Volcano Live
volcanolive.com
Archived Volcano News - John Seach
April 2004
News reports posted in Eastern Australian Time (UT + 10 hr)
Reports written by John Seach
Bagana Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
6.14 S, 155.19 E, summit elevation 1750 m, lava cone
Thursday 29th April, 2004
Lava has begun flowing from Bagana volcano on Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea. The lava is about eight to nine kilometres from the village of Torokina, but there are also smaller settlements closer to the volcano, which have been built in recent years. Attempts at establishing communication with these villagers had so far failed. Government officials have not been able to conduct aerial inspections of the volcano. Bagana is one of the world's most active volcanoes with eruptions almost every year.
More on Bagana Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Vanuatu Earthquake (Magnitude 6.0)
Thursday 29th April, 2004
Another earthquake has hit Vanuatu, 55 km west of the capital Port Vila. The magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at 10:28:21 AM local time, located at 17.79S 167.78E.
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Vanuatu Volcano travel...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Wednesday 28th April, 2004
Residents of the Northern Mariana Islands have been warned about possible ashfall from the eruption of Anatahan volcano. Anatahan volcano became active again a year after its last major eruption. Anatahan is emitting yellow-brown steam and ash, at one to two minute intervals, and residents with breathing problems and other ailments have been advised to stay indoors and limit their exposure to the ash clouds. The Northern Mariana Islands have a population of around 80,000, most of them living on the island of Saipan. While the volcanic plume is not currently heading in the direction of the populated islands, any change in wind direction may affect residents. Anyone with rainwater catchments have been advised not to drink water that may have collected during the volcanic activity, and to cover the catchment system to protect the drinking water.
More on Anatahan volcano...
Mt Damavand Volcano (Iran)
35.951 N, 52.109 E, summit elevation 5670 m, Stratovolcano
Tuesday 27th April, 2004
Three Iranian climbers are missing, presumed dead after being caught up in bad weather on the Iran's highest peak, Mount Damavand. The three were reported missing a week ago after they attempted to tackle the more challenging and exposed northeast ridge of the 5,671 meter (18,714 foot) inactive volcano, situated around 50 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of Tehran in the Alborz range. Temperatures near the summit, including wind chill, are currently around the minus 35 degrees Celsius. During the last Iranian year from March 2003 to March 2004, some 15 climbers died on the peak. Most deaths are blamed on lack of experience at altitude, fatigue or being poorly equipped to cope with rapid weather changes.
More on Mt Damavand Volcano...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Monday 26th April, 2004
Anatahan volcano began erupting today, sending a heavy plume of ash 1000 m into the atmosphere. The volcanic ash plume currently extends NNW of the island. A change in wind direction might pose safety and health risks to residents on other islands and to airliners passing nearby.
More on Anatahan volcano...
Vanuatu Earthquakes
Saturday 24th April, 2004
A series of seven earthquakes ranging from magnitude 4.8 to 5.9 hit Vanuatu on Thursday and Friday this week. The shallow earthquakes had epicenters located about 25-50 km west of Port Vila.
Mag 5.2, Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 02:05:39 PM local time, 17.68S 167.86E.
Mag 5.0, Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 02:11:37 PM local time, 17.59S 167.72E.
Mag 4.9, Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 02:30:55 PM local time, 17.69S 167.82E.
Mag 5.0, Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 08:49:22 PM local time, 17.60S 167.80E.
Mag 5.9, Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 09:11:12 PM local time, 17.54S 167.91E.
Mag 5.7, Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 09:15:11 PM local time, 17.66S 167.99E.
Mag 4.8, Friday, April 23, 2004 at 03:37:19 AM local time, 17.80S 168.06E.
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Vanuatu Volcano travel...
Karymsky Volcano (Russia)
54.05 N, 159.43 E, summit elevation 1486 m, stratovolcano
Tuesday 20th April, 2004
Karymsky volcano is currently showing a high level of activity with up to 400 eruptions per day, sending ash 500-1500 m above the crater. A team of volcanologists have been working in the area since April 12, and report eruptions at intervals of 1.5-15 minutes, which are accompanied by the scattering of volcanic bombs on the slopes of the volcano. Over the past 24 hours, seismic stations have recorded 450 earthquakes. Karymsky volcano does not pose danger to the populated areas of the peninsula, but ash ejections from its crater pose a serious threat to air flights.
More on Karymsky volcano...
Volcanoes of Russia...
