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Archived Volcano News - John Seach
September 2004
News reports posted in Eastern Australian Time (UT + 10 hr)
Reports written by John Seach
Mt St Helens Volcano (USA)
46.20 N, 122.18 W, summit elevation 2549 m, stratovolcano
Thursday 30th September 2004
Earthquake frequency under the lava dome at Mt St Helens volcano remains elevated at 3-4 events per minute. There has been an increase in the number of earthquakes between magnitude 2-3. No significant volcanic gas has been detected at the volcano. There remains a risk of explosion at the summit, which could send projectiles to the crater's edge, and ashfall beyond the crater. Volcanic alert remains at level 2.
More on Mt St Helens volcano...
Volcanoes of USA...
Mt St Helens Volcano (USA)
46.20 N, 122.18 W, summit elevation 2549 m, stratovolcano
Wednesday 29th September 2004
Seismic activity has remained high at Mt St Helens volcano, with about two small earthquakes occurring every minute. The earthquakes are shallow and located under the lava dome. US Geological Survey personnel have talked with Washington State and County emergency-management officials to discuss hazard and response issues. The current state of unrest at Mt St Helens volcano indicates an explosion is possible at the volcano at any time, which could eject large rocks as far as the crater's edge.
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California Earthquake (Magnitude 6.0)
Wednesday 29th September 2004
A large earthquake hit California (USA) on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at 10:15:24 AM local time at epicenter. The earthquake was shallow at a depth of 7.9 km, with an epicentre was seven miles southeast of Parkfield, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The earthquake shook trees, threw dust into the air, and cracked pipes. California is located in a seismically active area, noted for earthquakes and volcanoes.
Volcanoes of California...
Mt St Helens Volcano (USA)
46.20 N, 122.18 W, summit elevation 2549 m, stratovolcano
Wednesday 29th September 2004
Earthquakes have continued to increase beneath the lava dome at Mt St Helens volcano. The largest earthquake over the past 24 hours was 1.5. Initial tests have not detected any magmatic gas release from the volcano.
More on Mt St Helens volcano...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Tuesday 28th September 2004
The two lava flows commencing at 2620m and 2350m continue to emit lava at a constant rate. The 2620m flow has reached an elevation of ~1700m. The 2350m flow has reached a natural obstacle and is has split into two flows.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Tuesday 28th September 2004
An active lava flow continues down the slope towards the coastal plain at Kilauea volcano. The flow has reached about 1300 ft elevation, and is mostly crusted, but there are three incandescent patches visible along the flow. All vents in Pu`u `O`o crater are incandescent, indicating proximity of magma to the surface.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Mt St Helens Volcano (USA)
46.20 N, 122.18 W, summit elevation 2549 m, stratovolcano
Monday 27th September 2004
Seismic activity at Mount St. Helens has changed significantly during the past 24 hours. There is an increased likelihood of a hazardous event at the volcano. The character of the earthquake swarm has changed to include more than ten larger earthquakes (Magnitude 2-2.8). The earthquakes suggest the involvement of pressurized fluids (water and steam) or magma. There is an increased probability of explosions from the lava dome if the level of current unrest continues or increases. During such explosions the dome and crater floor are at greatest risk from ballistic projectiles, but the rim of the crater and flanks of the volcano could also be affected. Explosions may produce ash clouds that drift downwind at altitudes up to several thousand feet above the crater rim. Landslides and debris flows from the crater that are large enough to reach the Pumice Plain are also possible. Climbers are forbidden from climbing above 4800 ft on the mountain because of the volcanic unrest. Portions of the Loowit and Truman trails within the Spirit Lake basin have also been closed for fear that an explosion could trigger landslides.
More on Mt St Helens volcano...
