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 23 February-1 March 2022
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Asosan	Japan	Nankai Volcanic Arc	—	New
Ontakesan	Japan	Nankai Volcanic Arc	—	New
Telica	Nicaragua	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	New
Ambae	Vanuatu	Vanuatu Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Ambrym	Vanuatu	Vanuatu Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Davidof	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Etna	Italy	Sicily Volcanic Province	2022 Nov 27	Continuing
Great Sitkin	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	2021 May 25	Continuing
Karymsky	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	2024 Jun 20	Continuing
Kilauea	United States	Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group	2024 Sep 15	Continuing
Merapi	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2020 Dec 31	Continuing
Pavlof	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Sabancaya	Peru	Central Andean Volcanic Arc	2016 Nov 6	Continuing
Sangay	Ecuador	Northern Andean Volcanic Arc	2019 Mar 26	Continuing
Semeru	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2017 Jun 6	Continuing
Semisopochnoi	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Sheveluch	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	1999 Aug 15	Continuing
Stromboli	Italy	Aeolian Volcanic Arc	1934 Feb 2	Continuing
Suwanosejima	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2004 Oct 23	Continuing
Turrialba	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Wolf	Ecuador	Galapagos Hotspot Volcano Group	—	Continuing
Yasur	Vanuatu	Vanuatu Volcanic Arc	1270 ± 110 years	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Asosan (Japan) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Asosan
Nankai Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that the amplitude of volcanic tremor signals at Asosan increased at around 0500 on 24 February and then increased again around 0900. About 45 minutes later JMA raised the Alert Level to 3 (on a scale of 1-5) and warned the public to stay at least 2 km away from the crater. Tremor amplitude decreased at around 1540 on 27 February. White plumes continued to rise 700-800 m above the crater rim during 24-28 February.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Ontakesan (Japan) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ontakesan
Nankai Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that the number of volcanic earthquakes at Ontakesan began increasing at 1415 on 23 February. Four minutes later a volcanic tremor signal was detected along with uplift on the S flank. At 1635 JMA raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-5). The report warned the public to stay at least 1 km away from Crater 79-7 on the SW flank of the Kenga-mine summit. After a peak on 25 February, the number of daily volcanic earthquakes began to decline; there were two volcanic earthquakes recorded on 24 February, a total of 17 on 25 February, 4-5 per day during 26-28 February, and 3 on 1 March. During an overflight on 25 February scientists observed no changes in the fumarolic areas or other morphological changes on the volcano.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Telica (Nicaragua) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Telica
Central America Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite and webcam images, the Washington VAAC reported that during 21-24 and 27-28 February multiple ash emissions at Telica rose as high as 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 55 km W, WSW, and SW.

Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Ambae (Vanuatu) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ambae
Vanuatu Volcanic Arc

On 24 February the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that explosions at the cone in Ambae’s Lake Voui continued to produce steam and ash emissions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and the public was warned to stay outside of the Danger Zone defined as a 2-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui and away from drainages during heavy rains.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

Ambrym (Vanuatu) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Ambrym
Vanuatu Volcanic Arc

On 24 February the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that nighttime crater incandescence from Ambrym’s Benbow Crater was no longer visible, though steam emissions persisted. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). VMGD warned the public to stay outside of the Permanent Danger Zone A, defined as a 1-km radius around Benbow Crater and a 2-km radius around Marum Crater, and additionally to stay 500 m away from the ground cracks created by the December 2018 eruption.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

Davidof (United States) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Davidof
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

According to AVO the earthquake swarm that began on 24 January in the vicinity at Davidof continued at least through 1 March with a few small earthquakes recorded each day. The swarm was either related to tectonic processes or volcanic unrest. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Etna (Italy) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Etna
Sicily Volcanic Province

INGV reported that during 23-25 February activity at Etna’s Southeast Crater (SEC) was characterized by Strombolian activity and occasional ash emissions that rapidly dispersed to the SSW and SSE. At 1338 on 24 February a forceful ash emission from Northeast Crater drifted SSE. A diffuse ash emission rose from the same crater at 1642. Emissions at Bocca Nuova Crater consisted mainly of gas with occasional minor ash content during 21-27 February.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Great Sitkin (United States) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Great Sitkin
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin likely continued during 23 February-1 March and very low seismicity persisted. Weakly elevated surface temperatures at the summit were detected during 25-28 February. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Karymsky (Russia) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Karymsky
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 20 and 23-24 February. The volcano was either quiet or obscured by clouds on the other days during 18-25 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kilauea (United States) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

HVO reported that lava effusion at the vent of the main cone in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued at variable rates during 22 February-1 March. Effusion from the vent sometimes paused, including from the early afternoon on 23 February to 2115 on 27 February, from 1500 on 26 February to 1000 on 27 February, and again beginning at 0130 on 1 March. When the vent was active lava flowed S and W, into the W part of the lava lake. Lava occasionally oozed out from the margins of the lake. The lake level fluctuated through the week, likely reflecting the lava supply along with periods of inflation and deflation. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Merapi (Indonesia) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Merapi
Sunda Volcanic Arc

BPPTKG reported that both of Merapi’s two lava domes, situated just below the SW rim and in the summit crater, effused lava during 18-24 February. Based on analysis of drone data the volumes of the SW and central domes were an estimated 1.58 and 3.23 million cubic meters, respectively. Seismicity remained at high levels. In the SW-flank Bebeng drainage there were as many as 173 lava avalanches that traveled a maximum of 2 km and one pyroclastic flow that extended 1.8 km. Minor ashfall was reported in the Pakem District on 18 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3-5 km away from the summit based on location.

