Saturday, February 27, 2010

Great Chile Earthquake (magnitude 8.8) - John Seach

A great earthquake (magnitude 8.8) hit off the coast of Chile, at 3:34 am on Saturday 27th February 2010. A Tsunami warning was issued for the coast of Chile and Peru. A tsunami watch was issued for Ecuador, Colombia, Antarctica, Panama and Costa Rica. Sea level reading indicated a tsunami was generated and hit the coast of Chile with a height of 1.3 m. Large earthquakes sometimes cause nearby volcanoes to erupt. Volcanoes within 200 km radius of the earthquake epicentre include: Nevados de Chillan, Resago, Lomas Blancas, Nevado de Longavi, Laguna del Maule, San Pedro-Pellado, Cerro Azul, Descabezado Grande, Calabozos, and Planchon-Peteroa.
Volcanoes of Chile...

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - John Seach

Two vulcanian explosions and a partial dome collapse occurred at Sourfriere Hills volcano in the past week. The first eruption occurred on 5th February and produced a plume which reached 25,000 ft high. Pyroclastic flows reached the sea at Aymers Ghaut. The second explosion occurred on 8th February and produced a 15,000 ft high plume. Pyroclastic flows moved down the Gages, but did not reach the sea. On 11th February a 55 minute dome collapse event occurred. Pyroclastic flows traveled across the sea at several points on the eastern side of the island and were visible from Lookout village. Pyroclastic flow deposits have extended the coastline by several hundred metres at the old Bramble airport. Reports from aircraft indicated the plume reached a height of 50,000 ft. Ashfall was reported on neighbouring islands of Antigua, Guadeloupe and Dominica. The collapse affected the northeastern flank of the dome. The summit of the original southwest section of the dome is still intact.
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Friday, February 05, 2010

Fukutoku-Okanoba Volcano, Japan - John Seach

An underwater eruption occurred 5 km north-northwest of Iwo Jima Island, Japan on 3rd February 2010. The eruption was observed by Japanese coast guard. Ash and steam was visible rising 100 m above the ocean surface. Yellow-green colour was visible on the ocean surface in December 2009. The volcano last erupted in 2005. A temorary island has formed on three occasions.
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