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 9 January-15 January 2008
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Llaima	Chile	Southern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	New
Nevado del Huila	Colombia	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	New
Popocatepetl	Mexico	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	2005 Jan 9	New
Tungurahua	Ecuador	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	New
Arenal	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Fuego	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	2002 Jan 4	Continuing
Galeras	Colombia	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Gorely	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Kilauea	United States	Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	2024 Sep 15	Continuing
Mutnovsky	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Pacaya	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Papandayan	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Rabaul	Papua New Guinea	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Santa Maria	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	1922 Jun 22	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
Turrialba	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Llaima (Chile) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Llaima
Southern Andean Volcanic Arc

SERNAGEOMIN reported that seismicity from Llaima decreased in energy, but the number of events increased during 10-14 January. Based on seismic interpretation, weak explosions produced plumes of gas and ash. On 11 January, lava flows on the W flank that were observed during an overflight were cooled and snow-covered near the crater but snow-free, and therefore still hot, about 500 m further down on the flank. Blocks of incandescent material rolled about 1.5 km and caused steam emissions at several points where they contacted the glacier. Ash plumes drifted NE. Abundant cracks in glaciers to the SW of the crater were noted. Based on observations of satellite imagery and pilot reports, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to an altitude of 5.5-6.7 km (18,000-22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and SW on 11 and 13 January, respectively.

Sources: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN), Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Nevado del Huila (Colombia) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Nevado del Huila
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

Based on seismic interpretation, INGEOMINAS reported ash emissions from Nevado del Huila on 2, 7, and 12 January.

Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)

Popocatepetl (Mexico) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Popocatepetl
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 9-14 January. The plumes occasionally contained slight amounts of ash during 9-12 January. On 14 January, high-frequency seismic tremor was followed by an explosion that produced ash emissions and propelled fragments from the crater.

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Tungurahua (Ecuador) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Tungurahua
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

IG released a special report on 9 January noting that increased seismic activity at Tungurahua was comparable to that of the few days prior to the eruption of 14 July, 2006.

IG reported that although visual observations were occasionally limited due to cloud cover, ash-and-steam and ash plumes were observed and rose to altitudes of 6-9 km (19,700-29,500 ft) a.s.l. during 9-15 January. Ashfall was reported almost daily in areas to the NE, N, NW, W, and SW. Roaring noises and "cannon shots" were heard daily and windows and floors vibrated on 9, 10, 12, and 15 January, as far away as the Tungurahua Observatory (OVT) in Guadalupe, about 13 km NW. Incandescence at the summit was observed and incandescent blocks rolled 0.5-1 km down the flanks. On 11 January, Strombolian activity at the summit crater was observed and blocks rolled 600 m down the flank.

According to news articles, residents from two provinces continued to evacuate at night and about 20,000 health masks were distributed to residents from Baños and Quero.

Sources: Pan American Health Organization, Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)

Arenal (Costa Rica) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Arenal
Central America Volcanic Arc

In December, activity originating from Arenal's Crater C consisted of gas emissions, sporadic Strombolian eruptions, and occasional avalanches from lava-flow fronts that traveled down the SW flank. Volcanic activity was at relatively low levels and few eruptions occurred. 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. 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)

Fuego (Guatemala) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Fuego
Central America Volcanic Arc

INSIVUMEH reported on 11 January that weak explosions from Fuego produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.1-4.3 km (13,500-14,100 ft) a.s.l. CONRED reiterated that the Alert Level remained at Yellow.

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

Galeras (Colombia) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Galeras
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

INGEOMINAS reported that steam-and-gas plumes from Galeras rose to an altitude of 6.3 km (20,700 ft) a.s.l. on 12 January. The emissions occasionally contained ash and were associated with episodes of spasmodic volcanic tremor.

Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)

Gorely (Russia) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Gorely
Kuril Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported on 11 January that seismic activity in the area of Gorely and Mutnovsky volcanoes was slightly elevated above background levels during the previous three weeks, but increasing activity was not confirmed. There is only one seismic station in the area of the two volcanoes so the source of the seismicity cannot be determined. Activity was not observed on satellite imagery. The level of Concern Color Code was lowered to Green.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kilauea (United States) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

Based on overflights and web camera views when weather permitted, HVO reported that during 2-8 January activity from Kilauea's fissure segment D was concentrated at the Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) shield and satellitic shields to the SE. Lava flows were noted from the tops and flanks of the shields and traveled S and E. On 8 January, the SE-most shield breached on the SE flank and issued a vigorous and channelized 'a'a lava flow. The 'a'a flow advanced SE during 8-10 January and stalled approximately 480-650 m from the upper reaches of the Royal Gardens subdivision on 10 January. On 13 January, one of four narrow and secondary lava flows initiated from the 8 January 'a'a flow, advancing along the E margin to 180 m N of the subdivision.

