Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 21-27 November 2018

[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

 



***************************************
From: "Kuhn, Sally" <KUHNS@xxxxxx>
***************************************

Sally Kuhn Sennert - Weekly Report Editor (kuhns@xxxxxx)

URL: https://volcano.si.edu/reports_weekly.cfm





New Activity/Unrest: Fuego, Guatemala  | Karangetang, Siau Island
(Indonesia)  | Mayon, Luzon (Philippines)  | Suwanosejima, Ryukyu Islands
(Japan)  | Veniaminof, United States



Ongoing Activity: Aira, Kyushu (Japan)  | Dukono, Halmahera (Indonesia)  |
Ebeko, Paramushir Island (Russia)  | Ibu, Halmahera (Indonesia)  |
Krakatau, Indonesia  | Kuchinoerabujima, Ryukyu Islands (Japan)  | Merapi,
Central Java (Indonesia)  | Pacaya, Guatemala  | Rincon de la Vieja, Costa
Rica  | Sabancaya, Peru  | Sangay, Ecuador  | Santa Maria, Guatemala  |
Semisopochnoi, United States  | Sheveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia)  |
Turrialba, Costa Rica





The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is a cooperative project between the
Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's
Volcano Hazards Program. Updated by 2300 UTC every Wednesday, notices of
volcanic activity posted on these pages are preliminary and subject to
change as events are studied in more detail. This is not a comprehensive
list of all of Earth's volcanoes erupting during the week, but rather a
summary of activity at volcanoes that meet criteria discussed in detail in
the "Criteria and Disclaimers" section. Carefully reviewed, detailed
reports on various volcanoes are published monthly in the Bulletin of the
Global Volcanism Network.



Note: Many news agencies do not archive the articles they post on the
Internet, and therefore the links to some sources may not be active. To
obtain information about the cited articles that are no longer available on
the Internet contact the source.







New Activity/Unrest





Fuego  | Guatemala  | 14.473°N, 90.88°W  | Summit elev. 3763 m



On 23 November INSIVUMEH reported that during the previous few days
moderate explosions at Fuego generated shock waves that vibrated structures
within 20 km. Ash plumes from the explosions rose 1.3 km above the cone in
the summit crater and drifted 20 km W and SW, causing ashfall in areas
downwind including Panimaché (8 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Morelia (9
km SW), Santa Sofia (12 km SW), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), Palo Verde
Estate, and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW). Incandescent material was ejected
150 m high, causing avalanches, some that traveled long distances in the
Las Lajas (SE), Ceniza (SSW), and Seca (W) drainages and reached vegetated
areas. During 24-25 November there were 12-15 weak-to-moderate explosions
per hour, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km and drifted
20-25 km W and SW. Shock waves continued to vibrate local structures, and
ashfall was again reported in Panimaché, El Porvenir, Morelia, Santa Sofia,
Sangre de Cristo, Palo Verde Estate, and San Pedro Yepocapa.
Moderate-to-strong Vulcanian explosions on 26 November generated ash plumes
that rose as high as 1.2 km and drifted N. The explosions were heard, and
shock waves felt, mostly within 25 km, though some explosions were audible
to residents of Guatemala City (city center is about 40 km ENE). Explosions
continued the next day at a rate of 10-15 per hour. Ash plumes rose as high
as 1.3 km and drifted 20-25 km W and SW. Incandescent material was ejected
200 m high, and avalanches of material descended multiple drainages.
Ashfall was reported in areas downwind.



Geologic Summary. Volcán Fuego, one of Central America's most active
volcanoes, is one of three large stratovolcanoes overlooking Guatemala's
former capital, Antigua. The scarp of an older edifice, Meseta, lies
between 3763-m-high Fuego and its twin volcano to the north, Acatenango.
Construction of Meseta dates back to about 230,000 years and continued
until the late Pleistocene or early Holocene. Collapse of Meseta may have
produced the massive Escuintla debris-avalanche deposit, which extends
about 50 km onto the Pacific coastal plain. Growth of the modern Fuego
volcano followed, continuing the southward migration of volcanism that
began at Acatenango. In contrast to the mostly andesitic Acatenango,
eruptions at Fuego have become more mafic with time, and most historical
activity has produced basaltic rocks. Frequent vigorous historical
eruptions have been recorded since the onset of the Spanish era in 1524,
and have produced major ashfalls, along with occasional pyroclastic flows
and lava flows.



Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e
Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) http://www.insivumeh.gob.gt/;

Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED)
http://conred.gob.gt/





Karangetang  | Siau Island (Indonesia)  | 2.781°N, 125.407°E  | Summit
elev. 1797 m



PVMBG reported that at 1314 on 25 November an eruption at Karangetang
produced an ash plume that rose at least 500 m above the crater rim;
weather clouds prevented clear views of the plume. The Aviation Color Code
was raised to Orange, though the Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of
1-4).



Geologic Summary. Karangetang (Api Siau) volcano lies at the northern end
of the island of Siau, north of Sulawesi. The stratovolcano contains five
summit craters along a N-S line. It is one of Indonesia's most active
volcanoes, with more than 40 eruptions recorded since 1675 and many
additional small eruptions that were not documented in the historical
record (Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World: Neumann van Padang,
1951). Twentieth-century eruptions have included frequent explosive
activity sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows and lahars. Lava dome
growth has occurred in the summit craters; collapse of lava flow fronts has
also produced pyroclastic flows.



Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known
as CVGHM) http://vsi.esdm.go.id/





Mayon  | Luzon (Philippines)  | 13.257°N, 123.685°E  | Summit elev. 2462 m



PHIVOLCS reported that during 21-26 November white steam plumes
periodically emitted from Mayon rose as high as 750 m and drifted WSW and
SW. Crater incandescence was visible at night during 24-27 November. Two
phreatic explosions were recorded during 0759 and 0805 on 26 November. The
events generated grayish ash plumes that rose 300-500 m and drifted SW. The
Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 0-5 scale) and PHIVOLCS reminded residents
to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km
Extended Danger Zone on the SSW and ENE flanks.



Geologic Summary. Beautifully symmetrical Mayon, which rises above the
Albay Gulf NW of Legazpi City, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The
structurally simple edifice has steep upper slopes averaging 35-40 degrees
that are capped by a small summit crater. Historical eruptions date back to
1616 and range from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian, with cyclical activity
beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer term andesitic lava
flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also
produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and
mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that
radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas.
A violent eruption in 1814 killed more than 1,200 people and devastated
several towns.



Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/





Suwanosejima  | Ryukyu Islands (Japan)  | 29.638°N, 129.714°E  | Summit
elev. 796 m



JMA reported that 16 explosions at Suwanosejimaâ??s Ontake Crater were
recorded during 16-22 November. The highest ash plume rose 2 km, and
material was ejected 300 m from the crater. Ashfall was reported in an area
4 km SSW on 17 November. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).



Geologic Summary. The 8-km-long, spindle-shaped island of Suwanosejima in
the northern Ryukyu Islands consists of an andesitic stratovolcano with two
historically active summit craters. The summit of the volcano is truncated
by a large breached crater extending to the sea on the east flank that was
formed by edifice collapse. Suwanosejima, one of Japan's most frequently
active volcanoes, was in a state of intermittent strombolian activity from
Otake, the NE summit crater, that began in 1949 and lasted until 1996,
after which periods of inactivity lengthened. The largest historical
eruption took place in 1813-14, when thick scoria deposits blanketed
residential areas, and the SW crater produced two lava flows that reached
the western coast. At the end of the eruption the summit of Otake collapsed
forming a large debris avalanche and creating the horseshoe-shaped Sakuchi
caldera, which extends to the eastern coast. The island remained
uninhabited for about 70 years after the 1813-1814 eruption. Lava flows
reached the eastern coast of the island in 1884. Only about 50 people live
on the island.



Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/





Veniaminof  | United States  | 56.17°N, 159.38°W  | Summit elev. 2507 m



Ash emissions from the cone in Veniaminofâ??s ice-filled summit caldera
significantly increased overnight during 20-21 November, prompting AVO to
raise the Aviation Color Code to Red and the Volcano Alert Level to Warning
(the highest levels on four-level scales). Ash emissions rose to below 4.6
km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 240 km SE. On 21 November
observers and webcam views in Perryville (35 km SE) indicated continuous
ash emissions through most of the day; ash plumes drifted SE, extending as
far as 400 km by around 1445. A short eruptive pulse was recorded during
1526-1726, and then afterwards ash plumes rose to below 3 km (10,000 ft)
a.s.l. Low-altitude ash emissions on 22 November drifted 100 km S. Minor
ashfall was reported in Perryville. AVO lowered the Aviation Color Code and
Volcano Alert Level to Orange and Watch, respectively, because of decreased
ash emissions. Elevated thermal anomalies were identified in satellite data
overnight, and incandescence was visible from a Perryville webcam,
suggesting continuing lava effusion which had been obscured by the
increased period of ash emissions. Lava effusion was persistent through 27
November.



Geologic Summary. Massive Veniaminof volcano, one of the highest and
largest volcanoes on the Alaska Peninsula, is truncated by a steep-walled,
8 x 11 km, glacier-filled caldera that formed around 3700 years ago. The
caldera rim is up to 520 m high on the north, is deeply notched on the west
by Cone Glacier, and is covered by an ice sheet on the south. Post-caldera
vents are located along a NW-SE zone bisecting the caldera that extends 55
km from near the Bering Sea coast, across the caldera, and down the Pacific
flank. Historical eruptions probably all originated from the westernmost
and most prominent of two intra-caldera cones, which rises about 300 m
above the surrounding icefield. The other cone is larger, and has a summit
crater or caldera that may reach 2.5 km in diameter, but is more subdued
and barely rises above the glacier surface.



Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
https://avo.alaska.edu/





Ongoing Activity





Aira  | Kyushu (Japan)  | 31.593°N, 130.657°E  | Summit elev. 1117 m



JMA reported that four events at Minamidake crater (at Aira Calderaâ??s
Sakurajima volcano) were recorded during 19-22 November, producing ash
plumes that rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim. Material was
ejected 500-700 m from the crater. Occasional, very small events occurred
during 22-26 November. Crater incandescence was visible at night during
20-21 November, for the first time since 20 September, and continued
through 26 November. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).



Geologic Summary. The Aira caldera in the northern half of Kagoshima Bay
contains the post-caldera Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan's most active.
Eruption of the voluminous Ito pyroclastic flow accompanied formation of
the 17 x 23 km caldera about 22,000 years ago. The smaller Wakamiko caldera
was formed during the early Holocene in the NE corner of the Aira caldera,
along with several post-caldera cones. The construction of Sakurajima began
about 13,000 years ago on the southern rim of Aira caldera and built an
island that was finally joined to the Osumi Peninsula during the major
explosive and effusive eruption of 1914. Activity at the Kitadake summit
cone ended about 4850 years ago, after which eruptions took place at
Minamidake. 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: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/





Dukono  | Halmahera (Indonesia)  | 1.693°N, 127.894°E  | Summit elev. 1229 m



Based on satellite data, wind model data, and notices from PVMBG, the
Darwin VAAC reported that during 21-27 November ash plumes from Dukono rose
to altitudes of 1.5-2.1 km (5,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and
SE.



Geologic Summary. 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 from 1933 until at least the mid-1990s,
when routine observations were curtailed. During a major eruption in 1550,
a lava flow filled in the strait between Halmahera and the north-flank cone
of Gunung Mamuya. This complex volcano presents a broad, low profile with
multiple summit peaks and overlapping craters. Malupang Wariang, 1 km SW of
the summit crater complex, contains a 700 x 570 m crater that has also been
active during historical time.



Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
http://www.bom.gov.au/aviation/volcanic-ash/darwin-va-advisory.shtml





Ebeko  | Paramushir Island (Russia)  | 50.686°N, 156.014°E  | Summit elev.
1103 m



Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of
Ebeko, observed explosions during 15-23 November that sent ash plumes to
3.2 km (10,500 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted NE and S. The Aviation Color
Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).



Geologic Summary. The flat-topped summit of the central cone of Ebeko
volcano, one of the most active in the Kuril Islands, occupies the northern
end of Paramushir Island. Three summit craters located along a SSW-NNE line
form Ebeko volcano proper, at the northern end of a complex of five
volcanic cones. Blocky lava flows extend west from Ebeko and SE from the
neighboring Nezametnyi cone. The eastern part of the southern crater
contains strong solfataras and a large boiling spring. The central crater
is filled by a lake about 20 m deep whose shores are lined with steaming
solfataras; the northern crater lies across a narrow, low barrier from the
central crater and contains a small, cold crescentic lake. Historical
activity, recorded since the late-18th century, has been restricted to
small-to-moderate explosive eruptions from the summit craters. Intense
fumarolic activity occurs in the summit craters, on the outer flanks of the
cone, and in lateral explosion craters.



Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/index_eng.php





Ibu  | Halmahera (Indonesia)  | 1.488°N, 127.63°E  | Summit elev. 1325 m



The Darwin VAAC reported that on 26 November an ash plume from Ibu was
identified in satellite images rising to 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and
drifting SE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the
public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and
3.5 km away on the N side.



Geologic Summary. The truncated summit of Gunung Ibu stratovolcano along
the NW coast of Halmahera Island has large nested summit craters. The inner
crater, 1 km wide and 400 m deep, contained several small crater lakes
through much of historical time. The outer crater, 1.2 km wide, is breached
on the north side, creating a steep-walled valley. A large parasitic cone
is located ENE of the summit. A smaller one to the WSW has fed a lava flow
down the W flank. A group of maars is located below the N and W flanks.
Only a few eruptions have been recorded in historical time, the first a
small explosive eruption from the summit crater in 1911. An eruption
producing a lava dome that eventually covered much of the floor of the
inner summit crater began in December 1998.



Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
http://www.bom.gov.au/aviation/volcanic-ash/darwin-va-advisory.shtml;

Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
http://vsi.esdm.go.id/





Krakatau  | Indonesia  | 6.102°S, 105.423°E  | Summit elev. 813 m



PVMBG reported that events at Anak Krakatau were recorded at 0611 on 24
November, at 0810 on 25 November, and at 0900 and 1037 on 26 November, each
lasting between 30 and 42 seconds. Ash plumes from the events rose 300-600
m and drifted NE and SW; the ash plumes from the 1037 event were dense and
black. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4); residents and
visitors were warned not to approach the volcano within 2 km of the crater.



Geologic Summary. The renowned volcano Krakatau (frequently misstated as
Krakatoa) lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of
the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 CE, formed a 7-km-wide
caldera. Remnants of this ancestral volcano are preserved in 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. This eruption, the
2nd largest in Indonesia during historical time, caused more than 36,000
fatalities, most as a result of devastating tsunamis that swept the
adjacent coastlines of Sumatra and Java. Pyroclastic surges traveled 40 km
across the Sunda Strait and reached the Sumatra coast. After a quiescence
of less than a half century, the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child
of Krakatau) was constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the
former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan. Anak Krakatau has been the site of
frequent eruptions since 1927.



Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known
as CVGHM) http://vsi.esdm.go.id/





Kuchinoerabujima  | Ryukyu Islands (Japan)  | 30.443°N, 130.217°E  | Summit
elev. 657 m



JMA reported that during 22-26 November intermittent events at
Kuchinoerabujimaâ??s Shindake Crater generated plumes that rose as high as
2.1 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of
1-5).



Geologic Summary. A group of young stratovolcanoes forms the eastern end of
the irregularly shaped island of Kuchinoerabujima in the northern Ryukyu
Islands, 15 km west of Yakushima. The Furudake, Shindake, and Noikeyama
cones were erupted from south to north, respectively, forming a composite
cone with multiple craters. The youngest cone, centrally-located Shintake,
formed after the NW side of Furutake was breached by an explosion. All
historical eruptions have occurred from Shintake, although a lava flow from
the S flank of Furutake that reached the coast has a very fresh morphology.
Frequent explosive eruptions have taken place from Shintake since 1840; the
largest of these was in December 1933. Several villages on the 4 x 12 km
island are located within a few kilometers of the active crater and have
suffered damage from eruptions.



Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/





Merapi  | Central Java (Indonesia)  | 7.54°S, 110.446°E  | Summit elev.
2910 m



PVMBG reported that during 16-22 November the lava dome in Merapiâ??s summit
crater grew at a rate of 2,600 cubic meters per day, slower than the
previous week. By 21 November the volume of the dome, based on photos taken
from the SE, was an estimated 308,000 cubic meters. White emissions of
variable density rose a maximum of 125 m above the summit. The Alert Level
remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to remain
outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.



