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Archived Volcano News - John Seach
June 2003
News reports posted in Eastern Australian Time (UT + 10 hr)
Reports written by John Seach
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Saturday 28th June 2003
The eruption of Anatahan Volcano in the Northern Mariana Islands continues. The explosive activity has excavated a deep crater within Anatahan's east crater, which has reached sea level. A lava dome was first observed in the inner crater on 4th June. The future course of the eruption is uncertain. It could continue at its present, relatively low level for weeks or months, perhaps punctuated by explosive activity sending eruption columns higher than 6 km (20,000 ft). Depending on prevailing winds, such explosions could result in minor ash fall on nearby islands. A higher level of activity could result in continued growth of the lava dome, more explosions, and attendant greater volcanic hazards on Anatahan Island.
More on Anatahan Volcano...
Leroboleng Volcano (Indonesia)
8.358 S, 122.842 E, summit elevation 1117 m, complex volcano
Friday 27th June 2003
Initial reports from Qantas pilots report an ash plume to 6000 ft on 26th June (1000 hr UT). The eruption is reported to be increasing. The eruption must be confirmed by other sources before being regarded as real. Reports from pilots are often wrongly attributed to a particular volcano. Further details will be posted when available.
More on Leroboleng Volcano...
Mt Etna Volcano (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Tuesday 24th June 2003
Mount Etna remains fairly quiet, although deep explosions continue in Bocca Nuova crater. North East crater quietly emits large amounts of gas.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Mauna Loa Volcano (Hawaii)
Tuesday 24th June 2003
Renewed summit inflation indicates swelling of the magma reservoir within the volcano. Since a swarm of deep earthquakes centered just south of the caldera in late April, seismicity has been at a somewhat elevated level, though still far lower than those of the months prior to the 1975 and 1984 eruptions.
More on Mauna Loa Volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
Tuesday 24th June 2003
Lava continues to enter the ocean at the Highcastle delta. Seismicity at the summit of Kilauea continues at a moderate level, with many small, low frequency earthquakes continuing to come from shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. The tiny earthquakes are occurring at the rate of about 1-2 per minute.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Friday 20th June 2003
A series of earthquakes recently shook Anatahan Island, as the volcanic activity on the island entered its 41st day yesterday. Explosions and ash emissions from the volcano continue. Ash plumes, however, were moving westward yesterday, away from Saipan. During an overflight, the floor of the east crater seemed deeper than it was during the previous aerial observations on June 6. Ash blown to Saipan and Tinian might have contaminated rain catchment systems, rendering water from these sources acidic and unsafe for human consumption.
More on Anatahan Volcano...
Kanlaon Volcano (Philippines)
10.41 N, 123.13 E, summit elevation 2435 m, stratovolcano
Friday 20th June 2003
Kanlaon volcano continues to emit grayish steam ash cloud that has risen to about 400 meters above the crater before drifting to the southeast. The volcano revealed the explosion was a low-frequency volcanic earthquake. Last Tuesday, the volcano also manifested two small steam-driven explosions which occurred from 8:20 to 8:35 a.m., and then from 10:20 to 10:30 a.m. The ash and steam columns rose up to 400 meters above the crater before they were blown by strong winds to the northeast part of the volcano. Prior to the explosions, the volcano’s seismic network detected eight low-frequency volcano earthquakes and two high-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and another low-frequency in short duration during the past 24 hours.
More on Kanlaon Volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
Wednesday 18th June 2003
Flowing lava threatened to overrun the site of a tour helicopter crash that killed four people Sunday, forcing investigators to airlift the wreckage out of a lava field yesterday. The Tropical Helicopters Hughes 500 from Hilo slammed into the ground Sunday morning and was engulfed in flames on a cliff known as Pulama Pali about two miles from Chain of Craters Road in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The pilot radioed a mayday call at 9:48 a.m. Sunday, reporting engine failure 31 minutes into the 50-minute aerial tour of the volcano. Parks officials said a helicopter fighting a brush fire at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park flew over the crash site shortly after impact and dumped water on the flames. The wreckage was at an elevation of about 620 feet, about two miles from the end of Chain of Craters Road near the Kalapana Trail. Three loads of helicopter wreckage were airlifted from the crash site and taken to Hilo yesterday to prevent them from being engulfed by oncoming lava. The lava advanced to within 50 feet of the site as the last of the debris was removed.
