Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 31 July-6 August 2019

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

 



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



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


Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

31 July-6 August 2019



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

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





New Activity/Unrest: Awu, Sangihe Islands (Indonesia)  | Karangetang, Siau
Island (Indonesia)  | Semisopochnoi, United States  | Shishaldin, Fox
Islands (USA)  | Tangkubanparahu, Western Java (Indonesia)  | Ulawun, New
Britain (Papua New Guinea)  | Veniaminof, United States



Ongoing Activity: Aira, Kyushu (Japan)  | Asosan, Kyushu (Japan)  |
Chiles-Cerro Negro, Colombia-Ecuador  | Dukono, Halmahera (Indonesia)  |
Ebeko, Paramushir Island (Russia)  | Etna, Sicily (Italy)  | Karymsky,
Eastern Kamchatka (Russia)  | Kerinci, Indonesia  | Klyuchevskoy, Central
Kamchatka (Russia)  | Krakatau, Indonesia  | Merapi, Central Java
(Indonesia)  | Nevados de Chillan, Chile  | Nyamuragira, DR Congo  |
Nyiragongo, DR Congo  | Sabancaya, Peru  | Sangeang Api, Indonesia  |
Sheveluch, Central Kamchatka (Russia)  | Suwanosejima, Ryukyu Islands
(Japan)  | Villarrica, Chile





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





Awu  | Sangihe Islands (Indonesia)  | 3.689°N, 125.447°E  | Summit elev.
1318 m



The Darwin VAAC reported that on 4 August an ash plume from Awu was visible
in satellite images rising to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and
drifting N.



Geologic Summary. The massive Gunung Awu stratovolcano occupies the
northern end of Great Sangihe Island, the largest of the Sangihe arc. Deep
valleys that form passageways for lahars dissect the flanks of the volcano,
which was constructed within a 4.5-km-wide caldera. Powerful explosive
eruptions in 1711, 1812, 1856, 1892, and 1966 produced devastating
pyroclastic flows and lahars that caused more than 8000 cumulative
fatalities. Awu contained a summit crater lake that was 1 km wide and 172 m
deep in 1922, but was largely ejected during the 1966 eruption.



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





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



PVMBG reported that beginning at 1858 on 20 July incandescent avalanches of
material from Karangetangâ??s Main Crater traveled as far as 1 km W down the
Pangi and Kinali drainages. By 22 July incandescent material had traveled
another 500 m down the same drainages, and 1 km down the Nanitu and Beha
drainages. Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the
Darwin VAAC reported that during 30-31 July intermittent discrete ash
plumes rose to an altitude of 7.6 km (25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W, and
continuous ash emissions rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. A thermal anomaly
was visible. On 5 August ash plumes rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and
drifted E; a thermal anomaly was again visible. 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, about 125 km NNE of the NE-most point of Sulawesi
island. 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 have produced pyroclastic flows.



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

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





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



AVO reported that during 31 July-6 August seismicity at Semisopochnoi
remained elevated and was characterized by periods of weak, continuous
tremor and discrete low-frequency earthquakes. Satellite images were mostly
cloudy, though a possible steam plume was visible during 5-6 August. The
Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained
at Orange.



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/





Shishaldin  | Fox Islands (USA)  | 54.756°N, 163.97°W  | Summit elev. 2857 m



AVO reported that satellite images of Shishaldin acquired on 28 July showed
a small spatter cone with lava flows in the summit crater. During 31 July-6
August continuous weak tremor was recorded by the seismic network and
elevated surface temperatures were sometimes visible in satellite images. A
small steam plume was observed in a few satellite and web camera images.
The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level
remained at Watch.



Geologic Summary. The beautifully symmetrical volcano of Shishaldin is the
highest and one of the most active volcanoes of the Aleutian Islands. The
2857-m-high, glacier-covered volcano is the westernmost of three large
stratovolcanoes along an E-W line in the eastern half of Unimak Island. The
Aleuts named the volcano Sisquk, meaning "mountain which points the way
when I am lost." A steady steam plume rises from its small summit crater.
Constructed atop an older glacially dissected volcano, it is Holocene in
age and largely basaltic in composition. Remnants of an older ancestral
volcano are exposed on the west and NE sides at 1500-1800 m elevation.
There are over two dozen pyroclastic cones on its NW flank, which is
blanketed by massive aa lava flows. Frequent explosive activity, primarily
consisting of strombolian ash eruptions from the small summit crater, but
sometimes producing lava flows, has been recorded since the 18th century.



