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Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan (Philippa)
Thanks to Boris Behncke (@etnaboris) for noticing that there has been near-continuous Strombolian-style eruptive activity (lava fountaining, volcanic gas slugs, etc) at Sakurajima Volcano in southern Japan.
Click on the link below to watch live:
Live webcam: Sakurajima volcano
Volcanism in Australia (Philippa)
As we have previously mentioned here on the Earthquake-Report.com, mythologies and legends can be useful for helping to better understand the geological evidence when piecing together the order of eruptive events, particularly in locations such as Hawaii. Australia is no exception. See the hyperlink below for an interesting article on the Australian Aboriginal oral story telling traditions and how this is now being related to the volcanic activity which occured in northern Queensland and the southern Australian state of Victoria.
via Adam Kent (@geowhateverist)
When the Bullin shrieked: Aboriginal memories of volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago
Newberry lava tunnels, Oregon, USA (Philippa)
Some images below from inside lava tunnels and Boyd Cave at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Oregon. Lava tunnels originally start as lava flows, which then build up side levees and eventually form a crust (roof) on top. The lava within is insulated and therefore able to flow further. Eventually the source of the lava is depleted, and tunnels and caves such as the ones in these images are the remnants.
If any of you are interested in visiting other lava caves and tunnels, as well as these ones in Oregon, I can highly recommend a visit to Craters of the Moon in Idaho, USA, or to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
via Frances Boreham (@FrancesBoreham)
Post-IAVCEI (volcanology) conference field trips, USA (Philippa)
Thanks to delegates for posting the following images from the post-IAVCEI (volcanology) conference field trips in the north west of the USA.
The first two images were taken in the 15 million year old Mahogany Mountain caldera (collapsed roof of a magma 'chamber' after a large eruption), which is located near to the Oregon-Idaho border. Its eruptive source is thought to have been the 'hotspot' (upwelling of mantle) which is now under Yellowstone.
via Fumihiko Ikegami (@fikgm)
The image (below) from a different location on the same field trip shows units of rhyolitic lava within the Columbia River Basalt Group in Eastern Oregon. Basaltic lava is more mafic, i.e. it contains more iron compounds, whereas rhyolitic lava is more felsic, i.e. it contains a higher percentage of silica. If both types of lava are found in the same area, this tells us a lot about the nature of historic eruptions. Basaltic lava is primitive and tends to erupt as flows or cinder cones, whereas rhyolitic lava has spent more time underground evolving before erupting explosively.
via M. C. Williamson (@mc_north)
August 23, 2017
Fuego volcano, Guatemala
Activity rises,2 lava flows are present
Via @CultureVolcan and Insuvumeh Guatemala
Sakurajima volcano, Japan
#volcan #volcano #Sakurajima Abondantes émissions de cendres durant plusieurs heures aujourd'hui/During hours today, aboundant ash emissions pic.twitter.com/MrtWYQEUZ1
— CultureVolcan (@CultureVolcan) August 20, 2017
August 20, 2017
Volcano activity for the week of August 9 until August 15, 2017
Kerinci | Indonesia
Based on satellite data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 13 August an ash plume from Kerinci rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW. Plumes drifted almost 30 km on 17 November.
Pacaya | Guatemala
On 12 August INSIVUMEH reported that Strombolian explosions at Pacaya’s Mackenney cone were observed. During 12-13 August the number of Strombolian explosions increased to a rate of 5-7 per hour, and ejected incandescent material was mainly visible at night. Explosions vibrated structures in communities within a 5-km radius. Activity continued at a similar level on 15 August.
Piton de la Fournaise | Reunion Island (France)
OVPF reported that the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise that began on 14 July continued through 15 August. Weather clouds often prevented visual confirmation of activity, though observers periodically noted that small amounts of material were ejected from a small vent on the N flank of the eruptive vent. Some active pahoehoe flows were visible at a distance of 2 km from the cone, though most of the flow activity was confined to lava tubes.
Sangay | Ecuador
Based on information from the Guayaquil MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that on 12 August an emission from Sangay rose to altitudes of 6.1-6.4 km (20,000-21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and NW. Ash in the emission was not detected in satellite data. On 13 August satellite data showed a well-defined thermal anomaly over the volcano, and an ash plume drifting 55 km SW.
Sangeang Api | Indonesia
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 12 August an ash plume from Sangeang Api rose to 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.
Ulawun | New Britain (Papua New Guinea)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 9-10 August ash plumes from Ulawun rose to 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and W.
