Current Volcanic Activity
Current Volcanic Activity
Last update: April 20th, 2006
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Mt. St. Helens, Washington, USA
A small, short-lived explosive event at Mount St. Helens volcano began at approximately 5:25 p.m. PST, March 8, 2005. Airplane pilot reports indicate that the resulting steam-and-ash plume reached an altitude of about 36,000 feet above sea level within a few minutes and drifted downwind to the northeast. The volcano's rim stands at 8,325 feet.
Image Credit: USGS
Eruptions are sorted in order of the last update from the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report which is a cooperative project between the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program. (The most current updates are at the top of the list).
This page is undergoing revisions for clarity - significant eruption data might be inconsistant for a few weeks while the changes are completed. VOLCANO: YEAR OF MOST RECENT
SIGNIFICANT ERUPTION DATE OF MOST RECENT REPORTED ACTIVITY: LOCATION
Chikurachki, Kurile island, Russia
On 25 March, KVERT raised the Concern Color Code at Chikurachki from Yellow to Orange. On 23 March, satellite imagery showed a weak ash plume extending ~70 km (~44 mi) E of the volcano. The height of the plume was unknown. The Concern Color Code was originally raised from Green to Yellow on 12 March when explosions were first noted. Chikurachki is not monitored with seismic instruments. KVERT has satellite data and occasional visual observations of the volcano.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory 2003 March 29, 2005
50.325°N, 155.46°E
Kliuchevskoi, Kamchatka, Russia
On 24 March KVERT raised the Concern Color Code at Kliuchevskoi to Red (the highest level) due to an increase in seismic and volcanic activity. According to visual and video data, a gas-and-steam plume containing ash rose to ~7.5 km (24,600 ft) a.s.l. on 22 March, and ~8.5 km (~27,900 ft) a.s.l. on 23 March, extending NW. Ash fell in the town of Kluchi during 23-24 March. According to data from AMC Yelizovo, an ash plume that rose to ~7 km (~23,000 ft.) a.s.l. and extended 70-80 km (44-50 mi) to the NW was observed by pilots on 23 March.
During about 27-28 March seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi decreased, leading KVERT to reduce the Concern Color Code to Orange. According to visual and video data, a gas-and-steam plume containing some ash rose ~200 m above the crater (~16,500 ft a.s.l.) and extended W during 27-28 March.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory 2005, ongoing March 29, 2005
56.06N, 160.64E
Anatahan, Mariana Islands
The third eruption in 2005 at Anatahan apparently began on 21 March when seismicity increased. Seismic amplitudes peaked on the 25th and faded out on the 26th. Near the peak on the 25th, the Air Force Weather Agency detected a hot spot on the island on satellite imagery, and reported an ash plume briefly reaching ~5.8 km (~19,000 ft) a.s.l. The plume height soon declined to below 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l., and by near midday on the 27th the plume had transitioned from ash and steam, to steam and vog (fog composed of volcanic gases). On the 27th the plume extended ~240 km (~130 nautical mi) SW.
Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and the US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center 2005 March 29, 2005
16.35°N, 145.67°E
Colima, Mexico
During 23-29 March there were several ash emissions from Colima. Resultant ash plumes rose to a maximum height of ~7.6 km (~24,900 ft) a.s.l.
Click HERE to visit the University of Colima and view webcam footage of the most recent eruption.
Source: Universidad de Colima, Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center 2005, ongoing March 29, 2005 19.51N, 103.62W
Ebeko, Kuril Islands, Russia
There was no seismic activity at Ebeko during 18-25 March, so KVERT reduced the Concern Color Code from Yellow to Green, the lowest level.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory July 11, 2003 March 29, 2005 50.68°N, 156.02°E
Kilauea, Hawai'i, USA
On 29 March lava from Kilauea entered the ocean at five ocean entries. The largest, named Kamoamos, consisted of six or more places where lava entered the water along the front of a growing lava delta. A cascade of lava streamed down the old sea cliff at one of the two Highcastle entries. Bright glow came from Ka`ili`ili entry, and weak glow from East Highcastle entry. Seismicity remained above background levels at Kilauea's summit, consisting mainly of tremor and some long-period earthquakes. Volcanic tremor was at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o. Surface waves from a M 8.7 earthquake on 28 March off Sumatra, Indonesia disturbed tilt measurements at Kilauea, otherwise the tilt change was small.
Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory 2005, ongoing March 29, 2005
19.452N, 155.292W
Manam, Papua New Guinea
Mild eruptive activity continued at Manam during 22-28 March. Weak-to-moderate emissions from both the Main and Southern craters continued to produce occasional ash clouds during most days. On 24 March, emissions from Main Crater rose to ~1 km above the summit (~9,200 ft a.s.l.). On 28 March, a moderate explosion produced an ash plume to a height of ~1.2 km above the summit (~9,900 a.s.l.). Ash plumes drifted N, depositing ash on the island. Seismic activity fluctuated between low and moderate, with low-frequency earthquakes recorded. Manam remained at Stage 2 Alert Level.
Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory, Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center 2005 March 29, 2005 4.1S, 145.0E
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
During 22-28 March, eruptions continued at Rabaul caldera's active Tavurvur cone every 10-20 minutes. These intervals were longer than during the previous weeks. Ash clouds rose several hundred meters above the summit. Moderate ash fell in Rabaul Town during 25-28 March. There were 100-200 earthquakes daily associated with the eruption. No changes were recorded in ground deformation. People were discouraged from entering within 1 km of the erupting vent.
Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory 2004 March 29, 2005 4.27S, 152.20E
Shiveluch, Kamchatka, Russia
The lava dome at Shiveluch continued to grow during 18-25 March. A lava flow traveled from a portion of the lava dome that was destroyed during an eruption on 28 February. During the report period, gas-and-steam plumes rose to ~1 km above the 2.5-km-high lava dome (~11,500 ft a.s.l.). Shiveluch remained at Concern Color Code Orange.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory 2005, ongoing March 29, 2005
56.65N, 161.36E
Mount St. Helens, USA
During 23-29 March, growth of the new lava dome inside the crater of Mount St. Helens continued, accompanied by low rates of seismicity, low emissions of steam and volcanic gases, and minor production of ash. CVO noted that during such eruptions, episodic changes in the level of activity can occur over days to months. During about 26-27 March, a group of M 2 to M 3 earthquakes occurred beneath the volcano, a level of activity considered normal during dome-emplacing volcanism.
Photographs and more information on the March 08 event are provided in the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory report.
Source: US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory 2005
March 29, 2005
46.2N, 122.2W
Tungurahua, Ecuador
During 23-28 March, volcanic and seismic activity were at relatively low levels at Tungurahua. Low-energy gas-and-steam plumes were emitted, and long-period earthquakes were recorded.
Sources: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional 2005, ongoing March 29, 2005
1.467S, 78.44W
Ulawun, New Britain, Papua New Guinea
During 25-28 March, volcanic and seismic activity at Ulawun were at low levels. Gas was emitted from the main crater, and low-frequency earthquakes were recorded beneath the volcano. Small-amplitude continuous volcanic tremor was recorded during 27-28 March. 2003 March 29, 2005 5.1S, 151.3E
Bagana, Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea
The Darwin VAAC reported that on 17 March at 0726 a very small plume and hot spot were visible on satellite imagery.
Source: Darwin VAAC 2005, ongoing March 22, 2005
6.14S, 155.19E
Karymsky, Kamchatka, Russia
Seismicity was above background levels at Karymsky during 11-18 March, with up to 350 shallow earthquakes occurring daily. On 12 March scientists noted possible ash plumes extending ~10 km (6.2 mi) E of the volcano, small ash clouds extending ~7 km (4.4 mi) N, and ash deposits on the southern sector of Karymsky. On 14 March possible ash-and-gas explosions reached heights of ~1.5 km above the crater (~10,000 ft a.s.l.). Karymsky remained at Concern Color Code Orange.
Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory 2005, ongoing March 22, 2005
54.0N, 159.5E
Santa Maria, Guatemala
During 16-21 March, several ash explosions occurred at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex. Ash plumes rose to a maximum height of 1.3 km above the volcano (~16,600 ft a.s.l.). Lava avalanches traveled down the SW flank of Caliente Dome. On 16 March, small amounts of fine ash fell in Xepax, Xecavioc, Llanos de Pinal, Las Majadas, and Quetzaltenango. During 19-20 March, ash fell E of the volcano in the town of Zunil.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia 2005, ongoing March 22, 2005
32.88N, 131.1E
Soufriere Hills, Montserrat, West Indies
Seismic activity at Soufrière Hills remained at low levels during 11-18 March. The seismic network recorded six volcano-tectonic earthquakes and one rockfall. The sulfur-dioxide flux ranged between 235 and 630 metric tons per day, with an average of 425 metric tons per day. This was below the long-term average for the eruption of 500 metric tons per day.
Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory 2004 March 22, 2005
16.7N, 62.2W
Popocatepetl, Mexico
During 9-15 March, Popocatépetl occasionally emitted steam, gas, and small amounts of ash. An ash emission on 9 March at 1304 produced a plume that rose to ~500 m above the summit crater and drifted E. Ash fell in the towns of Huejotzingo (~30 km NE of the volcano) and Puebla (~45 km E). The Alert Level at Popocatépetl remained at Yellow Phase I.
Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres 2004 March 15, 2005
19.0N, 98.6W
Suwanose-Jima Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an explosion at Suwanose-jima on 9 March produced an ash plume to a height of ~1.8 km a.s.l.
Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Center 2005 March 15, 2005
29.53N, 129.72E
Atka, Aluetian Islands, United States
AVO did not receive reports of activity at Korovin volcano in the Atka volcanic center after the original report of ash-and-steam emissions on 24 February. During 25 February to 4 March, cloud cover prohibited satellite views of the volcano and no unusual seismicity was registered. Korovin is not monitored by a standard AVO seismic network. Therefore, AVO did not assign a Concern Color Code to the volcano during the report period. On 24 February AVO raised the Concern Color Code at Korovin volcano of the Atka volcanic center from Green to Yellow after receiving a report that ash and steam were emitted from Korovin on 23 February around 1900. According to residents of Atka village near the volcano, the initial ash burst rose to a height of ~ 2.4 km a.s.l. and drifted E. It was followed by several smaller ash-and-steam bursts. No ashfall was reported in Atka village, nor were there reports of accompanying volcanic odors, earthquakes, or larger volcanic explosions.
Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory July 11, 2003 March 08, 2005 52.381°N, 174.154°W
Egon, Flores Island, Indonesia
The Darwin VAAC reported that DVGHM reduced the Alert Level at Egon to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) around 8 March. Ash was not visible on satellite imagery during 2-8 March.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center February 14, 2005 March 08, 2005 8.7S, 122.55E
Fuego, Guatemala
During 2-8 March, several explosions at Fuego produced plumes to a maximum height of 1 km above the volcano. Some explosions were accompanied by avalanches of volcanic material that traveled towards the Taniluyá (to the SW) and Santa Teresa ravines. Around 4 March, a lava flow traveled ~200 m down Fuego's SW flank. Blocks of lava spalled from the front of the lava flow.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia ongoing March 08, 2005 14.5N, 90.9W
Pacaya, Guatemala
During 2-8 March, lava flows from Pacaya traveled as far as 200 m down the volcano's SW flank.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia July 5, 2003 March 08, 2005 14.4N, 90.6W
Spurr, Southwestern Alaska, USA
Elevated levels of seismicity continued to be recorded at Mt. Spurr during 25 February to 4 March. No activity was observed in satellite and web-camera images. AVO staff observed that the "ice cauldron" at the volcano (a collapse feature in the ice possibly caused by increased volcanic heat) had continued to grow since its first sighting in August 2004. Continued heat flux was indicated by vigorously upwelling water in the "melt pit lake" (the nearly ice free lake at the bottom of the "ice cauldron"), rapid melting of ice and snow that had fallen into the melt pit lake, and minor steaming from rock surfaces and small melt pits in the vicinity of the summit dome and Crater Peak cone, 3 km S of Spurr's summit. According to AVO, both Spurr and Crater Peak were emitting volcanic gases, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, which may be hazardous to recreational visitors. Mt. Spurr remained at Concern Color Code Yellow. ongoing March 08, 2005
61.299N, 152.251W
Veniaminof, Alaska Peninsula, USA
A reduction in activity at Veniaminof during 25 February to 4 March led AVO to reduce the Concern Color Code from Yellow to Green, the lowest level. For more than a week seismic activity was at background levels, periods of volcanic tremor had ceased, and there were no discrete events associated with ash bursts. Only minor emissions of steam were observed on the web camera and satellite imagery. AVO received no reports of ash emissions from pilots or observers on the ground. They concluded that given the decline in seismicity it appeared that the most recent episode of eruptive activity had ended at Veniaminof.
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