Mt St Helens Volcano (USA)
46.20 N, 122.18 W, summit elevation 2549 m, stratovolcano
Sunday 26th September 2004
Hundreds of small earthquakes continue at Mt St Helens volcano. The earthquakes have been recorded since about 2 a.m. Thursday, and were still continuing 36 hours later. The earthquakes are within a half mile of the surface and too small to feel. They are under the lava dome. The current earthquake swarm could increase the chances of small landslides and debris flows in the crater itself and up to several miles north of the crater, in an area known as the Pumice Plain. The shallow earthquakes likely are the result of cool rains seeping beneath the crater and reaching hot rocks, which creates steam and pressure. They could also be caused by magma rising towards the surface, cracking the dome on ascent. Geologists describe such episodes as "refuelings" of the volcano, but they don't know how much fresh molten rock is needed to trigger a new series of eruptions.
More on Mt St Helens volcano...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Sunday 26th September 2004
Lava flows continue at Mt Etna volcano. The flow at 2620 m elevation, moved 200 m in 24 hours. The lava flow at 2350 m has reduced, and will meet natural obstacles over the next day, which will slow its progress. There was an increase in volcanic tremor yesterday, to a level double that of the previous day. A magnitude 2.4 earthquake (Richter scale) was centred near the towns of Zafferana, Milo, and Santa Venerina.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Sunday 26th September 2004
Active lava flows remain visible at 1600 ft elevation at Kilauea volcano. The flow is about 200 m long, and its terminus is located 600 m west of last month's brief PKK surge that made it to the base of the pali.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Mt St Helens Volcano (USA)
46.20 N, 122.18 W, summit elevation 2549 m, stratovolcano
Saturday 25th September 2004
Hundreds of tiny earthquakes have been reported at Mount St. Helens inside the crater, under the lava dome. The swarms of earthquakes could indicate that a small amount of magma is moving into the mountain's crater, cracking the lava dome. The earthquakes are too small to be felt, even close to the mountain, but are being detected by seismometers. At this stage it's not a major hazard, but it would not be a good idea to visit the crater. Mt St Helens erupted in 1980, devastating hundreds of square miles around the mountain.
More on Mt St Helens volcano...
Mayon Volcano (Philippines)
13.257 N, 123.685 E, summit elevation 2462 m,stratovolcano
Saturday 25th September 2004
Crater glow at Mayon Volcano has intensified, indicating that fresh magma is moving towards the surface. Two low-frequency volcanic earthquakes were recorded and Mayon emitted 1,597 tons of sulfur gas last Wednesday, compared to the normal 500 tons. The steady ascent of magma has resulted in a bulging of the volcano as measured at three locations around the mountain.
More on Mayon volcano...
Asama Volcano (Japan)
36.40 N, 138.53 E, summit elevation 2560 m, complex volcano
Thursday 23rd September 2004
Mt Asama erupted today at 7:44pm (local time), creating sticky rainfall containing volcanic ash. The eruption was accompanied by volcanic tremor and shook the resort town of Karuizawa, about 10 km away.
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Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Thursday 23rd September 2004
No great change on the emissions of lava from the effusive mouths. The 2620m flow of lava is identical to the observations of yesterday with emission of 4 cubic m/s. The 2350m flow is less, with emission of 0.5 cubic m/s. A tremor of magnitude 2.0 was recorded at Mt Etna.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Manam Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
4.10 S, 145.06 E, summit elevation 1807 m, Stratovolcano
Wednesday 22nd September 2004
A pilot reported ash plume to 10,000 ft moving west today at 0345 hr (UT). Mild eruptive activity has occurred at Manam volcano during 2004.
