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 13 January-19 January 2016
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Egon	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	New
Masaya	Nicaragua	Central America Volcanic Arc	2015 Oct 3	New
Nevados de Chillan	Chile	Southern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	New
San Miguel	El Salvador	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	New
Zhupanovsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	New
Chirpoi	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Colima	Mexico	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	—	Continuing
Copahue	Chile-Argentina	Southern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Cotopaxi	Ecuador	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Dukono	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	1933 Aug 13	Continuing
Fuego	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	2002 Jan 4	Continuing
Karangetang	Indonesia	Sangihe 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
Lokon-Empung	Indonesia	Sangihe Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Momotombo	Nicaragua	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Paluweh	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Sinabung	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Tengger Caldera	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Ubinas	Peru	Central Andean Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Yasur	Vanuatu	Vanuatu Volcanic Arc	1270 ± 110 years	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Egon (Indonesia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Egon
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that during 1-12 January seismicity at Egon was dominated by shallow volcanic tremor, harmonic tremor, and signals indicating emissions. Seismicity had increased on 15 December 2015, and then fluctuated through 11 January. RSAM increased significantly on 12 January due to an earthquake detected at 0936. PVMBG noted that the pattern of seismicity was similar to that observed before a phreatic eruption on 15 April 2008. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and residents were advised to stay at least 3 km away from the crater.

On 20 January BNPB reported that activity increased again, prompting the PVMBG to raise the Alert Level to 3. The report noted that access to the Mapitara district was closed due to a strong sulfur dioxide odor in that area, and that 927 people living within 3 km of the volcano had been evacuated (501 people refused to evacuate). Diffuse white plumes rose as high as 50 m above the crater.

Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Badan Nacional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB)

Masaya (Nicaragua) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Masaya
Central America Volcanic Arc

INETER reported that the lava lake in Masaya's Santiago crater continued to be active during 13-18 January. RSAM values indicated low to moderate seismicity.

Source: Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER)

Nevados de Chillan (Chile) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Nevados de Chillan
Southern Andean Volcanic Arc

Servicio Nacional de Geología and Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) reported that at 1755 on 8 January a phreatic explosion at Nevados de Chillán generated a short-duration ash emission and was associated with a long-period seismic event. At least one phreatic explosion occurred on 9 January, generating ash emissions. During an overflight that same day volcanologists observed a new crater on the E flank of the Volcán Nuevo lava-dome complex, about 40 m from the edge of the crater. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the middle level on a three-color scale.

Source: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)

San Miguel (El Salvador) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

San Miguel
Central America Volcanic Arc

SNET reported that at 0520 on 12 January a gas-and-ash plume from San Miguel rose 400-800 m above the crater and drifted WSW, causing ashfall in San Jorge, Caseríos, La Piedra, Moritas, and La Placita. Gas-and-ash emissions continued through the rest of the day; ashfall was also later reported in San Rafael Oriente, Alegría, and Berlín en Usulután. Seismicity declined during 12-14 January. Gas plumes with minor to no ash content rose as high as 300 m. On 14 January seismicity stabilized above background levels, and gas emissions were observed. The next day local observers reported a millimeter of ash deposited in Las Cruces, on the N flank. A webcam recorded gas emissions rising 400 m and drifting N throughout the morning. Gas emissions during 17-18 January were weak, only rising 150 m, and RSAM values gradually declined. At 0900 on 18 January the emission plume became dark and drifted SW.

Source: Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET)

Zhupanovsky (Russia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Zhupanovsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

Based on visual observations, KVERT reported that at 1636 on 19 January an explosion at Zhupanovsky generated an ash plume that rose to altitudes of 7-8 km (23,000-26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 20 km E. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Chirpoi (Russia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Chirpoi
Kuril Volcanic Arc

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 12-13 and 17 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)

Colima (Mexico) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Colima
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

Based on satellite images, wind data, webcam images, and notices from the Mexico City MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that during 14-19 January ash plumes from Colima rose to altitudes of 4.3-6.7 km (14,000-22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, SE, and S.

Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Copahue (Chile-Argentina) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Copahue
Southern Andean Volcanic Arc

Based on a SIGMET and webcam views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 13 and 16 January continuous gas-and-steam plumes from Copahue contained minor amounts of ash and drifted SE.

Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Cotopaxi (Ecuador) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Cotopaxi
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

IG reported that at 1336 on 13 January a seismic station on Cotopaxi's W flank recorded an hour-long signal caused by a lahar. Preliminary results indicated that the peak flow rate was around 40 m3/s with a volume of about 50,000 m3; the lahar was the largest recorded at the volcano since the current eruption began. Lahars also descended the Agualongo River, leaving deposits on the bridge that crosses the river.

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

Dukono (Indonesia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-19 January ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-120 km S, SW, W, and WNW.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Fuego (Guatemala) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Fuego
Central America Volcanic Arc

INSIVUMEH reported that approximately 1-2 explosions every four hours were detected at Fuego during 14-15 January. Ash plumes rose 450-650 m above the crater and drifted N and NE. During 16-17 January, 4-5 explosion per hour were detected, generating ash plumes that rose 750 m and drifted 12 km NE. Block avalanches descended the flanks in multiple directions. There were 26 explosions during 18-19 January, with some generating shock waves and jet engine sounds. Ash plumes rose 550-850 m and drifted 10-12 km S, SW, and W. Three lava flows in the Trinidad, Las Lajas, and Santa Teresa drainages were at most 2 km long.

