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October 2009 Volcano News | John Seach
Reports by John Seach
Reports are posted in Eastern Australian Time (UT +10 hr).
Archived Volcano News
Saturday 31st October 2009
Pinatubo Volcano, Philippines
On 31st October 2009 a magnitude 5.0 earthquake hit 37 km WSW of the summit of Mt Pinatubo volcano. The earthquake focus was at a depth of 79 km. Mt Pinatubo is noted for the large eruption in 1991 which was the second largest of the 20th century.
More on Pinatubo Volcano...
Volcanoes of Philippines...
Saturday 31st October 2009
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
Lava flows have resumed in the kipuka west of the public viewing area (Kalapana) at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. The active lava breakouts have produced fires in the kipuka, and are advancing towards the sea. Lava continues to flow through tubes is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha, west of Kalapana.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Saturday 31st October 2009
Galeras Volcano, Colombia
Since 27th October 2009 there has been a marked change in the activity at Galeras volcano in Colombia. There has been a significant decrease in emissions of sulphur dioxide and an increase in earthquakes associated with volcanic overpressure in the system. Galeras has been increased to level 2 alert.
More on Galeras Volcano...
Volcanoes of Colombia...
Saturday 31st October 2009
Mayon Volcano, Philippines
The fourth typhoon to hit the Philippines in a month has forced the evacuation of 10,000 people from around Mayon volcano, due to the threat of lahars. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines and has been erupting small amounts of ash this month. A large eruption in 2006 deposited lava and ash on the slopes of the volcano which may be mobilised after heavy rain.
More on Mayon Volcano...
Volcanoes of Philippines...
Friday 30th October 2009
Japan Earthquake (Mag 6.9)
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred 55 km SE of Suwanose-jima volcano on 30th October 2009 at 4:03 pm local time. Suwanose-jima is one of the world's most active volcanoes, with eruptions every year since 1949.
More on Suwanose-jima Volcano...
Volcanoes of Japan...
Wednesday 28th October 2009
Mayon Volcano, Philippines
An ash emission occurred at Mayon volcano, Philippines at 05;32 hr on Wednesday 28th October 2009. The eruption lasted for one minute, and produced a brown ash plume which rose to a maximum height of 600 meters above the crater and drifted northeast. Over the past 24-hours, the seismic network recorded 13 volcanic earthquakes. There is a six-kilometer permanent danger zone and a seven-km extended danger zone around the volcano. Residents are advised to beware of lahars after heavy rain.
More on Mayon Volcano...
Volcanoes of Philippines...
Monday 26th October 2009
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
A lava flow crossed the former Kalapana road around 1:45 am on 23rd October, 2009, at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. The lava flow stopped moving by afternoon, but the road continued to burn, igniting trees in the surrounding kipuka. The lava flows remained active Saturday afternoon and were advancing in a southeast direction from the road in the kipuka between the 1989 Quarry flow, where a Public Viewing Area and trail was established.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Sunday 25th October 2009
Banda Sea Earthquake, Indonesia (Magnitude 7.0)
On 24th October 2009 at 11:40 pm local time, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit 40 km NE of Serua volcano, and 70 km south of Manuk volcano, Indonesia. The earthquake epicentre was located undersea at 6.161°S, 130.346°E, and focus was at a depth of 138 km. No tsunami was generated. The earthquake was felt in Darwin, Australia, 700 km south. Serua volcano last erupted in 1921.
More on Serua Volcano...
More on Manuk Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Saturday 24th October 2009
Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat
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).
More on Soufriere Hills Volcano...
Volcanoes of Caribbean...
Friday 23rd October 2009
Chaiten Volcano, Chile
During the period 1-16 October 2009 Chaiten volcano in Chile remained active. Two growing, degassing domes were present in the summit crater. At midday on 14th October a vigorous explosion occurred at the volcano, producing a vertical ash column. A seismometer is currently being installed at a location 1.5 km from the crater, with the addition of seven more planned in the future. Seismic activity has remained stable at Chaiten volcano with 1-2 earthquakes per hour greater then magnitude 3.5. A significant accumulation of pyroclastic material has occurred in valleys adjacent to the volcano. Lahars may be formed after heavy rainfall. Chaiten volcano remains at highest alert level RED.
More on Chaiten Volcano...
Volcanoes of Chile...
