Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 20-26 March 2019

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6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6

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

6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6


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

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





New Activity/Unrest: Bezymianny, Central Kamchatka (Russia)  | Tengger
Caldera, Eastern Java (Indonesia)  | Villarrica, Chile



Ongoing Activity: Agung, Bali (Indonesia)  | Aira, Kyushu (Japan)  |
Dukono, Halmahera (Indonesia)  | Ebeko, Paramushir Island (Russia)  |
Fuego, Guatemala  | Ibu, Halmahera (Indonesia)  | Karymsky, Eastern
Kamchatka (Russia)  | Kilauea, Hawaiian Islands (USA)  | Krakatau,
Indonesia  | Manam, Papua New Guinea  | Merapi, Central Java (Indonesia)  |
Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica  | Sheveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia)  |
Suwanosejima, Ryukyu Islands (Japan)  | 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, these reports
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 about recent activity are published in
issues of the Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network.



Note that 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





Bezymianny  | Central Kamchatka (Russia)  | 55.972°N, 160.595°E  | Summit
elev. 2882 m



KVERT reported that after a powerful explosive eruption at Bezymianny
recorded on 15 March activity was characterized by growth of the W part of
the lava dome, strong fumarolic activity, and dome incandescence. The
Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a
four-color scale) on 21 March.



Geologic Summary. Prior to its noted 1955-56 eruption, Bezymianny had been
considered extinct. The modern volcano, much smaller in size than its
massive neighbors Kamen and Kliuchevskoi, was formed about 4700 years ago
over a late-Pleistocene lava-dome complex and an ancestral edifice built
about 11,000-7000 years ago. Three periods of intensified activity have
occurred during the past 3000 years. The latest period, which was preceded
by a 1000-year quiescence, began with the dramatic 1955-56 eruption. This
eruption, similar to that of St. Helens in 1980, produced a large
horseshoe-shaped crater that was formed by collapse of the summit and an
associated lateral blast. Subsequent episodic but ongoing lava-dome growth,
accompanied by intermittent explosive activity and pyroclastic flows, has
largely filled the 1956 crater.



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





Tengger Caldera  | Eastern Java (Indonesia)  | 7.942°S, 112.95°E  | Summit
elev. 2329 m



PVMBG reported that during 19-26 March ash plumes of variable densities and
colors ranging from white to black rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater
rim of Tengger Calderaâ??s Bromo cone. The ash plumes drifted in multiple
directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and visitors
were warned to stay outside of a 1-km radius of the crater.



Geologic Summary. The 16-km-wide Tengger caldera is located at the northern
end of a volcanic massif extending from Semeru volcano. The massive
volcanic complex dates back to about 820,000 years ago and consists of five
overlapping stratovolcanoes, each truncated by a caldera. Lava domes,
pyroclastic cones, and a maar occupy the flanks of the massif. The
Ngadisari caldera at the NE end of the complex formed about 150,000 years
ago and is now drained through the Sapikerep valley. The most recent of the
calderas is the 9 x 10 km wide Sandsea caldera at the SW end of the
complex, which formed incrementally during the late Pleistocene and early
Holocene. An overlapping cluster of post-caldera cones was constructed on
the floor of the Sandsea caldera within the past several thousand years.
The youngest of these is Bromo, one of Java's most active and most
frequently visited volcanoes.



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





Villarrica  | Chile  | 39.42°S, 71.93°W  | Summit elev. 2847 m



On 20 March POVI reported that lava fountains at Villarrica were visible
rising almost 50 m above the crater rim. They noted that, despite low
seismicity, Strombolian explosions on 24 March ejected material more than
25 m above the crater rim.



Geologic Summary. Glacier-clad Villarrica, one of Chile's most active
volcanoes, rises above the lake and town of the same name. It is the
westernmost of three large stratovolcanoes that trend perpendicular to the
Andean chain. A 6-km-wide caldera formed during the late Pleistocene. A
2-km-wide caldera that formed about 3500 years ago is located at the base
of the presently active, dominantly basaltic to basaltic-andesitic cone at
the NW margin of the Pleistocene caldera. More than 30 scoria cones and
fissure vents dot the flanks. Plinian eruptions and pyroclastic flows that
have extended up to 20 km from the volcano were produced during the
Holocene. Lava flows up to 18 km long have issued from summit and flank
vents. Historical eruptions, documented since 1558, have consisted largely
of mild-to-moderate explosive activity with occasional lava effusion.
Glaciers cover 40 km2 of the volcano, and lahars have damaged towns on its
flanks.



