All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Chikurachki (Russia) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Chikurachki Kuril Volcanic Arc	Based on observations of satellite imagery, an ash plume from Chikurachki drifted about 120 km to the SE on 19 August. KVERT raised the Level of Concern Color Code from Green to Orange. The Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 4.3-5.2 km (14,000-17,000 ft) a.s.l. during 20-21 August, based on observations of satellite imagery and information from KVERT. Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Karangetang (Indonesia) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Karangetang Sangihe Volcanic Arc	The Alert Status of Karangetang was raised on 18 August from 3 to 4 (on a scale of 1-4) due to increased eruptive activity, based on visual observation and increased seismicity. According to news articles, lava flowed about 1 km down the S slope and "booming" noises were heard. Thick ashfall covered villages, farms, and trees on the slopes. Sources: The Jakarta Post, Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Kilauea (United States) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Kilauea Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	HVO reported that fissure segment D from Kilauea's 21 July fissure eruption continued to feed an advancing 'a'a lava flow during 15-21 August. Aerial observations on 17 August revealed that the first 'a'a flow had advanced 24 m since 13 August but was inactive. The second 'a'a channel had advanced 2.3 km along the N side of the first flow. Smoke from burning vegetation was visible near the flow front. On 18 August, a new and widening crack was seen on the rim of Pu'u 'O'o crater. A few small earthquakes were located beneath the summit, Halema'uma'u crater, and the S flank. On 14 August, approximately 17.8 hectares (44 acres) of the East Lae'apuki bench collapsed, possibly due to a M 5.4 earthquake, high surf from hurricane Flossie, or a combination of both. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)
Manda Hararo (Ethiopia) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Manda Hararo Afar Rift Volcanic Province	A large sulfur dioxide plume and several thermal anomalies from Manda Hararo were detected in satellite imagery on 13 August. On 16 August, a field team conducted aerial and ground observations of a locality known as Karbahi, a graben area with numerous active faults, fissures, and basalt flows, NW of the center of Manda Hararo. Observations revealed active volcanism, including isolated areas of intense gas emission and visible sulfur deposits. Basaltic lava flowed from long fissures, predominantly to the W of the graben floor. Each fissure was covered by a continuous row of small and closely spaced spatter and scoria cones 2-10 m high. Spatter and scoria deposits ranged in size from coarse lapilli to bombs. Incandescence and occasionally small flames were emitted from the tops of some of the cones. Observed 'a'a and pahoehoe flows traveled a few hundred meters from the vents. The overall thickness of the flows varied but reached several meters in places. Lava channels and lava tubes were abundant. Fault scarps with fresh breaks and rockfalls were noted. The area affected by tectonic and volcanic activity was an estimated 5-7 km long and 1 km wide. According to eye-witness accounts, a cracking sound was heard and a tremor was felt on 12 August. On 13 August, "fire" was seen that lit up a large area. "Fire and smoke" continued with variable intensity until 16 August. No damage to life or property was reported. Sources: Gezahegn Yirgu, Atalay Ayele, Shimeles Fisseha, Tadiwos Chernet and Ato Kifle Damtew, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, Simon Carn
Pavlof (United States) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Pavlof Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	AVO raised the Volcanic Alert Level to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow for Pavlof on 14 August due to an abrupt increase in seismicity. During 14-15 August, a strong thermal anomaly was detected in the crater and prompted AVO to again raise the Volcanic Alert Level/ Aviation Color Code, to Watch/Orange. According to eye witnesses aboard a ship on 15 August, incandescent blocks rolled down the ESE flank and lava-fountaining occurred on the SE flank. The presence of lava was confirmed using satellite imagery. Pilots reported that the flanks were covered with ash and that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.6 km (8,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. On 16 August, residents of Cold Bay, about 60 km SW, and of Sand Point, about 97 km ESE, saw incandescence at the summit. A strong thermal anomaly was present at the summit on satellite imagery. Seismicity increased in intensity and possibly indicated a lahar on the SE flank. During 17-20 August, seismicity continued at high levels. Explosions were recorded and seismic signals possibly indicated flow events such as lahars. A strong thermal anomaly continued to be present at the summit. Aerial and ground observations revealed a vigorous eruption of lava during 18-20 August. Members of an AVO field party saw a lahar on the SE flank on 20 August. Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Cleveland (United States) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Cleveland Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	Clouds obscured satellite and web camera views of Cleveland volcano during 15-20 August. A clear view of the crater on 20 August revealed a thermal anomaly at the summit. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch. Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
