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 March-29 March 2022
Name	Country	Volcanic Province	Eruption Start Date	Report Status
Bezymianny	Russia	Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc	2022 Mar 15	New
Kita-Ioto	Japan	Ogasawara Volcanic Arc	—	New
Krakatau	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	—	New
Ruapehu	New Zealand	Taupo Volcanic Zone	—	New
Sao Jorge	Portugal	Azores-Terceira Rift Volcanic Province	—	New
Taal	Philippines	Taiwan-Luzon Volcanic Arc	2024 Apr 12	New
Aira	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2017 Mar 25	Continuing
Dukono	Indonesia	Halmahera Volcanic Arc	1933 Aug 13	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
Kirishimayama	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Merapi	Indonesia	Sunda Volcanic Arc	2020 Dec 31	Continuing
Pavlof	United States	Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Rincon de la Vieja	Costa Rica	Central America Volcanic Arc	2021 Jun 28	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
Suwanosejima	Japan	Ryukyu Volcanic Arc	2004 Oct 23	Continuing
Telica	Nicaragua	Central America Volcanic Arc	—	Continuing
Wolf	Ecuador	Galapagos Hotspot Volcano Group	—	Continuing

All times are local unless otherwise stated.

Bezymianny (Russia) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Bezymianny
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

KVERT reported that a daily thermal anomaly over Bezymianny was visible in satellite images during 18-25 March. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) on 23 March. Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Kita-Ioto (Japan) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Kita-Ioto
Ogasawara Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that a submarine eruption occurred at Funka Asane, a submarine vent 4-5 km NW of Kita-Ioto, at around 1800 on 27 March based on satellite images. An eruption plume was visible rising to 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. at 2100 and may have contained ash. Eruption warnings and maritime warnings were issued at 2314 and 2318, respectively. Satellite images showed that by 2330 the plume had risen to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. Areas of discolored water and bubbling were also visible.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Krakatau (Indonesia) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Krakatau
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that as many as five daily ash plumes from Anak Krakatau were visible in images from the webcam on Sertung Island, seen by observers on nearby islands, and identified in satellite images during 24-29 March. Dense gray and black ash plumes rose as high as 2.2 km from the vent and drifted mainly E, and occasionally S and 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 crater.

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

Ruapehu (New Zealand) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Ruapehu
Taupo Volcanic Zone

On 28 March GeoNet reported that unrest continued at Ruapehu with strong levels of tremor and increasing crater lake water temperatures that began two weeks prior. The temperature was 32 degrees Celsius, up one degree from the week before; the temperature rose at a slow rate due to heavy rainfall and an influx of cold water into the lake. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale from 0-5) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Green.

Source: GeoNet

Sao Jorge (Portugal) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Sao Jorge
Azores-Terceira Rift Volcanic Province

A seismic swarm beneath the W half of São Jorge began at 1605 on 19 March, with earthquakes along the Manadas volcanic fissure system between Velas (S side of the island) and Fajã do Ouvidor (N coast). CIVISA raised the Alert Level to V2 and then V3 (on a scale of V0-V6) during the morning of 20 March, and finally to V4 that afternoon. On 22 March Proteção Civil e Bombeiros dos Açores noted that, although no official evacuations had been issued, vulnerable people such as patients in the Velas health center were being moved to other locations on the island. Supplies were being distributed to São Jorge Island and residents were encouraged to prepare in case of a volcanic eruption. On 23 March a VONA was issued, announcing that the Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (on a four-color scale). The total estimated population of the island was around 8,400 people; according to a news report, about 1,250 residents left the island during 23-24 March. Most of the earthquakes were low magnitude, M 1.6-3.3, though about 209 of them were felt by residents; the largest event, a M 3.8, was detected near Velas at 2256 on 29 March. By 30 March a total of about 20,000 events had been recorded. Besides the increased seismicity, CIVISA noted that ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data showed inflation, which was also suggested by satellite-based data processed by partners.

Sources: Portuguese American Journal, Centro de Informação e Vigilância Sismovulcânica dos Açores (CIVISA), Proteção Civil e Bombeiros dos Açores, U.S. News, Reuters, Açoriano Oriental, Açoriano Oriental

Taal (Philippines) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | New Activity / Unrest Cite this Report

Taal
Taiwan-Luzon Volcanic Arc

PHIVOLCS reported that hot volcanic fluids circulated and upwelled in Taal’s Main Crater lake during 24-25 March, producing plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the lake’s surface. A phreatomagmatic eruption was recorded at 0226 on 25 March, based on seismic data and webcam images, and produced a 500-m-tall plume. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 6,957 tonnes/day that same day. A phreatomagmatic eruption during 0722-0859 on 26 March consisted of as many as 66 explosions, and prompted PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level to 3 (on a scale of 0-5) part way through at 0800. Eruption plumes rose as high as 3 km. Wet ashfall with a sulfur odor fell on Taal Volcano Island, along the Calauit and Alas-as shorelines, and on the lakeshore of Banyaga, Agoncillo, Batangas. PHIVOLCS noted that Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) means that there has been a magmatic intrusion and evacuation of high-risk barangays is recommended. The Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that residents of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, Laurel, Batangas Province began evacuating that day. Entry onto Taal Volcanic Island as well as the barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel was prohibited. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that by 27 March 2,961 people had been evacuated.

