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 14 August-20 August 2019
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Asamayama	Japan	Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc	—	New
Semisopochnoi	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	New
Shishaldin	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	New
Tangkuban Parahu	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	New
Ubinas	Peru	Central Andean Volcanic Arc	—	New
Unnamed	Tonga	Tofua Volcanic Arc	—	New
Aira	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Asosan	Japan	Nankai Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Dukono	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	1933 Aug 13	Continuing
Ebeko	Russia	Kuril Volcanic Arc	2022 Jun 11	Continuing
Ibu	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	2008 Apr 5	Continuing
Kadovar	Papua New Guinea	Bismarck Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Karangetang	Indonesia	Sangihe Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Karymsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	2024 Jun 20	Continuing
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Merapi	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2020 Dec 31	Continuing
Nevados de Chillan	Chile	Southern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Piton de la Fournaise	France	Reunion Hotspot Volcano Group	—	Continuing
Poas	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Sabancaya	Peru	Central Andean Volcanic Arc	2016 Nov 6	Continuing
Sangeang Api	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Asamayama (Japan) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Asamayama
Northeast Japan Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that, after a small phreatic eruption occurred at Asamayama on 7 August, both seismic activity and sulfur dioxide emissions temporarily increased and then decreased later that day. During 8-19 August white plumes generally rose 400 m above the crater rim; occasionally they rose as high as 800 m. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 70-300 tons per day. On 19 August the Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Semisopochnoi (United States) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Semisopochnoi
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that during 14-17 August seismicity at Semisopochnoi remained elevated and was characterized by periods of continuous tremor and discrete low-frequency earthquakes; seismic data became unavailable starting sometime on 17 August. Cloudy weather often prevented satellite views of the volcano, however some recent clear views indicated that the N cone crater had a smooth featureless area, indicating water or tephra at an elevation several meters below the previous floor. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Shishaldin (United States) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Shishaldin
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that during 14-20 August continuous, low-level tremor at Shishaldin was recorded by the seismic network and elevated surface temperatures were visible in infrared satellite images. The spatter cone in the crater had grown and partially filled the summit crater. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Tangkuban Parahu (Indonesia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Tangkuban Parahu
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that during 12-18 August phreatic events at Tangkubanparahu's Ratu Crater continued to produce sometimes dense gray-to-white plumes that rose as high as 200 m above the vent, and dense black ash plumes that rose as high as 100 m. The emissions were accompanied by roaring. Ashfall was localized around Ratu Crater. The seismic network recorded continuous tremor. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 1.5 km away from the active crater.

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

Ubinas (Peru) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ubinas
Central Andean Volcanic Arc

IGP reported that during 13-19 August blue-colored gas plumes from Ubinas rose to heights of less than 1.5 km above the base of the crater. Seven thermal anomalies were recorded by the MIROVA system. The number of seismic events was 1,716 (all under M 2.4), a decrease in the total number recorded during the previous week. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 15-km radius.

Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)

Unnamed (Tonga) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Unnamed
Tofua Volcanic Arc

A submarine eruption in early August from an unnamed seamount about 50 km NW of Vava’u in Tonga created extensive areas of pumice rafts. Sailing crews encountered the pumice starting on 9 August about 40 km NNW of Late Island. Rachel Mackie described a pronounced odor of sulfur, and eventually being surrounded as far as she could see, with the surface pumice layer being 30 cm deep and containing pieces up to 80 cm in diameter. Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 11 August showed the raft, averaging about 2.5 km across but strung out for 35 km NE-SW, located 70 km WNW of Late Island; another band of scattered rafts extended directly back from the main mass towards Late for 50 km. The raft continued drifting, and was at least another 60 km SW from its previous location as of 16 August. Eruptive activity at this location was previously reported in September-October 2001.

