Mid-July to mid-August 2008: abundant tremor and ash plumes to ~11 km altitude

This report discusses the important explosive eruption of Okmok (figure 3) that began on 12 July 2008 (BGVN 33:06) and summarizes the period from mid-July to mid-August 2008. Vigorous eruptions continued with many plumes over 4 km altitude and some as tall as ~ 11 km. The information in this report is mostly compiled from daily and weekly AVO postings. Remote sensing data showed vigorous eruption plumes that spread over North America; these plumes were unusually complex and well-documented in photographs by pilots, including some over Montana (USA), thousands of kilometers from the volcano. Other powerful eruptions in the region included those at Cleveland and an SO₂-rich eruption from Kasatoshi. Near Okmok, cloud cover often restricted views.

Figure 3. Map showing Okmok and vicinity. Courtesy of Janet Schaefer, Alaska Volcano Observatory / Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (AVO/ADGGS).

On 19 July seismicity increased markedly and reached a level commonly associated with vigorous ash emissions. The seismic data was consistent with explosive ash plumes and an image (AAVHRR thermal IR (Channel 4)) indicated cloud temperatures of -50°C, suggesting an altitude of at least 9.1 km.

Satellite imagery from 20 July revealed an ash plume ~ 20 km from Okmok drifting SE at 3.7 km altitude. Nearly continuous volcanic tremor changed to tremor of a more episodic character, and the overall seismic intensity declined. Additional ash plumes observed on satellite imagery and spotted by pilots rose to altitudes of 4.6-6.1 km. On this day a photograph taken from an Alaska Airlines jet captured an impressive plume from Okmok from 11.3 km (37,000 ft) altitude (figure 4).

Figure 4. A 20 July aerial photo of the Okmok eruption made looking S from a spot ~ 24 km away (taken at approximately 1950 ADT). Estimated tops of ash and vapor were at 6.2 km (20,000 ft.) altitude. Photo taken by Phil Walgren.

Aerial photographs and video footage was collected by AVO staff and others on 20 and 21 July. It confirmed the presence of multiple vigorous vents on the caldera floor.

The flights on 21 July revealed Okmok ash on the snow at Makushin volcano. During 21-22 July, ash plumes continued to be present and rose to altitudes of 6.1-9.1 km and drifted SE. Okmok's seismicity remained episodic, but well above background. On 23 July, tremor that was episodic in duration shifted to nearly continuous and grew to mid-level amplitudes. Although cloud cover obscured views of Okmok that day, previously emitted ash plumes were visible to the ESE. On 24 July, a thermal anomaly was possibly present on satellite imagery. Lahar damage to bridges and roads in Fort Glenn was evident. Around this time, the sailing vessel "Minnow" endured ashfall during a 30-minute interval. The thickness of ash deposited was not disclosed, but ash removal required five hours of cleaning.

Seismic amplitude increased on 25 July. Based on pilot reports and observations of satellite imagery, AVO reported that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 10.7-12.2 km.

On 26 July, seismicity decreased and satellite imagery indicated that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 6.1-6.7 km. Seismicity increased again on 27 July. Satellite imagery possibly indicated another thermal anomaly; a possible plume at an altitude of less than 3 km was also noted.

Two photos (figures 5 and 6) illustrate the new delta resulting from fresh ash deposits eroded and carried to the mouth of Crater Creek. The first photo was taken 27 July, the second, 2 August.

Figure 5. A 27 July 2008 photo illustrating the broad delta formed by lahars along Okmok's Crater Creek. The "Equinox," the shipwreck on the left side of the photo, used to be awash before the July 2008 eruption. Photo courtesy of Lonnie Kennedy.

Figure 6. Another view of the new Okmok lahar delta formed at Cape Tanak, where Crater Creek enters the sea. The shipwreck lies in the center of this photo. Photo taken 2 August 2008 by Jessica Larsen, Alaska Volcano Observatory / University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute (AVO/UAF-GI).

On 28 July, tremor decreased. Ash plumes at altitudes of 8.2-10.7 km drifted E and SE. Tremor shifted from nearly continuous to episodic. Later that day and on 29 July, discrete plumes containing some ash rose to altitudes of 6.1-10.7 km and drifted E to SE.

