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Archived Volcano News - John Seach
June 2002
News reports posted in Eastern Australian Time (UT + 10 hr)
Reports written by John Seach
Mt Hood Volcano (Oregon, USA)
45.37 N, 121.69 W, summit elevation 3426 m, stratovolcano.
Sunday 30th June 2002
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 shook the Mount Hood area Saturday (29th June), but no damage was immediately reported. The quake hit at 7:36 a.m. about three miles south of the summit of Mount Hood and about four miles deep. Mount Hood is an active volcano, but the quake did not signal any eruption. Two earthquakes were felt in Oregon on May 15 - one measuring 4.3 in the Klamath Falls area and another of a 5.4 magnitude off the coast of Coos Bay. They caused no damage. (AP)
There have been two minor aftershocks of magnitude 3.8 and 3.2.
Date-TimeJune 29th 2002, 14:36:04 UTC
Location 45.34N 121.69W
Depth 6.1 kilometers , Magnitude 4.5
Region Washington-Oregon border region.
Reference 30 miles (50 km) SW of The Dalles, Oregon
More on Mt Hood Volcano...
Popocatepetl Volcano (central México)
19.023 N, 98.622 W, summit elevation 5426 m, stratovolcanoes
Sunday 30th June 2002
As of 1100 (1600 GMT), the 28th of June, CENAPRED has reported that in in the last 24 hours the overall activity of the Popocatépetl volcano remained in a steady level. There were 12 small to moderate exhalations accompanied by steam, gas and sometimes small amounts of ash. The most important exhalation was at 1110 hr and had an ash column of 2km height. In addition, it was detected several episodes of low amplitude harmonic tremor for about 1.5 hr. During this morning CENAPRED could observe the volcano coverded with snow and with a small steam fumarole. The colour of the volcanic alarm light remains on YELLOW.
More on Popocatépetl volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Sunday 30th June 2002
Lava is cascading down Paliuli in five streams this Saturday morning (29th June) at 0443. Four are near the eastern limit of the Mother's Day flow, and the fifth is some 100 m farther west. The lava is starting to build a fan at the base of Paliuli, and the flow on the flat is rapidly inflating. Yesterday afternoon, "gushing" breakouts from the inflating flow were reported in areas 250-350 m from the base of the pali. The southern tip of the flow, 430 m from the Chain of Craters Road, has stopped inflating.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
China Earthquake (Magnitude 7.3)
Saturday 29th June 2002
Location 43.77N 130.72E , Depth 564.1 kilometers.
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: A major earthquake occurred 65 miles (105 km) W of Ussuriysk, Russia and 75 miles (115 km) SE of Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China at 11:19 AM MDT, Jun 28, 2002 (Jun 29 at 1:19 AM local time in China). The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available. There have been no reports of damage.
This deep earthquake occurred within the subducted Pacific plate, about 1300 km (about 800 miles) west of the Japan Trench, where the oceanic Pacific plate begins its descent into the mantle. As the plate subducts beneath Asia at a rate of about 8 cm (about 3 inches) per year, it generates earthquakes. The positions of these earthquakes form features known as Wadati-Benioff zones that image the tectonic plate's decent into the mantle. This earthquake occurred near the base of its particularly long and straight Wadati-Benioff zone that is well imaged in the accompanying cross-section.
Since 1972, this segment of the subducted Pacific plate has produced 11 earthquakes with focal-depths between 400 km and 600 km, and with magnitudes of 6 or greater. Worldwide, the deepest reliably located earthquakes occurred about 680 km beneath the Earth's surface.
Volcanoes of China...
China Restoring Volcano Lake to Original State
Thursday 27th June 2002
A five-year project to repair and restore a beautiful volcanic lake in northeast China to its original magnificence is beginning to pay off.
The lake, called the South Gelaqiu Mountain Celestial Pond andlocated in the Wudalianchi Showplace scenic region in northernmostHeilongjiang province, is beginning to refill with water.
Lush-green vegetation is re-emerging around the lake and numerous rare, invaluable species of birds like egrets and red-crowned cranes are coming back.
At an altitude of 596.9 meters above the sea level, the lake was formed when volcanic magma erupted over 3 million years ago. Elderly people living nearby say the lake was once 19 meters deep and its surface never froze. And rainfall is its only water source.
Wetlands adjacent to the lake are home to ancient forests and wildlife such as wild boar and foxes.
In the 1970s, locals blew up the lake to channel its water to farmlands to the detriment of the environment, and it then dried up.
Relevant local authorities have spent 8 million yuan (965,000 US dollars) on the restoration project. They explore refilling thelake from groundwater sources or by diverting water from nearby lakes, which will restore its original sight within a year.
Wudalianchi Showplace is reputed for a world-famous cluster of volcanoes, dammed volcanic lakes and limpid cold mineral springs over an area of 1,060 sq km.