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Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Wednesday 22nd September 2004
The flow of lava from the effusive mouths in the Valle del Bove at 2620m and 2350m, is 4 cubic m/sec. The front of the 2620m flow is at 1740m, moving 210m in 24 hours. The front of the 2350m flow is at 2100m elevation, moving 250m in 24 hours.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Wednesday 22nd September 2004
There is no surface lava at the previously active Banana flow. All vents in the of Pu`u `O`o crater are incandescent, indicating the proximity of magma to the surface. There is moderate tremor at Pu`u `O`o crater.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Tuesday 21st September 2004
The two effusive mouths of 2620m and 2250m are still active. Both lava flows, which run into the Valle del Bove, continue with a constant flow, but slightly reduced compared to the flows of the first days. The flow of lava below the effusive mouth of 2620m, moves more and more in a tunnel, the phenomenon is more significant today. Since September 10, lava has traversed a length of approximately 1500 meters. The front of lava is at an altitude of 1950m. The same phenomenon of a lava tunnel is visible also under the second effusive mouth at 2250m. In three places lava passes into a tunnel. The front of this flow is at altitude of 2100m, and has traversed 700 meters distance.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Asama Volcano (Japan)
36.40 N, 138.53 E, summit elevation 2560 m, complex volcano
Friday 17th September 2004
Mt Asama volcano erupted almost continuously for a third straight day Thursday, ejecting molten rocks and a gray plume into the air, accompanied by more than 1,000 small earthquakes. The mountain rumbled throughout the day, propelling red-hot rocks nearly 1,000 feet into the air and sending a plume nearly 4,000 feet above the volcanic crater. Ashfall also occurred on Karuizawa, a resort town six miles away.
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Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Thursday 16th September 2004
Both effusive openings on the western side of the Valle del Bove have reduced their output of lava. The lava flow, beginning at the mouth of the 2,620 metre summit, reached a maximum length of 1,450 m but has almost stopped, just like the smaller one near Monti Centenari at 1,900 metres. It was also noted that near the eruption scene there was an absence of gases and tremors: both signs that the magma is not rising towards the surface.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Tuesday 14th September 2004
Yesterday, a new lava flow developed at Mt Etna volcano. At 1235 hr (local time) a new effusive mouth opened at 2520m elevation, 400m from the flow of 10th September. After 90 minutes, the lava had flowed 30m towards the Valle del Bove. The activity of the effusive mouth at 2620m elevation is identical to the observations made yesterday. The flow rate of lava is constant, for the second day, and degassing at the exit of the mouth continues. Mt Etna is coming back to activity after being quiet for 22 months.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Mayon Volcano (Philippines)
13.257 N, 123.685 E, summit elevation 2462 m,stratovolcano
Monday 13th September 2004
Volcanic material was emitted by Mayon volcano late yesterday, setting fire to grass on the volcano's slopes. A crater glow was visible to the naked eye, indication the proximity of magma to the surface. Mayon volcano remains on alert level two, which means that the volcano is undergoing abnormal activity but an eruption is not yet imminent. There is a six kilometer exclusion zone around the crater.
More on Mayon volcano...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Monday 13th September 2004
The lava flow at Mt Etna continues to grow, with emission rate of 4-5 cubic metres per second, and degassing. This week, a new ordinance of the prefecture of Catania, should prohibit the access to the effusive mouth (2700m) and inside the Valley del Bove.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Mauna Loa Volcano (Hawaii)
19.47 N, 155.60 W, summit elevation 4170 m, shield volcano
Monday 13th September 2004
Since July 2004, there have been increasing numbers of deep, long-period earthquakes beneath Mauna Loa volcano. Through the first week of September, more than 350 earthquakes were centered beneath Mauna Loa’s summit caldera and the adjacent part of the southwest rift zone. Such a concentrated number of deep LP earthquakes from this part of Mauna Loa is unprecedented, at least in our modern earthquake catalog dating back to the 1960s. Lengthening, uplift, and tilting measuremets indicate swelling of the magma reservoir within the volcano. Volcanologists don't believe that an eruption is imminent, but it does show restlessness of the volcano. Mauna Loa last erupted for three weeks in 1984, sending a 16-mile lava flow toward Hilo.
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Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Santa Maria Volcano (Guatemala)
14.756 N, 91.552 W, summit elevation 3772 m, stratovolcano
Monday 13th September 2004
Volcanic activity continues at Santiaguiro dome. On Thursday 10th September, 51 explosions were recorded at the volcano, with 11 being moderate, and 40 weak. At 8:29 A.M., on Thursday, a moderate explosion generated a lava collapse in blocks at the edge of the dome. Other collapses of the dome occurred at 8:43 A.M., and 8:56 A.M., on the south flank. Some explosions elevated gas and ash, and were accompanied by rumbling.