Wednesday 21st October 2009
Kaba Volcano, Indonesia
Seismic activity has increased at Kaba volcano, Sumatra, Indonesia. On 19th October 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.
More on Kaba Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Wednesday 21st October 2009
Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, Reunion
An eruption is imminent at Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion. Seismic activity indicates magma is within 500 m of the surface. A change in the chemistry of volcanic gases appeared for the first time yesterday since the outbreak of volcanic alert on 4th October. A new small fumarole has developed inside Dolomieu crater, along with landslides.
More on Piton de la Fournaise Volcano...
Sunday 18th October 2009
Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, Reunion
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.
More on Piton de la Fournaise Volcano...
Sunday 18th October 2009
Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat
During the week 9-16 October 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.
More on Soufriere Hills Volcano...
Volcanoes of Caribbean...
Saturday 17th October 2009
Gaua Volcano, Vanuatu
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.
More on Gaua Volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Saturday 17th October 2009
Krakatau Volcano, Indonesia
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.
More on Krakatau Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Friday 16th October 2009
Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, Reunion
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.
More on Piton de la Fournaise Volcano...
Wednesday 14th October 2009
Mayon Volcano, Philippines
Heavy rains at Mayon volcano, Philippines, have created lahars which reached Paddang and Camalig towns in Legaspi City and some areas of Darraga town. Residents were evacuated from hazardous areas as heavy rain continues to be produced from a low pressure system located 70 kilometers northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar. The rains have mobilised volcano debris from previous eruptions of Mayon volcano.
More on Mayon Volcano...
Volcanoes of Philippines...
Sunday 11th October 2009
Chaiten Volcano, Chile
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.
More on Chaiten Volcano...
Volcanoes of Chile...
Thursday 8th October 2009
Vanuatu/Solomon Islands Earthquakes
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...
Thursday 8th October 2009
Vanuatu Earthquakes (mag 7.8 mag 7.7, mag 7.3)
Three major earthquakes hit northern Vanuatu this morning. 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 past week.
More on Gaua Volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Tuesday 6th October 2009
Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat
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.
More on Soufriere Hills Volcano...
Volcanoes of Caribbean...
Tuesday 6th October 2009
Gaua Volcano, Vanuatu
During the first week of October 2009 observers at Gaua volcano caldera reported an eruption accompanied by earthquakes, black smoke and ash emission.
More on Gaua Volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Monday 5th October 2009
Klyuchevskoy Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
An eruption of Klyuchevskoy volcano, Kamchatka, Russia, began on Saturday 3rd October. Incandescent lava was ejected to a height of 100 m above the crater at 1-6 minute intervals. One hundred earthquakes are being registered every 24 hours. The eruption intensity is rapidly increasing.
More on Klyuchevskoy Volcano...
Volcanoes of Kamchatka...
Sunday 4th October 2009
Cleveland Volcano, Alaska
A brief eruption of Cleveland Volcano, Alaska, occurred at 2330 hr (local time) on 2nd October. A small ash cloud reached an altitude of 6.1 km, and drifted northeast 600 km before dispersing over the Bering Sea. There is no seismic network monitoring Cleveland volcano, so short-lived explosions and ash plumes may not be detected.
More on Cleveland Volcano...
Volcanoes of Alaska...
Friday 2nd October 2009
Mayon Volcano, Philippines
Thirty-five earthquakes were detected at Mayon volcano, Philippines over the past 24 hours. There has been a total of 82 earthquakes at the volcano since 27th September. The presence of tremor indicates that magma is moving under the volcano. Mayon is showing restlessness with earthquakes, ground deformation, gas emission and crater glow. Sulphur dioxide emissions from the volcano varied from 392-445 tons per day for the past three days. Leveling results indicated a 6 mm inflation at the Tabaco City side of the volcano. PHIVOLCS recommends a 6 km permanent danger zone and 7 km extended danger zone be off-limits to any human activity due to threat of sudden explosions and rockfalls. Residents living near channels, gullies and low-lying areas have been warned about possible lahars.
More on Mayon Volcano...
Volcanoes of Philippines...
Thursday 1st October 2009
Indonesia Earthquake (magnitude 6.6)
A magnitude 6.6 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.
More on Sumbing Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Thursday 1st October 2009
Gaua Volcano, Vanuatu
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.
More on Gaua Volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Thursday 1st October 2009
Galeras Volcano, Colombia
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.
More on Galeras Volcano...
Volcanoes of Colombia...