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 26 February-3 March 2020
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Bagana	Papua New Guinea	Solomon Volcanic Arc	2000 Feb 28 (in or before)	New
Great Sitkin	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	2021 May 25	New
Merapi	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2020 Dec 31	New
San Miguel	El Salvador	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	New
Semeru	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2017 Jun 6	New
Yasur	Vanuatu	Vanuatu Volcanic Arc	1270 ± 110 years	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
Karangetang	Indonesia	Sangihe Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Kerinci	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Klyuchevskoy	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Nishinoshima	Japan	Ogasawara Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Pavlof	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Ruapehu	New Zealand	Taupo Volcanic Zone	—	Continuing
Sabancaya	Peru	Central Andean Volcanic Arc	2016 Nov 6	Continuing
Semisopochnoi	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	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

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Bagana (Papua New Guinea) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Bagana
Solomon Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 30 February-2 March ash plumes from Bagana rose to 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and N.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Great Sitkin (United States) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Great Sitkin
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that seismicity at Great Sitkin had increased during the previous month and by 26 February was above background levels; the Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was raised to Advisory. No eruptive activity was evident in geophysical or satellite data.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Merapi (Indonesia) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Merapi
Sunda Volcanic Arc

BPPTKG reported that at 0522 on 3 March an eruption at Merapi produced an ash plume that rose 6 km above the crater rim and pyroclastic flows that descended the SSE flank less than 2 km. The ash plume drifted mainly NE and caused ashfall within 10 km, particularly in areas to the N including Musuk and Cepogo Boyolali. Video of the event showed incandescent material being ejected above the summit and lightning in the ash cloud. The report noted that there were no clear precursors for the eruption. 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: Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG)

San Miguel (El Salvador) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

San Miguel
Central America Volcanic Arc

SNET reported that during 23-28 February activity at San Miguel was low. An increase in the number of very small-magnitude earthquakes was recorded by the VSM seismic station located on the upper N flank. RSAM values were between 45 and 75 units, lower than the normal values of 150.

Source: Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET)

Semeru (Indonesia) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Semeru
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that during February and 1-2 March gray eruptive plumes rose 200-500 m above Semeru’s summit. Beginning on 26 February incandescent material was ejected 10-50 m above the Jonggring-Seloko Crater, and by 2 March lava flows had traveled 500-1,000 m down the Kembar, Bang, and Kobokan drainages (on the S flank). The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was reminded to stay outside of the general 1-km radius from the summit and 4 km on the SSE flank.

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

Yasur (Vanuatu) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Yasur
Vanuatu Volcanic Arc

Based on webcam images, satellite data, and pilot observations the Wellington VAAC reported that during 2-3 March low-level ash plumes from Yasur rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and NW.

Source: Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Aira (Japan) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that during 25 February-2 March there were six explosions and three non-explosive eruptive events detected by the Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) seismic network. Ash plumes rose as high as 2.6 km above the crater rim and material was ejected 600-1,300 m away from the crater. Crater incandescence was visible every night. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Asosan (Japan) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Asosan
Nankai Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that eruptive activity at Asosan was recorded during 25 February-2 March. Gray-to-white ash plumes rose 700 m above the crater rim and caused ashfall in areas downwind. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high, ranging from 1,500 to 4,900 tons per day. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-5).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Dukono (Indonesia) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 26-29 February and 1 March ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, SW, and W. 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) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ebeko
Kuril Volcanic Arc

Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions on 21, 25, and 27 February that sent ash plumes up to 2.9 km (9,500 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes drifted S, SE, and NE; ashfall was reported in Severo-Kurilsk on 22 February. 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) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ibu
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

The Darwin VAAC reported that on 27 February an ash plume from Ibu rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW based on satellite images and weather models. 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: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Karangetang (Indonesia) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karangetang
Sangihe Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that during 24 February-1 March lava continued to effuse from Karangetang’s Main Crater (S), traveling as far as 1.8 km down the Nanitu, Pangi, and Sense drainages on the SW and W flanks. Sometimes dense white plumes rose 150 m above the summit; foggy weather occasionally prevented observations. Incandescence from both summit craters was visible at night. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

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

Kerinci (Indonesia) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kerinci
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that at 0600 on 1 March and 0742 on 2 March brown ash emissions rose 400-500 m above Kerinci’s summit and drifted SSW and NE, respectively. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 3-km exclusion zone.