Geologic Summary. Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, lies in
one of the world's most densely populated areas and dominates the landscape
immediately north of the major city of Yogyakarta. It is the youngest and
southernmost of a volcanic chain extending NNW to Ungaran volcano. Growth
of Old Merapi during the Pleistocene ended with major edifice collapse
perhaps about 2000 years ago, leaving a large arcuate scarp cutting the
eroded older Batulawang volcano. Subsequently growth of the steep-sided
Young Merapi edifice, its upper part unvegetated due to frequent eruptive
activity, began SW of the earlier collapse scarp. Pyroclastic flows and
lahars accompanying growth and collapse of the steep-sided active summit
lava dome have devastated cultivated lands on the western-to-southern
flanks and caused many fatalities during historical time.



Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known
as CVGHM) http://vsi.esdm.go.id/





Pacaya  | Guatemala  | 14.382°N, 90.601°W  | Summit elev. 2569 m



INSIVUMEH reported that during 24-27 November Strombolian explosions at
Pacayaâ??s Mackenney Crater ejected material as high as 25 m above the crater
rim. As many as three lava flows were active on the NW flanks, advancing
towards Cerro Chino. Minor avalanches of material descended the SE flank
during 26-27 November.



Geologic Summary. Eruptions from Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active
volcanoes, are frequently visible from Guatemala City, the nation's
capital. This complex basaltic volcano was constructed just outside the
southern topographic rim of the 14 x 16 km Pleistocene Amatitlán caldera. A
cluster of dacitic lava domes occupies the southern caldera floor. The
post-caldera Pacaya massif includes the ancestral Pacaya Viejo and Cerro
Grande stratovolcanoes and the currently active Mackenney stratovolcano.
Collapse of Pacaya Viejo between 600 and 1500 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. A subsidiary crater, Cerro Chino, was constructed on
the NW somma rim and was last active in the 19th century. During the past
several decades, activity has consisted of frequent strombolian eruptions
with intermittent lava flow extrusion that has partially filled in the
caldera moat and armored the flanks of Mackenney cone, punctuated by
occasional larger explosive eruptions that partially destroy the summit of
the growing young stratovolcano.



Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e
Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) http://www.insivumeh.gob.gt/





Rincon de la Vieja  | Costa Rica  | 10.83°N, 85.324°W  | Summit elev. 1916 m



OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 0237 on 27 November a hydrothermal explosion
at Rincón de la Vieja produced a plume of water vapor and gas that rose 600
m above the crater rim and drifted SW.



Geologic Summary. Rincón de la Vieja, the largest volcano in NW Costa Rica,
is a remote volcanic complex in the Guanacaste Range. The volcano consists
of an elongated, arcuate NW-SE-trending ridge that was constructed within
the 15-km-wide early Pleistocene Guachipelín caldera, whose rim is exposed
on the south side. Sometimes known as the "Colossus of Guanacaste," it has
an estimated volume of 130 km3 and contains at least nine major eruptive
centers. Activity has migrated to the SE, where the youngest-looking
craters are located. The twin cone of 1916-m-high Santa María volcano, the
highest peak of the complex, is located at the eastern end of a smaller,
5-km-wide caldera and has a 500-m-wide crater. A plinian eruption producing
the 0.25 km3 Río Blanca tephra about 3500 years ago was the last major
magmatic eruption. All subsequent eruptions, including numerous historical
eruptions possibly dating back to the 16th century, have been from the
prominent active crater containing a 500-m-wide acid lake located ENE of
Von Seebach crater.



Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad
Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA) http://www.ovsicori.una.ac.cr/





Sabancaya  | Peru  | 15.787°S, 71.857°W  | Summit elev. 5960 m



Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio
Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that an average of 20 explosions
per day occurred at Sabancaya during 19-25 November. Long-period seismic
events were recorded, and hybrid earthquakes were infrequent and of low
magnitude. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.7 km above the crater rim
and drifted 40 km NW and N. MIROVA detected six thermal anomalies, and on
22 November the sulfur-dioxide gas flux was high at 3,000 tons per day. The
report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km
radius.



