General Volcanic Activity Thread!

[The PIT]

El Hierro never actually stopped so the activity has increased and not started again. Plenty of steaming this morning http://earthquake-report.com/2011/11/29/el-hierro-el-pinar-las-calmas-activity-static-webcam/

[summer blizzard]

Decent documentary on history+1 right now (Mega Disasters on the subject of Krakatoa).

Amazing to think that the sound produced was 180 decibels (within about 100 miles if you heard it you were now death).

When the current open vent closes for a few decades i imagine that some people around there will start to get very worried for the future.

http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/santorini/seismic-activity-2011.html

Activity still building at Santorini (importantly now focused around the main vent).

Magma now at 5.7km, it will be interesting to see whether this rises.

[Village]

Does anyone have any charts that show the historic levels of global volcanic activity right up to date?

is it true that we live in relatively peaceful volcanic times?

[karyo]

Does anyone have any charts that show the historic levels of global volcanic activity right up to date?

is it true that we live in relatively peaceful volcanic times?

I have no information about charts but I am sure there have been much more active periods in earth's history.

Karyo

[yamkin]

Costa Rica: "Yellow" Alert For Turrialba Volcano Eruption

The emanation of a gray cloud, possibly containing ash, at the Turrialba Volcano was confirmed Thursday afternoon by the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de CostaRica (OVSICORI), that resulting in the closure of the park.

The eruption of smoke was confirmed at 3pm Thursday, preceded by rumblings that were detected by locals and confirmed by the OSVICORI.

Almost immediately the Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) - national Emergency Commission - issued a "yellow" alert for the area as a preventive measure.

The alert takes in the areas of Turrialba, Jiménez and Alvarado. For the areas Oreamuno and Cartago, the alert is at "green", according to Vanessa Rosales, president of the CNE.

Experts will be meeting today to discuss the risk and review technical reports to determine possible preventive measures.

http://www.insidecos...ica12011307.htm

Edited January 13, 2012 by yamkin

[john pike]

usgs volcano update

4th jan to 10th jan

http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

[yamkin]

25 Volcanoes Showing Abnormal Activity: Presidential Aide

Twenty-five volcanoes in Indonesia are now showing abnormal activity or have been put on alert or watch status, presidential special aide Andi Arief said here on Saturday.

“According to official data, 25 volcanoes are now under alert or watch status and they must be given priority with regard to disaster mitigation planning at district or city levels,†he said at a workshop on journalists’ role in disaster management.

He said in West Sumatra there were two volcanoes that need to be closely watched, namely Mount Marapi and Mount Talang, as they are still under alert status.

Mount Marapi is located in Agam and Tanahdatar districts and rises 2891 meters above sea level, and Mount Talang (2597 meters above sea level) in Solok district was located around 40 kilometers from the provincial capital Padang.

Apart from the two volcanoes, the government and regional disaster management agencies were also giving priority attention to Mount Papandayan in West Java, Mount Karangetan and Lokon in North Sulawesi, Mount Ijen in East Java, Mount Gamalama in North Maluku, Mount Krakatau in Banten and Lampung and Mount Lewoloto in East Nusa Tenggara.

He said “it is not impossible that volcanoes that are now still normal could change to become abnormal due to earthquakes that have happened to trigger magma in the mountains to increase their activity, and therefore alertness and readiness of the people must continue to be maintained.â€

Andi said earthquakes below five on the Richter Scale could trigger magma in the volcanoes to rise and so people must not only be alert over big but also small tremors.

The 4.4 magnitude earthquake like the one in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, is one of the examples, where people had never predicted before that it could happen there, he said.

“The small magnitude quake is now being studied by researchers with regard to minimizing the damage in case an eruption happens in the country as there are a lot of volcanoes in Indonesia,†he said.

