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 4 May-10 May 2016
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Bristol Island	United Kingdom	South Sandwich Volcanic Arc	—	New
Nevados de Chillan	Chile	Southern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	New
Ruapehu	New Zealand	Taupo Volcanic Zone	—	New
Whakaari/White Island	New Zealand	Taupo Volcanic Zone	2024 May 24	New
Aira	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Alaid	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Bagana	Papua New Guinea	Solomon Volcanic Arc	2000 Feb 28 (in or before)	Continuing
Chirpoi	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Cleveland	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Colima	Mexico	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	—	Continuing
Dukono	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	1933 Aug 13	Continuing
Fuego	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	2002 Jan 4	Continuing
Kerinci	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Kilauea	United States	Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	2024 Sep 15	Continuing
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Langila	Papua New Guinea	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	2015 Oct 22 (?)	Continuing
Masaya	Nicaragua	Central America Volcanic Arc	2015 Oct 3	Continuing
Nevado del Ruiz	Colombia	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	2014 Nov 18	Continuing
Sangay	Ecuador	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	2019 Mar 26	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Sinabung	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Suwanosejima	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2004 Oct 23	Continuing
Turrialba	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Bristol Island (United Kingdom) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Bristol Island
South Sandwich Volcanic Arc

Based on analysis of satellite images, an eruption at Bristol Island likely began on 24 April, the first eruption since 1956. Landsat images detected a plume and a thermal anomaly in the main crater at the top of Mt. Sourabaya. By 1 May the anomaly was elongated to the W, suggesting that lava had breached the crater rim.

Source: Matthew Patrick, US Geological Survey - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Nevados de Chillan (Chile) | 4 May-10 May 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 the seismic stations monitoring Nevados de Chillán's Volcán Arrau dome complex recorded an explosion at 1303 on 9 May; an associated plume rose 1.7 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the middle level on a three-color scale, and the public was reminded not to approach the craters within a 2-km radius.

Sources: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN), Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI)

Ruapehu (New Zealand) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ruapehu
Taupo Volcanic Zone

GeoNet reported that a volcanic earthquake swarm beneath Ruapehu's summit Crater Lake was detected during 25-26 April. This type of swarm has been uncommon at the volcano in recent years, when volcanic tremor has dominated the seismicity. In addition, the crater lake water temperature had been rising since late 2015, from 25 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees in the last half of April. Similar temperature increases were detected in March 2011, April 2014, and February 2015.

In a 3 May notice GeoNet stated that the size and number of events in the swarm had decreased; a period of moderate volcanic tremor began at 1310 on 2 May and lasted about an hour. The lake temperature had peaked at 42 degrees, equal to the highest recorded temperature since 2011. At around 1400 on 7 May tourists on an overflight of the area observed vigorous steaming at the lake surface and upwelling bubbles. The lake temperature rose further, to 44 degrees, establishing a new high since temperatures started to be recorded in 2000. The earthquake swarm had stopped, though the seismic network continued to record volcanic tremor. On 11 May GeoNet stated that recent visits to the lake confirmed increased gas emissions from the crater lake. The lake temperature increased to 46 degrees and moderate levels of volcanic tremor continued. The Volcanic Alert Level was raised to 2 (moderate to heightened unrest) and the Aviation Colour Code was raised to Yellow.

Source: GeoNet

Whakaari/White Island (New Zealand) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Whakaari/White Island
Taupo Volcanic Zone

GeoNet reported that activity at White Island decreased following the eruption on 27 April; both volcanic gas output and seismic activity had decreased, and visual observations on 6 May confirmed that no further activity had occurred. The Volcanic Alert Level was lowered to 1 and the Aviation Colour Code remained at Yellow.

Source: GeoNet

Aira (Japan) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that on 8 May explosions from Showa Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) generated an ash plume that rose 3.3 km above the crater rim and ejected tephra as far as 1.3 km from the crater. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Alaid (Russia) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Alaid
Kuril Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that moderate activity at Alaid continued during 29 April-6 May. Satellite images showed an intense daily thermal anomaly over the volcano. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Bagana (Papua New Guinea) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Bagana
Solomon Volcanic Arc

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-9 May ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 140 km SW and W.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Chirpoi (Russia) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Chirpoi
Kuril Volcanic Arc

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 2 and 5 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)

Cleveland (United States) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Cleveland
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that an explosion at Cleveland was detected at 1844 on 5 May by both infrasound (air pressure) sensors and seismic data. AVO raised the Level of Concern Color Code to Orange and the Volcano Alert Level to Watch. Satellite views the next day were obscured by clouds; no signs of ash was detected above the cloud deck. AVO noted that the event likely modified the new, small lava dome that had been growing in the summit crater since the previous explosion on 16 April. No activity was observed in satellite images nor detected by the seismic and infrasound networks during 6-8 May. A small explosion was detected at 0732 on 10 May by infrasound sensors. A minor amount of ash was possibly generated by the explosion, but nothing was detected in satellite data and AVO received no reports of ash emissions from local observers or passing pilots.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Colima (Mexico) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Colima
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

Based on information from Colima Towers and the Mexico City MWO, and webcam and satellite views, the Washington VAAC reported that on 4, 6, and 9-10 May ash plumes from Colima rose to altitudes of 5.2-6.1 km (17,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, NE, and E.

Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Dukono (Indonesia) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-10 May ash plumes from Dukono rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 165 km NW, W, and WSW.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Fuego (Guatemala) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Fuego
Central America Volcanic Arc

INSIVUMEH reported that during 7-10 May weak-to-moderate explosions at Fuego generated ash plumes that rose 550-750 m above the crater and drifted S, SW, and W.

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

Kerinci (Indonesia) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kerinci
Sunda Volcanic Arc

Based on reports from PVMBG and satellite data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 4 May an ash plume from Kerinci rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Kilauea (United States) | 4 May-10 May 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 4-10 May. The lava lake continued to circulate and eject spatter in the Overlook vent. Webcams recorded outgassing from multiple spatter cones on the Pu'u 'O'o Crater floor. A small lava flow from a NE vent intermittently flowed onto the crater floor during 4-5 and 7 May. The June 27th NE-trending lava flow continued to be active within 5.8 km NE of Pu'u 'O'o Crater.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Klyuchevskoy (Russia) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Klyuchevskoy
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a Strombolian eruption at Klyuchevskoy continued during 29 April-6 May. Satellite and video data showed a lava flow effusing on the SE flank, down the Apakhonchich drainage. Satellite images showed an intense thermal anomaly over the volcano, and an ash cloud that drifted 88 km SE on 2 May. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Langila (Papua New Guinea) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Langila
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and RVO ground observations, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 9-10 May ash plumes from Langila rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km N, NW, and W.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Masaya (Nicaragua) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Masaya
Central America Volcanic Arc

INETER reported that between 1700 and 2400 on 3 May volcanic tremor at Masaya increased; RSAM values spiked at 1,000 units and then dropped to 250. Gas emissions at Santiago crater were at low-to-moderate levels, and the lava lake continued to strongly circulate. On 5 May RSAM values fluctuated between 250 and 500 units, which are low-to-moderate values.

Source: Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER)

Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Nevado del Ruiz
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

Based on webcam views and information from SGC, the Washington VAAC reported that on 5 May an ash emission from Nevado del Ruiz rose to an altitude of 6.7 km (22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.

Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Sangay (Ecuador) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sangay
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite images, notices from the Guayaquil MWO, and information from IG, the Washington VAAC reported that during 4-7 and 9-10 May ash plumes from Sangay rose to altitudes of 6.1-8.2 km (20,000-27,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 55 km NW, W, WSW, and SW. An intermittent thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images during 4-5 and 10 May.

Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Sheveluch (Russia) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that during 29 April-6 May lava-dome extrusion onto Sheveluch’s N flank was accompanied by strong fumarolic activity, dome incandescence, ash explosions, and hot avalanches. Satellite images showed an intense daily thermal anomaly over the dome, and ash plumes drifting 36 km SE on 2 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Sinabung (Indonesia) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sinabung
Sunda Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite images and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-5 and 9-10 May ash plumes from Sinabung rose to altitudes of 3.6-4.8 km (12,000-16,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Suwanosejima (Japan) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

Based on JMA notices, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 4-5 May explosions at Suwanosejima generated ash plume that rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.1 km (5,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Turrialba (Costa Rica) | 4 May-10 May 2016 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Turrialba
Central America Volcanic Arc

OVSICORI-UNA reported that frequent small explosions and sustained tremor with significant and variable amplitude continued to be recorded at Turrialba during 3-5 May. Ash plumes rose 500 m above West Crater and drifted NW and SE, though larger explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km. During 6-7 May gas-and-water-vapor plumes rose 1 km. Tremor was characterized as having short duration and a moderate amplitude; for a period between 0530 and 1700 on 7 May tremor amplitude was high but then afterwards it drastically decreased and a significant number of discrete volcanic earthquakes were recorded. Small lahars descended drainages on the upper flanks, mainly in the Río Aquiares drainage. During 0200-0900 on 8 May small, frequent ash emissions, that rose no more than 500 m, were observed coincident with the detection of spasmodic tremor. Gas emissions rose 500 m above the crater at least until noon on 10 May. The amplitude of the volcanic tremor decreased and remained low.

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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