Geologic Summary. Sabancaya, located in the saddle NE of Ampato and SE of
Hualca Hualca volcanoes, is the youngest of these volcanic centers and the
only one to have erupted in historical time. The oldest of the three,
Nevado Hualca Hualca, is of probable late-Pliocene to early Pleistocene
age. The name Sabancaya (meaning "tongue of fire" in the Quechua language)
first appeared in records in 1595 CE, suggesting activity prior to that
date. Holocene activity has consisted of Plinian eruptions followed by
emission of voluminous andesitic and dacitic lava flows, which form an
extensive apron around the volcano on all sides but the south. Records of
historical eruptions date back to 1750.



Sources: Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET)
http://www.ingemmet.gob.pe/;

Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) http://www.igp.gob.pe/





Sangay  | Ecuador  | 2.005°S, 78.341°W  | Summit elev. 5286 m



IG reported that since 8 August activity at Sangay was characterized by the
extrusion of lava flows on the ESE flank and ash emissions that rose
between 500 and 1,500 m and mainly drifted W and NW. Lava flows were 1-2 km
long, though block avalanches from the flow fronts traveled additionally as
far as 5 km. The seismic network recorded more than 50 signals per day
indicating explosions. The activity continued at least through 21 November;
the report noted that this phase has lasted longer than any other since
2015.



Geologic Summary. The isolated Sangay volcano, located east of the Andean
crest, is the southernmost of Ecuador's volcanoes and its most active. The
steep-sided, glacier-covered, dominantly andesitic volcano grew within
horseshoe-shaped calderas of two previous edifices, which were destroyed by
collapse to the east, producing large debris avalanches that reached the
Amazonian lowlands. The modern edifice dates back to at least 14,000 years
ago. It towers above the tropical jungle on the east side; on the other
sides flat plains of ash have been sculpted by heavy rains into
steep-walled canyons up to 600 m deep. The earliest report of a historical
eruption was in 1628. More or less continuous eruptions were reported from
1728 until 1916, and again from 1934 to the present. The almost constant
activity has caused frequent changes to the morphology of the summit crater
complex.



Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG)
http://www.igepn.edu.ec/





Santa Maria  | Guatemala  | 14.757°N, 91.552°W  | Summit elev. 3745 m



INSIVUMEH reported that during 24-27 November explosions at Santa María's
Santiaguito lava-dome complex generated ash plumes that rose 700-900 m and
drifted SW, causing ashfall in Monte Claro. Avalanches of material
descended the SE and NE flanks of the lava dome.



Geologic Summary. Symmetrical, forest-covered Santa María volcano is one of
the most prominent of a chain of large stratovolcanoes that rises
dramatically above the Pacific coastal plain of Guatemala. The
stratovolcano has a sharp-topped, conical profile that is cut on the SW
flank by a 1.5-km-wide crater. The oval-shaped crater extends from just
below the summit to the lower flank and was formed during a catastrophic
eruption in 1902. The renowned Plinian eruption of 1902 that devastated
much of SW Guatemala followed a long repose period after construction of
the large basaltic-andesite stratovolcano. The massive dacitic Santiaguito
lava-dome complex has been growing at the base of the 1902 crater since
1922. Compound dome growth at Santiaguito has occurred episodically from
four westward-younging vents, the most recent of which is Caliente. Dome
growth has been accompanied by almost continuous minor explosions, with
periodic lava extrusion, larger explosions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars.



Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e
Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) http://www.insivumeh.gob.gt/





Semisopochnoi  | United States  | 51.93°N, 179.58°E  | Summit elev. 1221 m



AVO reported that no evidence of activity at Semisopochnoi had been
detected since an explosion was recorded in infrasound data on 31 October.
The satellite link for transmitting seismic data failed on 1 November,
though no activity was observed in satellite or infrasound data since then.
As a result, the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow and Volcano
Alert Level was lowered to Advisory (both are the second lowest levels on
four-level scales) on 21 November.



