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 19 February-25 February 2020
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Huaynaputina	Peru	Central Andean Volcanic Arc	—	New
Reykjanes	Iceland	Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province	—	New
San Miguel	El Salvador	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	New
Semisopochnoi	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	New
Aira	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2017 Mar 25	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
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Kuchinoerabujima	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Merapi	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2020 Dec 31	Continuing
Nevados de Chillan	Chile	Southern Andean Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Popocatepetl	Mexico	Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt	2005 Jan 9	Continuing
Reventador	Ecuador	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	2008 Jul 27	Continuing
Semeru	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2017 Jun 6	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Suwanosejima	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2004 Oct 23	Continuing
Taal	Philippines	Taiwan-Luzon Volcanic Arc	2024 Apr 12	Continuing
Whakaari/White Island	New Zealand	Taupo Volcanic Zone	2024 May 24	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Huaynaputina (Peru) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Huaynaputina
Central Andean Volcanic Arc

IGP reported that during 11 and 20-21 February small- to moderate-sized lahars descended the El Volcán drainage, on the S flank of Huaynaputina, and traveled to within 500 m of Quinistaquillas, in the province of Sánchez Cerro, Moquegua region.

Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)

Reykjanes (Iceland) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Reykjanes
Iceland Neovolcanic Rift Volcanic Province

On 25 February IMO reported that seismic activity at Reykjanes, in an area N of the town of Grindavík, had significantly decreased during the previous few days, and inflation was not detected in GPS and InSAR data. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green. Preliminary data suggested a small deflation signal beginning mid-February, though further analysis was needed for confirmation. The report warned the public not to explore lava tubes in the Eldvörp area as gas measurements showed a dangerous level of oxygen depletion; there are no pre-unrest measurements existing for comparison.

Source: Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO)

San Miguel (El Salvador) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

San Miguel
Central America Volcanic Arc

SNET reported that local observers of San Miguel reported a series of rumbling noises that occurred from 1900 on 20 February to 0750 on 21 February. The report noted an increase in amplitude of microearthquakes and minor gas emissions form the main crater. Sulfur dioxide levels had also increased. Beginning at 1055 on 22 February an ash emission that lasted 10 minutes long resulted in a small gas-and-ash plume that rose 400 m above the crater rim. Minor ashfall was reported in the area of Piedra Azul, 5 km SW. RSAM peaked at 510 units during the period of emissions, above the normal values of 150, as recorded by station VSM located on the upper N flank. The number of low-amplitude tremor events increased after a quiet period of about 11 hours and were associated with gas emissions; RSAM was 33-97 units and minor gas plumes were visible rising 400 m during 23-24 February.

Source: Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET)

Semisopochnoi (United States) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Semisopochnoi
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that intermittent, low-level tremor was detected at Semisopochnoi during 19-25 February. Brief periods of elevated tremor were recorded during 19-20 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Aira (Japan) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that during 17-25 February there were 34 explosions and 19 non-explosive eruptive events detected by the Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) seismic network. Ash plumes rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim and material was ejected 600-1,100 m away from the crater. Crater incandescence was visible every night. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was elevated at 1,900 tons/day on 20 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Dukono (Indonesia) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 18-25 February ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. 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: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM), Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Ebeko (Russia) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ebeko
Kuril Volcanic Arc

Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 18-19 February that sent ash plumes up to 2.3 km (7,500 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted SE. 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) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ibu
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

The Darwin VAAC reported that on 18, 20, and 22 February ash plumes from Ibu rose to 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, S, and SW. PVMBG stated that at 1113 on 20 February a white-to-gray ash plume rose at least 400 m above the summit (6,800 ft a.s.l.) and drifted SE. 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) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kadovar
Bismarck Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite data and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 23 February an ash plume from Kadovar rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Klyuchevskoy (Russia) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Klyuchevskoy
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that Strombolian activity at Klyuchevskoy was visible during 14-21 February, and a thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images those same days. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kuchinoerabujima (Japan) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kuchinoerabujima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that very small eruptive events recorded at Kuchinoerabujima’s Shindake Crater during 20-21 February generated whitish plumes that rose 200 m above the crater rim. No changes were observed during field visits on those two days. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 400-600 tons per day during 20-23 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the middle level on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Merapi (Indonesia) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Merapi
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that the volume of Merapi’s summit lava dome decreased after the 13 February eruption which produced a 2-km-tall ash plume, ejected material within 1 km, and caused ashfall within a 10-km radius. The dome volume the day before the event was estimated at 407,000 cubic meters, and afterwards (19 February) was reduced to 291,000 cubic meters. Visual observations during 17-23 February were mostly hindered due to inclement weather conditions, though on 18 February a white plume was seen rising 100 m above the summit. 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.

Sources: Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG), Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

Nevados de Chillan (Chile) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Nevados de Chillan
Southern Andean Volcanic Arc

SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 18-22 February white-and-gray plumes from Nevados de Chillán’s Nicanor Crater generally rose as high as 1.9 km above the rim and drifted mainly SE. An explosion recorded at 1924 on 19 February generated an ash plume that rose 2 km. White plumes rose 100 m during 23-25 February. The volcano 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.

Source: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)

Popocatepetl (Mexico) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Popocatepetl
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

CENAPRED reported that during an overflight of Popocatépetl on 18 February volcanologists noted no significant morphological changes at the summit crater; the inner crater was 350 m in diameter and 100-150 m deep, and the crater floor was covered with tephra. Each day during 18-25 February there were 130-263 steam-and-gas emissions from the summit crater. As many as nine low- to moderate-level explosions were recorded each day, generating gas plumes with minor amounts of ash that drifted N, NW, and SW. An explosion at 1737 on 19 February produced an ash plume that rose 1.2 km above the crater rim and drifted NW, and ejected incandescent material onto the flanks. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (middle level on a three-color scale).

Source: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED)

Reventador (Ecuador) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Reventador
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

IG reported that during 18-24 January seismic data from Reventador’s network indicated a high level of seismic activity, including explosions, long-period earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions. Daily gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 1.3 km above the crater rim and drifted NW, W, and SW. Incandescent blocks rolled 600-700 m down the flanks during 18-21 February. Weather sometimes prevented views of the summit area.

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

Semeru (Indonesia) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semeru
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that during 17-23 February eruptive events at Semeru generated ash plume that rose around 400 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)

Sheveluch (Russia) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 15-21 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Suwanosejima (Japan) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that during 14-21 February incandescence from Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly. An eruption on 19 February produced a grayish-white ash plume that rose 1.6 km above the crater rim. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village, 4 km SSW. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Taal (Philippines) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Taal
Taiwan-Luzon Volcanic Arc

PHIVOLCS reported that during 19-24 February steam plumes rose 50-100 m above the vent and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions were below detectable limits during 19-20 February. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 4,113 people in 15 evacuation centers, and an additional 191,451 people were staying at other locations as of 25 February. PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island, the area defined as the Permanent Danger Zone.

Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)

Whakaari/White Island (New Zealand) | 19 February-25 February 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Whakaari/White Island
Taupo Volcanic Zone

On 19 February GeoNet reported that White island remained at an elevated state of unrest, confirmed by two overflights of the island for visual observations and data collection. Results from a gas data showed a steady decline on both carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide flux, though levels were still slightly elevated. Thermal infrared data indicated that the fumarolic gases and the five lobes of lava in the main vent remained very hot at 660 degrees Celsius. A small pond of water had formed in the vent area and small-scale jetting was occurring, similar to September-December 2019 activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 2 and the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: GeoNet

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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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