanuatu. On 27th April a large ash plume was recorded drifting 150 km NW of the volcano, passing the northern tip of Malekula Island, almost reaching Malo Island. High levels of activity have been recorded during March and April 2004, with the inhabitants of Craig Cove, on the western side of the island, suffering from the effects of acid rainfall which threatened local gardens. Ambrym volcano is noted for the lava lakes which regularly appear in the summit craters. As of the 3rd of April, it has been confirmed by the Darwin VAAC and colleague Dr. John Seach, reported that lava lake activity continues at Ambrym Volcano in Vanuatu. During March 2004, an active lava lake was present in Mbwelesu crater, one of the active summit craters. As of the 27th of March, information reported that the people of Craig Cove in west Ambrym are suffering from the effects of the ongoing volcanic eruption on the island. Gas and acid rainfall from the active vents on the volcano are threatening to destroy the local food gardens. Ambrym Island is still recovering the effects of cyclone Ivy, which caused widespread damage two weeks ago. The island's leaders have appealed to the national and local authorities for emergency relief assistance. Ambrym is one of the most active volcanoes in Vanuatu. Ambrym has regular eruptions. The eruption of Ambrym in 1913 was one of the largest with many vents opening up at once and lava flowing like water towards the sea in the North West near Craig Cove. Ambrym, a large basaltic volcano with a 12-km-wide caldera, is one of the most active volcanoes of the New Hebrides arc. A thick, almost exclusively pyroclastic sequence, initially dacitic, then basaltic, overlies lava flows of a pre-caldera shield volcano. The caldera was formed during a major plinian eruption with dacitic pyroclastic flows about 1900 years ago. Post-caldera eruptions, primarily from Marum and Benbow cones, have partially filled the caldera floor and produced lava flows that ponded on the caldera floor or overflowed through gaps in the caldera rim. Post-caldera eruptions have also formed a series of scoria cones and maars along a fissure system oriented ENE-WSW. Eruptions have apparently occurred almost yearly during historical time from cones within the caldera or from flank vents. However, from 1850 to 1950, reporting was mostly limited to extra-caldera eruptions that would have affected local populations. J.Seach from SWVRC and Darwin VAAC) VANUATU - Epi island ( Karua submarine volcano) April 5th, 2004 As of the 4th of April, french colleague confirmed to the SVE information that East Epi volcano B erupted on 19 February, providing the first sea surface eruption of this undersea volcano since 1988. 2004 Bathymetric IRD data revealed that Epi B is an about 300 m-tall cone with a diameter of 1.8 km at the base. The highest point is on the NW rim of the summit crater, at a depth of - 34 m. East Epi volcano has previously been violently active in 1920, 1953, and 1960, and moderately active on various other years. Three undersea volcanoes are located east of Epi Island. According to the same source the Vanuatu volcanology team had to be urgently deployed during the first two weeks of March to assess the situation. General informations : http://www.mpl.ird.fr/suds-en-ligne/fr/volcan/vanuatu/karua1.htm#suds	Bezymianny volcano (H.Gaudru)

VANUATU - Yasur volcano ( Tanna island) November 25th, 2004 According SVE correspondents, during November, explosive activity remained at a high level from the summit crater of the Volcano. Strombolian explosions sent volcanic bombs several ten meters above the craters which, sometimes fell around the rim. Previous informations reported that a new cycle of important activity has began at the end of June 2004. Its the fifth cycles of strong activity since the beginning of the permanent monitoring in 1993. This activity produced important ashfalls ( several millimeters as far 4 km distance of the volcano). Main eruptive activity occured from the Crater A with strombolian explosions. Height has been estimated estimated to some 300 m high above the crater rim. Sulphur dioxyde measurements (SO2) made between 11-17 of July 2004 with mini Doas spectrometer reaches average values of 1000 tons per day (500 tons per day in April 2004). Information from Michel Lardy (IRD Noumea) and DGMWR (Vanuatu) As of the 2nd of April, the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Committee (DVAAC) reported that eruptive activity continues at Yasur volcano in Vanuatu. During March 2004, there were an average of about 500 explosions per day, which is typical of the volcano's normal state of activity. Yasur is one of the least known of the world's most active volcanoes, and has been in almost continuous vulcanian, and strombolian activity for as long as 800 years. Previous significative information (September 2002) reported an increasing level of activity at Yasur since October 2001 and the volcanic quake of August 29, 2002 (about 3:00 pm local time), led local volcanologist to upgrade the hazard rating to Alarm Level 3. Access to the volcano was closed.The August 29 quake, magnitude 6 was strongly felt by the inhabitants of the whole district around the volcano (White Sands, Port Resolution, …). This was the first time since the seismic station was installed in October 1992 that a shock of such magnitude was recorded (see graphs below). Elders of the Yasur district confirm‎ that such a quake had not been experienced within living memory.Two new seismological monitoring stations are about to be installed, to complement the existing alarm system installed 2 km from Yasur and the Isangel station. At this time, evacuation of the roughly 6000 inhabitants of the district has not been considered. Information bulletins will be broadcast by Radio Vanuatu to keep the population concerned informed of new developments. Yasur's activity follows a long volcanic history in the southeastern part of the island , whose main phases, over approximately the last 10,000 years, have produced: 1/ lava flows; 2/ extensive glowing ash flows that covered the entire region from Kwamera to Waisisi, and 3/ the construction of another small volcanic cone, the Ombus. Yasur volcano lies over a large and shallow (less than 10 km from the surface) magmatic chamber whose center is located between Port-Resolution and Sulfur Bay; thus, the possibility of a major eruption within a century or a millennium cannot be ignored. Such an eruption, however, would be preceded by numerous earthquakes. Should this happen, evacuation of the local population toward the west coast, the central districts and the north of the island would have to be carried out rapidly. Informations from :M.Lardy (IRD Noumea)

Yasur volcano (31December 2002) S.Wallez- DGMWR