Twenty-five volcanoes in Indonesia, including Anak Krakatau, above, are showing signs of increased activity, a presidential aide said on Saturday. (Reuters Photo)

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/25-volcanoes-showing-abnormal-activity-presidential-aide/491341

[yamkin]

Ash Closes Argentina Airport Days After Its Re-Opening

A cloud of ash caused by a volcano in Chile has closed an airport in neighbouring Argentina just days after it had re-opened.

The closure of the airport in Bariloche comes three days after flights had resumed following a seven-month suspension due to the ash.

The re-opening had been welcomed by local media with triumphant headlines.

Bariloche and nearby towns have seen visitor numbers drop sharply since the Puyehue volcano erupted in June.

At the time, airports as far away as in Melbourne, Australia, were forced to close.

Airlines cancelled all flights flying in and out of Bariloche, in Patagonia, on Monday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...merica-16587541

Edited January 17, 2012 by yamkin

[john pike]

NASA has released two stunning images of the world’s newest, and as yet unnamed, island.

http://sociable.co/science/nasa-satellite-shows-first-glimpse-of-the-worlds-newest-island/

[yamkin]

Increased Seismic Activity Of The Volcano Machin

This was confirmed by the Colombian Geological Survey, which indicated that in the last week Cerro Machin volcano seismicity continued to show volcano-tectonic type, which is associated with rock fracturing within the volcanic edifice.

It features a slight increase in seismic activity on January 15 between 3:30 and 4:30 local time. These seismic events were located in the main dome and the south-east of it, at depths ranging between 2 and 12 km.

The earthquake of greatest magnitude during the week was 0.73 on the Richter scale, which corresponds to an event recorded on 15 January at 3:21 pm (Local Time).

Other parameters monitored, as the volcanic deformation and geochemistry have not undergone significant changes.

The Colombian Geological Survey continues monitoring the evolution of volcanic phenomena in a timely manner and report changes that may occur.

Translate via Google: http://www.latarde.c...41-latarde.html

Edited January 18, 2012 by yamkin

[yamkin]

Increased Volcanic Activity In Guatemala

Fuego volcano produced explosions observed on 11-13 and on 16 January, which produced ash plumes rising 400-1000 m above the crater. Shock waves and rumbling sounds accompanied the explosions and rattled windows and roofs in nearby villages. Rock avalanches traveled SW into the Ceniza drainage and on the W, S, and SW flanks. At night on 13 and 16 January incandescence was visible from the crater. http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/view_news/4461/Fuego-volcano-Guatemala-activity-update-continuing-moderate-ash-explosions.html

The lava dome growth of Santiaguito continues at moderate levels. Sporadic explosions produce ash clouds that rise up to 600-800 m above the lava dome and mostly drift SW. A viscous lava flow is active on the SE flank. Block avalanches are generated from the front of the lava flow and on the SW flank, accompanied by rumbling noises.http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/view_news/4466/Santiaguito-volcano-Guatemala-activity-update-sporadic-explosions-continuing-lava-dome-growth-small-.html

[yamkin]

Emergency In Chilean Region Due To Volcano Ashes

Chile decreed a state of agricultural emergency in the southern region of Los Rios by ashes from the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex, in eruption seven months ago.

The measure seeks to inject economic and additional logistic resources to face the natural phenomenon and alleviate its adverse effects, authorities stated.

Agriculture Minister Luis Mayol said the zone is being constantly monitored, and the country is assessing damages in the agricultural activity of the region to organize the required aid.

The constant emission of ashes from the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex has even kept air navigation on the rack in Argentinean and Chilean cities.

The volcano, which is about 2,240 meters high, is in Los Andes mountain range, some 900 kilometers (559 miles) south of Santiago, between the regions of Los Rios and Los Lagos.

http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=469934&Itemid=1

[yamkin]

Turrialba Volcano Still Active and Keeping Neighbours On Edge - Costa Rica

The fear of an enormous eruption fills the neighours of the Turrialba Volcano, located southwest of Cartago and a stone's through (volcano wise) from San José, as the colossus continues to emit ash and sometimes with greater force as it did earlier this week, spewing stones and gases.

Experts of the Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN) and the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico (OVSICORI) assure area residents that the volcano has calmed down since and there is no cause for further alarm.

However, on Thursday afternoon a new emission of ash from the new gap formed last week as noted, accompanied by a slight seismic activity.

Experts remind that this is normal for an "active" volcano and the residents of the areas of Turrialba, Alvarado and Jimenex should not be overly alarmed.

The Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) - national emergency commission is maintaining a "green" alert for the area.

http://www.insidecos...ica12012001.htm

Edited January 21, 2012 by yamkin

[knocker]

Waiting for Death Valley's Big Bang

A volcanic explosion crater may have future potential

In California's Death Valley, death is looking just a bit closer. Geologists have determined that the half-mile-wide Ubehebe Crater, formed by a prehistoric volcanic explosion, was created far more recently than previously thought—and that conditions for a sequel may exist today.

Up to now, geologists were vague on the age of the 600-foot deep crater, which formed when a rising plume of magma hit a pocket of underground water, creating an explosion. The most common estimate was about 6,000 years, based partly on Native American artifacts found under debris. Now, a team based at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory has used isotopes in rocks blown out of the crater to show that it formed just 800 years ago, around the year 1200. That geologic youth means it probably still has some vigor; moreover, the scientists think there is still enough groundwater and magma around for another eventual reaction. The study appears in the current issue of the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/teia-wfd012312.php

[yamkin]

Mexican Volcano Erupts Again

The 5,400-metre high Popocatepeti volcano has erupted again with a plume of ash after shaking for several minutes early on Thursday.

Civil protection authorities reported that the cloud drifted west before turning back eat towards Puebla City.

Lying 37 miles southeast of Mexico city and its 18 million inhabitants it remains to be seen how the ash cloud will effect the megalopolis.

The volcano's activity has been reported as stable and there is no threat to populated areas. However, authorities have urged people to stay at least seven miles from the area and to await further information from Mexico's national disaster prevention agency.

The gas cloud is the largest in many years with authorities eagerly keeping watch over any potential change in activity.

Popocatepetl has had more than 15 major eruptions since the arrival of the Spanish in 1519.

http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/World/Mexican_Volcano_Erupts_Again-6745.html

[yamkin]

Costa Rican Volcano Spews Ash

Costa Rica’s Turrialba volcano produced a burst of activity that shot water, vapor and ash more than 15,000 feet into the air.

Nearby residents reported that ash from the blast showered several communities.

The mountain’s volcano observatory said that a new fissure broke open on the southeastern flank of the crater during the eruption.

Turrialba last produced an eruption in 1866, which sent ash falling as far away as Nicaragua, according to historical records.

The mountain has become increasingly active since it began to rumble again in January 2001.

In January 2010, it spewed ash with such force that two nearby villages, La Central and El Retiro, were evacuated briefly.

Ash falling downwind of Costa Rica's Turrialba volcano.

http://www.earthweek.com/2012/ew120127/ew120127d.html

[yamkin]

Increased Activity Of Sangay Volcano, Ecuador

Since Monday 23 January 2012, there has been an intensification of Sangay volcano's activity, as indicated by reports from pilots who reported the presence of ash from the volcano drifting S-SE. In addition, satellite images from 24 Jan show the presence of thermal anomalies at the volcano.

Sangay is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador, in frequent activity since the 17th century when it was discovered. However, due to its very remote location, at the eastern end of the Andes cordillera, its monitoring is limited to occasional field observations and observations by aircraft and from satellite.

http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/view_news/4614/Increased-activity-of-Sangay-volcano-Ecuador.html

[yamkin]

The Greeks Take Serious The Swarm Earthquakes At Santorini

After a serial of strong earthquakes on 26 January the Greeks begin to take the seismic development around an under Santorini serious. Today there have been several earthquakes south-west of Santorini on the Christiana-Kameni-Koloumbos-Fault starting with 5,2 R, 4,2 R end 3,2 R. It is a logic development that helps a magma chamber uprising. The status of the Nea Kameni volcano remains still at "yellow", but we have to expect something...

The team of VolcanoDiscovery is already prepared for a possible volcanic activity. It is not a danger to the tours, because there is a safe distance from the island Nea Kameni (the volcano) to the main part of the island (Thira). We watch the seismic activity on a daily base and will start an excursion from the time we will see a suddenly much higher rate of earthquakes on the island.

The earthquakes of 26th January 2012 on the central fault system of Santorini

http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/view_news/4601/The-Greeks-take-serious-the-swarm-earthquakes-at-Santorini-!.html

[yamkin]

Mexican Volcano Erupts Again. Mass Evacuation - Video Update - January 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZzYyD1enHE

[karyo]

The earthquakes of 26th January 2012 on the central fault system of Santorini

http://www.volcanodi...antorini-!.html

That's very interesting! It seems that both Kolumbo and Santorini have increased earthquake activity. I wonder if they are both about to go?

Santorini is a very popular touristic destination and in those cases authorities tend to play down the danger until an eruption is almost certain so the fact that it is taken so seriously means that they are expecting an aruption in the near future!

Karyo

Edited January 29, 2012 by karyo

[Red Raven]

Santorini was on TV last night - BBC4 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00sl29f/Timewatch_Atlantis_The_Evidence/). It may have been the site of Atlantis. Whether true on not it was the site of the largest eruption in Human history. Ejecting 600 cubic kilometres of ash (Mount St Helens ejected 0.5!)

If it does go we will certainly know about it.

[karyo]

Santorini was on TV last night - BBC4 (http://www.bbc.co.uk...s_The_Evidence/). It may have been the site of Atlantis. Whether true on not it was the site of the largest eruption in Human history. Ejecting 600 cubic kilometres of ash (Mount St Helens ejected 0.5!)

If it does go we will certainly know about it.

It is a fascinating volcano but it has also given small (dome building) eruptions. The last one was in the 1950s I think. There are post cards that picture that eruption.

Karyo

[yamkin]

Update On Grímsfjall Volcano Glacier Flood - Iceland

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Jón Frímann

During the past several hours the amount of water in the glacier flood from Grímsfjall Volcano has not dropped a lot, but this glacier flood started two days ago (27.01.2012 around 12:00 UTC). But that might be down to heavy rain in the area. Normally a glacier flood from Grímsvatn lake (inside the Grímsfjall Volcano caldera) last for about one to two days during a normal glacier flood. It is believed that this glacier flood is from Grímsfjall Volcano glacier lake. But it might be hard to confirm this during this time of the year.

Possible noise from the glacier flood on this SIL station. This might however be increased noise due to heavy rain on it.

I have known for some time now that Grímsfjall Volcano is preparing for a new eruption. This I know because of the increase in earthquake activity and increased hydro thermal activity in Grímsfjall volcano. So far there is nothing that suggest that Grímsfjall Volcano is going to erupt this time around, at least for the moment. I am expecting this glacier flood to be over in the next several hours. No earthquakes have happened in Grímsfjall Volcano during this glacier flood. I do not expect them to take place unless magma starts moving inside Grímsfjall Volcano. Be that dike intrusion or start of an eruption.

http://www.jonfr.com/volcano/?p=2146&cpage=1

[summer blizzard]

This one is really good, like the Krakatoa and Yellowstone ones.

In terms of eruption strength, much remains up in the air. What troubles me most is that despite its recent history of small eruptions it commonly produces tidal waves and has pheratic explosions.

Recent history would suggest an eruption size on the scale of the 1925 eruption which was only VEI2 but with such a massive magma chamber and evidence that it has been building over the past 500 years or so (more frequent eruptions) there is always the possibility of a big one although nothing like its historical eruption.

Interesting to note that the Minoans were 2000 years ahead of us in terms of sewage.

I am on the whole looking forward to this one.

[summer blizzard]

http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0102-04=&volpage=erupt