Sunday, July 26, 2009

Shiveluch Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia - John Seach

An eruption occurred at Shiveluch volcano on 25th July 2009. Ash emissions reached height of 23,000 ft, and 170 earthquakes were measured in 24 hour period. Some earthquakes were followed by ash emissions and avalanches. Volcanic activity over the past 3 years has significantly altered the shape of the volcano, with the crater increasing in size by 50% and the slopes becoming steeper.
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Saturday, July 25, 2009

Chaitén Volcano, Chile - John Seach

Seismicity has remained high at Chaiten volcano, Chile, during the period 16-22 July. The eruption continues unchanged with a column of ash and steam rising 1.5 km above the summit. Block and ash flows still persist, indicating the dome complex has continued to grow, particularly towards the western sector of the caldera. Some strong emissions of gas correlated with seismic activity. Dome collapse remains a danger and may affect adjacent valleys. Significant pyroclastic material has accumulated in the adjacent valleys, and pose a lahar risk after heavy rain. Alert level RED remains at Chaiten volcano due to continued dome growth, pyroclastic flow risk, and potential for lahars.
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Friday, July 17, 2009

Stromboli Volcano, Italy - John Seach

During the period 6-12 July 2009, eruptions continued from 4 vents at Stromboli volcano in Italy. Two vents were active in the north crater, and two in the south crater. The north crater showed short eruptions which ejected bombs, lapilli and fine ash. The intensity of eruptions was average, with emissions to a height of 150 m above the vent. During the reporting period, there were an average of about 15 explosions per hour.
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Friday, July 10, 2009

Mayon Volcano, Philippines - John Seach

Mayon volcano in the Philippines has been raised from Alert Level 1 (low level unrest) to Alert Level 2 (moderate unrest). Beginning June 2009 seismic activity increased to the same level when a phreatic explosion occurred last August 2008. Ground uplift of one centimetre has been measured, and a summit glow was visible from Lignon Hill Observatory. An aerial survey on 8th July, 2009, showed a cone-shaped pile of hot, steaming old rocks at the summit. The low frequency volcanic earthquakes and ground uplift may indicate that new magma is rising towards the surface. A 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano are off-limits at Mayon volcano.
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Sunday, July 05, 2009

Mayon Volcano, Philippines - John Seach

There are signs of unrest at Mayon Volcano in the Philippines after an increase in summit crater glow has been observed. This is caused by a rise in magma levels at the volcano. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has also recorded an inflation of the volcano. Alert level one is maintained at Mayon volcano and residents and tourists are advised not to enter the 7 km radius extended danger zone.
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Saturday, July 04, 2009

Chaitén Volcano, Chile - John Seach

Eruptive activity continues at Chaiten volcano in Chile. Over the past week there has been a decrease in earthquake number and magnitude, with 17 earthquakes recorded per day. Ash emissions rise 1.5 km above the summit. A lava dome continues to grow in the summit crater, which may collapse generating ash and block flows in the adjacent valleys. Dome growth is mostly in the western side of the caldera. Adjacent valleys contain ash deposits which may mobilise in heavy rains, causing lahars. Chaiten volcano remains on alert level RED.
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Friday, July 03, 2009

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii - John Seach

A collapse occurred at the summit vent in Kilauea volcano, Hawaii on 30th June. The collapse occurred at 1:38 PM (Hawaiian Standard Time) Tuesday afternoon, and blocked the summit vent. The event produced a brown plume, booming noises, and ground shaking which was felt at Hawaii Volcano observatory and Jaggar Museum. Between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, a section of the floor of Halemaumau Crater collapsed, widening the west rim of the summit vent. By nightfall, the evening glow from Halemaumau vent disappeared. Recently the night glow has attracted crowds of tourists at Jaggar Museum which overlooks Halemaumau crater.
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