GVP-Weekly-20080507 gvp@si.edu 2008-05-07T04:08:51-05:00 Actual Alert Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) and Volcano Hazards Program (US Geological Survey) Public Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Observatory Link (primary) Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Balbi (Papua New Guinea), 30 April-6 May 2008 Based on information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that Balbi erupted on 7 May. Ash was not detected on satellite imagery. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#balbi Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Papua New Guinea -5.92,154.98,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Southern Andes Volcano Observatory Observatory Link (primary) http://www.sernageomin.cl/sernageomin/sitio/difusion/OVDAS.htm Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Chaitén (Chile), 30 April-6 May 2008 SERNAGEOMIN reported that Chaitén erupted on 2 May, following increased seismicity in the region the day before. A pulsating white to gray ash plume rose to an estimated altitude greater than 21 km (68,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SSE. The Alert Level was raised to Red. Based on observations of satellite imagery and pilot reports, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported an ash plume at altitudes of 13.7-16.8 km (45,000-55,000 ft) a.s.l. drifted NE. According to news articles, Chile's government declared a state of emergency on 2 May and several hundred people were evacuated from the town of Chaitén (10 km SE). The eruption was initially thought to have been from Minchinmávida, about 17 km ENE, which last erupted in 1835.According to news sources, ashfall was reported during 2-6 May both locally and up to hundreds of kilometers away, affecting water supplies and roads. Based on observations of satellite imagery and pilot reports, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 3-6 May ash plume rose to altitudes of 7-10.7 km (23,000-35,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE, E, W, and NE. News sources indicated that about 4,000-5,000 people were evacuated from the town of Chaitén and surrounding areas as the eruption continued. On 5 May, ONEMI (Oficina Nacional de Emergencia - Ministerio del Interior) reported that evacuations took place in Futaleufú, about 65 km ESE, where about 30 cm of ash accumulated. One elderly person died during the evacuation efforts. On 6 May, ONEMI and SERNAGEOMIN reported that the eruption became more forceful and generated a wider and darker gray ash plume to an estimated altitude of 30 km (98,400 ft) a.s.l. All remaining people in Chaitén were ordered to evacuate, as well as anyone within 50 km of the volcano. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#chaiten Sources: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN), Oficina Nacional de Emergencia - Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI), Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Associated Press, Agence France-Presse Chile -42.833,-72.646,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Instituto Geofisico del Perú Observatory Link (primary) http://www.igp.gob.pe/ Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Ubinas (Perú), 30 April-6 May 2008 Based on SIGMET reports and observations of satellite imagery, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that ash plumes from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 5.5-9.1 km (18,000-30,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE, E, and SE during 30 April-3 May. According to news articles, an ash-and-gas plume rose to an altitude of 6.2 km (20,300 ft) a.s.l. on 2 May. Ashfall was reported in local communities and dozens of residents of Querapi, about 4.5 km SE, were evacuated. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#ubinas Sources: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Associated Press, NBC Perú -16.355,-70.903,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Centre of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Observatory Link (primary) http://portal.vsi.esdm.go.id/joomla/ Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Batu Tara (Indonesia), 30 April-6 May 2008 Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that low-level plumes from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW on 3 and 7 May. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#batutara Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) Indonesia -7.792,123.579,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team Observatory Link (primary) http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/index_eng.php Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Karymsky (Russia), 30 April-6 May 2008 KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky was at background levels during 25 April-2 May. Possible activity was characterized by gas-and-ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2-2.5 km (6,600-8,200 ft) a.s.l. Based on seismic interpretation, a gas-and-ash explosion may have occurred on 26 April. Observations of satellite imagery revealed that a thermal anomaly was present in the crater on 25, 27, and 28 April. Based on airport data and information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption plume rose to altitudes of 3.7 km (10,000-17,000 ft) a.s.l. during 6-7 May. Ash was not detected on satellite imagery. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#karymsky Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Russia 54.05,159.45,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Observatory Link (primary) http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/ Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Kilauea (United States), 30 April-6 May 2008 Based on visual observations from HVO and National Park Service (NPS) crews and web camera views, HVO reported that during 30 April-6 May lava flowed SE through a lava tube system underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex to the Waikupanaha ocean entry. On 4 May, lava flows from breakouts on the pali reached the coastal plain. Kilauea summit earthquakes were located beneath the Halema'uma'u crater, along the S-flank faults, and along the SW and E rift zones. The eruption from the vent in Halema'uma'u Crater continued to produce white plumes with minor ash content that drifted mainly SW. During most nights incandescence was seen at the base of the plume. Seismic tremor was elevated. