Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - John Seach

Seismic activity has been high at Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat during the week 16-23 October 2009. One thousand and nineteen rockfall signals, four hundred and sixteen long period events and four volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded during the week. Pyroclastic flows occurred down the White River valley to the south and several have reached the sea. Small pyroclastic flows are still occurring in Tuitts Ghaut on the northeast, Gages valley to the west and rarely in Tyers Ghaut. These pyroclastic flows extended less than 2 km. The lava dome is continuing to grow mainly to the south and southeast. Average sulphur dioxide measurements were 465 tons per day, with a range of 261 to 652 tons per day. Heavy rainfall caused lahars in the Belham valley. The Hazard Level is 3 (on an increasing scale from 1-5).
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Kaba Volcano, Indonesia - John Seach

Seismic activity has increased at Kaba volcano, Sumatra, Indonesia. On 19th October 2009, 127 shallow volcanic earthquakes were recorded. Continuous tremor occurred on 19th October between 06:40-09:00 hr, and 20th October between 03:00 to 09:00 hr. Visual observations showed thin white emissions rising 50 m above the crater. Ground deformation has been measured across the volcano. Water temperature measurements of the craters on 15th October was 72 deg C, with a degree of acidity (pH) 3.2. Solfatara temperatures range from 106 to 107 deg C. A one kilometre exclusion zone has been placed around the crater. On 20th October the volcano was raised to alert level 2.
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Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, Reunion - John Seach

The frequency and intensity of seismicity are gradually increasing at Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion. The trend of gradual deformation of the volcano continues, particularly on the north side of Dolomieu and near Soufriere. On Friday 16th October the seismic network recorded one earthquake every seventy seconds, with a maximum magnitude of 3. This is a remarkable intensity for Piton de la Fournaise volcano where earthquakes rarely exceed magnitude 2. The earthquakes are currently located at a depth of 2000 m, which indicates magma has not yet reached the surface. The pre-eruptive pattern of Piton de la Fournaise volcano is marked by several seismic crises, punctuated by periods of rest. There has been no change in the chemical composition of gas at the volcano. Alert level 1 (eruption imminent or likely) remains since 7th October after the first seismic crisis, and access to the volcano summit is prohibited.
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Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat - John Seach

During the week 9-16 October 2009 activity has been high at Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat. A new lava dome has been growing at the volcano since 9th October 2009. Seismic activity during the week consisted of 1224 rockfall signals, 382 long period events, and one volcano tectonic earthquake. Pyroclastic flows occurred in all the major valleys that drain the volcano except the Tar River valley. Pyroclastic flows began on 9-10 October and extended south of the volcano. From 11 October pyroclastic flows extended down the Tyers Ghaut. Pyroclastic flows have reached about 3 km down the White River to the south; 1.5 km down the Gages valley to the west; and 3 km down Tuitts and Whites Bottom Ghaut in the east. Dome growth is located at the volcano summit which is responsible for the radial flow of pyroclastic flows. Lahars occurred in Belham valley on 14th October.
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Gaua Volcano, Vanuatu - John Seach

An assessment of Gaua volcano was made by staff from Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory from 3-7 October 2009. The survey confirmed an eruptive phase began at Gaua from the 27th of September 2009. Volcanic gas measurements on 3rd October show that 3000 tons of sulphur dioxide was released from Gaua volcano daily. The alert level has been raised to 2 (on a scale of 0-4). People are advised to stay away from the summit area.
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Krakatau Volcano, Indonesia - John Seach

A large earthquake (magnitude 6.1) hit 60 km SSW of Krakatau volcano Indonesia. The earthquake's focus was at a depth of 50 km and located in the Sunda Strait under Panaitan Island. Krakatau volcano has been erupting in 2009. The earthquake is related to the Sunda subduction zone. The earthquake was felt with an intensity of III-IV at Krakatau Volcano Observatory. According to the results recorded at Gunungapi Seismometer Krakatoa in Pasauran, the earthquake hit at 16:53:06 pm, and had a duration of 601 seconds, with a maximum amplitude of 70 mm and aftershocks at 17:01:24 had a duration of 171 seconds with a maximum amplitude of 69 mm. At Gede volcano observation post the earthquake was felt with an intensity of III, and had a duration of 300 seconds. People have been advised to stay alert to the occurrence of aftershocks, where the energy is usually smaller than the main earthquake. The earthquake did not cause a tsunami, because although the earthquake was centered in the ocean, its depth over 50 km and magnitude was not large enough to produce a deformation of the ocean floor.
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Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, Reunion - John Seach

A seismic crisis began at Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Reunion Island on Wednesday 14th October 2009. The swarm generated 338 earthquakes with a maximum magnitude of 2.3. The trend of gradual deformation continues, with about 1.5 cm of displacement in two weeks. No change in gas chemistry has been detected. Data analysis suggests the process of magmatic intrusion continues at depth. This significant seismicity has been associated with small deformation of the northern flank of Dolomieu. Small avalanches have occurred inside Dolomieu, particularly towards the end of the seismic crisis. Alert Level 1 remains in place. Public access to the volcano summit, and helicopter landing on the volcano are prohibited.
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