Satellite imagery showed a plume of gas and water vapor drifting 240 km downwind from Pagan daily during 9-15 February. A USGS team that visited Pagan on 9 February observed a continuous, vigorous plume and noted a sulfur odor downwind of the summit.

13 February 2013            Back to Top

Satellite imagery showed a plume of gas and water vapor drifting 240 km downwind from Pagan daily during 9-15 February. A USGS team that visited Pagan on 9 February observed a continuous, vigorous plume and noted a sulfur odor downwind of the summit.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

5 December 2012            Back to Top

Satellite imagery showed a plume drifting from Pagan during 1-7 December. On 29 November observers in Saipan reported hazy sky conditions associated with N winds that pushed the gas-and-vapor plume from Pagan S. Since then, no additional reports of haze or vog associated with the Pagan plume were noted.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

21 November 2012            Back to Top

Clear satellite views showed steam-and-gas emissions drifting from Pagan during 17-24 November. According to the Washington VAAC, ash from an unknown volcano was reported by a pilot in the vicinity of Pagan on 25 November. Satellite imagery suggested continuing degassing, but it was possible that ash was present in a 30-km-wide plume that was drifting almost 90 km S. Mostly gas was seen drifting S in an image later that day.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

17 October 2012            Back to Top

Continuous steam-and-gas plumes from Pagan were observed in clear satellite images during 12-19 October. According to NASA's Earth Observatory, a satellite image acquired on 16 October showed a steam-and-gas plume drifting WNW. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , NASA Earth Observatory

25 July 2012            Back to Top

Minor steam-and-gas plumes from Pagan were observed in satellite images during clear periods from 20 to 27 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

11 July 2012            Back to Top

According to the USGS, a minor, low-altitude ash cloud from Pagan was reported by the Washington VAAC on 10 July and confirmed by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO). The VAAC noted that the plume drifted almost 50 km NW at an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. Local observers indicated localized ashfall on or near the island. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory and the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

9 May 2012            Back to Top

According to NASA's Earth Observatory, a satellite image of Pagan acquired on 7 May showed a gas-and-steam plume drifting W. The plume's blue tint suggested the presence of sulfur dioxide; elevated levels of sulfur dioxide to the W of the volcano were detected in satellite images later that day. The USGS reported that minor steam-and-gas plumes were observed in partly cloudy satellite images during 4-11 May. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory and the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , NASA Earth Observatory

11 April 2012            Back to Top

Minor steam-and-gas plumes from Pagan were observed in satellite images during clear periods from 6 to 13 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory. According to the Washington VAAC satellite images showed a plume that drifted N. Satellite images and pilot reports indicated no ash in the plume. Emissions to the W had become diffuse.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

4 April 2012            Back to Top

Clear-to-partly-cloudy satellite images of Pagan showed a gas-and-steam plume extending downwind from the summit vent during 30 March-6 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory. According to the Washington VAAC a pilot observed a plume containing a small amount of ash that rose to an altitude below 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. on 7 April. Satellite imagery showed a gas-and-steam plume, with possible ash content, drifting 204 km SSW.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

25 January 2012            Back to Top

Low-level gas-and-steam plumes from Pagan were observed in satellite imagery during 20-27 January. Based on information from the Honolulu MWO, satellite imagery, and a pilot observation, the Washington VAAC reported gas emissions and a possible light-brown ash plume drifting E on 30 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

30 November 2011            Back to Top

A Northern Mariana Islands status report noted that clear to partly-cloudy satellite images showed a persistent gas-and-steam plume drifting from Pagan during 25 November-2 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

2 November 2011            Back to Top

A Northern Mariana Islands status report noted that clear to partly-cloudy satellite images showed a persistent gas-and-steam plume drifting from Pagan during 28 October-4 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