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Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
Tuesday 17th June 2003
A sightseeing helicopter flying over an active lava flow from Kilauea Volcano crashed into rugged terrain, killing the pilot and all three passengers. The pilot of the Hughes 500 reported engine problems before the helicopter fell straight down Sunday and hit an old lava flow about two miles from Chain of Craters Road, at the 600-foot level on a cliff known as Pulama Pali.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Kamchatka Earthquake (Magnitude 6.9)
Tuesday 17th June 2003
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: A large earthquake occurred about 290 km (180 miles) north-northeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia at 4:08 PM MDT, Jun 16, 2003 (Jun 17 at 11:08 AM local time in Russia). The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available. No reports of damage or casualties have been received at this time.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
Sunday 15th June 2003
Lava continues to flow into the ocean at Kilauea volcano. Two broad areas of lava flow are active on the central and eastern parts of the lava delta at Highcastle. Yesterday lots of lava was pouring down the steep part of Pulama pali in the interior of the east-side flow from the 1600-foot elevation down to about 1000 feet. Visitors to the volcano should be careful to avoid hazardous areas. The ocean entry areas are extremely hazardous, with explosions accompanying sudden collapses of the new land. Lava flows over vegetated areas can produce methane explosions, so it is important to stay at least 50 feet away from these areas.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Mt Etna Volcano (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Saturday 14th June 2003
Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reports renewed moderate activity at Mt Etna Volcano on Saturday 14th June. Ash cloud is visible to 13,000 ft and drifting SE. No other confirmation of the volcanic activity has been received at this time.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Lopevi Volcano (Vanuatu)
16.50 S, 168.34 E, summit elevation 1413 m, Stratovolcano
Friday 13th June 2003
Eruptions continue at Lopevi Volcano in Vanuatu. On 13th June pilots report "ash to 35,000 ft and lava still coming out of the volcano". This presumably refers to a lava flow down the volcano's flank. Winds are SE at 20-25 knots. If this forecast is correct then ashfall and acid rain will affect local populations.
More on Lopevi Volcano...
Travel to Lopevi Volcano...
Mt Etna Volcano (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Thursday 12th June 2003
No new eruptive activity has been observed at Mount Etna over the past 4.5 months. It is quite likely that magma is slowly rising within the central conduit system. Intense gas emission occurs at the Northeast Crater, often feeding a plume that extends tens of kilometers downwind. The northwestern vent of the Bocca Nuova, which lies close to its rim, is also the site of strong gas emissions, and on many occasions visitors have reported deep-seated explosions. These have so far failed to eject any fresh magmatic material beyond the pit and presumably occur at a depth of several hundred meters. The second, southeastern vent of the Bocca Nuova is currently completely obstructed. Recent obervations at night by a local mountain guide have revealed that some fractures around this pit are incandescent at dark. This is probably due to escaping hot gas that heats the surrounding rocks to glowing. Southeast Crater has shown a progressive increase in the number and activity of fumaroles near its summit and on its southern flank. There are also continuous vapor emissions occurring at the new craters formed during the latest eruption.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Lopevi Volcano (Vanuatu)
16.50 S, 168.34 E, summit elevation 1413 m, Stratovolcano
Wednesday 11th June 2003
As of 11th June Lopevi Volcano has been erupting continuously. A thick plume of ash is rising to 25,000 ft, five nautical miles in diameter is drifting SE. There is a currently an east-west convergence line over the region. A change in wind direction may blow volcanic ash across populated areas. Residents should ensure safety of water supplies.
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Travel to Lopevi Volcano...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Wednesday 11th June 2003
The Northern Marianas Emergency Management is to recommend an extension of a state of emergency for the islands, following the volcanic eruption on the island of Anatahan in May. The island spewed columns of "low-level ash" last Saturday, and yesterday scientists said another explosive eruption was possible.