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Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Sunday 12th September 2004
Mt Etna lava flows emit 3 cubic metres per minute, and has reached 2513 m elevation, at the Valle del Bove. The terminal end of the lava flow had a 5m lava cascade. Over the past year there has been deformation along the Valle del Bove of 6-17mm.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Saturday 11th September 2004
A new fracture has opened on Mt Etna at 2620m elevation, without seismic warning. The new fissure, combined with a layer of snow, created impressive explosions. Lava was erupted at a rate of 0.5m/s and was 8 m wide.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Egon Volcano (Indonesia)
8.67 S, 122.45 E, summit elevation 1703 m, stratovolcano
Saturday 11th September 2004
Further eruptions were reported yesterday from Mt Egon volcano, where emissions reached 5000m above the crater. 2000 people have been evacuated from the slopes of Egon volcano, as it erupted for the second time in two months. A white plume was emitted to a height of 3000 m earlier in the week, accompanied by ejection of rocks and lava. Egon began to erupt last Sunday, affecting thousands of hectares of cacao, coffee, vanilla and clove plantations. Mount Egon is one of numerous active volcanoes in Indonesia. Its crater is 525 meters-by-425 meters in diameter, and has a depth of between 47.5 meters and 195 meters.
More on Egon Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Friday 10th September 2004
Fractures below the lava flow in a SE direction continue to widen. The fractures begin at 2810m elevation and finish at 2700m in direction of Monti Centenari inside Valle del Bove. At 2700m elevation the largest fracture was 4m deep. In after midday yesterday towards 16h00 (standard time), vapour with a light sulphur odour started to leave uninterrupted from the fractures located at 2810m and sporadically on those of 2700m. Temperature in the fractures is 150 deg C.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Thursday 9th September 2004
The eruption of Mt Etna on 7th September was the first on the volcano in 22 months. It was not preceded by seismic activity. The eruption began with a fissure opening up at the base of SE crater at an elevation of 2983m. The fissures are 15-20 cm wide and 0.4m deep. At an elevation of 2936m, there was a 180m long lava flow observed from one of the fissures on Tuesday. The lava flowed towards the Valle del Bove at a rate of 0.5 m/sec. By 1700 hr, the lava flow had reached 2850m elevation, with significant degassing along the flow. The summit craters do not have any lava. By Wednesday evening, the lava flow had stopped at an elevation of 2850m, after traveling 292m. Yesterday afternoon seismic activty was being recorded at Mt Etna, with increasing frequency and strength. These new developments at Mt Etna could signify the start of a new period of eruptions.
More on Mt Etna Volcano...
Mt Etna (Italy)
37.73 N, 15.00 E, summit elevation 3350 m, Shield volcano
Wednesday 8th September 2004
A new fissure opened up on the southeast side of Mt Etna volcano yesterday, and emitted an effusive lava flow 180m long. This is he first eruption of Mt Etna in 22 months.
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Piton de la Fournaise Volcano (Reunion)
21.22 S, 55.71 E, summit elevation 2631 m, shield volcano
Tuesday 7th September 2004
The eruption of Piton de la Fournaise volcano stopped on Thursday 2nd September and resumed two days later. Volcanic tremor returned, and the eruption continued to grow over the weekend, with an important lava flow observed on Monday morning at 1500m elevation. The lava flow was very fluid and there is a possibility that it might reach the sea. This eruption has already created 9 hectares of new land at the coast, and three new craters formed on the lava bench.
More on Piton de la Fournaise volcano...
Earthquakes - Japan
Tuesday 7th September 2004
Two major, and one large earthquake occurred in Japan on Sunday 5th, and Tuesday 7th September. Seven people were injured in the Kyoto area. The earthquakes were felt in much of southwestern Japan and as far north as Tokyo. A tsunami was observed with wave heights of approximately 1 meter at Wakayama. A tsunami was also observed at Owase.
