************************************************** GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 30 May-5 June 2007 http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/ ************************************************** New Activity/Unrest: | Kliuchevskoi, Russia | Llaima, Chile Ongoing Activity: | Colima, México | Karymsky, Russia | Kilauea, USA | Langila, Papua New Guinea | Manam, Papua New Guinea | Nevado del Huila, Colombia | Pacaya, Guatemala | Sakura-jima, Japan | Shiveluch, Russia | Soufrière Hills, Montserrat | St. Helens, USA | Tungurahua, Ecuador | Ubinas, Perú New Activity/Unrest KLIUCHEVSKOI Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 56.06°N, 160.64°E; summit elev. 4,835 m KVERT reported on 1 June that the Level of Concern Color Code for Kliuchevskoi was lowered from Red to Orange <http://www.avo.alaska.edu/color_codes.php>. During 25 May-1 June, seismic activity continued above background levels and a thermal anomaly in the crater was detected on satellite imagery. According to video data and visual observations on 27 and 31 May, there was Strombolian and Vulcanian activity at the summit crater, lava flows, and phreatic bursts on the NW flank from where lava interacted with ice. Ash plumes rose to altitudes of 5-7 km (16,000-26,200 ft) a.s.l. during 29-31 May and drifted in multiple directions. Strong phreatic bursts were seen from the front of a new lava flow from on the E flank on 31 May. Based on information from KVERT, the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash emissions produced plumes on 2 and 5 June to an altitude of about 5.8 km (19,000 ft) a.s.l. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery. During 3-4 June, ash plumes to altitudes of 5.2-7 km (17,000-23,000 ft) a.s.l. were possibly identified on satellite imagery. Geologic Summary. Kliuchevskoi is Kamchatka's highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 7,000 years ago, the beautifully symmetrical, 4,835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred during the past 3,000 years, mostly on the NE and SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3,600 m elevation. The morphology of its 700-m-wide summit crater has been frequently modified by historical eruptions, which have been recorded since the late-17th century. Historical eruptions have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included major explosive and effusive eruptions from flank craters. Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/ updates.shtml, Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/JP/messages.html Kliuchevskoi Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-26= LLAIMA central Chile 38.69°S, 71.73°W; summit elev. 3,125 m Based on a Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET) advisory and information from the Puerto Montt Flight Information Region (FIR), the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that an ash plume from Llaima rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 29 May. The plume drifted E. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery. Geologic Summary. Llaima, one of Chile's largest and most active volcanoes, contains two historically active craters, one at the summit and the other to the SE. The massive 3,125-m-high, glacier-covered stratovolcano has a volume of 400 cubic kilometers. A Holocene edifice built primarily of accumulated lava flows was constructed over an 8-km-wide caldera that formed about 13,200 years ago, following eruption of the 24 cu km Curacautín ignimbrite. More than 40 scoria cones dot the volcano's flanks. Following the end of an explosive stage about 7,200 years ago, construction of the present edifice began, characterized by strombolian, hawaiian, and infrequent subplinian eruptions. Frequent moderate explosive eruptions with occasional lava flows have been recorded since the 17th century. Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/AG/ messages.html Llaima Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1507-11= Ongoing Activity COLIMA Western México 19.514°N, 103.62°W; summit elev. 3,850 m Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that diffuse ash plumes from Colima drifted SW and S on 31 May. Geologic Summary. The Colima volcanic complex is the most prominent volcanic center of the western Mexican Volcanic Belt. It consists of two southward-younging volcanoes, Nevado de Colima (the 4,320 m high point of the complex) on the N and the historically active Volcán de Colima on the S. Volcán de Colima (also known as Volcán Fuego) is a youthful stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera, breached to the S, that has been the source of large debris avalanches. Major slope failures have occurred repeatedly from both the Nevado and Colima cones, and have produced a thick apron of debris-avalanche deposits on three sides of the complex. Frequent historical eruptions date back to the 16th century. Occasional major explosive eruptions (most recently in 1913) have destroyed the summit and left a deep, steep-sided crater that was slowly refilled and then overtopped by lava dome growth. Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html Colima Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1401-04= KARYMSKY Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 54.05°N, 159.43°E; summit elev. 1,536 m Seismic activity at Karymsky was slightly above background levels during 25 May-1 June. Visual observations were not possible due to cloud cover. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange <http://www.avo.alaska.edu/color_codes.php>. Geologic Summary. Karymsky, the most active volcano of Kamchatka's eastern volcanic zone, is a symmetrical stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera that formed about 7,600-7,700 radiocarbon years ago. Construction of the Karymsky stratovolcano began about 2,000 years later. The latest eruptive period began about 500 years ago, following a 2,300-year quiescence. Much of the cone is mantled by lava flows less than 200 years old. Historical eruptions have been Vulcanian or Vulcanian-Strombolian with moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows from the summit crater. Most seismicity preceding Karymsky eruptions has originated beneath Akademia Nauk caldera, which is located immediately S of Karymsky volcano and erupted simultaneously with Karymsky in 1996. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/ updates.shtml Karymsky Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-13= KILAUEA Hawaii, USA 19.43°N, 155.29°W; summit elev. 1,222 m During 30 May-5 June, lava from Kilauea flowed SE across a growing lava delta into the ocean at the Poupou entry. By 24 May, lava no longer entered the ocean at the Kamokuna entry. Incandescence was visible from several vents in the Pu'u 'O'o crater and from breakouts above the Pulama pali fault scarp. The earthquake swarm that began on 12 May continued S of Halema'uma'u and in the upper E rift zone. On 18 May, a large lava flow broke out of the PKK lava tube at the site of an old skylight named Petunia. By 4 June, the Petunia flow advanced 2 km. Also on 4 June, a M 3.8 earthquake occurred about 4 km NE of Pahala town. Surface flow activity was seen on the E flow-field between Royal Gardens subdivision and the coast. Geologic Summary. Kilauea, one of five coalescing volcanoes that comprise the island of Hawaii, is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Eruptions at Kilauea originate primarily from the summit caldera or along one of the lengthy E and SW rift zones that extend from the caldera to the sea. About 90% of the surface of Kilauea is formed by lava flows less than about 1,100 years old; 70% of the volcano's surface is younger than 600 years. The latest Kilauea eruption began in January 1983 along the E rift zone. This long-term ongoing eruption from Pu'u 'O'o-Kupaianaha has produced lava flows that have traveled 11-12 km from the vents to the sea, paving broad areas on the S flank of Kilauea and adding new land beyond the former coastline. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/hvostatus.php Kilauea information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1302-01- LANGILA New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea 5.53°S, 148.42°E; summit elev. 1,330 m RVO reported that the emission of ash clouds from Langila's Crater 2 continued during 22 May-1 June and were occasionally accompanied by roaring noises. Two large explosions on 30 May produced ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 5.3 km (17,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. Ash plumes rose to altitudes of 3.3-4.3 km (10,800-14,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW during 22 May-1 June. Ashfall was reported from Kilenge Catholic Mission (about 10 km NW of the volcano) and surrounding areas during the last few days of May and 1 June. Incandescence was visible on 29 and 31 May. Crater 3 was quiet. Based on observations of satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 3 June and drifted W. Geologic Summary. Langila, one of the most active volcanoes of New Britain, consists of a group of four small overlapping composite cones on the lower eastern flank of the extinct Talawe volcano. Talawe is the highest volcano in the Cape Gloucester area of NW New Britain. A rectangular, 2.5-km-long crater is breached widely to the SE; Langila volcano was constructed NE of the breached crater of Talawe. An extensive lava field reaches the coast on the N and NE sides of Langila. Frequent mild-to-moderate explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have been recorded since the 19th century from three active craters at the summit of Langila. The youngest and smallest crater (no. 3 crater) was formed in 1960 and has a diameter of 150 m. Sources: Herman Patia, Rabaul Volcano Observatory, Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD41300.shtml Langila Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0502-01= MANAM offshore New Guinea, Papua New Guinea 4.10°S, 145.06°E; summit elev. 1,807 m Based on satellite image observations and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that diffuse plumes from Manam rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 5 June and drifted WNW. Geologic Summary. The 10-km-wide island of Manam is one of Papua New Guinea's most active volcanoes. Four large radial valleys extend from the unvegetated summit of the conical 1,807-m-high stratovolcano to its lower flanks. These "avalanche valleys," regularly spaced 90 degrees apart, channel lava flows and pyroclastic avalanches that have sometimes reached the coast. Five satellitic centers are located near the island's shoreline. Two summit craters are present; both are active, although most historical eruptions have originated from the southern crater, concentrating eruptive products during the past century into the SE avalanche valley. Frequent historical eruptions have been recorded since 1616. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD41300.shtml Manam Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0501-02= NEVADO DEL HUILA Colombia 2.93°N, 76.03°W; summit elev. 5,365 m Based on seismic interpretation, INGEOMINAS reported ash emissions from Nevado del Huila during 27 May that were confirmed later that day by aerial observations. Tremor on 28 May possibly indicated another pulse of ash emissions. Sulfur-dioxide flux measured 3,000 metric tons per day on 1 June and about 6,900 metric tons per day on 2 June. Geologic Summary. Nevado del Huila, the highest active volcano in Colombia, is an elongated N-S-trending volcanic chain mantled by a glacier icecap. The andesitic-dacitic volcano was constructed within a 10-km-wide caldera. Volcanism at Nevado del Huila has produced six volcanic cones whose ages in general migrated from south to north. Two glacier-free lava domes lie at the southern end of the Huila volcanic complex. The first historical eruption from this little known volcano took place in the 16th century. Two persistent steam columns rise from the central peak, and hot springs are also present. Source: Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (INGEOMINAS) http://www.ingeominas.gov.co/ Nevado del Huila Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1501-05= PACAYA southern Guatemala 14.38°N, 90.60°W; summit elev. 2,552 m INSIVUMEH reported that on 31 May, and 1 and 5 June, lava from the NE flank of Pacaya's MacKenney Cone continued to flow and pooled between the base of the volcano and the plateau. Gas plumes from the summit drifted N and SW and rose to altitudes of 2.8 km (9,200 ft) a.s.l. on 5 June. Small pyroclastic explosions from the N part of MacKenney Cone were occasionally observed. Geologic Summary. Eruptions from Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, are frequently visible from Guatemala City, the nation's capital. Pacaya is a complex volcano constructed on the southern rim of the 14 x 16 km Pleistocene Amatitlán caldera. A cluster of dacitic lava domes occupies the caldera floor. The Pacaya massif includes the Cerro Grande lava dome and a younger volcano to the SW. Collapse of Pacaya volcano about 1,100 years ago produced a debris-avalanche deposit that extends 25 km onto the Pacific coastal plain and left an arcuate somma rim inside which the modern Pacaya volcano (MacKenney cone) grew. During the past several decades, activity at Pacaya has consisted of frequent Strombolian eruptions with intermittent lava flow extrusion on the flanks of MacKenney cone, punctuated by occasional larger explosive eruptions. Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) http://www.insivumeh.gob.gt/geofisica/boletin%20formato.htm Pacaya Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1402-11= SAKURA-JIMA Kyushu, Japan 31.58°N, 130.67°E; summit elev. 1,117 m Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes from Sakura-jima rose straight up to altitudes of 2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. during 31 May-1 June. During 4-5 June, plumes again rose to the same altitudes as during 31 May-1 June and drifted W, NW, and E. Ash was not detected on satellite imagery. Geologic Summary. Sakura-jima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, is a post-caldera cone of the Aira caldera at the northern half of Kagoshima Bay. Eruption of the voluminous Ito pyroclastic flow was associated with the formation of the 17 x 23-km-wide Aira caldera about 22,000 years ago. The construction of Sakura-jima began about 13,000 years ago and built an island that was finally joined to the Osumi Peninsula during the major explosive and effusive eruption of 1914. Activity at the Kita-dake summit cone ended about 4,850 years ago, after which eruptions took place at Minami-dake. Frequent historical eruptions, recorded since the 8th century, have deposited ash on Kagoshima, one of Kyushu's largest cities, located across Kagoshima Bay only 8 km from the summit. The largest historical eruption took place during 1471-76. Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/JP/ messages.html Sakura-jima Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/gvp/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0802-08= SHIVELUCH Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 56.653°N, 161.360°E; summit elev. 3,283 m KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch continued above background levels during 25 May-1 June. Based on seismic interpretation, ash plumes possibly rose to an altitude of 9.5 km (31,200 ft) a.s.l. throughout the reporting period. According to visual observation and video data, gas-and-steam and ash plumes rose to altitudes of 5-6 km (16,400-19,700 ft) a.s.l. during 27-28 and 30-31 May. Plumes were seen on satellite imagery drifting SW during 27-28 May. A large thermal anomaly was also visible on satellite imagery. The Tokyo VAAC reported that based on reports from KEMSD, an eruption plume rose to an altitude of 6.4 km (21,000 ft) a.s.l. on 2 June. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange <http://www.avo.alaska.edu/color_codes.php>. Geologic Summary. The high, isolated massif of Shiveluch volcano (also spelled Sheveluch) rises above the lowlands NNE of the Kliuchevskaya volcano group and forms one of Kamchatka's largest and most active volcanoes. The currently active Molodoy Shiveluch lava-dome complex was constructed during the Holocene within a large horseshoe-shaped caldera formed by collapse of the massive late-Pleistocene Strary Shiveluch volcano. At least 60 large eruptions of Shiveluch have occurred during the Holocene, making it the most vigorous andesitic volcano of the Kuril-Kamchatka arc. Frequent collapses of lava-dome complexes, most recently in 1964, have produced large debris avalanches whose deposits cover much of the floor of the breached caldera. During the 1990s, intermittent explosive eruptions took place from a new lava dome that began growing in 1980. The largest historical eruptions from Shiveluch occurred in 1854 and 1964. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/ updates.shtml Shiveluch Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/gvp/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-27= SOUFRIÈRE HILLS Montserrat, West Indies 16.72°N, 62.18°W; summit elev. 1,052 m MVO reported that during 25 May-1 June the lava dome at Soufrière Hills changed very little based on visual observations and seismic activity was very low. Low-level rockfall and pyroclastic flow activity continued. On 31 May, pyroclastic flows traveled approximately 1 km E in the Tar River Valley. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 0-5). Geologic Summary. The complex, dominantly andesitic Soufrière Hills volcano occupies the southern half of the island of Montserrat. The summit area consists primarily of a series of lava domes emplaced along an ESE-trending zone. English's Crater, a 1-km-wide crater breached widely to the east, was formed during an eruption about 4000 years ago in which the summit collapsed, producing a large submarine debris avalanche. Block-and-ash flow and surge deposits associated with dome growth predominate in flank deposits at Soufrière Hills. Non-eruptive seismic swarms occurred at 30-year intervals in the 20th century, but with the exception of a 17th-century eruption that produced the Castle Peak lava dome, no historical eruptions were recorded on Montserrat until 1995. Long-term small-to-moderate ash eruptions beginning in that year were later accompanied by lava-dome growth and pyroclastic flows that forced evacuation of the southern half of the island and ultimately destroyed the capital city of Plymouth, causing major social and economic disruption. Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory http://www.mvo.ms/ Soufrière Hills Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1600-05= ST. HELENS Washington, USA 46.20°N, 122.18°W; summit elev. 2,549 m Data from deformation-monitoring instruments indicated that during 23-29 May lava-dome growth at Mount St. Helens continued. Seismicity persisted at low levels, punctuated by M 1.5-2.5, and occasionally larger, earthquakes. In general, gas and steam plumes from the active lava dome, as well as dust plumes resulting from rockfalls, occasionally rise above the crater rim; a gas plume may have been visible on 3 June. In some instances, clouds inhibited visual observations. Geologic Summary. Prior to 1980, Mount St. Helens formed a conical, youthful volcano sometimes known as the Fuji-san of America. During the 1980 eruption the upper 400 m of the summit was removed by slope failure, leaving a 2 x 3.5 km horseshoe-shaped crater now partially filled by a lava dome. Mount St. Helens was formed during nine eruptive periods beginning about 40-50,000 years ago, and has been the most active volcano in the Cascade Range during the Holocene. The modern edifice was constructed during the last 2,200 years, when the volcano produced basaltic as well as andesitic and dacitic products from summit and flank vents. Historical eruptions in the 19th century originated from the Goat Rocks area on the N flank, and were witnessed by early settlers. Source: US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/ MSH/CurrentActivity/framework.html St. Helens Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1201-05- TUNGURAHUA Ecuador 1.47°S, 78.44°W; summit elev. 5,023 m During 30 May-5 June, IG reported that ash plumes intermittently visible from Tungurahua rose to altitudes of 6-7 km (19,700-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted mainly SW, W, and NW. Ashfall was reported from areas downwind between 30 May and 3 June. Muddy waters traveled down W, SW, and NW drainages during 30 May-1 June. Lahars were reported from the Choglontus drainage to the WSW on 30 May and from the Motilones drainage to the WNW on 1 June. During 4-5 June, roaring noises were reported. Geologic Summary. The steep-sided Tungurahua stratovolcano towers more than 3 km above its northern base. It sits ~140 km S of Quito, Ecuador's capital city, and is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. Historical eruptions have been restricted to the summit crater. They have been accompanied by strong explosions and sometimes by pyroclastic flows and lava flows that reached populated areas at the volcano's base. The last major eruption took place from 1916 to 1918, although minor activity continued until 1925. The latest eruption began in October 1999 and prompted temporary evacuation of the town of Baños on the N side of the volcano. Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Poltécnica Nacional http://www.igepn.edu.ec/ Tungurahua Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1502-08= UBINAS Perú 16.355°S, 70.903°W; summit elev. 5,672 m Based on observations from satellite imagery and Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET) advisories, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 30 May-3 June and on 6 June ash plumes from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 3.7-7.6 km (12,000-25,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted NE, ESE, and SSE. Geologic Summary. A small, 1.2-km-wide caldera that cuts the top of Ubinas, Peru's most active volcano, gives it a truncated appearance. Ubinas is the northernmost of three young volcanoes located along a regional structural lineament about 50 km behind the main volcanic front of Peru. The upper slopes of the stratovolcano, composed primarily of Pleistocene andesitic lava flows, steepen to nearly 45 degrees. The steep-walled, 150-m-deep summit caldera contains an ash cone with a 500-m-wide funnel-shaped vent that is 200 m deep. Debris-avalanche deposits from the collapse of the SE flank of Ubinas extend 10 km from the volcano. Widespread plinian pumice-fall deposits from Ubinas include some of Holocene age. Holocene lava flows are visible on the volcano's flanks, but historical activity, documented since the 16th century, has consisted of intermittent minor explosive eruptions. Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/AG/ messages.html Ubinas Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1504-02= +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sally Kuhn Sennert SI/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report Editor Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/ Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History Department of Mineral Sciences, MRC-119 Washington, D.C., 20560 Phone: 202.633.1805 Fax: 202.357.2476 <http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================================== To unsubscribe from the volcano list, send the message: signoff volcano to: listserv@xxxxxxx, or write to: volcano-request@xxxxxxxx To contribute to the volcano list, send your message to: volcano@xxxxxxxx Please do not send attachments. ==============================================================