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

Klyuchevskoy (Russia) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Klyuchevskoy
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that Strombolian activity at Klyuchevskoy was visible during 21-28 February, and a strong thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images those same days. A gas-and-steam plume containing some ash drifted 120 km E on 23 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Nishinoshima (Japan) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Nishinoshima
Ogasawara Volcanic Arc

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) presented InSAR results from 17 November 2019 to 28 February 2020 showing growth of Nishinoshima’s central cone alomg with changes to the island’s surface and expansion of the coastline from lava flows. During an overflight on 17 February observers noted continuous activity from the central vent, including a diffuse ash plume rising about 600 m. Ejected material landed near the cone’s base. Lava flowed into the sea at the N and E coasts, causing a rising steam plume. Discolored water had been seen on 4 February in an area 9 km S of the island but was not apparent during the overflight possibly due to weather conditions. The marine exclusion zone was defined as a radius of about 2.6 km from the island.

Source: Japan Coast Guard

Pavlof (United States) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Pavlof
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that seismic activity at Pavlof had decreased during the past several weeks, and no eruptive activity or summit emissions had been observed since minor steaming in late February. AVO lowered the Volcano Alert Level to Normal and the Aviation Color Code to Green on 3 March.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Ruapehu (New Zealand) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ruapehu
Taupo Volcanic Zone

GeoNet reported that a period of increased seismicity was detected at Ruapehu during 22-23 February. The series of volcanic earthquakes began with the largest event, a M 1.3, which was followed by smaller events. The data showed that the seismicity originated from a source 3 km below the summit. The amplitude of the volcanic tremor declined during 24-28 February and then again increased around 29 February-1 March.

In response to the 22-23 February sequence, volcanologists collected lake water samples and measured gas emissions the week after. The temperature of the lake water suggested slow heating from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. They observed upwelling of gray sediment and sulfur slicks on the surface of the water. Carbon dioxide and sulfur gas emissions had increased since last measured on 7 February. GeoNet noted that gas-flux and the increased seismicity remained within the normal ranges for Ruapehu; the Volcanic Alert Level remained at 1 (minor volcanic unrest) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Green.

Source: GeoNet

Sabancaya (Peru) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sabancaya
Central Andean Volcanic Arc

Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that a daily average of 18 low- to medium-intensity explosions occurred at Sabancaya during 24 February-1 March. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2 km above the summit and drifted W, SW, and S. There was one thermal anomaly identified in satellite data, originating from the lava dome in the summit crater. On 26, 27, and 28 February at 1552, 1420, and 1300, respectively, lahars descended the Huayuray-Pinchollo drainage on the N flank. The lahars were small to moderate in size and blocked the Chivay-Cabanaconde road in the district of Cabanaconde. 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)

Semisopochnoi (United States) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semisopochnoi
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

No signs of eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi were detected in infrasound and satellite data over the previous several weeks, prompting AVO to lower the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory on 26 February. A robust steam plume rose from the main vent that same day. Short bursts of tremor and earthquakes persisted during 26 February-3 March.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Sheveluch (Russia) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 21-28 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) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that during 21-28 February incandescence from Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater was visible nightly. Occasional eruptive events and two explosions were recorded; ash plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim. Blocks were ejected onto the flanks during 23-24 February. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Taal (Philippines) | 26 February-3 March 2020 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Taal
Taiwan-Luzon Volcanic Arc

PHIVOLCS reported that during 26 February-2 March steam plumes rose 50-300 m above the vent and drifted SW and NE. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 4,314 people in 12 evacuation centers, and an additional 132,931 people were staying at other locations as of 3 March. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and 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)

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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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