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





Tangkubanparahu  | Western Java (Indonesia)  | 6.77°S, 107.6°E  | Summit
elev. 2084 m



PVMBG reported that an eruption at Tangkubanparahu's Ratu Crater, recorded
at 2046 on 1 August, generated a dense black ash-and-sediment-laden plume
that rose about 180 m from the bottom of the crater, and light-colored ash
plumes mixed with water vapor that rose 200 m and drifted N and NE. The
event lasted 11 minutes and 23 seconds based on seismic data. Ash and
sediment fell in areas around the crater. Four eruptive events were
recorded during the morning of 2 August, though ash emissions were not
visually observed. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4). A
period of continuous ash emissions was recorded during 2-4 August.



Geologic Summary. Tangkubanparahu (also known as Tangkuban Perahu) is a
broad shield-like stratovolcano overlooking Indonesia's former capital city
of Bandung. The volcano was constructed within the 6 x 8 km Pleistocene
Sunda caldera, which formed about 190,000 years ago. The volcano's low
profile is the subject of legends referring to the mountain of the
"upturned boat." The rim of Sunda caldera forms a prominent ridge on the
western side; elsewhere the caldera rim is largely buried by deposits of
Tangkubanparahu volcano. The dominantly small phreatic historical eruptions
recorded since the 19th century have originated from several nested craters
within an elliptical 1 x 1.5 km summit depression.



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





Ulawun  | New Britain (Papua New Guinea)  | 5.05°S, 151.33°E  | Summit
elev. 2334 m



RVO reported that during 1-2 August white-to-grayish vapor plumes rose from
Ulawunâ??s summit crater and drifted NW. Incandescence from the summit crater
was visible at night and jetting noises were audible for a short interval.
RSAM values fluctuated but peaked at high levels. During the night of 2-3
August crater incandescence strengthened and roaring noises became louder
around 0400. An eruption began between 0430 and 0500 on 3 August; booming
noises commenced around 0445. By 0600 dense light-gray ash emissions were
drifting NW, causing ashfall in areas downwind including Ulamona Mission.
Ash emissions continued through the day and grew from light to dark gray
with time. The eruption intensified at 1900 and a lava fountain rose more
than 100 m above the crater rim. A Plinian ash plume rose 19 km and drifted
W and SW, causing ashfall in areas downwind such as Navo and Kabaya, and as
far as Kimbe Town. The Darwin VAAC reported that the ash plume expanded
radially and reached the stratosphere, rising to 19.2 km (63,000 ft) a.s.l.
The plume then detached and drifted S and then SE.



The Alert Level was raised to Stage 3 (the second highest level on a
four-stage scale). The areas most affected by ash and scoria fall were
between Navo (W) and Saltamana Estate (NW). Two classrooms at the Navo
Primary School and a church in Navo collapsed from the weight of the ash
and scoria; one of the classroom roofs had already partially collapsed
during the 26 June eruption. Evacuees in tents as a result of the 26 June
eruption reported damage. Rabaul town (E) also reported ashfall. Seismicity
declined rapidly within two hours of the event, though continued to
fluctuate at moderate levels. According to a news source flights in and out
of Hoskins airport in Port Moresby were cancelled on 4 August due to tephra
fall. The Alert Level was lowered to Stage 1. Small amounts of white and
gray vapor were emitted from the summit crater during 4-6 August.



Geologic Summary. The symmetrical basaltic-to-andesitic Ulawun
stratovolcano is the highest volcano of the Bismarck arc, and one of Papua
New Guinea's most frequently active. The volcano, also known as the Father,
rises above the north coast of the island of New Britain across a low
saddle NE of Bamus volcano, the South Son. The upper 1000 m is unvegetated.
A prominent E-W escarpment on the south may be the result of large-scale
slumping. Satellitic cones occupy the NW and E flanks. A steep-walled
valley cuts the NW side, and a flank lava-flow complex lies to the south of
this valley. Historical eruptions date back to the beginning of the 18th
century. Twentieth-century eruptions were mildly explosive until 1967, but
after 1970 several larger eruptions produced lava flows and basaltic
pyroclastic flows, greatly modifying the summit crater.



Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO);

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

Radio New Zealand
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/396013/relief-needs-surge-in-west-new-britain-after-latest-eruption
;

Papua New Guinea Post-Courier Online
https://postcourier.com.pg/hoskins-flights-canelled-due-volcano/





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



Low-level tremor at Veniaminof coincided with a pilot observation of a
steam plume at 1230 on 1 August, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Color
Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. On 2 August AVO
noted that tremor had subsided, though low-level seismicity persisted at
least through 6 August. Elevated surface temperatures were visible in
satellite images. A small steam plume was also visible on 3 August.