According to a news article, most of the upper portion of the Royal Gardens subdivision was abandoned after lava flows cut the highway that provided access to the subdivision during Kilauea's ongoing 25-year eruption. County officials later cleared a path through the cooled lava for a few remaining residents.

Sources: The Honolulu Advertiser, US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Mutnovsky (Russia) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Mutnovsky
Kuril Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported on 11 January that seismic activity in the area of Mutnovsky and Gorely volcanoes was slightly elevated above background levels during the previous three weeks, but increasing activity was not confirmed. There is only one seismic station in the area of the two volcanoes so the source of the seismicity cannot be determined. Activity was not observed on satellite imagery. The level of Concern Color Code was lowered to Green.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Pacaya (Guatemala) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Pacaya
Central America Volcanic Arc

INSIVUMEH reported on 11 January that continuous effusion of lava on Pacaya's W flank resulted in a 150-200 m-long lava flow. Fumaroles produced white and blue plumes that drifted S, and incandescence at night was observed from the summit. CONRED reiterated that the Alert Level remained at Yellow.

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

Papandayan (Indonesia) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Papandayan
Sunda Volcanic Arc

On 7 January, CVGHM lowered the Alert Level at Papandayan from 2 to 1 (on a scale of 1-4) due to a decrease in activity over approximately four months. Seismic events decreased in number after 2 August 2007, and earthquake tremor was not recorded since 14 November 2007. Data from deformation-monitoring instruments indicated deflation. White fumarolic plumes rose to an altitude of 2.9 km (9,500 ft) a.s.l.

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

Rabaul (Papua New Guinea) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Rabaul
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

RVO reported that intermittent ash and vapor plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone were observed during 8-15 January. On 11 January, a small explosion produced an ash plume that rose to altitudes of 1.2-1.5 km (3,900-4,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. During 11-15 January, ash and vapor plumes rose to altitudes of 0.9-1.2 km (3,000-3,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, E, NE, N, and W. Slight ashfall was reported about 20 km SE in Tokua on 11 and 12 January. Data from deformation-monitoring instruments indicated no deformation. Incandescence from the lava dome on the crater floor was occasionally visible at night.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

Santa Maria (Guatemala) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Santa Maria
Central America Volcanic Arc

INSIVUMEH reported on 11 January that constant avalanches on the W and SW flanks of Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex were noted. Explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.1-4.5 km (13,500-14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.

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

Sheveluch (Russia) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was above background levels during 4-11 January. Based on seismic interpretation, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 6.3 km (20,700 ft) a.s.l. during 3-4, 6, and 9 January. Strong fumarolic activity was noted during 7-9 January. Based on observations of satellite imagery, a gas-and-steam plume drifted NW on 3 January and a thermal anomaly was present in the crater every day during the reporting period. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on information from the KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that eruption plumes rose to altitudes of 4.9 and 4.6 km (16,000 and 15,000 ft) a.s.l. on 10 and 16 January, respectively.

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

Soufriere Hills (United Kingdom) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Soufriere Hills
Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc

MVO reported that fumarolic activity on the N and E flanks of the Soufrière Hills lava dome continued during 28 December-15 January. Active fumaroles were also noted in the Galway's area to the S of the dome and W in the Gages Wall area. Occasional rockfalls occurred; one produced a small ash plume on 7 January. Observations during an overflight on 9 January confirmed that the lava dome morphology had not changed since 3 January. The Alert Level remained elevated at 4 (on a scale of 0-5).

Based on pilot reports, information from MVO, and observations of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that a steam-and-gas plume with light ash content drifted S and SW on 10 January.

Sources: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)

St. Helens (United States) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

St. Helens
High Cascades Volcanic Arc

Data from deformation-monitoring instruments indicated that during 9-15 January lava-dome growth at Mount St. Helens continued. Seismicity persisted at low levels, punctuated by M 1.5-2.5, and occasionally larger, earthquakes. Clouds occasionally inhibited visual observations.

Source: US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory (CVO)

Turrialba (Costa Rica) | 9 January-15 January 2008 | 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 December. Some fumaroles were 278 degrees C and exhibited sulfur sublimate deposition. Fumarolic plumes were visible from many kilometers away. Gases were emitted from cracks on the S external wall and burned vegetation was noted. Vegetation on the internal walls to the SW and towards the E was withered.

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

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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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