Vanuatu Earthquake (Magnitude 6.2)
Friday 16th April, 2003
A large earthquake occurred near Yasur volcano in Vanuatu this morning. This is the second large earthquake felt in the south Pacific nation within a week. The magnitude 6.2 earthqauke hit Tanna Island on Friday April 16, 2004 at 07:06:55 AM local time at epicenter. Location was 30 km (20 miles) ENE of Isangel, at 19.47S 169.53E, at a depth of 10 km. Thirteen minutes later an aftershock of magnitude 5.7 hit the same area. The earthquake epicenter is located close to Yasur volcano, which is one of the most active in Vanuatu. Earthquakes of this magnitude may cause an increase in volcanic activity. The earthquakes were measured on seismometers located at Yasur volcano. There has been no indication of an increase in volcanic activity so far. Vanuatu is located on the tectonically active New Hebrides Island Arc, which is a subduction zone producing earthquakes and volcanoes. Report written by John Seach.
More on Yasur Volcano...
Manam Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
4.10 S, 145.06 E, summit elevation 1807 m, Stratovolcano
Friday 16th April, 2003
Eruptions continue at Manam volcano, with ash emissions from the southern crater on 17, 18, 27, 28, March. Ash clouds rose to 100-300 m above the summit and drifted SE, depositing small amounts of ash in the villages of Boakure and Warisi. Vapour was emitted from Main Crater. Manam is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea.
More on Manam Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Thursday 15th April, 2004
Lava continues to descend the Pulama pali, and has shifted 300-500 m eastward, and reached 1900 ft elevation. In Pu`u `O`o' crater, four vents are incandescent. Tilt at Pu`u `O`o has been deflationary over the past 24 hours. Tremor at Pu`u `O`o is at its typical moderate level.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Wednesday 14th April, 2004
A new lava dome has formed within a crescent-shaped crater lake at Anatahan volcano. Fresh ejecta has been confirmed inside the crater. Steam and ash emissions are likely occurring to altitudes of less than 3,000 ft but could increase in height relatively abruptly without warning. Anatahan's volcanic seismicity has been quite high, though not quite as high during its peak on April 6 to 7, the highest level since the eruptions of May to June 2003. Anatahan is under an emergency declaration, directing the public, including sea vessels and airplanes, to stay out of a 30 nautical mile exclusion zone.
More on Anatahan volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Wednesday 14th April, 2004
Lava has reached the top of the Pulama pali for the first time since last year. The lava flow has reached the 2000 ft elevation at the southwest corner of the flows fed by the rootless shield complex. Lava has not entered the ocean since the middle of 2003.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Ulawun Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
5.04 S, 151.34 E, summit elevation 2334 m, stratovolcano
Monday 12th April, 2004
Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reports an eruption of Ulawun volcano in Papua New Guinea at 0925 hr (local time) on Monday 12th April. GOES-9 satellite images showed a thin ash plume to 10,000 ft extending 40 NM east of the volcano.
More on Ulawun Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Lake Baringo Geyser (Kenya)
Sunday 11th April, 2004
A spectacular new geyser has erupted near Lake Baringo, Kenya, reaching a maximum height of 80m last Friday. The geyser seriously injured two men who were drilling a borehole. Hundreds of tourists have traveled to the area to see the geyser that has overtaken the one in Yellowstone National Park, USA, as the world's highest. The geyser can be seen as far away as 20 km. This geyser activity is a reminder of the volcanic nature of the rift valley. Report written by John Seach.
More on Lake Baringo Geyser...
Volcanoes of Kenya...
Vanuatu Earthquake (Magnitude 6.5)
Saturday 10th April, 2004
A large earthquake hit the northern region of Vanuatu, on Saturday, April 10th, 2004 at 02:23:35 AM local time at epicenter. The magnitude 6.5 earthquake's epicenter was located 60 km east of the Torres Islands, the most northerly islands in Vanuatu. The earthquake epicenter was located at 13.17S 167.19E, and a depth of 231.2 km. The nearest active volcano is Mt Suretamatai on Vanua Lava Island, 80 km to the SSE of the earthquake epicenter. Vanuatu lies on a tectonic zone known as the New Hebrides Island Arc, a region with many active volcanoes, and frequent earthquakes. News report written by John Seach.
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Tuesday 6th April, 2004
Renewed seismic activity at Anatahan volcano indicated that a small eruption occurred a few days ago. This comes after a magnitude 4.9 earthquake which hit about 95 kilometers west of Anatahan on 13th March. There has been moderate seismic swarm at the volcano since 31st March, which indicates small steam and ash emissions. An Emergency Management Office team flew over the volcano last Saturday and observed hot mud and steam coming from the volcano's crater. The public, including sea vessels and airplanes, are required stay out of the 30 nm exclusion zone around the volcano. Anatahan volcano began erupting in May 2003, which was the first known eruption of the volcano. Report written by John Seach.
More on Anatahan volcano...
East Epi Volcano (Vanuatu)
Offshore Epi Island, Shefa Province, Vanuatu
16.68 S 168.37 E, summit elevation -34 m, submarine caldera
Sunday 4th April, 2004
Update on East Epi volcano provided by John Seach. East Epi volcano erupted in early March, providing the first eruption of this undersea volcano since 1988. East Epi volcano has previously been violently active in 1920, 1953, and 1960, and moderately active on various other years. Three undersea volcanoes are located east of Epi Island.