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was high and fluctuated between 540 and 1,250 tonnes per day during 30 April-5 May. The background rate was 150-200 tonnes per day. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#kilauea Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) United States 19.421,-155.287,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) INGEOMINAS, Colombia Observatory Link (primary) http://www.ingeominas.gov.co/ Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Nevado del Huila (Colombia), 30 April-6 May 2008 INGEOMINAS reported that no significant morphological changes to the summit of Nevado del Huila were noted during an overflight on 6 May, although the NE and NW flanks could not be directly observed. Fumarolic plumes drifted NW. The Alert Level was lowered to Yellow (on a 4-color scale where Yellow is the second lowest). http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#huila Source: Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (INGEOMINAS) Colombia 2.93,-76.03,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Observatory Link (primary) Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Rabaul (Papua New Guinea), 30 April-6 May 2008 RVO reported that during 30 April-7 May ash plumes from multiple places inside Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 1.2-2.2 km (3,900-7,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, E, and SE. Intermittent roaring and rumbling noises and occasional explosions were reported. Ashfall was reported in nearby areas. Ash in Rabaul Town (3-5 km NW) suspended by wind and traffic was problematic. During 5-7 May, incandescent tephra was occasionally visible at night. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#rabaul Source: Steve Saunders and Herman Patia, Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) Papua New Guinea -4.271,152.203,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Sakurajima Volcano Observatory Observatory Link (primary) http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~kazan/default_e.html Observatory Name (secondary) Geological Survey of Japan Observatory Link (secondary) http://www.aist.go.jp/RIODB/strata/VOL_JP/EN/index.htm Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Sakura-jima (Japan), 30 April-6 May 2008 Based on information from JMA and observations of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 6-7 May eruption plumes from Sakura-jima rose to altitudes of 2.4-3.4 km (8,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted S. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#sakura Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Japan 31.585,130.657,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team Observatory Link (primary) http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/index_eng.php Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Shiveluch (Russia), 30 April-6 May 2008 KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was at background levels during 25 April-2 May. Observations of satellite imagery revealed that a thermal anomaly was present in the crater during 27, 28, and 30 April, and 1 May. On 28 April, ash deposits extending about 10 km NW were observed on satellite imagery and possible gas-and-ash explosions were detected by the seismic network. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#shiveluc Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) Russia 56.653,161.360,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Montserrat Volcano Observatory Observatory Link (primary) http://www.mvo.ms/ Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Soufrière Hills (United Kingdom), 30 April-6 May 2008 MVO reported that during 25 April-2 May the level of volcano-tectonic earthquakes at Soufrière Hills increased and was the highest since February 2006. Degassing from a vent above Gages Wall was audible in the St. George's Hill area to the NW. Steaming from the area above Tyre's Ghaut to the NW was visible. The Alert Level remained elevated at 4 (on a scale of 0-5). http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#soufhill Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) United Kingdom 16.72,-62.18,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Escuela Politecnica Nacional, Instituto Geofísico Observatory Link (primary) http://www.igepn.edu.ec/ Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Tungurahua (Ecuador), 30 April-6 May 2008 The IG reported that although visual observations were occasionally limited due to cloud cover during 29 April-6 May, ash-and-steam plumes from Tungurahua were spotted and generally rose to altitudes of 5.5-7 km (18,000-23,000 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was reported in areas to the SW and W during 29 April-1 May and on 4 May. On 30 April, explosions produced steam-and-ash plumes to altitudes of 9-10 km (29,500-32,800 ft) a.s.l. Incandescence at the summit was visible and incandescent blocks rolled down the flanks. Roaring noises were audible. On 1 May, explosions were accompanied by "cannon shots" and intense incandescence at the summit. Windows vibrated in areas 6 km NE. Incandescent blocks rolled 1 km down the flanks. On 3 May, a small lahar descended the W flank. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#tungurah Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG) Ecuador -1.467,-78.442,0 Geo Volcano None Unknown Unknown Observed Observatory Name (primary) Alaska Volcano Observatory Observatory Link (primary) http://www.avo.alaska.edu/ Observatory Name (secondary) Observatory Link (secondary) Global Volcanism Program (Smithsonian Institution) Volcanic activity report for Veniaminof (United States), 30 April-6 May 2008 AVO reported on 3 May that the Volcanic Alert Level for Veniaminof was lowered to Normal and the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green due to the absence of ash emissions and elevated surface temperatures. Seismicity was still above past background levels, but the rate and intensity had declined over the previous several weeks. http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?wvarweek=20080430#veniamin Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) United States 56.17,-159.38,0