In this page we will post updates from the Global Volcanism Program (www.volcano.si.edu/weekly_report.cfm) on eruptions that produce ash, pyroclastic flows or lahars. Hyperlinks to observatory reports can be obtained by visiting the Global Volcanism Program.

Week of 18 September-24 September 2013

Volcanic ash

Sakurajima | Kyushu (Japan) | 31.593°N, 130.657°E | Elevation 1117 m

JMA reported that 18 explosions from Sakura-jima’s Showa Crater ejected tephra as far as 1,300 m during 17-20 September. Incandescence from the crater was visible some nights. Based on information from JMA and pilot observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 18-20 and 22-23 September explosions generated plumes that rose to altitudes of 1.8-4.6 km (6,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l., and drifted SW, W, and NW.

Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Bagana | Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) | 6.14°S, 155.195°E | Elevation 1750 m

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 19 September an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km W.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Dukono | Halmahera (Indonesia) | 1.68°N, 127.88°E | Elevation 1335 m

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 23 September an ash plume from Dukono rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km NE.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Karymsky | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia) | 54.05°N, 159.45°E | Elevation 1536 m

KVERT reported that moderate seismic activity at Karymsky was detected during 13-20 September, and weak ash explosions likely occurred. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kilauea | Hawaiian Islands (USA) | 19.421°N, 155.287°W | Elevation 6800 m

During 18-24 September HVO reported that the circulating lava lake occasionally rose and fell in the deep pit within Kilauea’s Halema’uma’u Crater. The plume from the vent continued to deposit variable amounts of ash, spatter, and Pele’s hair onto nearby areas. At Pu’u ‘O’o Crater, glow emanated from spatter cones on the N and S portions of the crater floor. The 3.6-km-long Kahauale’a 2 lava flow, fed by the NE spatter cone, was active with scattered break-out flows and burned the forest N of Pu’u ‘O’o. Peace Day activity, fed by lava tubes extending from Pu’u ‘O’o, consisted of a few breakouts; during an overflight on 19 September geologists observed two small breakouts 2.7 km and 6 km SE of Pu’u ‘O’o above the pali.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Batu Tara | Komba Island (Indonesia) | 7.792°S, 123.579°E | Elevation 3750 m

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that during 18-21 September ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to altitudes of 2.1-2.7 km (7,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-100 km WSW, W, NW, N, and NE.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Pyroclastic flows

Reventador | Ecuador | 0.077°S, 77.656°W | Elevation 3562 m

IG reported that seismicity remained elevated at Reventador during 18-24 September. Although cloud cover often prevented observations, ash plumes were occasionally observed. On 19 September an ash plume drifted W, and on 21 September multiple low-energy steam emissions contained small amounts of ash. Deposits from a pyroclastic flow that had descended the S flank were observed on 22 September.

Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG)

Shiveluch | Central Kamchatka (Russia) | 56.653°N, 161.36°E | Elevation 3395 m

Based on visual observations and analyses of satellite data, KVERT reported that during 13-20 September a viscous lava flow effused onto the N and NW flanks of Shiveluch’s lava dome, accompanied by hot avalanches, incandescence, ash explosions, and fumarolic activity. A thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images during 15-16 September; clouds obscured views on the other days. Video data showed that at 1454 on 20 September an ash plume rose to altitudes of 5-5.5 km (16,400-18,000) a.s.l. and drifted 20 km NE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Santa María | Guatemala | 14.756°N, 91.552°W | Elevation 3772 m

INSIVUMEH reported that during 17-18 September explosions from Santa María’s Santiaguito lava-dome complex produced ash plumes that rose 900 m and drifted W. Block avalanches descended the E flank of Caliente cone. Degassing sounds were reported during 19-21 September; gas plumes rose 150 m and drifted SW on 21 September. At 0820 on 21 September explosions from Caliente cone collapsed part of the SE crater rim, produced an ash plume that rose 2 km and drifted N and NE, and generated pyroclastic flows that descended the flanks. A strong shock wave was detected 20 km away and shook structures within 10 km. Explosions on 23 September produced ash plumes that rose 700 m and drifted E. Block avalanches again descended the E flank of Caliente cone. Two explosions on 24 September generated light gray ash plumes that rose 500 m and caused ashfall in areas around Monte Claro (S).

Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)