More on Anatahan Volcano...
Kanlaon Volcano (Philippines)
10.41 N, 123.13 E, summit elevation 2435 m, stratovolcano
Wednesday 11th June 2003
Alert level one is still up around the areas near Mt. Kanlaon after the volcano emitted new steam clouds Sunday morning. The advisory from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) revealed that ash emission occurred from 6:45 to 7 a.m., last Sunday and deposited traces of ash at the Canlaon City and Barangays Masulog and Linutangan. The Phivolcs also recorded eight low frequency volcanic earthquakes and four low frequency short duration harmonic tremors. The public should not venture within the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.
More on Kanlaon Volcano...
Tungurahua Volcano (Ecuador)
1.467 S, 78.442 W, summit elevation 5023 m, stratovolcano
Wednesday 11th June 2003
Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano, located 120 km south of the capital, has been spewing lava for the second day in a row, accompanied by tremors, the local press reported Tuesday. Three earthquakes and a moderate explosion were recorded on Sunday, the Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School said. Loud explosions were heard overnight and the incandescence produced by magma from the crater could be seen. Additionally, eight tremors were recorded on Monday, with the longest lasting two and half hours. Columns of ashes and fumes rose to a height of one or two kilometers. Civil defense authorities have asked local residents to take necessary precautions in case the eruption intensifies. Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reports an eruption of Tungurahua Volcano visible on GOES-12 satellite imagery. (0745 hr UT)
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Dukono Volcano (Indonesia)
1.70 N, 127.87 E, summit elevation 1185 m, complex Volcano
Wednesday 11th June 2003
Eruption plume visible at 0517 hr (UT) on Wednesday 11th June. Plume visible on NOAA and GOES 9 satellite images extending 40 NM north to an elevation of 15,000 ft.
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Lopevi Volcano (Vanuatu)
16.50 S, 168.34 E, summit elevation 1413 m, Stratovolcano
Monday 9th June 2003
A second eruption has occurred at Lopevi Volcano on Monday at 1530 hr local time. Thick black ash and cloud up to 9,000 ft is drifting SE. The eruption cloud is 10 nautical miles in diameter. Expected winds are from 340 degrees at 25 knots.
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Travel to Lopevi Volcano...
Lopevi Volcano (Vanuatu)
16.50 S, 168.34 E, summit elevation 1413 m, Stratovolcano
Sunday 8th June 2003
Lopevi Volcano erupted on Sunday 8th June at 1155 hr local time. The aircraft control tower at Port Vila reported thick ash to 40,000 ft drifting SE. An eruption plume is not yet visible on satellite images. Lopevi is one of the most active volcanoes in Vanuatu. The last eruption of Lopevi was on 8th June 2001 when a 10 km high eruption column deposited ash on neighbouring islands. Satellite data indicated degassing resumed in December 2002. While John Seach was on location at neighbouring Ambrym Island in December 2002 there were white emissions visible on Lopevi's active crater on the NW flank of the volcano. GOME satellite data indicate SO2 emissions close to Lopevi and Ambrym Volcanoes on 13, 19, 22, and 25 December 2002, then again during 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, and 20 January 2003. At the moment ash is moving away from populated areas, but a change in wind direction may push ash towards villages on neighbouring islands. Contamination of water supplies may be the result.
More on Lopevi Volcano...
Travel to Lopevi Volcano...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Sunday 8th June 2003
Anatahan Volcano north of Saipan continues to erupt as of Saturday. An eruption column is rising to about 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level, and ash is falling on the western part of the volcanic island. A lava dome is forming in the volcano's east crater. Analysis of the earlier earthquake records shows that the explosive activity was preceded by many earthquakes starting 12 hours before the eruption began. During the first two days of the eruption, on May 10 and 11, the seismic records were dominated by as many as 100 earthquakes per hour. The largest earthquake had a magnitude of about three. Within the past 36 hours, the earthquake records show a constant level of tremor.