According to pilot reports and analysis of satellite imagery for 30 July, ash plumes then rose to altitudes of 4.6-6.1 km and drifted W. Seismicity alternated between periods of continuous and pulsating tremor. On 31 July, ash plume at altitudes of 9.1-9.8 km were seen on satellite images. On 31 July, reports from a fishing boat 11.3 km N indicated visibility had ceased due to ashfall. The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory for Umnak Island and Unalaska/Dutch Harbor that remained in effect until 2400 on 1 August.

Strong volcanic tremor on 2 August prompted AVO to raise the Volcano Alert Level and the Aviation Color Code to the highest level. Cloudy conditions prevented satellite observations. Later that day, AVO geologists in the area reported that ash-and-steam plumes rose to minimum altitude of 6.1 km. The seismicity then decreased. Next, observers in Fort Glenn on Umnak Island reported smelling sulfur and seeing a larger ash plume than earlier that day. The plume drifted ESE.

AVO scientists observed the eruption during a visit on 2 and 3 August. They saw significant ashfall accumulated in the caldera and on the upper flanks. Lahars and lahar deltas had formed in drainages from the SE to the NE flank (figure 7). Continuous ash jets escaped from three or more vents in the NE sector of the caldera.

Figure 7. Before-and-after photographs of the falls on Crater Creek, the outflow stream draining Okmok caldera on its NE side. The right photo was taken on 2 August, three weeks after the onset of the 2008 eruption. The left photo is approximately the same view taken in September 2004. Okmok is treeless, but at lower elevations is covered with a verdant blanket of wildflowers and grasses. The index image (lower-left corner) is from a digital elevation map (DEM). Both photographs and the DEM are by Janet Schaefer, AVO/ADGGS.

Figure 8 shows a view of a 3 August eruption, as seen from a commercial airliner. The plume was also seen midday on 3 August (figure 9). On that day, both helicopter and ground-based observers indicated an ash plume at lower altitude along with a steam plume at higher altitude. Satellite imagery revealed ash plumes at altitudes of 9.1-10.7 km drifting SSW.

Figure 8. View of Okmok eruption, taken from a NE-bound Alaska Airlines flight at ~ 10.7 km (35,000 ft) altitude on 3 August 2008 (between the hours of 2000 and 2008). Plume tops estimated to ~ 2.1 km (~ 7,000 ft) altitude using nearby Mount Vsevidof (summit elevation, 2,149 m 7,051 ft) for reference. Courtesy of Burke Mees.

Figure 9. View of Okmok's ash plume emitting from multiple vents near intracaldera Cone D. Photo taken on 3 August 2008 by Jessica Larsen, Alaska Volcano Observatory / University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute (AVO/UAF-GI).

On 4 August, ashfall reported in the settlement of Nikolski (80 km SW) had accumulated to a depth of 3 mm. During 4-5 August, satellite imagery and pilot observations indicated that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 3-7.6 km and drifted SW and W.

Elevated seismicity occurred during 6-8 August, and declined on 9 August. According to satellite imagery for 9-10 August, there were steam plumes possibly containing ash rising up to 4.6 km altitude. On 11 August, steam plumes rose to less than 6.1 km altitude and drifted SE. Ash plumes that rose to around a hundred meters above the crater were reported by an observer in Nikolski. These plumes were not detected on satellite imagery due to cloud cover. On 12 August, a pilot reported an ash plume at an altitude of 4.6 km.

AVO reported that a new vent was active on 13 August. Emissions that day, possibly from multiple vents, were rich in both ash and steam. Low-level steam-and-ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting SE at altitudes of 3-4.6 km. During 14-17 August satellite observations were hindered due to cloud cover; seismic levels fluctuated, possibly indicating that steam-and-ash emissions continued. During 18-19 August, ash plumes were seen on satellite imagery at altitudes of 3-4.6 km.

No thermal anomalies related to Okmok were measured by MODIS satellites during January-August 2008.

Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/), the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.

Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

August 1983 (SEAN 08:08) Cite this Report

Possible eruption plume on satellite imagery

Images from the NOAA 7 polar orbiting satellite at 1816 on 8 July showed an elongate plume extending approximately 100 km S from Okmok. Analysis of infrared data yielded a plume temperature of -25°C, corresponding to an altitude of 6.3 km. The plume was not visible on imagery returned 12 hours earlier and later. There were no other reports of activity at Okmok during this period. Umnak Island is not densely populated, but aircraft frequently fly near the volcano.

Information Contacts: M. Matson, NOAA/NESDIS; T. Miller and M. E. Yount, USGS, Anchorage.