Hot volcanic fluids continued to upwell in the lake during 26-29 March, generating plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km and drifted SW. Phreatomagmatic events were recorded at 0434 and 0504 on 27 March by the seismic network and seen in webcam images, producing eruption plumes that rose 800 and 400 m, respectively, and drifted SW. Three more phreatomagmatic events were recorded at 0930, 0933, and 0946; eruption plumes rose 400-800 m and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,140-4,273 tonnes/day during 28-29 March.

Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Philippine News Agency (PNA), Office of Civil Defense

Aira (Japan) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Aira
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that very small eruptive events were recorded at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 21-28 March. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and residents were warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Dukono (Indonesia) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Dukono
Halmahera Volcanic Arc

Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 26-28 March ash plumes from Dukono rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, E, and ENE. 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)

Great Sitkin (United States) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Great Sitkin
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that slow lava effusion at Great Sitkin continued during 22-29 March and very low seismicity persisted. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano most of the week; one satellite image acquired on 24 March showed slow expansion of the flow field. 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 March-29 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 22-23 March. The volcano was either quiet or obscured by clouds on the other days during 18-25 March. 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 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kilauea
Hawaiian-Emperor Hotspot Volcano Group

HVO reported that lava effusion from vents in the lower W wall of Kilauea’s Halema`uma`u Crater continued at variable rates during 22-29 March. Lava from a vent flowed into the active W part of the lava lake and onto the crater floor. Numerous and sustained ooze outs of lava along the lake’s margins and interior seams persisted during the week. HVO noted that by 17 March about 58 million cubic meters of lava had been erupted since the current eruption began. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.

Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)

Kirishimayama (Japan) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Kirishimayama
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported an increase in volcanic earthquakes just below Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group). A total of 21 events were recorded during 26-27 March, prompting JMA to raise the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 27 March. Volcanic earthquakes continued to be recorded during 27-28 March. A two-minute-period of volcanic tremor began to be recorded at 1624 on 28 March. Minor deflation first recorded in December 2021 was ongoing. Fumarolic plumes continued to rise no higher than 100 m from a fissure on the W flank. The public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Merapi (Indonesia) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Merapi
Sunda Volcanic Arc

BPPTKG reported no significant morphological changes at Merapi’s summit lava dome during 18-24 March, but the height of the dome below the SW rim had increased by 4 m. Seismicity remained at high levels; the intensity of the signals had increased compared to the previous week. As many as 51 lava avalanches originating from the SW dome traveled a maximum of 2 km down the Bebeng drainage on the SW flank. Six pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 2.5 km. Minor ashfall was reported in the Selo District. 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 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Pavlof
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

AVO reported that the eruption at a vent on Pavlof’s upper E flank was ongoing during 22-29 March, and seismic tremor persisted. Elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite images on most of the days and were consistent with minor lava effusion. Cloud cover sometimes prevented webcam and satellite views of the summit area; sulfur dioxide emissions were visible in satellite images during 24-26 March. Two small explosions were detected in local and regional infrasound data during 23-24 March and one was recorded during 26-27 March. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Rincon de la Vieja (Costa Rica) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Rincon de la Vieja
Central America Volcanic Arc

OVSICORI-UNA reported that several eruptive events at Rincón de la Vieja were recorded during 22-26 March, though none were visible due to weather conditions. A one-minute-long event was recorded at 0350 on 22 March. A series of pulses occurred over a 20-minute period, at 0140, 0146, and 0159 on 23 March, with additional small events at 1045, 1339, 1939, and 2244. According to the Washington VAAC a possible ash emission was visible in satellite images at 1420 drifting W at an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. OVSICORI-UNA noted that a series of small eruptive events were recorded during 0129-0140 on 25 March. A small eruption with possible two separate pulses was recorded on 26 March.

Sources: Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA), Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Semeru (Indonesia) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Semeru
Sunda Volcanic Arc

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 22-29 March. Daily eruptive events produced ash plumes recorded by observers that rose 0.2-1.8 km above the summit and drifted mainly N, NW, and W. 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 March-29 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 22-29 March. Periods of seismic tremor and occasional small explosions were detected daily in seismic and regional infrasound data. Daily minor ash emissions and occasional steam emissions were visible in webcam and satellite images; clouds sometimes prevented satellite views. 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 March-29 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 March. 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)

Suwanosejima (Japan) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Suwanosejima
Ryukyu Volcanic Arc

JMA reported that eruptive activity continued to be recorded at Suwanosejima's Ontake Crater during 21-28 March. As many as 42 explosions were recorded, and crater incandescence was visible nightly. Eruption plumes rose as high as 2.3 km above the crater rim and ejected blocks as far as 800 m from the crater. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (3.5 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 3 and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

Telica (Nicaragua) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Telica
Central America Volcanic Arc

Based on webcam images, the Washington VAAC reported that on 25 March ash emissions at Telica rose as high as 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.

Source: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Wolf (Ecuador) | 23 March-29 March 2022 | Continuing ActivityCite this Report

Wolf
Galapagos Hotspot Volcano Group

IG reported that the eruption at Wolf continued during 22-29 March. Daily thermal alert counts, as many as around 200, indicated active and advancing lava flows on the SSE flank.

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

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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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