Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report

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 and averaging 16 reported volcanoes, this is not a comprehensive list of all eruptions this week, but rather a summary of activity that meet criteria discussed in the "Criteria and Disclaimers" section below.

Volcanic activity reported here is preliminary and subject to change. Carefully reviewed, detailed narratives over longer time periods are published as reports of the Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network available through volcano profile pages.

Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for the week of 5 September-11 September 2007
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Chikurachki	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	—	New
Kerinci	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	New
Ol Doinyo Lengai	Tanzania	Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province	2017 Apr 9	New
Pavlof	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	New
Arenal	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Cleveland	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Karymsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	2024 Jun 20	Continuing
Kilauea	United States	Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	2024 Sep 15	Continuing
Pacaya	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Poas	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Rabaul	Papua New Guinea	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Sangay	Ecuador	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	2019 Mar 26	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Soufriere Hills	United Kingdom	Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
St. Helens	United States	High Cascades Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Tungurahua	Ecuador	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Turrialba	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Ubinas	Peru	Central Andean Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Chikurachki (Russia) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Chikurachki
Kuril Volcanic Arc

Based on ground and aerial observations, KVERT reported that explosions from Chikurachki produced ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 3.2 km (9,800 ft) a.s.l. during 31 August-7 September. Ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting NE on 31 August and 1 September, and S and SE on 3 September. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kerinci (Indonesia) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Kerinci
Sunda Volcanic Arc

CVGHM reported that the Alert Status of Kerinci was raised on 9 September from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

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

Ol Doinyo Lengai (Tanzania) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ol Doinyo Lengai
Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province

An eruption of Ol Doinyo Lengai on 4 September produced an ash plume that was reported by a pilot and visible on satellite imagery. Ashfall lasted about 12 hours in the village of Engare Sero, about 18 km N. Dark areas on the NW, W, and E flanks that were noticeable on satellite imagery from 4 September were possibly due to recent lava flows and burned vegetation or both. An ash plume was also visible, drifting SSW.

Multiple thermal anomalies at and around the summit were present on satellite imagery since 21 August 2007, and on the flanks on 31 August and 1 September.

Sources: Frank Moeckel, Matthieu Kervyn, Mercator and Ortelius Research Center for Eruption Dynamics, Ghent University, Ol Doinyo Lengai (Fred Belton), Greg Vaughan, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, The Guardian News, Thomas M. Holden, Nature Discovery

Pavlof (United States) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Pavlof
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

Seismic activity at Pavlof fluctuated, but generally remained elevated during 5-11 September. Seismicity was characterized by volcanic tremor, and signals interpreted as frequent explosions and debris flows. During the reporting period, satellite imagery revealed strong thermal anomalies at the summit. On 8 September, a possible steam plume was visible on satellite imagery and a pilot reported that a steam-and-ash plume drifted from the summit. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Arenal (Costa Rica) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Arenal
Central America Volcanic Arc

In August, activity originating from Arenal's Crater C consisted of gas emissions, sporadic Strombolian eruptions, lava flows traveling down the SW and S flanks, and occasional avalanches from lava-flow fronts. Volcanic activity was at relatively low levels and few eruptions occurred. Blocks from the lava-flow fronts periodically reached vegetation and started small fires. Acid rain and small amounts of ejected pyroclastic material affected the NE and SE flanks. Eruptions produced ash plumes that rose about 2.2 km (7,100 ft) a.s.l. Pyroclastic cones on the NE and SW flanks continued to grow. Small avalanches of volcanic material traveled down several ravines. Crater D showed only fumarolic activity.

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

Cleveland (United States) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Cleveland
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO lowered the Volcanic Alert Level for Cleveland from Watch to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code from Orange to Yellow on 6 September. AVO noted that since late July, ash and gas plumes were absent in satellite imagery and no reports of activity were received. Clouds obscured satellite and web camera views during 5-11 September.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Karymsky (Russia) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karymsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

Seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 31 August-7 September. Based on seismic interpretation, ash plumes may have risen to altitudes of 5.5-6 km (18,000-19,700 ft) a.s.l. Observations of satellite imagery revealed that a thermal anomaly was present in the crater during the reporting period. Ash plumes were also present and drifted NE on 31 August, and SE and NW during 1-3 September. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on information from KEMSD, pilot reports, and observations in the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Flight Information Region (FIR), the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 3-7.3 km (10,000-24,000 ft) a.s.l. during 5-10 September. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery.

Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Kilauea (United States) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

HVO reported that during 5-11 September fissure segment D from Kilauea's 21 July fissure eruption continued to feed an advancing 'a'a lava flow that frequently overflowed its channel edges. Several of the lava flows that branched from the main channel continued to advance. A section of the lava flow's channel collapsed during 6-7 September, and several new lava flows branched away and advanced less than 1 km. On 8 September, the level of the lava in the channel was about 3-8 m below the previous level before the channel was breached. On 9 September, the channel was again full and overflowing. On 11 September, a breakout occurred at the fissure vent of segment D, sending a small lava flow to the S. A few small earthquakes were located beneath Halema'uma'u crater, the S flank, and the SW rift zone during the reporting period.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Pacaya (Guatemala) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Pacaya
Central America Volcanic Arc

On 7 September, INSIVUMEH reported that lava flows on the W flank of Pacaya's MacKenney cone were about 150 m in length. During the week prior, fumaroles in the crater produced white and blue plumes that drifted S and SW. Incandescence was observed from the summit.

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

Poas (Costa Rica) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Poas
Central America Volcanic Arc

OVSICORI-UNA reported that during August, Laguna Caliente, a summit lake of Poás, was greenish-gray in color, exhibited convection cells in the lake's center, and contained dark gray floating particles. Subaqueous fumaroles at the center of the lake released gases that spread and covered the entire surface of the lake. The level of the lake had dropped 59 cm with respect to its level in July, and it had a temperature of 58 degrees Celsius. Fumarolic activity from a pyroclastic cone produced gas plumes that rose 400 m above the floor of the crater. Points of gas discharge were noted from the N and NW crater walls, the terrace, and the NE edge of the crater. Fumaroles in contact with the lake and the NE wall produced sulfur particles that floated in the lake. Emissions from the SE and NE crater walls were very low in volume.

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

Rabaul (Papua New Guinea) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Rabaul
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

RVO reported that ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to an altitude less than 1 km (3,300 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W on 3 September. Ashfall was reported from areas downwind. During 4-10 September, white vapor plumes rose to altitudes less than 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WNW. On 8 and 9 September, the smell of hydrogen-sulfide gas coincided with a blue tinge in the vapor plumes. During the reporting period, emissions were accompanied by roaring noises and observers saw incandescence at the summit.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

Sangay (Ecuador) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sangay
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

The Washington VAAC reported that ash plumes from Sangay were observed by pilots during 8-9 September. Ash was not detected on satellite imagery.

Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Sheveluch (Russia) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was above background levels during 31 August-7 September. Based on seismic interpretation during this interval, avalanches and ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 5.7 km (18,700 ft) a.s.l. Visual observation and video data indicated that ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. on 1 September and drifted SE. Gas-and-steam plumes were noted on the other days. Observations of satellite imagery revealed a thermal anomaly present in the crater during the reporting period. 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 an altitude of 4.9 km (16,000 ft) a.s.l. on 9 September. Ash was not identified on satellite imagery.

Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Soufriere Hills (United Kingdom) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Soufriere Hills
Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc

MVO reported that during 3-11 September 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) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

St. Helens
High Cascades Volcanic Arc

Data from deformation-monitoring instruments indicated that during 5-11 September lava-dome growth at Mount St. Helens continued. Seismicity persisted at low levels, punctuated by M 1.5-2.5, and occasionally larger, earthquakes.

Source: US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO)

Tungurahua (Ecuador) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Tungurahua
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

IG reported that ash plumes from Tungurahua rose to altitudes of 5.3-8 km (17,400-26,200 ft) a.s.l. during 5-6 and 9-10 September. A few explosions occurred on 7 September, in one case associated with incandescent blocks rolling down the flanks. On 8 September, a steam plume rose to an altitude of 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. During 9-10 September, incandescent blocks rolled about 100 m down the flanks. On 10 September, ashfall was reported in areas to the SW.

Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Turrialba (Costa Rica) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Turrialba
Central America Volcanic Arc

OVSICORI-UNA reported that fumarolic activity and gas discharge in and to the W of Turrialba's central crater continued throughout August. New points of gas discharge, small landslides, and accelerated vegetation die-off were noted from various locations within and around the crater. Fumaroles were active in almost all directions in the central crater; many exhibited sulfur deposits and those in the S, SE, and SW reached a temperature of 91 degrees C. Fumaroles at the bottom of the W crater reached 176 degrees C on 16 August. Small sulfur flows from a few of the fumaroles descended about 2 m from the emission point. Steam plumes from fumaroles on the W wall rose to an altitude of 3.8 km (12,500 ft) a.s.l.

New fumaroles appeared on the SW flank and N and NW of the central crater. Some of the fumaroles corresponded to two widening cracks, to the SW and NW of the W crater. Vegetation affected from gas and steam discharge and sulfur deposits were noted. People living on the N flank and from areas to the NW and W reported constant gas emissions from cracks in an area of about 20 by 50 meters, NW of the W crater.

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

Ubinas (Peru) | 5 September-11 September 2007 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ubinas
Central Andean Volcanic Arc

Based on observations of satellite imagery and a pilot report, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that an eruption plume from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 5.5-7.6 km (18,000-25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE on 11 September.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

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Criteria & Disclaimers

Criteria

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.

Disclaimers

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.

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