December 1986 (SEAN 11:12) Cite this Report

Tephra eruption and debris flow

A steam and ash plume was rising to ~200 m above a cinder cone in the SW part of the caldera when Aleutian Air pilot T. Madsen flew past the volcano on 18 November at 1320. Winds blew ash to the SE. Because of his low flight altitude, Madsen was unable to determine the extent of recent ash deposits. The active cone, probably Cone A of Byers (1959) is one of eight that ring the inside of the 9-km Okmok caldera.

No additional reports of activity were received until 5 January [but see 12:1], when a small ash eruption was observed by Peninsula Airways pilot H. Wilson, ~13 hours after a large earthquake with an epicenter 130 km to the SW. The shallow, Ms 6.6 event occurred at 0312, centered at 52.47°N, 169.28°W. Objects were knocked off shelves in Nikolski, 65 km to the SW, but there was no structural damage. When Wilson flew over Okmok at 1630, a 300-m-high steam and ash plume was being emitted, again from Cone A in the SW part of the caldera. A small debris flow had descended to the cone's SE foot. Fresh black ash extended NE from the cone across the caldera floor and over the caldera rim, 9 km away, where Wilson estimated that the ash deposit was ~5 km wide. The deposit thinned noticeably with distance from the cone, and was difficult to recognize beyond the caldera rim because the volcano's flanks were snow-free. Although there were snow squalls in the area, the ash lacked any obvious snow cover.

Reference. Byers, F. M., Jr., 1959, Geology of Umnak and Bogoslof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska: USGS Bulletin 1028-L, p. 267-369.

Information Contacts: J. Reeder, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS).

January 1987 (SEAN 12:01) Cite this Report

Ash emission declines

At 1600 on 18 December, pilot T. Madsen observed steam and ash emission from the cinder cone in the SW part of the caldera. During the next 2 hours about six large pulses of ash rose 900 m above the cone. Madsen observed a trace of fresh ash when he landed on the SE flank. At 1800, ash was drifting NE for ~55 km, and the S and SW part of the caldera floor were completely covered with black ash.

When H. Wilson flew by the caldera on the afternoon of 19 January, no ash was penetrating the 1,200-m cloud cover, although he noted increased stream flow from the NNE part of the crater. On 2 February a 60-m steam plume containing small amounts of grey ash rose from the cone but on 11 February pilot Dwight Blackburn reported only minor white steam emission.

Information Contacts: J. Reeder, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS).

March 1987 (SEAN 12:03) Cite this Report

Vigorous ash eruption seen 31 January

At 1600 on 31 January, Chuck Harvey and Marlaine Lovess observed several ash explosions from 42 km E of the active cone. Consecutive black ash plumes rose vertically to several kilometers above the summit and formed mushroom-like clouds.

Information Contacts: J. Reeder, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS).

June 1987 (SEAN 12:06) Cite this Report

Minor ash emission

Peninsula Airways pilot H. Wilson noted a bluish-gray haze just ESE of Okmok Caldera on 10 June at 1600, although clouds obscured the volcano. On 18 June at about 1500, Jay Brian Carribaburu (Peninsula Airways) observed minor ash emission from a cinder cone in the SW part of the caldera. Steam and ash were being continuously emitted from the cinder cone when T. Madsen (Aleutian Airways) flew by on 19 June at 1140. Steam and ash rose to 2,100 m (~1 km above the summit) and drifted ~11 km SW. Several large blasts of ash occurred during Madsen's observations. On 23 June, Wilson saw steam with minor ash rising to 500 m above the active cone.

Information Contacts: J. Reeder, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS).

July 1987 (SEAN 12:07) Cite this Report

Minor ash emission

At 1700 on 22 July, H. Wilson observed continuous but minor ash emissions from a cone in the SW part of the caldera. The ash and steam plume rose ~150 m above the cone with a burst of dark gray and light yellow ash. As the plume drifted ESE, most of the ash dropped from the plume and the steam dissipated within 5 km of the cone, although a gray haze could be recognized to 25 km ESE. When Wilson returned at 2030 that day he saw only minor steam emission rising no more than 60 m above the cone. The floor of the cone was visible and no incandescent material was observed.

Information Contacts: J. Reeder, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS).