Sources: Martin Jutzeler, Sentinel Hub, Rachel Mackie

Aira (Japan) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that during 13-16 August crater incandescence at Minamidake crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was occasionally visible in webcams at night. A small eruptive event was recorded on 18 August. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Asosan (Japan) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Asosan
Nankai Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that increased eruptive activity at Asosan that began on 28 July paused at 1110 on 16 August. An eruptive event was recorded at 1627 on 18 August; elevated eruptive activity continued at least through 19 August. The Tokyo VAAC reported that the eruptive event on 18 August produced an ash plume that rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes rose to 1.5-2.1 km (5,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and NW during 19-20 August. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Dukono (Indonesia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite and wind model data, and information from PVMBG, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-20 August ash plumes from Dukono rose to altitudes of 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, N, NE, and E. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

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

Ebeko (Russia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ebeko
Kuril Volcanic Arc

Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 10-16 August that sent ash plumes up to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 10 and 12 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Ibu (Indonesia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ibu
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that at 1107 on 14 August an ash plume from Ibu rose at least 800 m above the summit and drifted N. Seismicity was characterized by an explosion signal and earthquakes indicating rock avalanches. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater, and 3.5 km away on the N side.

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

Kadovar (Papua New Guinea) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kadovar
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite data and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 19 August an ash plume from Kadovar rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Karangetang (Indonesia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karangetang
Sangihe Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that during 12-18 August lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main and Dua craters. Avalanches of material traveled 1-1.5 km SW down the Nanitu and Pangi drainages, as far as 1.4 km down a drainage W of Pangi, and as far as 1.8 km down the Sense drainage. Sometimes dense white plumes rose to 500 m above the summit. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

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

Karymsky (Russia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karymsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 11-12 and 15 August. Volcanologists doing fieldwork on 14 August observed explosions and ash plumes that rose to 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. Satellite images showed ash plumes drifting S and SE that same day. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Klyuchevskoy (Russia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Klyuchevskoy
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Klyuchevskoy was visible in satellite images during 13-14 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Merapi (Indonesia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Merapi
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that during 12-18 August the lava-dome volume at Merapi did not change and was an estimated 461,000 cubic meters, based on analyses of drone images. Extruded lava fell into the upper parts of the SE flank, generating a total of two block-and-ash flows that traveled as far as 950 m down the Gendol drainage on 13 and 14 August. Diffuse white plumes rose as high as 100 m above the summit on some days. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and residents were warned to stay outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

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

Nevados de Chillan (Chile) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Nevados de Chillan
Southern Andean Volcanic Arc

ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN reported multiple explosions at Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater during 14-20 August, each associated with long-period earthquakes. Two explosions on 14 August, at 0000 and 0029, produced gas emissions and ejected incandescent material onto the flanks. An explosion at 1200 on 16 August produced a grayish ash plume that rose 110 m. Another explosion was detected at 1625 on 17 August. A grayish gas plume from an explosion at 1343 on 18 August rose 400 m, and an explosion at 1938 on 20 August ejected incandescent material onto the flanks. The Alert Level remained at Orange, the second highest level on a four-color scale. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-color scale) for the communities of Pinto, Coihueco, and San Fabián, and stated that the public should stay at least 3 km away from the crater on the SW flank and 5 km away on the ENE flank.

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

Piton de la Fournaise (France) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Piton de la Fournaise
Reunion Hotspot Volcano Group

OVPF reported that the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise that began on the E part of l’Enclos Fouqué at 1620 on 11 August paused for about four hours beginning around 0420 on 15 August; tremor and deep earthquakes indicating magma movement continued to be detected. Lava fountaining resumed at 0830 at two vents residing along the second fissure at 1,500 m elevation, producing flows that did not extend beyond 500 m in length. The lava-flow front from the main flow did not advance past 600-650 elevation. Activity ceased around 2200 on 15 August.

Source: Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF)

Poas (Costa Rica) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Poas
Central America Volcanic Arc

OVSICORI-UNA reported that an eruptive event from vent A (Boca Roja) at Poás generated a 1-km-high plume of steam, gas, and fine particulates at 0650 on 17 August. The event was preceded by an increase in tremor amplitude starting at 0500 that same day.

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

Sabancaya (Peru) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sabancaya
Central Andean Volcanic Arc

Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that an average of 25 low-to-medium intensity explosions per day occurred at Sabancaya during 12-18 August. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 3 km above the summit and drifted SE, S, and SW. There were eight thermal anomalies identified in satellite data. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 12-km radius.

Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)

Sangeang Api (Indonesia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sangeang Api
Sunda Volcanic Arc

The Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-20 August intermittent ash plumes from Sangeang Api were identified in satellite images rising to 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and quickly dissipating to the N, NW, W, and SW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Sheveluch (Russia) | 14 August-20 August 2019 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch’s lava dome was identified daily in satellite images during 9-16 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

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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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