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Ash puff on 2 March rises to just above the summit
On 2 March a pilot reported a small eruption at Amukta volcano in the central Aleutian Islands. Ash barely clearing the top of the volcano was reported.
Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of a) U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/), b) Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and c) Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.
The Global Volcanism Program has no Weekly Reports available for Amukta.
Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.
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Possible source of 10.6-km cloud
At about 1000 on 28 August pilots Charles Kozler, Wayne Russell, and George Wooliver (Reeve Aleutian Airways) reported an eruption plume reaching 10.5 km altitude in the vicinity of Amukta, drifting WNW. The FAA issued a NOTAM warning pilots to stay 25 miles [40 km] from Amukta Island. Heavy weather clouds covered Amukta Island so its activity could not be directly observed. Mt. Cleveland, 100 km ENE, was apparently active that same morning and winds were blowing in the direction of Amukta (see Mt. Cleveland 12:08). The origin of the large cloud remains both uncertain and controversial at the time of this report.
On 4 September Wooliver observed a small dark ash plume rising at least 300 m above the summit of Amukta then drifting as much as 1 km NW. Only the NW flank was visible because of cloud cover. His observations were made from 9,750 m altitude from nearly 120 km N. Wooliver has flown in the Aleutian Islands since the 1950's and is experienced at observing eruptions.
Amukta's last known eruptive activity was on 12 July 1984 (BVE, no. 24). Harold Wilson (Peninsula Airways) notes that normal activity . . . is continuous minor steam emission from several small vents just inside the summit crater rim.
Information Contacts: T. Miller, USGS Anchorage; J. Reeder, ADGGS.
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Small ash plumes observed in mid-September
On 18 September AVO received a pilot report of a small ash plume above Amukta. An Alaska Airlines pilot noted black and gray ash clouds rising ~300 m above the summit crater during overflights on 17 and 18 September. The ash plumes extended ~16 km S over the Pacific Ocean before dissipating. No plume was visible on satellite imagery.
Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO); NOAA/NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch, Room 401, 5200 Auth Road, Camp Springs, MD 20746, USA.
Cite this Report
Ash puff on 2 March rises to just above the summit
On 2 March a pilot reported a small eruption at Amukta volcano in the central Aleutian Islands. Ash barely clearing the top of the volcano was reported.
Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of a) U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/), b) Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and c) Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.
This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.
Synonyms |
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| Amuchta | Amarchta | ||||
Cones |
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| Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
| Amukta | Stratovolcano | |||
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There is data available for 6 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.
1997 Mar 3 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1997 Mar 3 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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1996 Sep 17 - 1996 Sep 18 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Sep 17 - 1996 Sep 18 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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1987 Sep 4 (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 Sep 4 (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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1963 Feb 13 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 Feb 13 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 6 Events for Episode 1
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1878 Confirmed Eruption
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||
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| 1878 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||
[ 1876 ] Uncertain Eruption
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1876 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | ||||||||||||||
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List of 1 Events for Episode 1
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1786 Jun - 1791 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1786 Jun - 1791 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1770 ] Uncertain Eruption
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||
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| 1770 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||
There is data available for 2 deformation periods. Expand each entry for additional details.
| Start Date: 1993 | Stop Date: 2009 | Direction: Subsidence | Method: InSAR |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: Unknown | Latitude: Unknown | Longitude: Unknown |
Remarks: Subsidence on the SE flank of the volcano due to contraction of magma or depressurization of the hydrothermal system. | |||
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a Average deformation image of Amukta Island produced by stacking interferograms from track 430 (also shown in Fig. 6.62a). b Best-fit source model of the upper southeast flank deformation field shown in (a) using a Mogi source located 1 km beneath the surface at the white dot. A full cycle of colors (i.e., one interferometric fringe) in (a) and (b) represents 10 mm/ year of surface displacement along the LOS. c High-resolution airborne SAR image of Amukta acquired by UAVSAR (illumination from the north). Areas of subsidence on the lower western flank and upper southeastern flank that are identified in Figs. 6.61 and 6.62 are outlined by solid and dashed lines, respectively From: Lu and Dzurisin 2014. |
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Reference List: Lu and Dzurisin 2014.
Full References:
Lu Z, Dzurisin D, 2014. InSAR imaging of Aleutian volcanoes: monitoring a volcanic arc from space. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00348-6
| Start Date: 1993 | Stop Date: 2009 | Direction: Subsidence | Method: InSAR |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: Unknown | Latitude: Unknown | Longitude: Unknown |
Remarks: Subisdence on SW flank of volcano due to contraction of the 1963 lava flow. | |||
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a Average deformation image of Amukta Island produced by stacking interferograms from track 430 (also shown in Fig. 6.62a). b Best-fit source model of the upper southeast flank deformation field shown in (a) using a Mogi source located 1 km beneath the surface at the white dot. A full cycle of colors (i.e., one interferometric fringe) in (a) and (b) represents 10 mm/ year of surface displacement along the LOS. c High-resolution airborne SAR image of Amukta acquired by UAVSAR (illumination from the north). Areas of subsidence on the lower western flank and upper southeastern flank that are identified in Figs. 6.61 and 6.62 are outlined by solid and dashed lines, respectively From: Lu and Dzurisin 2014. |
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Reference List: Lu and Dzurisin 2014.
Full References:
Lu Z, Dzurisin D, 2014. InSAR imaging of Aleutian volcanoes: monitoring a volcanic arc from space. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00348-6
There is no Emissions History data available for Amukta.
Amukta in the central Aleutians is located along the coast of the 8-km-wide island of the same name. It has had several eruptions since the late 18th century from both summit and flank vents.
The eastern side of the Chagulak volcano is seen here in the foreground and Amukta is in the background. The two volcanoes join at depth but at the surface they are separated by 7 km of ocean.Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.
There are no samples for Amukta in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.
| Alaska Volcano Observatory (Link to Amukta) | The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) is a joint program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAFGI), and the State of Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS). AVO was formed in 1988, and uses federal, state, and university resources to monitor and study Alaska's hazardous volcanoes, to predict and record eruptive activity, and to mitigate volcanic hazards to life and property. |
| Copernicus Browser | The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions. |
| MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
| MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
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WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments. |
| Volcanic Hazard Maps | The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter. |
| IRIS seismic stations/networks | Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Amukta. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice. |
| UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations | Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Amukta. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player. |
| DECADE Data | The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere. |
| Large Eruptions of Amukta | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
| EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |
