All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Aira (Japan) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Aira Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions from Sakura-jima during 28 February-1 March. On 1 March, plumes rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. JMA raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-5). During 1-2 March, three Vulcanian explosions occurred from Showa Crater, ejecting bombs that landed as far away as 1.3 km on 2 March. Deformation was also detected. The Tokyo VAAC reported that eruptions or explosions produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.7-3 km (9,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 2 and 4 March, and an explosion occurred on 3 March. Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Chaiten (Chile) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Chaiten Southern Andean Volcanic Arc	On 24 February, SERNAGEOMIN reported that an overflight of Chaitén's Domo Nuevo 1 and Domo Nuevo 2 lava-dome complex revealed that a large amount of material from the 19 February partial dome collapse had accumulated in the basal ring depression surrounding the dome complex and throughout the Chaitén (Blanco) River valley. Most of the collapsed material originated from Domo Nuevo 1. Steam plumes with little ash content rose from the N part of Domo Nuevo 2 and steam and brown ash plumes were emitted from a central spine complex. Steam plumes and sporadic explosions were noted from the S part of Domo Nuevo 1; producing four plumes that mixed and rose 1.5 km above the complex. Small collapses, originating from unstable slopes of the SE part of Domo Nuevo 1, generated block-and-ash flows. On 26 February, observers in Chaitén town (10 km SW) reported that plumes rose 2 km above the complex. During 26-27 February, small collapses caused the plume to occasionally enlarge and turn brown. On 27 February, an overflight revealed that the S part of Domo Nuevo 1 continued to grow. Numerous fan-shaped deposits from collapses were seen on the S slope. Based on web camera views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 27 February, and 2-3 March plumes rose to altitudes of 2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted E on 27 February and SE on 3 March. Sources: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)
Koryaksky (Russia) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Koryaksky Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	KVERT reported that during 25 February-4 March seismic activity at Koryaksky was at background levels. Observers reported that during 3-4 March gas plumes containing a small amount of ash rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 200 km ENE. Ash deposits were seen at the summit. Ash deposits 1-2 mm thick accumulated in an area between Koryaksky and Avachinsky volcanoes. The Level of Concern Color Code was raised to Orange. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Okmok (United States) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report
Okmok Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	On 2 March, AVO raised the Volcano Alert Level for Okmok to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow because of increased seismicity. Short bursts of volcanic tremor at an average rate of one per hour had been detected during the previous 24 hours, an increase above the typical background level. The events were the first sign of significant seismic activity at the volcano since the cessation of the last eruption in August 2008. Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Colima (Mexico) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Colima Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	During 25 February-3 March, white and gray plumes from Colima rose to altitudes of 3.9-4.5 km (12,800-14,800 ft) a.s.l. Source: Gobierno del Estado de Colima
Galeras (Colombia) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Galeras Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	INGEOMINAS reported that on several occasions during 25 February-2 March white gas plumes from Galeras with variable ash content rose to a peak altitude of 5.4 km (17,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NNW. On 3 March, the Alert Level was lowered from II (Orange; "probable eruption in term of days or weeks") to III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity"). Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)
Karymsky (Russia) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Karymsky Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was at background levels during 21-28 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,100 ft) a.s.l. On 24 February, pilots reported a dark plume near the volcano that rose to altitudes of 2.1 km (6,900 ft) a.s.l. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a thermal anomaly on the lava dome during 21 and 24-25 February, and an ash plume that drifted 150 km NE on 21 February. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Based on information from KEMSD and analysis of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that eruptions on 28 and 29 February produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 3-3.4 km (10,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. On 3 March, an ash plume reported by the Yelizovo Airport (UHPP) rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. Sources: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Kilauea (United States) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Kilauea Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	HVO reported that during 25 February-3 March lava flowed SE from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex through a lava tube system, reaching the Waikupanaha ocean entry and occasionally producing explosions. A sizable collapse of the Waikupanaha bench was seen by a visitor on 28 February. Thermal anomalies noted during most days on the coastal plain suggested surface flows. The vent in Halema'uma'u crater continued to produce a predominantly white plume that drifted mainly SW; incandescence was intermittently seen from the vent. Small amounts of ejected tephra, including Pele's hair, were routinely collected. On 26 February, geologists utilizing an infrared camera saw two spattering and episodically degassing vents about 100 m below the vent rim. The sulfur dioxide emission rate at the summit was 1,100 tonnes per day on 27 February and 1 March; the 2003-2007 average rate was 140 tonnes per day. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)
Redoubt (United States) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Redoubt Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc	AVO reported that during February 25-March 3 seismic activity at Redoubt was variable. On 25 February, a small mud flow originating from a melt hole in the Drift Glacier traveled several hundred meters. Satellite images revealed that the next day another mudflow traveled several kilometers and covered a large portion of the Drift Glacier. Web camera views and satellite imagery showed no unusual activity; steam plumes within the summit crater were seen on the web camera on 26 and 1 March. Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)
Santa Maria (Guatemala) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Santa Maria Central America Volcanic Arc	Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 26 February an eruption from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex produced an ash plume that drifted SW. On 27 February and 2 March, INSIVUMEH reported that explosions produced ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.8-3.4 km (9,200-11,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Ashfall was reported in nearby areas. Avalanches were seen SW of Caliente dome. Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH), Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Sheveluch (Russia) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Sheveluch Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was at background levels during 21-28 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. Lava flows continued to be active on the S and N flanks. Fumarolic activity was seen during 20-21 and 23-25 February. During 24-25 February, pilots reported dark plumes near the volcano that rose to altitudes of 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly on the lava dome and an ash plume that drifted 40 km NNE on 25 February. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Based on information from KEMSD and analysis of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that eruptions on 25 February and 4 March produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 4.9-5.8 km (16,000-19,000 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted W on 25 February. Sources: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)
Soufriere Hills (United Kingdom) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Soufriere Hills Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc	MVO reported that during 20-27 February activity from the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level. On 24 February, a pyroclastic flow traveled E as far as the previous Tar River Valley coastline. The next day, a pyroclastic flow that traveled halfway down Tyre's Ghaut produced a small ash plume that drifted W. The Hazard Level remained at 3. Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)
Suwanosejima (Japan) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Suwanosejima Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported multiple explosions from Suwanose-jima during 26 February-1 March. On 1 March, resultant plumes rose to altitudes of 1.2-1.5 km (4,000-5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. On 2 March, an eruption produced a plume to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. An explosion was reported on 3 March. Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
Tungurahua (Ecuador) | 25 February-3 March 2009 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report
Tungurahua Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	The IG reported that, although cloud cover occasionally prevented visual observation during 24 February-3 March, ash plumes from Tungurahua were seen and rose to altitudes of 5.5-10 km (18,000-32,800 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted in multiple directions. Ashfall was reported almost daily in areas to the SW, W, NW, N, and NE. Blocks were sometimes seen or heard rolling down the flanks, and roaring or explosion noises were noted. Strombolian activity at the summit was observed at night on 24 and 25 February. On 25 February, explosions caused the ground and large windows to vibrate. An explosion on 1 March was followed by an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 10 km (32,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. Incandescence at the crater was noted at night on 2 March. According to a news article from 3 March, ash covered at least 250 hectares of cropland, and additional land for cattle grazing. Sources: El Comercio, 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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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)