31 August 2011            Back to Top

A Northern Mariana Islands status report noted that during 26 August-2 September low-level vapor plumes from Pagan, possibly containing minor amounts of ash, were visible in satellite imagery. Reports from people on Pagan Island also indicated intermittent low-level but diffuse ash emissions and trace amounts of ashfall on parts of the island. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

6 July 2011            Back to Top

A Northern Mariana Islands status report noted that on 7 July a low-level gas-and-steam plume with possible fine ash was detected in satellite imagery as well as noted by observers on the island. Low-level gas-and-steam plumes had been detected in satellite imagery during the previous few weeks. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

20 April 2011            Back to Top

On 23 April, a Northern Mariana Islands status report noted that a NOAA research vessel in the vicinity of Pagan reported night time observations of incandescence at the summit of the volcano. Eruptive activity was considered currently to be at a low level; however with the possibility that the activity may escalate the Aviation Color Code for Pagan was raised to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. Recent satellite image observations were obscured by clouds.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

23 February 2011            Back to Top

On 22 February, the Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level for Pagan were lowered to Unassigned. With the exception of a faint steam-and-gas plume observed on 24 January, no unusual activity at Pagan volcano had been detected in satellite imagery during the previous six weeks. Pagan is not monitored with ground-based geophysical instrumentation; the only source of information is satellite observations and occasional reports from island visitors.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

3 November 2010            Back to Top

Low-level gas-and-steam plumes from Pagan were observed in satellite imagery during 1-4 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory. Pagan is not monitored with ground-based geophysical instrumentation; the only source of information is satellite observation and occasional reports from observers who visit the island.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

27 October 2010            Back to Top

Low-level gas-and-steam plumes from Pagan were observed in satellite imagery during 24 and 26-27 October. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory. Pagan is not monitored with ground-based geophysical instrumentation; the only source of information is satellite observation and occasional reports from observers who visit the island.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

18 August 2010            Back to Top

Meteorological clouds mostly prevented satellite image views of Pagan during 13-20 August, although steam-and-gas plumes were seen during clear periods. On 15 August, observers working on a boat reported that a low-level ash eruption produced a diffuse, dark-colored ash-and-steam plume. The plume rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (4,900 ft) a.s.l. and caused minor ashfall on northern Pagan Island and the surrounding ocean. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory. [Correction: further data analysis showed that the ash emission from 15 August actually occurred on 11 August.]

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

30 June 2010            Back to Top

Minor gas-and-steam plumes from Pagan continued to be observed in satellite imagery during breaks in cloud cover from 25 June to 2 July. The Washington VAAC reported that on 5 July a small cloud of ash mixed with a gas plume was observed in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

23 June 2010            Back to Top

Minor gas-and-steam plumes from Pagan continued to be observed in satellite imagery during 18-25 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

26 May 2010            Back to Top

Gas-and-steam plumes from Pagan continued to be observed in satellite imagery during 21-28 May. Reports from researchers camped on the island, and imagery analyses, suggested that trace amounts of ash were intermittently present in the plumes during 23-26 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

19 May 2010            Back to Top

Satellite imagery revealed steam plumes from Pagan during 14-21 May. On 21 May researchers camping on the island reported that a trace amount of ash was deposited on their tents from activity through the night. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

12 May 2010            Back to Top

During 7-14 May, satellite imagery revealed that a robust steam plume from Pagan drifted W and a diffuse gas plume drifted farther in the same direction. Researchers camped on the island reported no unusual activity. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

5 May 2010            Back to Top

Steam and gas plumes from Pagan were seen in satellite imagery on 28 April (UTC) and 3 May; no unusual thermal activity was identified. A visitor to the island saw a minor ash emission on the morning of 3 May. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level was raised to Advisory on 6 May based on the recent satellite observations and confirmed minor ashfall on the island.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

21 April 2010            Back to Top

A gas plume from Pagan was seen in satellite imagery on 21 and 22 April (UTC). The Volcano Alert Level and the Aviation Color Code remained "Unassigned." There are no monitoring instruments on Pagan, thus the levels "Green" or "Normal" do not apply because background activity is not defined. Monitoring is done by satellite and ground observers.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

12 August 2009            Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 14 August a 2-hour-long thermal anomaly detected over Pagan was followed by a small emission. The emission, hotter than its surroundings, drifted NW and quickly dissipated.

