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 October-10 October 2017
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Agung	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	New
Ambae	Vanuatu	Vanuatu Volcanic Arc	—	New
Lewotolok	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	New
Aira	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Bezymianny	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	2022 Mar 15	Continuing
Cleveland	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Dukono	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	1933 Aug 13	Continuing
Ebeko	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	2022 Jun 11	Continuing
Fuego	Guatemala	Central America Volcanic Arc	2002 Jan 4	Continuing
Karymsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	2024 Jun 20	Continuing
Kilauea	United States	Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	2024 Sep 15	Continuing
Langila	Papua New Guinea	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	2015 Oct 22 (?)	Continuing
Reventador	Ecuador	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	2008 Jul 27	Continuing
Rincon de la Vieja	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	2021 Jun 28	Continuing
Sabancaya	Peru	Central Andean Volcanic Arc	2016 Nov 6	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
Turrialba	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Agung (Indonesia) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Agung
Sunda Volcanic Arc

On 5 October PVMBG reported that the rate of volcanic earthquakes at Agung had not increased during the previous 12 days, but continued to fluctuate at a high level. The seismic network detected 1-3 earthquakes per minute on average, with a total more than 600 events per day. The number of shallow volcanic earthquakes increased to 200 per day during 24 September-5 October, possibly indicating that magmatic activity at shallow depths was still high. The number of earthquakes felt by staff at the Mt. Agung Volcano Observatory in Rendang village, 12.5 km SSW, peaked on 27 September and then decreased afterwards. Gas plumes rose 50-200 m above the crater rim. Satellite data indicated an area of water expulsion near the solfatara field on the crater floor thought to reflect a disturbance to the hydrologic system in response to intruded magma at depth. On 5 October BNPB reported that the number of evacuees reached 146,797 (spread out in 427 shelters), though about 28 villages (70,000 people) were located within the evacuation zone. About 10,000 farm animals had also been evacuated. On 7 October a white plume likely composed mostly of water vapor rose 1.5 km above the crater rim and slowly drifted E. During 8-10 October fumarolic plumes rose 50-200 m above the rim. The Alert Level remained at 4 (the highest level on a scale of 1-4) with the exclusion zone at 9 km, and an additional expansion to 12 km in the SE, S, and SW directions.

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

Ambae (Vanuatu) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ambae
Vanuatu Volcanic Arc

Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory (VGO) stated that photographs and thermal infrared images taken on 30 September, and 1, 3, and 5 October during overflights of Aoba’s Lake Voui confirmed that the eruption was ongoing. Activity consisted of small explosions ejecting hot rock from vents on a new small island in the lake, and a small lava flow that traveled from the vent into the lake. On 6 October VGO noted that there was no evidence of the eruption escalating; the Alert Level was lowered to 3 (the middle level on a scale of 0-5) and residents and tourists were reminded to stay outside of the Red Zone defined as a 3 km radius around the active cone. Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Wellington VAAC reported that during 10-11 October ash plumes rose as high as 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N. On 11 October a news article stated that the government extended a state of emergency on the island to 24 October, delaying the return of the 11,000 residents that had been evacuated.

Sources: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD), Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Associated Press

Lewotolok (Indonesia) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Lewotolok
Sunda Volcanic Arc

The number of shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes at Lewotolo recently increased, prompting PVMBG to raise the Alert Level from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 7 October. The report noted that the public should not enter the 2-km-radius exclusion zone around the crater. Solfatara emissions rose as high as 500 m above the crater rim on 9 October; emissions during 1 August-6 October rose 50-600 m. BNPB reported that five earthquakes recorded by Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG) on 10 October ranged in magnitude between 3.9 and 4.9, and were located 10-30 km below Lewotolo. The events were felt by local populations, causing an evacuation of 723 people. Preliminary data suggested that five homes were damaged from rock avalanches, triggered by the earthquakes.

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

Aira (Japan) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that during 2-10 October there were 19 events detected at Showa Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano), three of which were explosive. Plumes rose as high as 1.6 km above the crater rim. An explosion on 5 October ejected material as far as 800 m. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Bezymianny (Russia) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Bezymianny
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

On 6 October KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly at Bezymianny was identified in satellite images during 1-2 and 4-5 October, and that lava probably continued to flow down the W flank of the dome. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Cleveland (United States) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Cleveland
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that no significant activity at Cleveland was observed in seismic or infrasound data during 4-10 October, though elevated surface temperatures identified in satellite data on 6 October suggested that the lava dome in the summit crater (first noted on 30 September) continued to grow. Elevated surface temperatures were identified during 8-9 October. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Dukono (Indonesia) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, model data, and notices from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-10 October ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NW, W, and SW. Ash plumes drifted 140-170 km on 8 October.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Ebeko (Russia) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ebeko
Kuril Volcanic Arc