Source: Proyecto Observación Villarrica Internet (POVI) http://www.povi.cl/





Ongoing Activity





Agung  | Bali (Indonesia)  | 8.343°S, 115.508°E  | Summit elev. 2997 m



PVMBG reported that at 0018 on 21 March an event at Agung was recorded for
1 minute and 47 seconds by the seismic network. Weather conditions
prevented visual observations of the summit. The Alert Level remained at 3
(on a scale of 1-4) with the exclusion zone set at a 4-km radius.



Geologic Summary. Symmetrical Agung stratovolcano, Bali's highest and most
sacred mountain, towers over the eastern end of the island. The volcano,
whose name means "Paramount," rises above the SE caldera rim of neighboring
Batur volcano, and the northern and southern flanks extend to the coast.
The summit area extends 1.5 km E-W, with the high point on the W and a
steep-walled 800-m-wide crater on the E. The Pawon cone is located low on
the SE flank. Only a few eruptions dating back to the early 19th century
have been recorded in historical time. The 1963-64 eruption, one of the
largest in the 20th century, produced voluminous ashfall along with
devastating pyroclastic flows and lahars that caused extensive damage and
many fatalities.



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





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



JMA reported that during 18-22 March there were two events and one
explosion recorded at Minamidake crater (at Aira Calderaâ??s Sakurajima
volcano). Plumes rose at least as high as 1.7 km above the crater rim.
Small events occasionally occurred during 22-25 March; crater incandescence
was visible at night on 24 March. 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 and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that
during 20-22 and 24 March ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of
2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. The
Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and visitors were warned to
remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.



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.



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/





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, 16-19, and 21 March that sent ash
plumes up to 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. Ash fell in Severo-Kurilsk during
15-16 and 21 March. 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





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



On 22 March INSIVUMEH reported that activity at Fuego had increased during
the previous few days. There were 15-20 explosions per hour producing ash
plumes that rose as high as 1.3 km above the summit and drifted 20-30 km E,
SE, S, SW, and W. Ashfall was reported in communities downwind including La
Rochela, Ceylán, San Andrés Osuna, Las Palmas, Siquinalá, and Santa Lucia
Cotzumalguapa (23 km SW). Shock waves vibrated residential structures
within 20 km. The explosions also caused avalanches of material from the
crater that traveled down the Seca (W), Ceniza (SSW), Taniluyá (SW),
Trinidad (S), Las Lajas (SE), and Honda ravines. In the evening on 21 March
and early morning hours of 22 March lava fountains rose 350 m above the
summit.



During 23-26 March explosions occurred at a rate of 15-25 per hour,
generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km and drifted 15-20 km W,
S, and SE. Explosions sometimes vibrated nearby residences. Incandescent
material was ejected 200-300 m high and caused avalanches of material that
traveled down Seca, Taniluyá, Ceniza, Trinidad, Las Lajas, and Honda
ravines, sometimes reaching vegetated areas. Ashfall as reported in areas
downwind including Panimache I (8 km SW), Morelia (8 km SW), Santa Sofia
(12 km SE), La Rochela, and San Andrés Osuna.



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.



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





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



The Darwin VAAC reported that a minor ash plume from Ibu rose to an
altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l., drifted about 17 km NE, and
dissipated. An ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l.
later that day, and to 2.4 km on 23 March; both plumes drifted E. 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/





Karymsky  | Eastern Kamchatka (Russia)  | 54.049°N, 159.443°E  | Summit
elev. 1513 m



KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in
satellite images on 17 March. The volcano was quiet or obscured by clouds
on the other days during 15-22 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at
Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).



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 during the early Holocene. The caldera cuts
the south side of the Pleistocene Dvor volcano and is located outside the
north margin of the large mid-Pleistocene Polovinka caldera, which contains
the smaller Akademia Nauk and Odnoboky calderas. Most seismicity preceding
Karymsky eruptions originated beneath Akademia Nauk caldera, located
immediately south. The caldera enclosing Karymsky formed about 7600-7700
radiocarbon years ago; construction of the stratovolcano began about 2000
years later. The latest eruptive period began about 500 years ago,
following a 2300-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.