Volcanoes of China...
Popocatepetl Volcano (México)
19.023 N, 98.622 W, summit elevation 5426 m, stratovolcanoes
Thursday 27th June 2002
As of 1100 (1600 GMT), the 25th of June, CENAPRED has reported that in the last 24 hours the overall activity of the Popocatépetl volcano remained in a steady level. There were 31 small to maderate exhalations accompanied by steam, gas and sometimes small amounts of ash. Also there were some isolated episodes of harmonic tremor, accumulating less than one hour.
The colour of the volcanic alarm light remains on YELLOW.
More on Popocatépetl volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Thursday 27th June 2002
Incandescent surface lava flows were sometimes visible at Kilauea during 19-24
June. Generally, seismicity was at background levels, except at Kilauea’s
crater where a swarm of long-period earthquakes that began on 5 June
continued. In addition, moderate tremor occurred at Pu`u `O`o. Tiltmeters
showed no unusual deformation, with overall deflation occurring at Pu`u `O`o
and Kilauea’s summit during the week.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Iran Earthquake Update
Wednesday 26th June 2002
The Ministry of Interior has released its latest casualty figures as 226 deaths in Qazvin Province and 5 in Hamadan Province after one patient died in hospital last night. A total of 1,411 injuries are reported - with a total number of 500 hospitalizations. Approximately 400 hospital patients have now been released. The Ministry has noted a disproportionately high number of women and young children among the casualties, due to the fact that the earthquake occurred at 07:30 in the morning when males were working in the fields and older children at school.
Five to 6 villages have been totally destroyed. All families are living in tents and have been provided with food. It has to be noted that the harvest does not seem to have been much affected, thus food will be secured for the next few months.
Volcanoes of Iran...
Iran Earthquake Update
Tuesday 25th June 2002
According to revised statistics provided by the Ministry of Interior, the earthquake that struck north-western Iran on 22 June has caused 226 confirmed deaths in the Qazvin region and 3 deaths in the Hamadan region. At least 1,300 people have been injured, 500 of whom have been hospitalized and 800 treated for minor injuries. While estimates of the number of homeless vary, a preliminary survey conducted by the Ministry indicates that 5,000 dwellings have been totally demolished in the worst-affected area, Qazvin and the number of dwellings severely damaged in Hamadan stands at 8,000 and in Zanjan, 6,100. A comprehensive shelter survey is expected to be completed by the government at the end of the week. Meanwhile, the Iranian Red Crescent Society reports that some 25,000 people have been left homeless. The Government of Iran is continuing to mobilize national resources to respond to immediate needs through the provision of food rations, tents, water tankers and mobile health facilities. A survey of damage to road and communications infrastructures is due to be completed by 26 June.
Volcanoes of Iran...
Asama Volcano (Honshu, Japan)
36.40 N, 138.53 E, summit elevation 2560 m, complex volcano
Tuesday 25th June 2002
Restricted area on Mt. Asama expanded.
Persistent seismic activity in and around Mt. Asama, on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, prompted officials Monday to expand a restricted area surrounding the volcano.
Entry within four kilometers of the crater is restricted. The Meteorological Agency said seismic activity, including earthquakes that registered below the threshold at which they could be felt by casual observers, indicated volcanic activity.
In Komoro, Nagano Prefecture, municipal government officials stood at the starting points of two climbing routes from 6 a.m., turning climbers away.
According to the weather station, the number of volcanic quakes, including sub-threshold ones, was up to 43 per hour Saturday, when the first caution was issued.
The figure Sunday dropped to eight to 10 per hour, but was still much higher than the usual 10 to 30 a day. Moreover, while the volcanic plume is normally thin, it was thicker Monday morning, rising to as high as 400 meters.
More on Asama Volcano...
Mt Etna Volcano (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Tuesday June 25th, 2002
During the week of 17-23 June 2002, frequent ash emissions continued from the Northeast Crater at the summit of Mount Etna, on various occasions these continued for hours and produced dark brown or gray plumes that rose several hundred meters high. Ash emissions occurred more rarely from the nearby Bocca Nuova.
More on Mt Etna...
Iran Earthquake Update
Sunday 23rd June 2002
Nearly 100 villages have been badly damaged or destroyed in several Iranian provinces as an earthquake struck on Saturday. The worst affected is Qazbin province, northwest of Tehran. The earthquake at 7.28 am was followed by several aftershocks. The strongest four hours later, registered 5.2 on the Richter Scale.
The Iranian Red Crescent has 400 relief workers from four neighbouring provinces on site, involved in search and rescue and the evacuation of dead and injured. It has also sent two specialised relief teams from the capital, Tehran, where the Red Crescent has a regional relief centre designed to respond with speed and efficiency to breaking disasters. Search dogs with trainers have also been despatched to look for survivors buried under rubble.