More on East Epi Volcano...
Tokyo Earthquake (Magnitude 5.6)
Sunday 4th April, 2004
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit northeastern Japan and Tokyo about 8am on Sunday 4th April. The earthquake was centered about 40 kms under the sea bed off the coast of Ibaraki. It was felt most strongly in Mito, about 95 kms northeast of Tokyo.
Location: 36.52N 140.97E, Depth: 65 km, Time: 08:02:05 AM local time at epicenter.
Volcanoes of Japan...
Mt Fuji Volcano (Japan)
35.35 N, 138.73 E, summit elevation 3776 m, Stratovolcano
Sunday 4th April, 2004
The results of a three year drilling project on Mt Fuji has revealed that the mountain has been formed by four periods of volcanic activity, rather than three. A newly discovered layer of andesite has been found prior to the first eruption period called Komitake. This new eruption period has been called Sen-Komitake. The third major eruptions occurred about 100,000 years ago, which led to the formation of the volcano known as Old Fuji. The last major eruptions took place around 10,000 years ago, and as a result the current Mount Fuji, was formed. The drilling project found andesite deep in the mountain, which has never been found on Mt Fuji before. Report written by John Seach.
More on Mt Fuji volcano...
Volcanoes of Japan...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Sunday 4th April, 2004
Eruptions continue at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii as of 3rd April. Lava moves through the new tube system (Kuhio flow) and breaks out at 2350, 2175, and 1950 feet elevations. The lowest elevation is only 1km from the top of the Pulama pali (escarpment which drops towards the sea). This is the lowest elevation that any flow has reached in the past several months. The Kuhio flow began on 20th March from a vent about 250 m south of Pu`u `O`o cone. Lava has not entered the ocean since the middle of 2003. Report written by John Seach.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Sheveluch Volcano (Russia)
56.653 N, 161.360 E, summit elevation 3283 m, stratovolcano
Saturday 3rd April, 2004
Ash was erupted from Sheveluch volcano to a height of 3800m on 2nd April. The eruption was accompanied by long-duration surface earthquakes measuring about two on the Richter scale. Video surveliance was not possible due to the weather conditions, but avalanches are common after such events. The volcano currently doesn't pose a serious threat to populated areas according to local authorities, but mudflows can disrupt transport. Report written by John Seach.
More on Sheveluch volcano...
Ambrym Volcano (Vanuatu)
16.25 S, 168.12 E, summit elevation 1334 m, Pyroclastic Shield Volcano
Saturday 3rd April, 2004
Lava lake activity continues at Ambrym Volcano in Vanuatu. During March 2004, an active lava lake was present in Mbwelesu crater, one of the active summit craters. Ambrym is one of the most active volcanoes in Vanuatu, and is noted for the lava lakes which regularly appear in the summit craters. Ambrym Island is recovering from the effects of cyclone Ivy, which caused widespread damage on the island in March. Report written by John Seach.
More on Ambrym Volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Yasur Volcano (Vanuatu)
19.52 S, 169.42 E, summit elevation 405 m, Stratovolcano
Thursday 1st April, 2004
Report by John Seach. Eruptive activity continues at Yasur volcano in Vanuatu. During March 2004, there were an average of about 500 explosions per day, which is typical of the volcano's normal state of activity. Yasur is one of the least known of the world's most active volcanoes, and has been in almost continuous vulcanian, and strombolian activity for as long as 800 years.
More on Yasur Volcano...
East Epi Volcano (Vanuatu)
Offshore Epi Island, Shefa Province, Vanuatu
16.68 S 168.37 E, summit elevation -34 m, submarine caldera
Thursday 1st April, 2004
Information provided by volcanologist John Seach. East Epi Volcano in Vanuatu erupted in early March. The Vanuatu volcanology team had to be urgently deployed during the first two weeks of March to assess the situation. This resulted in a postponement of a volcano awareness trip to Ambae Island, which contains an active volcano. East Epi volcano is a submerged caldera beginning 2km offshore from Epi Island. The largest of the three craters has a north-south elongation with area of 12 sq km, and the summit is 34 m below sea level.
For further information on East Epi volcano, contact volcanologist John Seach.
More on East Epi Volcano...
Kavachi Volcano (Solomon Islands)
9.02 S, 157.95 E,, summit elevation -20 m,, submarine volcano
Thursday 1st April, 2004
An new eruption occurred at Kavachi undersea volcano in mid March. The volcano is situated 30 kilometers offshore and erupted every few minutes. Over the years, the volcanic eruptions have caused an island to build in a number of shifting locations, each time subsiding under the action of waves and tides. Report written by John Seach.
More on Kavachi Volcano...
Volcanoes of the Solomon Islands...