More on Anatahan Volcano...
Papua New Guinea Earthquake (Magnitude 6.6)
Saturday 7th June 2003
The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: A large earthquake occurred IN THE NEW BRITAIN REGION OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA, about 90 km (55 miles) south of Rabaul or about 740 km (460 miles) northeast of Port Moresby at 6:32 PM MDT, Jun 6, 2003 (Jun 07 at 10:32 AM local time in New Britain). The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available. There have been no reports of damage.
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Saturday 7th June 2003
Continuous ash and gas emissions have occurred since 10th May. An area of thick ash from sea level to 15,000 ft is moving NW from the volcano. The plume is 150 nautical miles long and 20 nm wide. A second thinner plume is located to the south of the main ash and is moving west.
More on Anatahan Volcano...
Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion)
21.22 S, 55.71 E, summit elevation 2631 m, shield volcano
Saturday 7th June 2003
Eruption in progress in Dolomieu Crater. The lava flow from Dolomieu crater extends towards north approximately 500 m to 600 m, and towards the east approximately 400 m. Tremor has decreased due to the lava flowing freely from the crater. No seismic activity recorded.
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Semeru Volcano (Indonesia)
8.10 S, 112.92 E, summit elevation 3676 m, Stratovolcano
Saturday 7th June 2003
High levels of eruptive activity continue at Semeru Volcano. Yesterday an ash plume was visible extending 50 nautical miles NNW of the summit. Semeru is one of the world's most active volcanoes. The summit crater erupts about 100 times per day.
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Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion)
21.22 S, 55.71 E, summit elevation 2631 m, shield volcano
Thursday 5th June 2003
Official statement of Thursday June 5, 2003 at 10h00
The eruption in progress since yesterday midday continues. The point of emission of the lava is on the exact place of the eruption of last 30 May. Fountains of lava about fifteen meters in height accompany this flow. Since its beginning, the flow of the lava is stable. New casting extended in direction from north (inside Dolomieu crater) approximately 500m in length and 300m width. It is now moving towards the east of the crater while following the light slope of the floor. The associated trémor is stable and shows for the moment, no sign of reduction.
More on Piton de la Fournaise volcano...
Mt Vesuvius Volcano (Italy)
40.82 N, 14.43 E, summit elevation 1281 m, complex volcano
Thursday 5th June 2003
Italian officials have come up with a plan to try to persuade locals to move away from danger by offering up to 25,000 Euros to relocate. About 600,000 people live in towns within the 'red zone' - the 4.3-mile radius that would be at immediate risk if the volcano erupted. The most famous eruption of Vesuvius was in 79 AD when 16,000 people were entombed in the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
The last eruption of Mt Vesuvius was in 1944. The next eruption may give only 2 weeks notice before people have to evacuate. The plan may get local government approval within two weeks.
More on Mt Vesuvius volcano...
Travel to Mt Vesuvius...
Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion)
21.22 S, 55.71 E, summit elevation 2631 m, shield volcano
Wednesday 4th June 2003
An eruption occurred with the Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Friday May 30, 2003 between 11h55 and 14h15 local. It was preceded by a short seismic crisis. It was localised inside the Dolomieu crater in the sector where the collapse of December 2002 had taken place.
Since March 2003, measurements have indicated an inflation of Piton de la Fournaise volcano.
Seismicity slightly increased since May 28, with a seismic event of about 25 seconds.
This morning a seimic crisis of 17 minutes with a total of only 34 events started at 11h37. After that at 11h55 tremor appeared beneath Dolomieu crater.
Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world's most active volcanoes with eruptions almost yearly. The last eruption was in December 2002.
More on Piton de la Fournaise volcano...
Semeru Volcano (Indonesia)
8.10 S, 112.92 E, summit elevation 3676 m, Stratovolcano
Monday 2nd June 2003
Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reports a 30 nautical mile plume extending SSE of the summit of Semeru volcano at 2325 hr (UT) on 1st June. Plume to 20,000 ft elevation.
More on Semeru Volcano...