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

Karangetang (Indonesia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karangetang
Sangihe Volcanic Arc

Based on observations conducted at the Karangetang Volcano Observation Post in the village of Salili, PVMBG reported that during 6-20 January the lava dome was incandescent at night. Variable amounts of white and blue emissions rose as high as 100 m above Main Crater. RSAM values had been stable since 27 December 2015. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4); visitors and residents were warned not to approach Karangetang within a 4-km radius. Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 14 January a steam-and-ash plume rose to an altitude of 5.2 km (17,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 35 km W. The next day an ash-and-steam plume rose to an altitude of 2.7 (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 20 km SW.

Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Karymsky (Russia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karymsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that moderate explosive activity at Karymsky continued during 8-14 January. Satellite images detected a thermal anomaly during 11-14 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kilauea (United States) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

HVO reported that seismicity beneath Kilauea's summit, upper East Rift Zone, and Southwest Rift Zone was at background levels during 13-19 January. The lava lake continued to circulate and spatter in the Overlook vent. Webcams recorded multiple incandescent outgassing vents within Pu'u 'O'o Crater and high on the northeast rim. Several small and brief lava flows erupted onto the crater floor on 14 January. The June 27th NE-trending lava flow continued to be active within 6 km NE of Pu'u 'O'o Crater, burning some areas of forest.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Lokon-Empung (Indonesia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Lokon-Empung
Sangihe Volcanic Arc

Although inclement weather sometimes obscured views of Lokon-Empung's Tompaluan Crater, PVMBG reported that during 6-13 January observers at the post in Kakaskasen Tomohon (North Sulawesi, 4 km from the crater) saw white plumes rising as high as 150 m above the crater. Seismicity fluctuated, and was dominated by shallow volcanic earthquakes and signals indicating emissions. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the crater within a radius of 2.5 km.

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

Momotombo (Nicaragua) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Momotombo
Central America Volcanic Arc

INETER reported that at 1209 on 12 January a large explosion at Momotombo ejected incandescent material onto the flanks and generated an ash plume that rose 4 km above the crater. Tephra was deposited on the E, NE, N, and NW flanks. Ash plumes drifted downwind and caused ashfall in the communities of Flor de Piedra, La Concha (40 SSE), Amatistán, Guacucal (40 km N), La Palma, Puerto Momotombo (10 km WSW), La Sabaneta, Mira Lago, Asentamiento Miramar, Pancasán, René Linarte, Raúl Cabezas, and Betania. At around 0500 on 15 January strong volcanic tremor was accompanied by small explosions in the crater; ejected ash and incandescent tephra were deposited on the W flank. Seismicity decreased during 16-17 January.

Source: Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER)

Paluweh (Indonesia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Paluweh
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that observers at a post located in Kampung Ropa, Keliwumbu Village, noted that during 30 December 2015-13 January 2016 diffuse white plumes rose as high as 150 m above Paluweh. Seismicity remained relatively stable, and was characterized by shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions and avalanches. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the summit within a radius of 1.5 km.

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

Sheveluch (Russia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that during 8-15 January lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Explosions on 9 January generated ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. Satellite images detected a daily and intense thermal anomaly over the dome, and ash plumes that drifted 200 km W during 9-10 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Sinabung (Indonesia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sinabung
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that during 4-14 January inclement weather sometimes prevented visual observations of Sinabung and the growing lava dome in the summit crater. As many as 192 hot avalanches and 12 pyroclastic flows traveled 0.5-3 km ESE. Ash plumes from a total of 40 events rose as high as 3 km. Seismicity consisted of avalanche and pyroclastic-flow signals, low-frequency and hybrid events, tremor, tectonic events, and volcanic earthquakes. Seismicity fluctuated at high levels, although it had declined compared to the previous week, and indicated lava-dome growth. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 1-4), indicating that people within 7 km of the volcano in the SSE sector, and within 6 km in the ESE sector, should evacuate.

Based on information from PVMBG and satellite images, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-15 and 17-19 January ash plumes from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 3-4.3 km (10,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, W, and SW.

Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Tengger Caldera (Indonesia) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Tengger Caldera
Sunda Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite and webcam images, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-19 January ash plumes from Tengger Caldera's Bromo cone rose to an altitude of 3.6-4.2 km (12,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 15-160 km NW, W, SW, and S.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Ubinas (Peru) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ubinas
Central Andean Volcanic Arc

Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) Observatorio Volcanológico del Sur (OVS) reported that during 12-18 January the seismic network at Ubinas recorded an increase in the number and magnitude of long-period earthquakes and a decrease in volcano-tectonic events. Thermal anomalies were detected on 13 and 15 January. At 0640 on 15 January a plume rose 500 m above the crater's base. At 1253 an explosion generated an ash plume that rose 3 km above the crater's base and drifted S and SW. The report noted that this was the first explosive event since 5 November 2015.

Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)

Yasur (Vanuatu) | 13 January-19 January 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Yasur
Vanuatu Volcanic Arc

On 14 January, the Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory stated that the Alert Level for Yasur remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-4) and that explosions had become more intense. VGO reminded residents and tourists that hazardous areas were near and around the volcanic crater, and that volcanic ash and gas could reach areas impacted by trade winds.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

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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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