Geologic Summary. Semisopochnoi, the largest subaerial volcano of the
western Aleutians, is 20 km wide at sea level and contains an 8-km-wide
caldera. It formed as a result of collapse of a low-angle, dominantly
basaltic volcano following the eruption of a large volume of dacitic
pumice. The high point of the island is 1221-m-high Anvil Peak, a
double-peaked late-Pleistocene cone that forms much of the island's
northern part. The three-peaked 774-m-high Mount Cerberus volcano was
constructed during the Holocene within the caldera. Each of the peaks
contains a summit crater; lava flows on the northern flank of Cerberus
appear younger than those on the southern side. Other post-caldera
volcanoes include the symmetrical 855-m-high Sugarloaf Peak SSE of the
caldera and Lakeshore Cone, a small cinder cone at the edge of Fenner Lake
in the NE part of the caldera. Most documented historical eruptions have
originated from Cerberus, although Coats (1950) considered that both
Sugarloaf and Lakeshore Cone within the caldera could have been active
during historical time.



Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
https://avo.alaska.edu/





Sheveluch  | Central Kamchatka (Russia)  | 56.653°N, 161.36°E  | Summit
elev. 3283 m



KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in
satellite images during 16-17 and 19-20 November. The Aviation Color Code
remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).



Geologic Summary. The high, isolated massif of Sheveluch volcano (also
spelled Shiveluch) rises above the lowlands NNE of the Kliuchevskaya
volcano group. The 1300 km3 volcano is one of Kamchatka's largest and most
active volcanic structures. The summit of roughly 65,000-year-old Stary
Shiveluch is truncated by a broad 9-km-wide late-Pleistocene caldera
breached to the south. Many lava domes dot its outer flanks. The Molodoy
Shiveluch lava dome complex was constructed during the Holocene within the
large horseshoe-shaped caldera; Holocene lava dome extrusion also took
place on the flanks of Stary Shiveluch. At least 60 large eruptions have
occurred during the Holocene, making it the most vigorous andesitic volcano
of the Kuril-Kamchatka arc. Widespread tephra layers from these eruptions
have provided valuable time markers for dating volcanic events in
Kamchatka. Frequent collapses of dome complexes, most recently in 1964,
have produced debris avalanches whose deposits cover much of the floor of
the breached caldera.



Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/index_eng.php





Turrialba  | Costa Rica  | 10.025°N, 83.767°W  | Summit elev. 3340 m



OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 0710 on 22 November an event at Turrialba
generated an ash plume that rose 100 m above the crater rim and drifted W.
The next day there were frequent pulses of ash. During 23-25 November
occasional Strombolian explosions ejected lava bombs that were deposited
near the crater; residents of Cascajal de Coronado reported hearing several
booming sounds. Ash plumes rose as high as 500 m. During 26-27 November
passive emissions with small quantities of ash were visible. Minor ashfall
was reported in San Jose (Cascajal de Coronado and Dulce Nombre), San Pedro
Montes de Oca, and neighborhoods of Heredia.



Geologic Summary. Turrialba, the easternmost of Costa Rica's Holocene
volcanoes, is a large vegetated basaltic-to-dacitic stratovolcano located
across a broad saddle NE of Irazú volcano overlooking the city of Cartago.
The massive edifice covers an area of 500 km2. Three well-defined craters
occur at the upper SW end of a broad 800 x 2200 m summit depression that is
breached to the NE. Most activity originated from the summit vent complex,
but two pyroclastic cones are located on the SW flank. Five major explosive
eruptions have occurred during the past 3500 years. A series of explosive
eruptions during the 19th century were sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic
flows. Fumarolic activity continues at the central and SW summit craters.



Source: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad
Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA) http://www.ovsicori.una.ac.cr/

==============================================================

Volcano Listserv is a collaborative venture among Arizona State University (ASU), Portland State University (PSU), the Global Volcanism Program (GVP) of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, and the International Association for Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI).

ASU - http://www.asu.edu/
PSU - http://pdx.edu/
GVP - http://www.volcano.si.edu/
IAVCEI - http://www.iavcei.org/

To unsubscribe from the volcano list, send the message:
signoff volcano
to: listserv@xxxxxxx, or write to: volcano-request@xxxxxxx.

To contribute to the volcano list, send your message to:
volcano@xxxxxxx.  Please do not send attachments.

==============================================================

------------------------------

End of Volcano Digest - 26 Nov 2018 to 29 Nov 2018 (#2018-121)
**************************************************************


[Index of Archives]     [Yosemite Backpacking]     [Earthquake Notices]     [USGS News]     [Yosemite Campgrounds]     [Steve's Art]     [Hot Springs Forum]

  Powered by Linux