Geologic Summary. Veniaminof, on the Alaska Peninsula, is truncated by a
steep-walled, 8 x 11 km, glacier-filled caldera that formed around 3,700
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 during 30 July-5 August very small eruptive events were
detected at Minamidake crater (at Aira Calderaâ??s Sakurajima volcano),
though none of them were explosive. Crater incandescence was occasionally
visible in webcams at night. 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/





Asosan  | Kyushu (Japan)  | 32.884°N, 131.104°E  | Summit elev. 1592 m



JMA reported that increased eruptive activity at Asosan that began on 28
July continued at least through 5 August. Volcanologists confirmed that
high-temperature, gray-white plumes rose from the center of Nakadake Crater
during fieldwork conducted on 31 July. Grayish white plumes rose 1.3 km and
1.5 km above the crater rim on 1 and 5 August, respectively. Incandescence
from the crater was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a
scale of 1-5).



Geologic Summary. The 24-km-wide Asosan caldera was formed during four
major explosive eruptions from 300,000 to 90,000 years ago. These produced
voluminous pyroclastic flows that covered much of Kyushu. The last of
these, the Aso-4 eruption, produced more than 600 km3 of airfall tephra and
pyroclastic-flow deposits. A group of 17 central cones was constructed in
the middle of the caldera, one of which, Nakadake, is one of Japan's most
active volcanoes. It was the location of Japan's first documented
historical eruption in 553 CE. The Nakadake complex has remained active
throughout the Holocene. Several other cones have been active during the
Holocene, including the Kometsuka scoria cone as recently as about 210 CE.
Historical eruptions have largely consisted of basaltic to
basaltic-andesite ash emission with periodic strombolian and
phreatomagmatic activity. The summit crater of Nakadake is accessible by
toll road and cable car, and is one of Kyushu's most popular tourist
destinations.



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





Chiles-Cerro Negro  | Colombia-Ecuador  | 0.817°N, 77.938°W  | Summit elev.
4698 m



Instituto Geofísico de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IGEPN) and the
Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Pasto del Servicio Geológico
Colombiano (SGC OVSP) jointly reported that the most recent seismic swarm
below Cerro Negro de Mayasquer and Chiles volcanoes began in September 2018
and continued at least through 1 August. The swarm has consisted of 147,000
earthquakes, recorded up to the time of the report publication, mostly with
magnitudes less than 3.6. Notably, at least 91 very-long-period earthquakes
and 89 long-period earthquakes have been detected, indicative of a magmatic
body at depth. In addition, at 0738 on 25 July a M4 earthquake was located
4 km below the summit of Chiles and felt by residents. About 850
volcano-tectonic events were recorded during 25-28 July.



Geologic Summary. The Chiles-Cerro Negro volcanic complex includes both the
Pleistocene Chiles and the Cerro Negro de Mayasquer stratovolcanoes astride
the Colombia-Ecuador border. Cerro Negro has a caldera open to the west,
with andesitic and dacitic lava flows of possible Holocene age (Hall 1992,
pers. comm.) and solfataras on the shore of a small crater lake. An
eruption reported in 1936 may have been from Reventador (Catalog of Active
Volcanoes of the World). The higher, glacier-covered summit of Chiles,
about 4 km ESE of Cerro Negro, last erupted about 160,000 years ago, but it
has a caldera open to the north with hot springs and an active hydrothermal
system on its eastern flank.



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





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 31 July-6 August ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 1.8
km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted mainly N and NE. The Alert Level remained
at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was 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 25-26 and 29 July, and 1 August, that
sent ash plumes up to 2.5 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted in
multiple directions. 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





Etna  | Sicily (Italy)  | 37.748°N, 14.999°E  | Summit elev. 3295 m



INGV reported that on 25 July Etnaâ??s New Southeast Crater (NSEC)
periodically emitted gas and ash. At 0630 on 27 July the seismic network
detected a sudden increase in tremor amplitude, and at 0915 a new fissure
opened on the S flank of NSEC. Explosive activity at the crater intensified
at 1020 and a dense, ash-rich plume rose to 4.5-5 km a.s.l. and drifted E.
A thin layer of ash was deposited in Giarre, Riposto and Torre Archirafi.
Lava emerged from the S part of the new fissure and traveled SW and S; by
1235 the longest part of the flow had reached 2,850 m elevation and by 1330
it had reached 2,600 m elevation. Beginning at 1321 a sequence of
particularly strong explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as
7.5 km a.s.l. Explosive activity decreased around 0440 on 28 July, and lava
effused from the vent at a lower rate. Starting at 0846 the Northeast
Crater (NEC) occasionally emitted small plumes of red-brown ash. Explosive
and effusive activity at NSEC ceased that evening. Activity during 29
July-4 August consisted of a few episodes of ash emissions at Bocca Nuova
Crater and NEC.



