Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

Fuego (Guatemala) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022 - NEW

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

In a series of special bulletins, INSIVUMEH summarized increased activity at Fuego during 6-8 March that culminated in multiple pyroclastic flows and evacuations. A new period of effusion had begun on 5 March, resulting in a 300-m-long lava flow in the Ceniza drainage on the SSW flank. Explosions were weak to moderate in intensity, incandescent pulses were visible, and avalanches descended the Ceniza valley. Staff at the Observatorio Vulcanol�gico del Volc�n de Fuego (OVFGO) in Panimach� I (8 km SW) noted that Strombolian activity intensified at around 1800 on 6 March. Incandescent material was ejected 200 m high and ash plumes rose along avalanches that traveled down the Ceniza and Trinidad (S) drainages. Rumbling sounds became more intense and frequent. By around 0930 on 7 March lava flows were 400 and 200 m long in the Ceniza and Santa Teresa (W) ravines, respectively. Incandescent material was ejected 100-200 m high and avalanches descended the Ceniza, Trinidad, and Santa Teresa. By the afternoon activity again significantly increased based on both seismic and acoustic data as well as reports from observers at OVFGO and Observatorio Vulcanol�gico del Volc�n de Agua (OVAGU). RSAM values increased just after 1200, peaking at a value just under 8,000, and notable pyroclastic flows were observed from OVFGO descending the Ceniza drainage at 1300. According to CONRED about 370 people were evacuated from Panimach� I and San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW). During the next hour larger, and more significant and frequent pyroclastic flows descended the Ceniza, sometimes spilling over the banks of the drainage. Ash fell in San Pedro Yepocapa and in other areas downwind. RSAM values decreased around 1400 but remained high. Pyroclastic flows continued to descend the drainage into the evening, and rumbling sounds, weak to moderate in intensity, were constantly audible. Weather clouds prevented clear views of the upper flanks. Ashfall was reported in Panimach� I and II, Morelia (9 km SW), Santa Sof�a (12 km SW), Yucales, El Porvenir 8 km ENE), and Sangr� de Cristo (8 km WSW). Between 1900-2200 RSAM values significantly increased and reached a peak value of around 14,000. Weather clouds cleared allowing for observations of the summit and upper flanks; pyroclastic flows continued to descend the Ceniza and avalanches and possible smaller pyroclastic flows traveled towards the Las Lajas drainage on the SE flank. A sulfur odor was reported in areas near the volcano and ash plumes drifted as far as 100 km NW and 40 km W and SW. Activity progressively declined during the morning of 8 March, with decreased effusion and eruption sounds; RSAM values declined by 0300 and remained low though 0735.

Sources: Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducci�n de Desastres (CONRED),Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)

Kirishimayama (Japan) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022 - NEW

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

JMA reported an increase in volcanic earthquakes just below Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group). A total of 17 events were recorded during 1-2 March, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 2 March. No changes were seen at the volcano during a field visit that same day. Volcanic earthquakes persisted, with 5-12 events per day recorded through 7 March. Emissions had risen no higher than 30 m above the crater rim since 1 January, and fumarolic plumes continued to rise no higher than 100 m from a fissure on the W flank. During a field survey conducted on 4 March at the base of the volcano, sulfur dioxide emissions were below the detectable limit and no changes to area hot springs were observed.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Langila (Papua New Guinea) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022 - NEW

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

The Darwin VAAC reported that on 6 March an ash plume from Langila rose 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. The plume had dissipated within an hour. On 8 March an ash plume rose to 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. Ash was no longer visible in satellite images within three hours.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Manam (Papua New Guinea) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022 - NEW

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

RVO reported that a small pyroclastic flow descending Manam?s flank was visually observed and recorded in webcam images at 0911 on 8 March. Minor ash emissions drifting NW were occasionally visible throughout the day. RSAM values sharply increased at 1900 coincident with escalating activity. An intense Strombolian phase at Southern Crater was observed during 1910-2030, characterized by loud roaring and rumbling heard on the mainland (22 km SW), bright summit incandescence, and ash emissions. The Alert Level was raised to Stage 3. The Darwin VAAC estimated that by 1950 the ash plume had risen as high as 15.2 km (50,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. The plume had detached from the summit by 2050 and dissipated by 0050 on 9 March. Following the more intense eruptive phase, activity at Southern Crater was quiet and only white vapor emissions were visible. Observatory staff conducted a field visit the next day and noted no reports of roof collapses nor casualties in areas to the NW; vegetation including food crops were covered with ash.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

Davidof (United States) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

According to AVO the earthquake swarm that began on 24 January in the vicinity at Davidof continued at least through 8 March with a few small earthquakes recorded each day by seismometers on Little Sitkin (15 km E). The earthquakes were shallow (less than 10 km deep) and the largest recorded during the last 7-10 days was a M 3.9. The swarm was either related to tectonic processes or volcanic unrest. The volcano is also monitored by satellite and remote infrasound and lightning networks. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Descabezado Grande (Chile) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