November 1987 (SEAN 12:11) Cite this Report

Minor ash emission; possible cone growth

Minor eruptive activity from a cone in the SW part of the caldera was observed at 1410 on 16 November by airplane pilots Dave Holman and Jay Brown (Coast Guard). Steam with some ash rose to ~2,100 m altitude and a thin plume drifted 20 km ENE at 1,500-2,100 m altitude. [On 1 December] at 1300 and 1510, pilot T. Madsen (Aleutian Air) observed a light gray plume drifting 25 km ESE at 1,200 m altitude. He also noted that the cone appeared to be higher than the caldera rim (900-950 m elevation), indicating that it had grown since he last saw it over a month ago.

Information Contacts: J. Reeder, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS).

December 1987 (SEAN 12:12) Cite this Report

Ash emission continues

Minor eruptive activity continued . . . through December. Above-average, fairly continuous steaming was noted (by Milton Holmes and others) from 41 km E between 12 and 17 December. On 30 December at 1320 pilot T. Madsen observed constant brown-black ash emission drifting 80 km horizontally at 900 m altitude. Snow on the flanks was mostly covered with ash. He noted similar activity on 5 January, when an opaque plume was drifting NW at 1.2 km altitude for 30 km. A trapper, who has been on Umnak Island at the SE base of Okmok for the past several months, has reported several strong earthquakes followed by ash eruptions, but gave no dates.

Information Contacts: J. Reeder, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS).

February 1988 (SEAN 13:02) Cite this Report

Ash from new vent

On 26 February, ash emerged from a new vent at the SW base of the cone, while the cone's previously active vent was limited to steaming (table 1).

Table 1. Reports of activity at Okmok, January-February 1987, compiled by John Reeder from James Dickson and Tom Madsen, Aleutian Air Ltd.

Information Contacts: J. Reeder, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (ADGGS).

January 1997 (BGVN 22:01) Cite this Report

Eruption begins on 13 February from crater along S caldera rim

On the morning of 13 February, a small eruption began from a cone at 760 m elevation along the S rim of the Okmok caldera. Around 1000 a dark ash plume rose to ~1,525 m and was carried SW by prevailing winds. On 18 February, Coast Guard pilots reported an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 3,050-4,600 m. Observers at the former Fort Glenn military base reported seeing a bright red glare reflected from the 1,830-m-high weather clouds between 0100 and sunrise. At 1335 pilots reported a second plume that rose to 4,875 m. Satellite imagery continued to reveal a hot spot in the vicinity of the cone through the week of 21 February.

Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO); NOAA/NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB).

February 1997 (BGVN 22:02) Cite this Report

Cone on S side of caldera floor continues to emit lava, steam, and ash

The eruption that began 13 February continued between 28 February and 21 March. The cone on the south side of the caldera floor continued to emit lava and intermittent steam and ash plumes. Fort Glenn residents who climbed to the rim of the caldera saw a lava flow that was <500 m in length. On 19 February, ash fell on the flanks of the volcano associated with one of the larger steam-and-ash plumes. The largest plume during this period occurred on 11 March; a pilot noted a short-lived steam and ash plume that reached ~10.5 km and drifted NW.

Satellite imagery during this period revealed significant hot spots in the caldera and showed occasional plumes drifting as far as 85 km downwind.

Information Contacts: Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO); NOAA/NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB).

March 1997 (BGVN 22:03) Cite this Report

Emission of steam, ash, and lava continues

Reports on 27 March, and 4, 11, 18, and 25 April, confirmed that the eruption which began on 13 February was continuing at relatively low levels. Satellite images examined by AVO indicated the presence of hot lava flows in the caldera, and occasional thin, low-level plumes drifting downwind from the volcano. NOAA/NESDIS also reported that on 4 April an aircraft pilot saw lava flows and [observed] an ash column at ~3,500 m, drifting slowly SE. On 12 April another ash plume was reported by a pilot at 2.4 km; this same plume was detected in visible and infrared satellite imagery.

Okmok volcano is not monitored seismically and is not assigned a color code. Based on past eruptive history, lava flows and low--level ash emission could continue for weeks to months. Eruptive activity could intensify at any time.

Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO); NOAA/NESDIS Satellite Analysis Branch (SAB).

April 1997 (BGVN 22:04) Cite this Report

Activity waning by month's end

The activity that began on 13 February continued through the first half of May, but appeared to be waning by month's end. Prior to 9 May, hot lava flows were observed within the caldera. Also, satellite imagery revealed thin low-level ash plumes. Activity was continuing at a relatively low level on 16 May. By 23 May, satellite images contained no signs of activity or hotspots. Okmok is not monitored seismically.

Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO).

August 2001 (BGVN 26:08) Cite this Report

Small earthquake swarm during 11-15 May 2001

Since the February 1997 eruption (BGVN 22:04) until at least September 2001, Okmok has remained relatively quiet, with one period of increased seismic activity. On 11 May 2001, from about 0800 to at least 1700, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) detected a small earthquake swarm centered near the volcano. Earthquakes in the swarm had magnitudes ranging from ~2 to 3.6. The locations of the earthquakes could not be pinpointed because Okmok is not monitored by a local seismic network. AVO noted that the earthquakes may have been of volcanic origin, but swarms with similar characteristics are not uncommon at Aleutian arc volcanoes and do not necessarily lead to eruptive activity. The earthquake swarm ended by 15 May, and AVO has not reported any further activity at Okmok since then.

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.

June 2008 (BGVN 33:06) Cite this Report

Large explosive eruption started on 12 July, ash plumes initially rose to 15.2 km altitude

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported that on 12 July 2008 at 1143 a strong explosive eruption at Okmok began abruptly after about an hour of rapidly escalating earthquake activity. The Volcano Alert Level was raised to Warning and the Aviation Color Code was raised to Red from the previous Alert Level of Normal/Green. The last explosive eruption began on 13 February, 1997 (BGVN 22:01) from a cone on the south side of the caldera floor. Lava flowed across the caldera floor until 9 May. Ash plumes generally rose to altitudes of 1.5-4.9 km from 13 February to about 23 May, when thermal anomalies and plumes were no longer seen on satellite imagery. One ash plume rose to an altitude of 10.5 km on 11 March. In May 2001 a small seismic swarm (BGVN 26:08) was detected in the vicinity of the volcano. The earthquake locations could not be pinpointed because Okmok is not monitored by a local seismic network.

The initial phase of the 2008 eruption was very explosive, with high levels of seismicity that peaked at 2200 then began to decline. A wet gas-and-ash-rich plume was estimated to have risen to altitudes of 10.7-15.2 km or greater. Wet, sand-sized ash fell within minutes of the onset of the eruption in Fort Glenn, about 10 km WSW. Heavy ashfall occurred on the eastern portion of Umnak Island; a dusting of ash that started at 0345 also occurred for several hours about 105 km NE in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. News media reported that residents of Umnak Island heard thundering noises the morning of 12 July and quickly realized an eruption had begun. After calling the US Coast Guard for assistance, they began to evacuate to Unalaska using a small helicopter. A fishing boat evacuated the remaining residents after heavy ashfall made further flights impossible.

On 13 July, reports from Unalaska indicated no ashfall had occurred in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor since the previous night. The National Weather Service reported that the ash plume rose to an altitude of 13.7 km (figure 1). Plumes drifted SE and E. Based on observations of satellite imagery, the ash plume altitude was 9.1 km and drifted SE. However, satellite tracking of the ash cloud by traditional techniques was hampered by the high water content due to interaction of rising magma with very shallow groundwater and surficial water inside the caldera.

Figure 1. Photograph of Okmok by flight attendant Kelly Reeves during Alaska airlines flight on 13 July 2008. Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

Ash erupted from a vent or vents near composite cinder cone called Cone D in the eastern portion of the 9.7-km wide caldera. Activity during the past three significant eruptions (1945, 1958, and 1997) occurred from Cone A, a cinder cone on the far western portion of the caldera floor. Each of the three previous eruptions was generally mildly to moderately explosive with most ash clouds produced rising to less than 9.1 km altitude. Each eruption also produced a lava flow that traveled about 5 km across the caldera floor.

AVO reported that during 15-16 July seismicity changed from nearly continuous to episodic volcanic tremor, and the overall seismic intensity declined. Little to no ash was detected by satellite, but meteorological clouds obscured views. Satellite imagery from 0533 on 16 July indicated elevated surface temperatures in the NE sector of the caldera. On 16 July, a light dusting of ash was reported in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. A plume at an altitude of 9.1 km was visible on satellite imagery at 0800. On 17 July, a pilot reported that an ash plume rose to altitudes of 4.6-6.1 km and drifted E and NE. The sulfur dioxide plume had drifted at least as far as eastern Montana (figure 2). On 18 July, the eruption was episodic, with occasional ash-producing explosions occurring every 15 to 30 minutes. The plumes from these explosions were limited to about 6.1 km.

