Volcano World

On 15 November the USGS reported that hydroacoustic sensors at Wake Island began to record signals in mid-October that are consistent with submarine volcanic activity. A combined analysis of the hydroacoustic signals and seismic data from stations on Guam and Chichijima Island, Japan, suggest the source of this activity is at or near Ahyi seamount. Contrary to initial observations of there being discoloration on the water?s surface, a reanalysis of satellite imagery from 6 November showed no evidence of water discoloration at the ocean surface.

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

On 15 November the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reported that at approximately 1300 satellite data showed a large sulfur dioxide emission from Ambae. Seismicity also slightly increased. Residents on the southern and northern parts of the island reported a strong smell of sulfur dioxide gas and heard explosions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and the public was warned to stay outside of the Danger Zone, defined as a 2-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui, and away from drainages during heavy rains.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD)

Satellite data showed distinct yellow-green discolored water in the vicinity of the submarine Kavachi volcano on 2, 7, 12, and 22 September, 2, 7, 12, 17, and 27 October, and 1, 6, and 11 November.

Source: Sentinel Hub

JMA reported that minor eruptive activity continued to be recorded at Satsuma Iwo-jima, a subaerial part of Kikai?s NW caldera rim, during 7-14 November. White gas-and-steam plumes rose 600 m above the crater rim. Surveillance cameras observed nightly incandescence. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale), and residents were warned to stay 500 m away from the crater.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

JMA reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera?s Sakurajima volcano) and nighttime crater incandescence during 9-15 November. An eruptive event at 2130 on 10 November generated an eruption plume that rose to 1 km above the crater rim. An explosion at 2010 on 15 November produced an ash plume that rose 600 m above the crater and drifted SE. Seven volcanic earthquakes were detected. 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)

KVERT reported that the eruption at Alaid was ongoing during 3-10 November. A weak thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 3, 6, and 8-9 November; the volcano was obscured by clouds the other days of the week. On 10 November, KVERT reported that the eruptive activity was gradually decreasing. 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)

KVERT reported that during 3-10 November a daily thermal anomaly over Bezymianny was identified in satellite images. Strong fumarolic activity was visible, the lava dome continued to grow and was sometimes incandescent at night, and occasional collapses from the dome produced avalanches of hot material. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest 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)

PVMBG reported that daily white-and-gray gas-and-steam plumes from Dukono rose as high as 800 m above the summit and drifted NE, E, and S during 9-15 November. The Darwin VAAC reported a continuous ash plume that rose to 2.1 km altitude and extended E on 11 November, based on satellite imagery. A discrete ash plume on 14 November rose to 10.7 km altitude and drifted SW. In addition, a strong hotspot and sulfur dioxide signal was observed in satellite imagery. On the same day, a continuous ash plume rose to 2.1-2.4 km altitude and drifted NE, which persisted through 15 November. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC),Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)

KVERT reported that moderate activity at Ebeko was ongoing. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E) explosions on 4, 5, 7, and 9 November generated ash plumes that rose to 2.2-3.1 km altitude and drifted in E, NE, and N directions. Ashfall was reported at Severo-Kurilsk on 7 November. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 4 November; the volcano was covered by clouds the other days of the week. 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)

INSIVUMEH reported that 5-12 explosions per hour were recorded at Fuego during 9-15 November, generating daily ash plumes that rose as high as 4.5-4.8 km above the crater rim. The ash plumes drifted as far as 10-15 km S, SE, E, NE, SW, and W, causing fine ashfall in areas downwind, including Panimach I and II (8 km SW), Morelia (9 km SW), La Asuncin, La Rochela, Ceiln, San Andrs Osuna, El Rodeo, Ceyln, Santa Sofa (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), Finca Palo Verde, Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW), and Yepocapa (8 km NW). The explosions generated weak and moderate rumbling that vibrated the roofs and windows of nearby houses. Daily block avalanches descended the Seca (W), Taniluy (SW), Ceniza (SSW), Trinidad (S), Las Lajas (SE), Honda, Santa Teresa, and El Jute (ESE) drainages, often reaching vegetated areas. The avalanches uplifted fine material 200 m high that dispersed to the S and SW. Explosions ejected incandescent material as high as 400 m above the summit. Weak crater incandescence was observed accompanied by gas-and-steam emissions. On 9 November lahars were generated in the Las Lajas and Ceniza drainages, which carried branches, tree trunks, and blocks 30 cm to 1.5 m in diameter.

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