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





Kilauea  | Hawaiian Islands (USA)  | 19.421°N, 155.287°W  | Summit elev.
1222 m



HVO reported that during the previous several months monitoring data at
Kilauea showed relatively low rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas
emissions at the summit and East Rift Zone (ERZ) (including the area of the
2018 eruption). As a result, HVO lowered the Volcano Alert Level to Normal
and the Aviation Color Code to Green.



Geologic Summary. Kilauea, which overlaps the E flank of the massive Mauna
Loa shield volcano, has been Hawaii's most active volcano during historical
time. Eruptions are prominent in Polynesian legends; written documentation
extending back to only 1820 records frequent summit and flank lava flow
eruptions that were interspersed with periods of long-term lava lake
activity that lasted until 1924 at Halemaumau crater, within the summit
caldera. The 3 x 5 km caldera was formed in several stages about 1500 years
ago and during the 18th century; eruptions have also originated from the
lengthy East and SW rift zones, which extend to the sea on both sides of
the volcano. About 90% of the surface of the basaltic shield volcano is
formed of lava flows less than about 1100 years old; 70% of the volcano's
surface is younger than 600 years. A long-term eruption from the East rift
zone that began in 1983 has produced lava flows covering more than 100 km2,
destroying nearly 200 houses and adding new coastline to the island.



Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/





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



PVMBG reported that a total of six explosions at Anak Krakatau were
recorded on 18 March, with dense white plumes rising as high as 500 m from
the summit. During 18-24 March no other plumes were noted although weather
conditions often prevented visual observations. Events were recorded at
0301 and 0305 on 24 March, though ash plumes were not visible. The Alert
Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to
remain outside of the 5-km radius hazard zone from 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 or 535 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, and left only a remnant of Rakata. 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/





Manam  | Papua New Guinea  | 4.08°S, 145.037°E  | Summit elev. 1807 m



The Darwin VAAC reported that during 19-22 March ash plumes from Manam rose
to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE based on
satellite data and ground-based observations.



Geologic Summary. The 10-km-wide island of Manam, lying 13 km off the
northern coast of mainland Papua New Guinea, is one of the country's most
active volcanoes. Four large radial valleys extend from the unvegetated
summit of the conical 1807-m-high basaltic-andesitic stratovolcano to its
lower flanks. These "avalanche valleys" channel lava flows and pyroclastic
avalanches that have sometimes reached the coast. Five small satellitic
centers are located near the island's shoreline on the northern, southern,
and western sides. Two summit craters are present; both are active,
although most historical eruptions have originated from the southern
crater, concentrating eruptive products during much of the past century
into the SE valley. Frequent historical eruptions, typically of
mild-to-moderate scale, have been recorded since 1616. Occasional larger
eruptions have produced pyroclastic flows and lava flows that reached
flat-lying coastal areas and entered the sea, sometimes impacting populated
areas.



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





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



PVMBG reported that the slow extrusion of a lava dome in Merapiâ??s summit
crater continued during 17-24 March. By 21 March the lava dome had grown to
an estimated size of 472,000 cubic meters based on analyses of drone
footage. There were no apparent morphological changes; most of the extruded
lava fell into the upper parts of the Gendol River drainage on the SE
flank. Block-and-ash flows traveled as far as 1,500 m down the Gendol
drainage during 18-19 and 23 March. 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/





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



OVSICORI-UNA reported that a small event at Rincón de la Vieja was recorded
at 1851 on 19 March.



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/





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



KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluchâ??s lava dome was
identified daily in satellite images during 15-22 March. Strong
gas-and-steam emissions containing variable amounts of ash rose 3.5-4 km
(11,500-13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 105 km E during 15-17 March. 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





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



JMA reported that crater incandescence at Suwanosejimaâ??s Ontake Crater was
visible at night during 22 15-22 March. Small events were occasionally
recorded, generating plumes that rose as high as 600 m above the crater
rim. 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/





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



OVSICORI-UNA reported a period of continuous emissions from Turrialba
during 20-22 March. The emissions were characterized as white water vapor
plumes with periodic pulses of diffuse ash rising 300 m above the vent rim
and drifting W and SW. A sulfur odor was noted in Tierra Blanca de Cartago
on 22 March. Only water vapor plumes with a low concentration of magmatic
gases were visible during 23-26 March.



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/

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End of Volcano Digest - 27 Mar 2019 to 1 Apr 2019 (#2019-29)
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