Chaiten Volcano, Chile - John Seach

A flyover of Chaiten volcano on 29th September 2009 showed the volcano continues to erupt. There has been a change in morphology which reflects changing conditions at the summit dome complex. A third dome is forming in the centre west of the crater. During the observation period of 16-30 September 2009 ash emissions reached a height of 2 km above the summit. The two major sources of emissions are in the centre and east of the dome complex. Block and ash flows are occurring, indicating that the dome complex is very active and has continued to grow. On 29th September information was received about the possible reactivation of Chaiten volcano. The information corresponded to visual observations made by people from the town of Chaitén, which reported an increase in eruptive activity just after 14:00 hrs. The increase in activity related to gravitational collapse of a dome in the southwest followed by an increase in emissions of gas and ash. Seismic data indicated the partial dome collapse corresponded to arrival of low frequency and large amplitude signals produced by the great Samoan earthquake. The event caused changes to the unstable part of Chaiten's dome complex, but little other change to other parts of the volcano. There have been previous examples in the literature of distant earthquakes causing a change in eruptive activity at volcanoes.
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Vanuatu/Solomon Islands Earthquakes, 8th October 2009 - John Seach

Listed below is a summary of the large and major earthquakes to hit the Vanuatu/Solomon Islands region today, 8th October 2009. Times are local.
Mag 6.1 8th October 2009 at 07:34 pm. 12.284°S, 166.568°E. Depth 35 km.
Mag 7.0 8th October 2009 at 07:28 pm. 13.298°S, 165.951°E. Depth 35 km.
Mag 6.6 8th October 2009 at 01:12 pm. 11.650°S, 166.170°E. Depth 35 km.
Mag 7.3 8th October 2009 at 10:13 am. 13.145°S, 166.297°E. Depth 33 km.
Mag 7.7 8th October 2009 at 09:18 am. 12.554°S, 166.320°E. Depth 35 km.
Mag 7.8 8th October 2009 at 09:03 am. 13.052°S, 166.187°E. Depth 35 km.
Earthquakes of this size can disrupt nearby volcanoes. Active Vanuatu volcanoes close to the epicentre are Suretamatai, Gaua, Ambae, Ambrym, and Lopevi. Tinakula volcano is located north in the Solomon Islands.
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...

Vanuatu Earthquakes and Tsunami 8th October 2009 - John Seach

Three major earthquakes hit northern Vanuatu this morning (8th October 2009). The first earthquake hit at 9:03 am local time 37 km west of the Torres Islands. This was followed at 9:18 am by magnitude 7.7 earthquake, and 10:13 am by magnitude 7.3 earthquake. A small tsunami was generated. Earthquakes of this size can affect nearby volcanoes. Active Vanuatu volcanoes close to the epicentre are Suretamatai, Gaua, Ambae, Ambrym, and Lopevi. Tinakula volcano is located north in the Solomon Islands. Gaua volcano in northern Vanuatu has been showing signs of increasing activity over the last week.
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...

Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - John Seach

Renewed eruptions occurred at Soufriere Hills volcano on Montserrat on 5th October. A swarm of earthquakes began at 9pm on 4th October. Two hours of vigorous ash emission began at 10 pm on 5th October. The eruptions were followed by intermittent ash emissions. This was the first eruptions at the volcano since April 2009.
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Gaua Volcano, Vanuatu - John Seach

Gaua volcano in Vanuatu is showing signs of unrest. During the past few days the volcano has emitted large quantity of "smoke". People on the island have noticed a strong sulphur smell. Residents have been advised to stay away from Mt Garet cone. An eruption of Gaua volcano in 1973 forced the temporary evacuation of the island.
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Indonesia Earthquake (magnitude 6.8) - John Seach

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake occurred 17km SW of the summit of Sumbing volcano, Sumatra, Indonesia, on 1st October 2009. The volcano last erupted in 1730. Other volcanoes near the earthquake epicentre include Hutapanjang and Kunyit. This follows a magnitude 7.6 earthquake which hit Sumatra 200 km northwest yesterday.
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Galeras Volcano, Colombia - John Seach

An explosive eruption occurred at Galeras volcano, Colombia at 9:14 am on 30th September 2009. The eruption was accompanied by acoustic waves. National Parks staff at the western rim of the volcano reported two explosions with the ejection of incandescent material at the active cone. An ash column reached a height of 8-11 km above the summit. Sulphur dioxide measurements made between 9:30 and 10:00 am showed high levels between 1100 and 9300 tons/day. Ashfall was reported in the Municipalities of Sandona, Ancuya, Linares, La Llanada, and Sotomayor. The eruptive event was similar in size to that of 20th February 2009. After the eruption seismicity decreased. Due to the presence of magma close to the surface, and the history of the volcano, INGEOMINAS has raised the alert status to the highest level RED.
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