Time (local) |
Mag |
Lat |
Long |
7th Sep 08:29:35 am |
6.3 |
33.17N |
137.22E |
5th Sep 11:57:18 pm |
7.1 |
33.15N |
137.04E |
5th Sep 7:07:09 pm |
7.0 |
33.09N |
136.63E |
More than 40 people were injured but there was no major damage. Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is subjected to earthquake and volcanic activity. Last Thursday, 2nd September, Mt Asama volcano erupted in Japan sending volcanic rock a mile from the crater.
Volcanoes of Japan...
Piton de la Fournaise Volcano (Reunion)
21.22 S, 55.71 E, summit elevation 2631 m, shield volcano
Friday 3rd September 2004
Yesterday, two new vents formed at sea level, at the end of the lava bench, and ejected lava to a height of 60-80m. There is danger of bench collapse, so the area is off limits to the public. A new viewing area will be created this weekend at a safe location.
More on Piton de la Fournaise volcano...
Asama Volcano (Japan)
36.40 N, 138.53 E, summit elevation 2560 m, complex volcano
Friday 3rd September 2004
The eruption Wednesday night of Mt. Asama, which straddles Gunma and Nagano prefectures, emitted volcanic ash over nearby areas, with potentially devastating consequences for many farmers and businesses. Concern is mounting over the impact the ash could have on agricultural products, particularly cabbages that are a speciality of the region. In Naganoharamachi, Gunma Prefecture, rain that started falling Thursday morning mixed with the ash to turn cabbages ready to be harvested a blackish colour. The rain washed the ash right down to the stems of the cabbage leaves. Ash fell in 10 towns and villages in the prefecture, including Naganoharamachi, Agatsumamachi and Katashinamura. In a region abounding with fields of cabbage, lettuce, Chinese cabbage and other leafy vegetables, minimizing the extent of the damage is a paramount priority. Rain began falling in areas around Mt. Asama at about Wednesday midnight. The summit of the volcano was covered in cloud and mist, making it difficult to tell from the foot of the mountain if the eruption was continuing.
More on Asama volcano...
Piton de la Fournaise Volcano (Reunion)
21.22 S, 55.71 E, summit elevation 2631 m, shield volcano
Thursday 2nd September 2004
The impressive eruption continues at Piton de la Fournaise volcano in Reunion. On Tuesday, a cone appeared at the end of the lava flow in the ocean! The cone was active and ejected lava and gases. It is not yet clear whether the oceanic cone originated from the August 25 lava flow, or it is a new fissure.
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Asama Volcano (Japan)
36.40 N, 138.53 E, summit elevation 2560 m, complex volcano
Thursday 2nd September 2004
Asama volcano erupted on Wednesday 1st September. The eruption was preceded on Tuesday by 116 tremors, and 177 by 5pm on Wednesday. Volcanic rock and ash has spread about a mile from the crater, and volcanic tremor was continuing. A local meteorological station in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture recorded a huge explosion and shock waves at the time of the eruption. Police in nearby Komoro said they received dozens of phone calls from residents reporting the sound of a large bang. Television footage showed a red glow lighting up the night sky from the eruption, which occurred shortly after 8 p.m. The eruption set fire to forest on the volcano slopes. A ranch in the town of Naganohara in Gunma Prefecture, about 20 km north of the mountain, was hit by a shower of molten rock at around 8:50 p.m. Volcanic ash falls were observed in Tochigi and Fukushima prefectures. The height of emissions was not observed due to cloud cover. There were no reports of casualties although some 50 people, mostly tourists, evacuated voluntarily. The Meteorological Agency lifted its activity rating for Mount Asama to 3. Residents have been advised to stay away from the crater. The eruption was the biggest at the volcano in 21 years. The mountain has shown signs of volcanic activity since June 2002 and repeated tiny eruptions occurred between February and April last year. Asama volcano is 30 miles southeast of Nagano, site of the 1998 Winter Olympics.
More on Asama volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Wednesday 1st September 2004
Lava has stopped entering the sea at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Small flows of lava are visible at 900-1300 ft elevation, in the Banana flow. All vents at Pu`u `O`o' crater are incandescent.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...