Fuego (Guatemala) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Fuego Central America Volcanic Arc	Based on a Guatemala City surface report, the Washington VAAC reported activity at Fuego. A hotspot was visible on satellite imagery. Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Karymsky (Russia) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Karymsky Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	Seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 10-17 August, with 350-600 shallow earthquakes occurring daily. Based on seismic interpretation, ash plumes may have risen to an altitude of 3 km (9,800 ft) a.s.l. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Klyuchevskoy (Russia) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Klyuchevskoy Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	On 17 August, KVERT reported that seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi was at background levels during the past five weeks, and ash plumes had not been noted for the last four weeks. Satellite imagery showed a thermal anomaly on 11 August. The Level of Concern Color Code was lowered from Yellow to Green. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Manam (Papua New Guinea) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Manam Bismarck Volcanic Arc	Based on satellite image observations and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that an eruption plume from Manam rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 10 August and drifted W. On 21 August, an ash plume again rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. as indicated by observations of satellite imagery. The plume drifted SW. Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Rabaul (Papua New Guinea) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Rabaul Bismarck Volcanic Arc	RVO reported that ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to an altitude of 1.1 km (3,600 ft) a.s.l. on 15 August and drifted NNW. The ash emissions were accompanied by roaring noises. Ashfall was reported in Rabaul Town and surrounding areas. White vapor plumes noted during 14-20 August were occasionally accompanied by blue vapor plumes. Vapor plumes rose to an altitude of 1.7 km (5,600 ft) a.s.l. on 20 August and drifted WNW. Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)
Sangay (Ecuador) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Sangay Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	Based on pilot observations, the Washington VAAC reported that an ash plume from Sangay drifted SSE on 19 August. Observations using satellite imagery were inhibited due to cloud cover. Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Sheveluch (Russia) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Sheveluch Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was slightly above background levels during 10-17 August. Based on seismic interpretation, avalanches and ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 10 km (32,800 ft) a.s.l. occurred during the reporting period. Growth of the E part of the lava dome, summit incandescence, and incandescent avalanches were visible from the town of Klyuchi, about 50 km SW, during 11-12 August. A diffuse ash plume was visible on satellite imagery drifting SE on 11 August. On 14 August, two avalanches were accompanied by ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. Observations of satellite imagery revealed that a thermal anomaly was present in the crater during 10-17 August. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Based on information reported from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption plume rose to 5.2 km (17,000 ft) a.s.l. on 21 August. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery. Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Soufriere Hills (United Kingdom) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Soufriere Hills Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc	MVO reported that during 13-21 August the lava dome at Soufrière Hills changed very little, based on visual observations. Seismic activity was very low and low-level rockfall activity continued. The Alert Level remained elevated at 4 (on a scale of 0-5). Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)
St. Helens (United States) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
St. Helens High Cascades Volcanic Arc	Data from deformation-monitoring instruments indicated that during 15-21 August lava-dome growth at Mount St. Helens continued. Seismicity persisted at low levels, punctuated by M 1.5-2.5, and occasionally larger, earthquakes. In some instances, clouds inhibited visual observations. Source: US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO)
Tungurahua (Ecuador) | 15 August-21 August 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Tungurahua Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	Based on seismic interpretation, IG reported explosions and ash emissions from Tungurahua during 15-21 August. During 17-18 August, roaring and "cannon shot" noises were reported and ashfall occurred in areas to the W and SW. On 19 August, "cannon shot" noises were again reported and a gas-and-ash plume rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. Explosions on 20 and 21 August rattled windows at the Tungurahua Observatory (OVT) in Guadalupe, 11 km N, and in houses in areas to the W. Ashfall was reported in areas to the SW on 21 August. Inclement weather inhibited visual observations on other days. Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Weekly Reports Archive