Figure 2. OMI composite image from NOAA showing the extent of the sulfur dioxide gas cloud from the eruption of Okmok imaged at about 1200 AKDT on 17 July, 2008. The large mass shows the location of the high altitude sulfur dioxide cloud from the main explosive phase on 12 July 2008. Image created by Rick Wessels (AVO); courtesy of the OMI near-real-time decision support project funded by NASA.

Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA; Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA; and Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/); Associated Press (URL: http://www.ap.org/).

July 2008 (BGVN 33:07) Cite this Report

Mid-July to mid-August 2008: abundant tremor and ash plumes to ~11 km altitude

This report discusses the important explosive eruption of Okmok (figure 3) that began on 12 July 2008 (BGVN 33:06) and summarizes the period from mid-July to mid-August 2008. Vigorous eruptions continued with many plumes over 4 km altitude and some as tall as ~ 11 km. The information in this report is mostly compiled from daily and weekly AVO postings. Remote sensing data showed vigorous eruption plumes that spread over North America; these plumes were unusually complex and well-documented in photographs by pilots, including some over Montana (USA), thousands of kilometers from the volcano. Other powerful eruptions in the region included those at Cleveland and an SO₂-rich eruption from Kasatoshi. Near Okmok, cloud cover often restricted views.

Figure 3. Map showing Okmok and vicinity. Courtesy of Janet Schaefer, Alaska Volcano Observatory / Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (AVO/ADGGS).

On 19 July seismicity increased markedly and reached a level commonly associated with vigorous ash emissions. The seismic data was consistent with explosive ash plumes and an image (AAVHRR thermal IR (Channel 4)) indicated cloud temperatures of -50°C, suggesting an altitude of at least 9.1 km.

Satellite imagery from 20 July revealed an ash plume ~ 20 km from Okmok drifting SE at 3.7 km altitude. Nearly continuous volcanic tremor changed to tremor of a more episodic character, and the overall seismic intensity declined. Additional ash plumes observed on satellite imagery and spotted by pilots rose to altitudes of 4.6-6.1 km. On this day a photograph taken from an Alaska Airlines jet captured an impressive plume from Okmok from 11.3 km (37,000 ft) altitude (figure 4).

Figure 4. A 20 July aerial photo of the Okmok eruption made looking S from a spot ~ 24 km away (taken at approximately 1950 ADT). Estimated tops of ash and vapor were at 6.2 km (20,000 ft.) altitude. Photo taken by Phil Walgren.

Aerial photographs and video footage was collected by AVO staff and others on 20 and 21 July. It confirmed the presence of multiple vigorous vents on the caldera floor.

The flights on 21 July revealed Okmok ash on the snow at Makushin volcano. During 21-22 July, ash plumes continued to be present and rose to altitudes of 6.1-9.1 km and drifted SE. Okmok's seismicity remained episodic, but well above background. On 23 July, tremor that was episodic in duration shifted to nearly continuous and grew to mid-level amplitudes. Although cloud cover obscured views of Okmok that day, previously emitted ash plumes were visible to the ESE. On 24 July, a thermal anomaly was possibly present on satellite imagery. Lahar damage to bridges and roads in Fort Glenn was evident. Around this time, the sailing vessel "Minnow" endured ashfall during a 30-minute interval. The thickness of ash deposited was not disclosed, but ash removal required five hours of cleaning.

Seismic amplitude increased on 25 July. Based on pilot reports and observations of satellite imagery, AVO reported that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 10.7-12.2 km.

On 26 July, seismicity decreased and satellite imagery indicated that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 6.1-6.7 km. Seismicity increased again on 27 July. Satellite imagery possibly indicated another thermal anomaly; a possible plume at an altitude of less than 3 km was also noted.

Two photos (figures 5 and 6) illustrate the new delta resulting from fresh ash deposits eroded and carried to the mouth of Crater Creek. The first photo was taken 27 July, the second, 2 August.

Figure 5. A 27 July 2008 photo illustrating the broad delta formed by lahars along Okmok's Crater Creek. The "Equinox," the shipwreck on the left side of the photo, used to be awash before the July 2008 eruption. Photo courtesy of Lonnie Kennedy.