Information provided by Smithsonian GVP Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
August 19, 2017
IAVCEI Conference, USA (Philippa)
More images below from various different field trips which have taken place this past week as part of the IAVCEI Conference, a big gathering of volcanologists from around the world.
Columbia River Gorge
This is Latourell Falls, a waterfall within the Columbia River Gorge, which was the scene of massive flood basalt lavas from the same 'hot spot' which is now the source of Yellowstone's magma. The columnar jointing (in the image) is due to the contraction of the lava as it cooled. (see previous posts, which explain this pattern)
via Geology Tweets (@Geology Time)
The image (below) taken from the highway is a much bigger view of the Columbia River Flood Basalt Plain, which gives a better idea of just how big a volume of lava erupted over many, many years.
via Tanis Leonhardi (@TanisLeonhardi)
Mount St Helens
ALL the volcanologists at the IAVCEI conference have been posting their photos of Mount St Helens, but below are a few from different angles.
This front view shot shows the horse shoe crater shape and hummocky (hilly) terrain caused by the 1980 lateral (sideways) eruption and debris avalanches, which occurred after a landslide.
via Anna Perttu (@InfraSaurus)
This one below was taken from Boundary Trail and shows the side view of the debris avalanche deposits (hummocky piles of rock) from the lateral blast of the 1980 eruption.
via Kate Dobson (@K_J_Dobson)
The animation below showing an aerial view of Mount St Helens has been created from what are known as LiDAR data (Light Detection and Ranging). This is a remote sensing method, which usually involves a piece of scanning equipment being mounted to the underside of a survey aircraft. The scanner uses pulsed laser light to measure the two-way time from the scanner to a point on the Earth's surface and back in order to then calculate a distance and therefore the elevation (height above sea level) of that point. By then mapping all of these points, an image such as the one below can be created.
via Julia Nasev (@jnasev) / @OpenTopography
Mount St. Helens, active and youngest of Cascade volcanos in the Pacific Northwest, #LiDAR data from @OpenTopography, @MtStHelensNVM pic.twitter.com/jKSB4Mj4xU
— Julia Nasev (@jnasev) August 17, 2017
Sheveluch and Klyuchevskoy, Kamchatka, Russia (Philippa)
Below are the latest webcam images of eruptions at Sheveluch volcano and Klyuchevskoy volcano respectively.
via the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology - Kamchatka branch
The fantastic image below, which is also of Klyuchevskoy volcano, but on another day, is via Vladimir Voychuk (@voy4uk)
August 18, 2017
Yasur volcano, Vanuatu
Benjamin Simons (@dread_rocks) : When you find yourself up close and personal with a volcanic eruption. Big lava bombs above and below you.
Pacaya volcano, Guatemala
Strombolian activity during the night earlier today
Image via Luis Aguilar (@LuisAguilar2009)
Mount Saint Helens, Washington, USA
Mt St Helens looked very impressive today for the iavcei2017 mid-conference fieldtrip
via Gareth Fabbro (@Fitzgabbro)
August 17, 2017
various | USA (Philippa)
More social media coverage from the IAVCEI (volcanology) conference, which starts this week in Portland, Oregon, and the various pre-conference field trips:
News feature - via KATU News; Image - via Tom Casadevall / US Geological Survey
KATU News - Volcano experts to meet for summit in Portland
Image from the flight into Portland - via Keri A McNamara (@KeriAMcNamara)
Long Valley Caldera, California - images via Kevin Schrecengost (@magmachronic)
Long Valley formed around 760,000 years ago when a volcano in this area erupted so much material explosively, that the roof of the magma 'chamber' collapsed forming a caldera.
The images below show: Mammoth Mountain - a complex of around 12 domes made of dacite, a very viscous (sticky) type of lava; a hoodoo - a spire of volcanic tuff, which has been eroded down by wind or water; Hot Creek - a location of hydrothermal activity, i.e. where water is heated by the ground rock; Mammoth Rock.
Mount Hoodoo - image via Ben Edwards (@lava_ice)
Mount Hoodoo is a tuya - a volcano which has erupted under a glacier. This image shows Horn Ridge, which was a fissure eruption that occurred under ice.
Newberry Volcano and Crater Lake, Oregon - images via Vic Smith (@viccsmith)
The image (below) gives a closer view of Big Obsidian Flow at Newberry volcano. Click on the hyperlink (below) for information on how this was formed: Big Obsidian Flow - via US Geological Survey
via Shane Cronin (@scronin70)
World / Space (Philippa)
In conversation - our very own Dr Janine Krippner (@janinekrippner) and planetary geologist / volcanologist Dr Rosaly Lopes (rosaly_lopes) speaking in a BBC World Service podcast. Click on the hyperlinke (below) to access. This is free, but you will need to sign in to the BBC iPlayer.
