Sunday, March 25, 2007

Major Earthquake, Vanuatu (Mag 7.2)

A major earthquake (Mag 7.2) hit Vanuatu today at 11:40 am local time. The epicentre was located at 40 km depth, 120 km SSW of Yasur volcano. Yasur is the most active volcano in Vanuatu, with regular Strombolian and mild Vulcanian eruptions. There was a magnitude 6.0 aftershock 28 minutes later. Earthquakes of this magnitude can sometimes disrupt volcanoes nearby.
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Monday, March 19, 2007

Manam Volcano, Papua New Guinea - John Seach

Four people were killed and one injured by an avalanche at Manam volcano last week. The fatalities occurred at Dangale area. Manam Islanders have been advised to stay away from the valleys, as there is a risk of further avalanches and mudflows.
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Sunday, March 18, 2007

Ruapehu Volcano Lahar 2007, New Zealand - John Seach

A lahar occurred at Mt Ruapehu volcano this afternoon. A wall of debris 300 m long, consisting of trees, branches, and rocks flowed down the Whangaehu River at the front of the lahar. The Department of Conservation rated the lahar as moderate. The river level rose by 2 metres and temporarily closed a road. The lahar was caused by a small breach in Ruapehu crater lake wall, which released water for about 45 minutes. The partial collapse of the volcano crater lake rim set off emergency warning systems, and the lahar was tracked flowing down the mountain. About 200 train passengers were stranded when the northbound Overlander train was stopped at Waiouru. Passengers were transferred to busses to complete the journey. The lahar passed over farm land and headed towards the sea.
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Saturday, March 10, 2007

Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - John Seach

Dome growth continues at Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat. On 7th March, pyroclastic flow activity increased, accompanied by ash emission to 8000 ft elevation.
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Thursday, March 01, 2007

Tvashtar Volcano, Io - John Seach

Yesterday, the New Horizons probe on its way to Pluto photographed Tvashtar Volcano on Io, one of the moons of Jupiter. The plume was imaged rising 150 miles above the surface of Io. This is the best image of an Io eruption since the flyby of Jupiter in 1979. The first observations of Tvashtarvolcano erupting were in 1999.
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Rabaul Volcano, Papua New Guinea - John Seach

Ash emissions were reported at Rabaul volcano in Papua New Guinea yesterday. At 1250 hr local time dark ash was emitted to a height of 2km and drifted NE. There are continuing low level eruptions.
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Stromboli Volcano, Italy - John Seach

Lava has begun flowing down the west flank of Stromboli volcano in Italy. Residents have been advised to stay from the lava which has traveled about 1 km to the sea. In 2002 an eruption at the volcano created a 10 high tsunami.
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