Geologic Summary. Mount Etna, towering above Catania, Sicily's second
largest city, has one of the world's longest documented records of
historical volcanism, dating back to 1500 BCE. Historical lava flows of
basaltic composition cover much of the surface of this massive volcano,
whose edifice is the highest and most voluminous in Italy. The Mongibello
stratovolcano, truncated by several small calderas, was constructed during
the late Pleistocene and Holocene over an older shield volcano. The most
prominent morphological feature of Etna is the Valle del Bove, a 5 x 10 km
horseshoe-shaped caldera open to the east. Two styles of eruptive activity
typically occur, sometimes simultaneously. Persistent explosive eruptions,
sometimes with minor lava emissions, take place from one or more summit
craters. Flank vents, typically with higher effusion rates, are less
frequently active and originate from fissures that open progressively
downward from near the summit (usually accompanied by Strombolian eruptions
at the upper end). Cinder cones are commonly constructed over the vents of
lower-flank lava flows. Lava flows extend to the foot of the volcano on all
sides and have reached the sea over a broad area on the SE flank.



Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)
http://www.ct.ingv.it/





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



KVERT reported that on 26 July a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible
in satellite images along with an ash plume drifting 60 km SE. 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





Kerinci  | Indonesia  | 1.697°S, 101.264°E  | Summit elev. 3800 m



PVMBG reported that at 1248 on 31 July a gray ash emission from Kerinci
rose around 800 m above the summit and drifted E and NE according to a
ground observer. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the
public was warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.



Geologic Summary. Gunung Kerinci in central Sumatra forms Indonesia's
highest volcano and is one of the most active in Sumatra. It is capped by
an unvegetated young summit cone that was constructed NE of an older crater
remnant. There is a deep 600-m-wide summit crater often partially filled by
a small crater lake that lies on the NE crater floor, opposite the SW-rim
summit. The massive 13 x 25 km wide volcano towers 2400-3300 m above
surrounding plains and is elongated in a N-S direction. Frequently active,
Kerinci has been the source of numerous moderate explosive eruptions since
its first recorded eruption in 1838.



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





Klyuchevskoy  | Central Kamchatka (Russia)  | 56.056°N, 160.642°E  | Summit
elev. 4754 m



KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was visible in
satellite images during 26, 29, and 31 July, and 1 August. An ash emission
was visible in webcam images on 1 August. The Aviation Color Code remained
at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).



Geologic Summary. Klyuchevskoy (also spelled Kliuchevskoi) is Kamchatka's
highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 6000 years ago, the
beautifully symmetrical, 4835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced
frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major
periods of inactivity. It rises above a saddle NE of sharp-peaked Kamen
volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank
eruptions have occurred during the past roughly 3000 years, with most
lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the
unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3600 m
elevation. The morphology of the 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 numerous major explosive and
effusive eruptions from flank craters.



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





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



PVMBG reported that Anak Krakatauâ??s seismic network recorded 10 eruptive
events during 29 July-4 August. The events were not followed by visible
emissions, though observations were hindered by weather conditions. The
Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to
remain outside of the 2-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/





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



PVMBG reported that during 29 July-4 August the lava-dome volume at Merapi
did not change and was an estimated 475,000 cubic meters, based on analyses
of drone images. Extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE-flank,
generating a total of four block-and-ash flows that traveled as far as 1 km
down the Gendol drainage on 31 July and 4 August. Diffuse white plumes rose
as high as 50 m above the summit on some days. The Alert Level remained at
2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to stay 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/





Nevados de Chillan  | Chile  | 36.868°S, 71.378°W  | Summit elev. 3180 m



On 6 August ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN reported that activity at Nevados de
Chillánâ??s Nicanor Crater increased in the previous few days, characterized
by an increase in the size and occurrence of explosions. Specifically,
there were 129 explosive events recorded since 3 August. Dense gas-and-ash
plumes rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim and ejected material
onto the flanks. Crater incandescence was visible at night. A lahar
traveled 1.5 km NNE. The Alert Level remained at Orange, the second highest
level on a four-color scale, and residents were reminded not to approach
the crater within 3 km. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle
level on a three-color scale) for the communities of Pinto, Coihueco, and
San Fabián.