Based on observations by volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, explosions during 29-30 September and 1 and 5 October generated ash plumes that rose 1.5 km (4,900 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Fuego (Guatemala) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Fuego
Central America Volcanic Arc

CONRED and INSIVUMEH reported that during 4-6 October increased explosive activity (8-12 explosions per hour) at Fuego generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.3 km above the crater. Ash plumes drifted more than 20 km S, SW, and W; ashfall was reported in areas downwind including Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofía (12 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), and El Porvenir. Incandescent material rose 300 m above the crater, and avalanches of material traveled as far as 1.5 km W down the Seca (Santa Teresa) ravine and SSW down the Ceniza ravine. Shockwaves vibrated local structures. An average of 4-6 explosions per hour were detected during 7-8 October. Ash plumes rose around 1 km and drifted 12 km W, NW, and N. Incandescent material was ejected 150 m above the crater, causing avalanches that were confined to the crater. Ash fell in local communities including San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km N), Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), and La Soledad. Vulcanian explosions during 8-9 October produced ash plumes that rose 1 km and drifted 15 km SW, W, and NW, again causing ashfall in Panimaché, Santa Sofía, Morelia, El Porvenir, San Pedro Yepocapa, and Sangre de Cristo. Block avalanches traveled 2 km down the flanks.

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

Karymsky (Russia) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karymsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that an ash cloud was identified in satellite images drifting about 85 km ENE from Karymsky on 3 October. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kilauea (United States) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

During 4-10 October HVO reported that the lava lake continued to rise, fall, and spatter in Kilauea’s Overlook crater. Webcams recorded incandescence from long-active sources within Pu'u 'O'o Crater and from a small lava pond in a pit on the W side of the crater. The 61G lava flow, originating from a vent on Pu'u 'O'o Crater's E flank, continued to enter the ocean at Kamokuna although the plume at the entry was weaker. Surface lava flows were active above and on the pali, and on the coastal plain.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Langila (Papua New Guinea) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Langila
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 4 October a minor ash emission from Langila rose 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Reventador (Ecuador) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Reventador
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

During 3-10 October IG reported a high level of seismic activity including explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and signals indicating emissions at Reventador. Steam, gas, and ash plumes rose sometimes higher that 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted mainly NW, W, and SW. Incandescent blocks rolled as far as 800 m down the flanks. Weather clouds sometimes prevented visual observations.

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

Rincon de la Vieja (Costa Rica) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Rincon de la Vieja
Central America Volcanic Arc

OVSICORI-UNA reported that at 1048 on 9 October a small eruption at Rincón de la Vieja produced a plume that rose 700 m above the crater rim.

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

Sabancaya (Peru) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sabancaya
Central Andean Volcanic Arc

Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya slightly declined; there was an average of 42 explosions recorded per day during 2-8 October. The earthquakes were dominated by long-period events, with fewer numbers of signals indicating emissions and hybrid events. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 3.5 km above the crater rim and drifted no more than 40 km N, NW, and W. The MIROVA system detected 10 thermal anomalies. The report warned the public not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Sources: Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET), Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)

Sangay (Ecuador) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sangay
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

In a special report from 4 October IG stated that the current eruption at Sangay which began on 20 July continued, and that the activity had not changed significantly during the previous two months. Activity was characterized by explosions at the central vent and lava from the Ñuñurco lava dome flowing down the E and ESE flanks. On each day during the previous week there were about 65 explosions, 25 long-period events, and a few harmonic tremor signals. Ash plumes rose 1 km above the crater rim and caused ashfall in areas to the W and NW (Culebrillas and Licto (35 km NW)).

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

Sheveluch (Russia) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified daily in satellite images on 2 and 5 October. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Sinabung (Indonesia) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sinabung
Sunda Volcanic Arc

Based on observations by PVMBG and BMKG, webcam and satellite images, and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-5 and 7-9 October ash plumes from Sinabung rose 3-5.8 km (10,000-19,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Turrialba (Costa Rica) | 4 October-10 October 2017 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Turrialba
Central America Volcanic Arc

OVSICORI-UNA reported that an event at Turrialba at 0815 on 6 October produced a plume that rose 50 m above the crater rim and drifted NW. An event at 1040 on 9 October generated a plume that rose 200 m and drifted NW.

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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