Source: Balai Penyelidikan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Kebencanaan Geologi (BPPTKG)

Pavlof (United States) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Pavlof
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that the eruption at Pavlof was ongoing during 23 February-1 March. Lava effusion continued from a vent just E of the summit and sent a lava flow a short distance down the NE flank. Seismicity was higher with periods of tremor, and elevated surface temperatures were periodically identified in satellite images; both were consistent with continuing lava effusion. Small explosions were detected during 24 and 26-28 February. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Sabancaya (Peru) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sabancaya
Central Andean Volcanic Arc

Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported moderate levels of activity at Sabancaya during 21-27 February with a daily average of 35 explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.5 km above the summit and drifted NW, W, SW, and S. Three thermal anomalies originating from the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected near Hualca Hualca (4 km N). 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)

Sangay (Ecuador) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sangay
Northern Andean Volcanic Arc

IG reported a high level of activity at Sangay during 22 February-1 March. Weather clouds and rain often prevented visual and webcam observations of the volcano, though daily ash-and-gas plumes were identified in satellite images by the Washington VAAC or in webcam views; plumes rose as high as 2 km above the volcano and drifted N, NW, W, and SW. Multiple daily thermal anomalies over the volcano were visible in satellite data.

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

Semeru (Indonesia) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semeru
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that eruptions at Semeru recorded at 0605 on 24 February, 0538, 0557, and 0755 on 25 February, 0535 on 27 February, and 0555 on 29 February generated ash plumes that rose 500-700 m above the summit and drifted N and SW. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4). The public was warned to stay at least 500 m away from Kobokan drainages within 17 km of the summit, along with other drainages originating on Semeru, including the Bang, Kembar, and Sat, due to lahar, avalanche, and pyroclastic flow hazards.

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

Semisopochnoi (United States) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semisopochnoi
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that low-level eruptive activity at Semisopochnoi's North Cerberus cone continued during 23 February-1 March. Seismicity was elevated with low-level tremor and daily small explosions. Weather clouds sometimes prevented satellite and webcam views of the volcano, though low ash clouds from the summit were visible on most days. Ash deposits on the N flank were visible in a few webcam images. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Sheveluch (Russia) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Sheveluch
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 18-25 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Stromboli (Italy) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Stromboli
Aeolian Volcanic Arc

INGV reported that during 21-27 February activity at Stromboli was characterized by ongoing explosions from three vents in Area N (North Crater area) and three vents in Area C-S (South-Central Crater area). Explosions from Area N vents (N1 and N2) averaged 2-5 events per hour; explosions from the N1 vent ejected lapilli and bombs 80-150 m high and those at two N2 vents ejected material less than 80 m high. N2 produced weak and occasional spattering. No explosions occurred at the S1 and C vents in Area C-S; low-intensity explosions at the two S2 vents occurred at a rate of 4-9 per hour and ejected coarse material no higher than 80 m.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Suwanosejima (Japan) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that 13 explosions were recorded at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater during 21-28 February. The explosions produced ash plumes that rose as high as 2.2 km above the crater rim and ejected blocks 300-400 m away from the crater. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW) and crater incandescence was visible nightly. The Alert Level remained at 3 and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Turrialba (Costa Rica) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Turrialba
Central America Volcanic Arc

OVSICORI-UNA reported that a point of incandescence on the SW wall of Turrialba’s Cráter Oeste was visible on 23 February and was coincident with the area of strongest gas emissions. At 1955 on 27 February an eruption produced a diffuse ash plume that rose 300 m above the summit and drifted NE. Rumbling heard on 28 February was sometimes coincident with minor ash emissions.

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

Wolf (Ecuador) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Wolf
Galapagos Hotspot Volcano Group

IG reported that the eruption at Wolf continued during 23 February-1 March. Daily thermal alert counts, as high as around 253, indicated active and advancing lava flows on the SE flank.

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

Yasur (Vanuatu) | 23 February-1 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Yasur
Vanuatu Volcanic Arc

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) reported that activity at Yasur continued at a high level of “major unrest,” as defined by the Alert Level 2 status (the middle level on a scale of 0-4). Ash-and-gas emissions and loud explosions continued to be recorded, with bombs falling in and around the crater. The public was reminded not to enter the restricted area within 600 m around the cone, defined by Danger Zone A on the hazard map.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD)

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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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