Sources: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

22 April 2009            Back to Top

The USGS stated that a crew from a NOAA ship working at Pagan observed continuous steam emissions from the N crater during 21-22 April. Satellite imagery analyzed by the Washington VAAC showed a diffuse plume drifting 15 km W on 23 April. On 28 April, steam emissions had decreased so the Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level were lowered to "Unassigned." There are no monitoring instruments on Pagan, thus the levels "Green" or "Normal" do not apply because background activity is not defined. Monitoring is done by satellite and ground observers.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

15 April 2009            Back to Top

Based on reports from the Washington VAAC, the USGS stated that on 15 April intermittent plumes of steam from Pagan rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 37 km W. Observers on a ship reported that a white plume "with some black" rose 1.8 km (5,700 ft) from the volcano. On 16 April a diffuse plume drifted 85 km W. USGS raised the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. The next day fishermen again reported a plume.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

6 December 2006            Back to Top

During 4-5 December, residents 3 km SW of Pagan reported ashfall that accumulated in their camp at a rate of about 6.4 mm per day. They also described a plume from the summit that rose to an altitude of 640 m (2,100 ft) a.s.l. and a sulfur smell that occasionally wafted through their camp. Based on satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported a gas-and-ash plume that drifted mainly W on 5, 6, and 8 December. Satellite imagery showed no further activity through 11 December.

Sources: Emergency Management Office of the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and United States Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program , Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) , US Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program

Below is a summary of eruption dates and Volcanic Explosivity Indices (VEI).

The following references are the sources used for data regarding this volcano. References are linked directly to our volcano data file. Discussion of another volcano or eruption (sometimes far from the one that is the subject of the manuscript) may produce a citation that is not at all apparent from the title. Additional discussion of data sources can be found under Volcano Data Criteria.

Banks N G, Koyanagi R Y, Sinton J M, Honma K T, 1984. The eruption of Mount Pagan volcano, Mariana Islands, 15 May 1981. {J Volc Geotherm Res}, 22: 225-270

Bloomer S H, Stern R J, Smoot N C, 1989. Physical volcanology of the submarine Mariana and Volcano arcs. {Bull Volc}, 51: 210-224

Corwin G, 1971. Quaternary volcanics of the Mariana Islands. {Unpublished manuscript}, 137 p

Katsui Y (ed), 1971. List of the World Active Volcanoes. {Volc Soc Japan draft ms}, (limited circulation), 160 p

Kuno H, 1962. Japan, Taiwan and Marianas. {Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World and Solfatara Fields}, Rome: IAVCEI, 11: 1-332

Moore R B, 1993. . (pers. comm.)

Newhall C G, Dzurisin D, 1988. Historical unrest at large calderas of the world. {U S Geol Surv Bull}, 1855: 1108 p, 2 vol

Trusdell F A, Moore R B, Sako M K, 2006. Preliminary geologic map of Mount Pagan volcano, Pagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. {U S Geol Surv Open-File Rep}, 2006-1386: 1-32

Pagan Island, the largest and one of the most active of the Mariana Islands volcanoes, consists of two stratovolcanoes connected by a narrow isthmus. Both North and South Pagan stratovolcanoes were constructed within calderas, 7 and 4 km in diameter, respectively. The 570-m-high Mount Pagan at the NE end of the island rises above the flat floor of the northern caldera, which may have formed less than 1000 years ago. South Pagan is a 548-m-high stratovolcano with an elongated summit containing four distinct craters. Almost all of the historical eruptions of Pagan, which date back to the 17th century, have originated from North Pagan volcano. The largest eruption of Pagan during historical time took place in 1981 and prompted the evacuation of the sparsely populated island.