Figure 6. Another view of the new Okmok lahar delta formed at Cape Tanak, where Crater Creek enters the sea. The shipwreck lies in the center of this photo. Photo taken 2 August 2008 by Jessica Larsen, Alaska Volcano Observatory / University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute (AVO/UAF-GI).

On 28 July, tremor decreased. Ash plumes at altitudes of 8.2-10.7 km drifted E and SE. Tremor shifted from nearly continuous to episodic. Later that day and on 29 July, discrete plumes containing some ash rose to altitudes of 6.1-10.7 km and drifted E to SE.

According to pilot reports and analysis of satellite imagery for 30 July, ash plumes then rose to altitudes of 4.6-6.1 km and drifted W. Seismicity alternated between periods of continuous and pulsating tremor. On 31 July, ash plume at altitudes of 9.1-9.8 km were seen on satellite images. On 31 July, reports from a fishing boat 11.3 km N indicated visibility had ceased due to ashfall. The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory for Umnak Island and Unalaska/Dutch Harbor that remained in effect until 2400 on 1 August.

Strong volcanic tremor on 2 August prompted AVO to raise the Volcano Alert Level and the Aviation Color Code to the highest level. Cloudy conditions prevented satellite observations. Later that day, AVO geologists in the area reported that ash-and-steam plumes rose to minimum altitude of 6.1 km. The seismicity then decreased. Next, observers in Fort Glenn on Umnak Island reported smelling sulfur and seeing a larger ash plume than earlier that day. The plume drifted ESE.

AVO scientists observed the eruption during a visit on 2 and 3 August. They saw significant ashfall accumulated in the caldera and on the upper flanks. Lahars and lahar deltas had formed in drainages from the SE to the NE flank (figure 7). Continuous ash jets escaped from three or more vents in the NE sector of the caldera.

Figure 7. Before-and-after photographs of the falls on Crater Creek, the outflow stream draining Okmok caldera on its NE side. The right photo was taken on 2 August, three weeks after the onset of the 2008 eruption. The left photo is approximately the same view taken in September 2004. Okmok is treeless, but at lower elevations is covered with a verdant blanket of wildflowers and grasses. The index image (lower-left corner) is from a digital elevation map (DEM). Both photographs and the DEM are by Janet Schaefer, AVO/ADGGS.

Figure 8 shows a view of a 3 August eruption, as seen from a commercial airliner. The plume was also seen midday on 3 August (figure 9). On that day, both helicopter and ground-based observers indicated an ash plume at lower altitude along with a steam plume at higher altitude. Satellite imagery revealed ash plumes at altitudes of 9.1-10.7 km drifting SSW.

Figure 8. View of Okmok eruption, taken from a NE-bound Alaska Airlines flight at ~ 10.7 km (35,000 ft) altitude on 3 August 2008 (between the hours of 2000 and 2008). Plume tops estimated to ~ 2.1 km (~ 7,000 ft) altitude using nearby Mount Vsevidof (summit elevation, 2,149 m 7,051 ft) for reference. Courtesy of Burke Mees.

Figure 9. View of Okmok's ash plume emitting from multiple vents near intracaldera Cone D. Photo taken on 3 August 2008 by Jessica Larsen, Alaska Volcano Observatory / University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute (AVO/UAF-GI).

On 4 August, ashfall reported in the settlement of Nikolski (80 km SW) had accumulated to a depth of 3 mm. During 4-5 August, satellite imagery and pilot observations indicated that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 3-7.6 km and drifted SW and W.

Elevated seismicity occurred during 6-8 August, and declined on 9 August. According to satellite imagery for 9-10 August, there were steam plumes possibly containing ash rising up to 4.6 km altitude. On 11 August, steam plumes rose to less than 6.1 km altitude and drifted SE. Ash plumes that rose to around a hundred meters above the crater were reported by an observer in Nikolski. These plumes were not detected on satellite imagery due to cloud cover. On 12 August, a pilot reported an ash plume at an altitude of 4.6 km.

AVO reported that a new vent was active on 13 August. Emissions that day, possibly from multiple vents, were rich in both ash and steam. Low-level steam-and-ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting SE at altitudes of 3-4.6 km. During 14-17 August satellite observations were hindered due to cloud cover; seismic levels fluctuated, possibly indicating that steam-and-ash emissions continued. During 18-19 August, ash plumes were seen on satellite imagery at altitudes of 3-4.6 km.

No thermal anomalies related to Okmok were measured by MODIS satellites during January-August 2008.

Information Contacts: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/), the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.