Since the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report began in November 2000, there have been 20,627 individual reports over 1,243 weeks (average of 17 per week) on 338 different volcanoes.

Use the dropdowns to choose the year and week for archived Weekly Reports.

 News Feeds and Google Placemarks

 Criteria & Disclaimers

The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report does not necessarily include all volcanic activity that occurred on Earth during the week. More than a dozen volcanoes globally have displayed more-or-less continuous eruptive activity for decades or longer, and such routine activity is typically not reported here. Moreover, Earth's sea-floor volcanism is seldom reported even though in theory it represents the single most prolific source of erupted material. The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report summarizes volcanic activity that meets one or more of the following criteria:

- A volcano observatory raises or lowers the alert level at the volcano.
- A volcanic ash advisory has been released by a volcanic ash advisory center (VAAC) stating that an ash cloud has been produced from the volcano.
- A verifiable news report of new activity or a change in activity at the volcano has been issued.
- Observers have reported a significant change in volcanic activity. Such activity can include, but is not restricted to, pyroclastic flows, lahars, lava flows, dome collapse, or increased unrest.

Volcanoes are included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section of the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report if the activity occurs after at least 3 months of quiescence. Once a volcano is included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section, updates will remain in that section unless the activity continues for more than 1 month without escalating, after which time updates will be listed in the "Continuing Activity" section. Volcanoes are also included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section if the volcano is undergoing a period of relatively high unrest, or increasing unrest. This is commonly equal to Alert Level Orange on a scale of Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, where Red is the highest alert. Or alert level 3 on a scale of 1-4 or 1-5.

It is important to note that volcanic activity meeting one or more of these criteria may occur during the week, but may not be included in the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report because we did not receive a report.

1. The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is intended to provide timely information about global volcanism on a weekly basis. Consequently, the report is generated rapidly by summarizing volcanic reports from various sources, with little time for fact checking. The accuracy of the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is dependent upon the quality of the volcanic activity reports we receive. Reports published in the Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network are cover longer time periods and are more carefully reviewed, although all of the volcanoes discussed in the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report are not necessarily reported in the Bulletin. Because of our emphasis on rapid reporting on the web we have avoided diacritical marks. Reports are updated on the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report web page as they are received, therefore information may be included regarding events that occurred before the current report period.

2. Rapidly developing events lead to coverage that is often fragmentary. Volcanoes, their eruptions, and their plumes and associated atmospheric effects are complex phenomena that may require months to years of data analysis in order to create a comprehensive summary and interpretation of events.

3. Preliminary accounts sometimes contain exaggerations and "false alarms," and accordingly, this report may include some events ultimately found to be erroneous or misleading.

4. 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.

5. USGS Disclaimer Statement for this Website:

Information presented on this website is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. We strongly recommend that USGS data be acquired directly from a USGS server and not through other sources that may change the data in some way. While USGS makes every effort to provide accurate and complete information, various data such as names, telephone numbers, etc. may change prior to updating. USGS welcomes suggestions on how to improve our home page and correct errors. USGS provides no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of furnished data.

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For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, this government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this website are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act. Information may also be used for authorized law enforcement investigations. (Last modified September 21, 1999.)

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA
URL: https://volcano.si.edu/reports_weekly.cfm

 Acronyms and Abbreviations

a.s.l. - above sea level

AVO - Alaska Volcano Observatory

AVHRR - Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer

CENAPRED - Centro Nacionale de Prevencion de Desastres (México)

CONRED - Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres

COSPEC - Correlation Spectrometer

CVGHM (formerly VSI) - Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation

CVO - Cascades Volcano Observatory (USGS)

GMS - Geostationary Meteorological Satellite

GOES - Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite

GVO - Goma Volcano Observatory

GVP - Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution)

HVO - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS)

ICE - Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (Costa Rica)

IG - Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador)

IGNS - Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (New Zealand) - now GNS Science

INETER - Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales (Nicaragua)

INGEMMET - Instituto Geológical Minero y Metalúrgico (Peru)

INGEOMINAS - Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (Colombia)

INGV-CT - Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia - Sezione di Catania (Italy)

INSIVUMEH - Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia e Hidrologia (Guatemala)

IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (France)

JMA - Japanese Meteorological Agency

KEMSD - Kamchatkan Experimental and Methodical Seismilogical Department

KVERT - Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team

M - magnitude

METEOSAT - Meteorological Satellite

MEVO - Mount Erebus Volcano Observatory

MODIS - Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer

MVO - Montserrat Volcano Observatory

MWO - Meteorological Watch Office

NEIC - National Earthquake Information Center

NIED - National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (Japan)

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOTAM - Notice to Airmen

OVDAS - Observatorio Volcanologico de los Andes del Sur (Chile)

OFDA - Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance

ONEMI - Oficina Nacional de Emergencia - Ministerio del Interior (Chile)

OVPDLF - Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (France)

OVSICORI-UNA - Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica)

PHIVOLCS - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philippines)

RSAM - Real-time Seismic Amplitude Measurement

RVO - Rabaul Volcano Observatory

SERNAGEOMIN - Servicio Nacional de Geologia y Mineria (Chile)

SIGMET - Significant Meteorological Information

SNET - Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (El Salvador)

SVERT - Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (Russia)

USAID - US Agency for International Development

USGS - United States Geological Survey

UTC - Coordinated Universal Time

VAAC - Volcanic Ash Advisory Center

VAFTAD - Volcanic Ash Forecast Transport And Dispersion

VDAP - Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (USGS)

VHP - Volcano Hazards Program (USGS)

VRC - Volcano Research Center (Japan)