According to the Buenos Aires VAAC a diffuse cloud of resuspended ash from Descabezado Grande was visible in a satellite data on 8 March.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Great Sitkin (United States) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin likely continued during 2-8 March and very low seismicity persisted. Elevated surface temperatures were periodically identified in satellite images. A possible steam plume rising above the weather clouds was visible during 4-5 March. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Karymsky (Russia) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 25-28 February. The volcano was obscured by clouds on the other days during 1-4 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kilauea (United States) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

HVO reported that lava effusion at the vent of the main cone in the lower W wall of Kilauea?s Halema`uma`u Crater continued at variable rates during 2-8 March. After a brief pause effusion from the W vent resumed at about 0100 on 2 March and continued through 7 March. Lava from the vent traveled S and W, into the western active lava lake. Lava occasionally oozed out from the margins of the lake during 3-6 March, particularly along the E and N margins. A pause in effusion began in the evening of 7 March. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Merapi (Indonesia) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

BPPTKG reported no significant morphological changes at Merapi?s summit lava dome during 25 February-3 March but there had been collapses at the SW dome, located just below the SW rim. Seismicity remained at high levels. As many as 73 lava avalanches traveled a maximum of 2 km down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3-5 km away from the summit based on location.

Source: Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG)

Pavlof (United States) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

AVO reported that the eruption at Pavlof was ongoing during 2-8 March. Small explosions were detected on most days. Lava effusion likely continued from a vent just E of the summit, possibly sending lava flows a short distance down the NE flank, though weather clouds often obscured views. Elevated surface temperatures were often identified in satellite images. A high-resolution satellite image acquired during 5-6 March showed a developing spatter cone in the E crater, as well as no active lava flows nor widespread ash deposits on the flanks. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Popocatepetl (Mexico) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

During an overflight of Popocat�petl on 23 February, Instituto de Geof�sica de la Universidad Nacional Aut�noma de M�xico (UNAM) and CENAPRED scientists noted that the inner crater dimensions were similar to those recorded in November 2021. The inner crater was 390-410 m in diameter and 160-200 m deep; the crater floor was covered in tephra and the remains of recent lava domes. Each day during 1-8 March there were 9-50 steam-and-gas emissions with diffuse ash rising from the crater and drifting W and NE. An explosion was recorded at 0959 on 4 March. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (the middle level on a three-color scale).

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Santa Maria (Guatemala) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

INSIVUMEH reported that the eruption at Santa Mar�a?s Santiaguito lava-dome complex continued during 1-8 March. Incandescence from Caliente crater and the lava flows on the W and SW flanks was visible nightly. Avalanches generated by both lava effusion and collapsing material descended the W, SW, and S flanks, often reaching the base of the dome. Periodically the avalanches produced ash along their paths that fell on to the flanks or dissipated near the volcano.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)

Semeru (Indonesia) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 2-8 March, causing the observatory to issue several VONAs mostly for ash plumes. Ground observers noted an ash plume at 0540 on 3 March that rose vertically 4.2 km above the summit. At 2004 later that day a pyroclastic flow originating from the end of a lava flow descended the Kobokan drainage on the SE flank; an ash plume was not visible. Ash plumes at 0742 on 5 March, and at 0603 and 0734 on 6 March, rose 400-500 m above the summit and drifted N and NW. Ash plumes at 0534 and 0735 on 7 March rose 1 km and drifted SSE and NW, respectively. More ash plumes at 0541 and 0758 on 8 March rose 400 m and drifted SW and S. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 500 m away from Kobokan drainages within 17 km of the summit, along with other drainages originating on Semeru, including the Bang, Kembar, and Sat, due to lahar, avalanche, and pyroclastic flow hazards.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Semisopochnoi (United States) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi's North Cerberus cone continued during 1-8 March. Local seismic and infrasound instruments recorded daily small explosions. Weather clouds often prevented satellite and webcam views of the volcano, though explosions likely produced low ash clouds from the summit and they were visually confirmed during 4-8 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Sheveluch (Russia) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 25 February-4 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Suwanosejima (Japan) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

JMA reported that eruption plumes at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater rose as high as 2.4 km during 28 February-7 March and blocks were ejected as far as 800 m from the crater. Three explosions were recorded and crater incandescence was visible nightly. Ashfall was reported in areas as far as 5 km from the vent including in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 3 and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Wolf (Ecuador) - Report for 2 March-8 March 2022

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 02:30:07 -0400

IG reported that the eruption at Wolf continued during 1-8 March. Daily thermal alert counts, as many as 125, indicated active and advancing lava flows on the SSE flank.

Source: Instituto Geof�sico-Escuela Polit�cnica Nacional (IG)