More than 400 people are feared dead and more than 1,000 injured. An assessment team sent by the Iranian Red Crescent to affected areas, has so far found that in Qazbin province, 52 villages have been either damaged or totally destroyed. In the northern province of Hamadan, a further 22 villages were likewise affected and 10 villages in Zanjan province.
The Iranian Red Crescent, which had rescue workers on-site within an hour of the disaster, also used helicopters to reach villages in the mountains cut off by landslides or damaged bridges and to evacuate the injured. Food, tents and other relief items will soon be distributed to those left homeless.
Volcanoes of Iran
Iran Earthquake (Magnitude 6.5)
Sunday 23rd June 2002
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: A strong earthquake occurred IN WESTERN IRAN, about 65 miles (105 km) north-northeast of Hamadan or about 140 miles (225 km) west of Tehran at 8:58 PM MDT, Jun 21, 2002 (Jun 22 at 7:28 AM local time in Iran). The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available. At least 500 people killed and 1600 injured in the Buin Zahra - Avaj area. Felt at Tehran and in much of western Iran.
Volcanoes of Iran...
Asama Volcano (Honshu, Japan)
36.40 N, 138.53 E, summit elevation 2560 m, complex volcano
Sunday 23rd June 2002
Japan's Meteorological Agency on Saturday issued a warning to tourists not to get too close to Mount Asama, some 150 km northwest of Tokyo, because it may erupt.
"There could be a small eruption caused by a steam buildup and there is a chance bits of material could come flying out," said an agency official. "Our experts are warning people not to come within two kilometers of the area."
Since Thursday the agency has noticed temperatures at the bottom of the crater atop the 2,568-meter-high active volcano have hit 180 degrees up from its normal 150 degrees. The agency also measured some 210 volcanic earthquake and smoke can also be seen rising from the summit. Mount Asama, which is near the resort town of Karuizawa, last erupted in July, 1990, when it spat ash over a small area.
In 1947, 11 mountaineers died after being hit by volcanic cinders from an eruption that year, according to Kyodo news agency.
More on Asama Volcano
Chile Earthquake (Magnitude 6.6)
Wednesday 19th June 2002
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: A strong earthquake occurred IN THE CHILE-ARGENTINA BORDER REGION, about 60 miles (100 km) south-southeast of Coquimbo, Chile or 190 miles (300 km) north of Santiago, Chile at 7:56 AM MDT, Jun 18, 2002 (9:56 AM local time in Chile). The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available. This earthquake was felt in the Santiago, Chile area. No reports of damage or casualties have been received at this time.
Volcanoes of Chile...
Solomon Islands Earthquake (Magnitude 6.7)
Wednesday 19th June 2002
A strong earthquake occurred IN THE SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS about 210 miles (340 km) north-northwest of Santo, Vanuatu or about 1340 miles (2160 km) northeast of Brisbane, Australia at 3:26 PM MDT, Jun 17, 2002 (Jun 18 at 8:26 AM local time in Santa Cruz Islands). Tinakula is the closest volcano to the epicentre.
Volcanoes of Solomon Islands...
Mt Etna Volcano (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Tuesday June 18, 2002
News about renewed eruptive at Mount Etna (Sicily) have circled the globe on 16 June 2002, nearly eleven months after the beginning of its latest major eruption that ended after 23 days, on late 9 August 2001. Ash emissions resumed at the Northeast Crater (one of the four summit craters of Etna) during the past week and became more vigorous on 13 June. A slight increase in seismic activity occurred at the same time, with a few events being felt by the population of towns on the southern and southeastern flanks. Starting on 16 June, ash was also emitted from the Bocca Nuova, which is another of the summit craters. The newly emitted ash from the Bocca Nuova seems to contain a significant magmatic component.
More on Mt Etna...
Nevado del Ruiz Volcano (Colombia)
4.89N, 75.32 W, summit elevation 5321 m, stratovolcano
Sunday 16th June 2002
Nevado del Ruiz Volcano has started a new cycle of strong seismic activity.
On June 9, 2002, at 23 hours (local time) a swarm of volcano-tectonic
earthquakes was recorded by the seismic network. Following that swarm
houndreds of hybrid earthquakes were recorded. More than 1300 earthquakes
occurred in 16 hours. This seismicity continued for three days.
About 2300 earthquakes were detected. This is the highest number of events
per day recorded at Nevado del Ruiz volcano since 1985. Seismic energy
release reached high values too. The code is now in orange colour.
Many earthquakes were felt by people walking near the volcano. Jet-like
sounds were also reported at the moment of occurrence of some of the hybrid
events. No ash emmissions were reported. Strong smell to SO2 were reported
near the summit. The seismic activity has decreased now.
More on Nevado del Ruiz Volcano...