AVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice Volcano: Kasatochi Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING Previous Volcano Alert Level: WATCH Current Aviation Color Code: RED Previous Aviation Color Code: ORANGE Issued: Thursday, August 7, 2008, 3:26 PM AKDT (20080807/2326Z) Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory Notice Number: 2008/A24 Location: N 52 deg 10 min W 175 deg 30 min Elevation: 1030 ft (314 m) Area: Aleutians Alaska Volcanic Activity Summary: Satellite data show an ash plume to an altitude of at least 35,000 ft. in the vicinity of Kasatochi Volcano 22:30 UTC (14:30 ADT). The plume is drifting to the south-southwest. Based on this information, we are elevating the color code to RED/WARNING. This follows the recent increase in volcanic and earthquake activity. Hazard Analysis: [Ash cloud] Ash cloud to at least 35,000 feet [General hazards] Ash confirmed by satellite data Remarks: AVO is monitoring this situation closely and has its operations room staffed 24 hours per day. More information about activity at Kasatochi Volcano can be found on the AVO web site at www.avo.alaska.edu or by calling 907-786-7497. Kasatochi Island represents the emergent summit of a predominantly submarine volcano composed of basaltic and andesitic flows and pyroclastics. Kasatochi has had no known historical eruptions; however, the volcano is mantled by a cover of young appearing pyroclastic debris indicative of relatively recent explosive activity. The island consists of a single, undissected cone with a central lake-filled crater about 0.75 km in diameter. A maximum height of 314 m is on the southern crater rim; elevation of the lake is less than about 60 m. Kasatochi Island is at the northern end of a 15-km-long, 6-km-wide submarine ridge that is normal to the trend of the Andreanof Islands. Water depths along the ridge are less than 90 m; if Kasatochi is constructed entirely on the ridge, the total height of the volcanic pile is only a little more than 400 m. Kasatochi is 83 km (52 mi) east of the community of Adak , and 90 km (55 mi) west of the community of Atka. Contacts: Chris Waythomas, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS chris@xxxxxxxx, (907)786-7497 Jon Dehn, Acting Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI dehn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (907) 474-6499 Next Notice: A new VAN will be issued if conditions change significantly or alert levels are modified. While a VAN is in effect, regularly scheduled updates are posted at http://www.avo.alaska.edu The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. ============================================================== 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. ==============================================================
