Volcano World

PVMBG had raised the Alert Level for Awu to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 12 December 2021 because of a notable increase in the number of both shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes. Since then the number of shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes averaged 8 and 5 events per day, respectively. Gas emissions had not been visible, though weather conditions sometimes prevented views of the volcano. Another significant seismic increase was recorded on 9 May, with 88 shallow events and 147 deep events, and then again the following day with 90 shallow events and 203 deep events. At 1500 on 11 May a white emission was observed rising about 30 m above the crater rim. The Alert Level was raised to 3, and the public was warned to stay at least 3.5 km away from the summit crater.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

AVO reported that during 11-17 May elevated surface temperatures over Cleveland were identified in satellite images. No significant seismic or infrasound activity was detected. A continuous sulfur dioxide plume drifted 500 km during 15-16 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

The Darwin VAAC reported that during 10-12 May ash plumes from Anak Krakatau rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E, N, NW, and W based on satellite images and weather models. On 13 May satellite images showed a narrow ash plume drifting SE and E at an altitude of 2.4 km. Dense steam plume with minor ash content rose to 2.4 km and drifted NE, N, NW, and W during 14-16 May.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police declared a level of ?uncertainty? for the Reykjanes Peninsula on 15 May, noting that the declaration meant that responders and agencies were to review their preparedness plans in response to recent increases in seismicity and deformation. IMO raised the Aviation Color Code for Reykjanes to Yellow on 16 May, stating that more than 3,000 earthquakes had been detected near Eldvrp in the Reykjanes/Svartsengi volcanic system during the past week. Nine earthquakes above M 3 and two earthquakes above M 4 were recorded during 15-16 May; the largest event was a M 4.3 which was recorded at 1738 on 15 May. The earthquakes were located at depths of 4-6 km. GPS and InSAR data detected inflation W of Thorbjrn during the previous two weeks, likely caused by a magmatic intrusion at 4-5 km depth.

Sources: Almannavarnadeild rkislgreglustjra (National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management),Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO)

JMA reported that a very small eruptive event was recorded at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera?s Sakurajima volcano) during 9-13 May. An eruptive event at 1141 on 15 May generated a plume that rose 1.2 km above the crater rim. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and residents were warned to stay 2 km away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

INGV reported that at around 1900 on 12 May new vents opened along the N flank of Etna?s Southeast Crater (SEC) and produced ash emissions that rose to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Lava flowed from the vents and traveled to the N base of the crater. Lava effusion continued over the next several days, and by 17 May the flow had descended ENE into Valle del Leone, reaching 2,300-2,400 m elevation. Discontinuous Strombolian activity of variable intensities occurred at SEC; during more intense phases ash emissions were visible, though the plumes dissipated rapidly.

Source: Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

INSIVUMEH reported that 2-9 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 10-17 May, generating ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim. The ash plumes drifted 10-15 km E, SE, S, and SW causing daily ashfall in areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimach I and II (8 km SW), Santa Sofa (12 km SW), Finca Palo Verde, Finca la Asuncin, El Zapote (10 km S), Ceylon, Yucales (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Alotenngo (8 km ENE), San Miguel Dueas (10 km NE), San Sebastin, and La Rochela. Daily shock waves rattled structures in communities around the volcano and occasional rumbling was heard. Block avalanches descended the flanks in all directions, but most commonly were visible in the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluy (SW), Honda, and Las Lajas (SE) drainages. Daily explosions ejected incandescent material 100-350 m above the summit.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)

AVO reported that minor advancement of the lava flows at Great Sitkin indicated continuing slow lava effusion during 10-17 May. Daily elevated surface temperatures were identified in satellite data. The Aviation Color Code and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Orange and Watch, respectively.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

PVMBG reported that the eruption at Ibu continued during 11-17 May. Daily gray-and-white ash plumes of variable densities generally rose 200-800 m above the summit and drifted mainly W and N. Eruptive events at 0903 and 1807 on 14 May and at 1759 on 15 May produced ash plumes that rose 0.8-1 km above the summit and drifted W and SW. At 1646 on 16 May dense gray ash plumes rose around 2.5 km and drifted W. The Alert Level remained at a 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay at least 2 km away from the active crater and 3.5 km away on the N side.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Karymsky was visible in satellite images during 6-13 May. Explosions on 12 May generated ash plumes that rose as high as 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. by 1120 local time and drifted about 30 km NW. Explosions on 14 May produced ash plumes that rose to 5.7 km (18,700 ft) a.s.l. by 0940 local time and drifted 28 km NE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)