Geologic Summary. The compound volcano of Nevados de Chillán is one of the
most active of the Central Andes. Three late-Pleistocene to Holocene
stratovolcanoes were constructed along a NNW-SSE line within three nested
Pleistocene calderas, which produced ignimbrite sheets extending more than
100 km into the Central Depression of Chile. The largest stratovolcano,
dominantly andesitic, Cerro Blanco (Volcán Nevado), is located at the NW
end of the group. Volcán Viejo (Volcán Chillán), which was the main active
vent during the 17th-19th centuries, occupies the SE end. The new Volcán
Nuevo lava-dome complex formed between 1906 and 1945 between the two
volcanoes and grew to exceed Volcán Viejo in elevation. The Volcán Arrau
dome complex was constructed SE of Volcán Nuevo between 1973 and 1986 and
eventually exceeded its height.



Sources: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI)
http://www.onemi.cl/;

Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)
http://www.sernageomin.cl/





Nyamuragira  | DR Congo  | 1.408°S, 29.2°E  | Summit elev. 3058 m



The Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma (OVG) reported that collapses of
Nyamuragiraâ??s inner crater walls observed in May 2019 continued during 1-31
July. Lava fountaining from a small cone was visible.



Geologic Summary. Africa's most active volcano, Nyamuragira, is a massive
high-potassium basaltic shield about 25 km N of Lake Kivu. Also known as
Nyamulagira, it has generated extensive lava flows that cover 1500 km2 of
the western branch of the East African Rift. The broad low-angle shield
volcano contrasts dramatically with the adjacent steep-sided Nyiragongo to
the SW. The summit is truncated by a small 2 x 2.3 km caldera that has
walls up to about 100 m high. Historical eruptions have occurred within the
summit caldera, as well as from the numerous fissures and cinder cones on
the flanks. A lava lake in the summit crater, active since at least 1921,
drained in 1938, at the time of a major flank eruption. Historical lava
flows extend down the flanks more than 30 km from the summit, reaching as
far as Lake Kivu.



Source: Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma (OVG)





Nyiragongo  | DR Congo  | 1.52°S, 29.25°E  | Summit elev. 3470 m



The Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma (OVG) reported that during 1-31
July the level Nyiragongoâ??s lava lake had dropped, making it not visible in
the daytime. Incandescence from the lake continued to be visible at night.
Activity also declined at a small eruptive cone that formed in the crater
in 2014.



Geologic Summary. One of Africa's most notable volcanoes, Nyiragongo
contained a lava lake in its deep summit crater that was active for half a
century before draining catastrophically through its outer flanks in 1977.
The steep slopes of a stratovolcano contrast to the low profile of its
neighboring shield volcano, Nyamuragira. Benches in the steep-walled,
1.2-km-wide summit crater mark levels of former lava lakes, which have been
observed since the late-19th century. Two older stratovolcanoes, Baruta and
Shaheru, are partially overlapped by Nyiragongo on the north and south.
About 100 parasitic cones are located primarily along radial fissures south
of Shaheru, east of the summit, and along a NE-SW zone extending as far as
Lake Kivu. Many cones are buried by voluminous lava flows that extend long
distances down the flanks, which is characterized by the eruption of
foiditic rocks. The extremely fluid 1977 lava flows caused many fatalities,
as did lava flows that inundated portions of the major city of Goma in
January 2002.



Source: Observatoire Volcanologique de Goma (OVG)





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



Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that an average of 13
low-to-medium intensity explosions per day occurred at Sabancaya during
22-28 July. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.3 km above the crater rim
and drifted NE, E, and SE. There were eight thermal anomalies identified in
satellite data. The report noted that the public should not approach the
crater within a 12-km radius. Single explosions on 1 and 5 August produced
an ash plume that drifted more than 30 km E and W, respectively.



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.



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





Sangeang Api  | Indonesia  | 8.2°S, 119.07°E  | Summit elev. 1949 m



The Darwin VAAC reported that during 31 July-3 August ash plumes from
Sangeang Api were identified in satellite images rising to 2.4-3 km
(8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting in multiple directions. The Alert
Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).



Geologic Summary. Sangeang Api volcano, one of the most active in the
Lesser Sunda Islands, forms a small 13-km-wide island off the NE coast of
Sumbawa Island. Two large trachybasaltic-to-tranchyandesitic volcanic
cones, 1949-m-high Doro Api and 1795-m-high Doro Mantoi, were constructed
in the center and on the eastern rim, respectively, of an older, largely
obscured caldera. Flank vents occur on the south side of Doro Mantoi and
near the northern coast. Intermittent historical eruptions have been
recorded since 1512, most of them during in the 20th century.



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





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



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

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

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 - https://www.iavceivolcano.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 - 5 Aug 2019 to 7 Aug 2019 (#2019-65)
***********************************************************



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

  Powered by Linux