BBC World Service - In Conversation - Volcanologists
August 14, 2017
Mount Shasta, California, USA (Philippa)
The first field work photos have emerged on social media from the 4-yearly IAVCEI (volcanology) conference, which is this time taking place in the U.S. The image below is of Mount Shasta, a glacier-covered stratovolcano at the southern end of the Cascade Range. Volcanic deposits in surrounding towns are evidence that Mount Shasta has historically erupted explosively, with the last eruptions occurring around a couple of centuries ago. Fumaroles around the volcano indicate that it is still active.
The greatest hazards should Mount Shasta erupt again in the future would include eruptive ash columns, which would be a threat to aviation, and pyroclastic density currents and lahars, which would be a threat to towns around the volcano.
Image via Shane Cronin (@scronin70)
Crater Lake / Mount Mazama, Oregon, USA (Philippa)
Another couple of images from one of the pre-IAVCEI conference field trips, this time from Crater Lake in Oregon.
Sometime between 6000-8000 years ago a volcano by the name of Mount Mazama erupted so much material that it collapsed, forming a caldera. Younger, smaller eruptions of lava confined within the caldera formed features including Wizard Island (see the first image). Rainfall and snow melt subsequently formed a lake within the caldera, which at a maximum depth of around 594 m makes it the deepest lake in the USA.
The second image was taken at a section near the top of the caldera wall which is known as the Wine Glass Tuff. Tuff is consolidated, rapidly-deposited volcanic ash. Beneath this section there are course lumps of pumice, i.e. cooled pieces of very light, bubbly, glassy lava, which is the 'froth' erupted from the top of a magma conduit at the start of an explosive eruption. In this image of the Wine Glass Tuff (purply-grey colour) we can see fiamme (lens-shaped; lighter grey colour), which are lumps of the pumice that were squashed and stretched as they were were incorporated into fast-flowing pyroclastic density currents flowing over them.
via Alison Graettinger (@AlisonGraetting)
Yasur, Vanuatu (Philippa)
Yasur volcano is well-known for creating volcanic shockwaves, i.e. for expelling gas slugs ('volcano farts') faster than the speed of sound. The night-time thermal image (below) captures one such shockwave from the past 24 hours.
via Benjamin Simons (@dread_rocks)
A double volcanic blast-wave on thermal video. Coupled with a powerful explosion sending lava almost 500 m high #Yasur #volcano #fieldwork pic.twitter.com/b7pEyXLKTw
— Benjamin Simons (@dread_rocks) August 10, 2017
Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island (Philippa)
Eruptive activity continues on Piton de la Fournaise. The lava fountaining which built up lava cones has now formed lava tunnels.
via OVPF / IPGP (@IPGP_officiel)
Teide volcano, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Involcan fieldwork measuring CO2 levels in Las Cañadas Caldera by seeing how much dissolves into an alkaline solution
Via Abigail Metcalfe (@abigaillily14)
Continents
Squishy, molten layer of rock lies at the base of continents.
Via Stephen Hicks (@seismo_steve)
Read the full article here
Volcano activity for the week of August 2 until August 8, 2017
Piton de la Fournaise | Reunion Island (France)
OVPF reported that the eruption at Piton de la Fournaise that began on 14 July continued through 8 August, though tremor levels and surficial activity slowly declined. Satellite data indicated a minimum flow rate of 1-2 cubic meters per second. Some active lava flows were visible at a distance of 520 m from the cone, though most of the flow activity was confined to lava tubes. There were some breakouts from the lava tube; a substantial breakout on 5 August fed a lava flow that traveled hundreds of meters over several hours. During 7-8 August small amounts of material was ejected from a small vent on the N flank of the eruptive vent.
Sangay | Ecuador
In a special report from 3 August, IG reported that a new eruptive phase at Sangay began on 20 July, after 8 months without major surface activity. The recent activity was characterized by low-energy ash plumes rising no more than 3 km above the crater rim, incandescent rocks rolling as far as 1 km down the ESE flank, and a possible lava flow on the same flank. Minor amounts of ash fell in uninhabited areas to the W.
Based on Washington VAAC reports, IG noted two ash plumes on 20 July and one on 2 August that rose 2.3-3 km above the crater and drifted W and NW. Numerous thermal anomalies detected during 2-3 August were aligned on the ESE flank. Based on numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, satellite data, and information from the Guayaquil Meteorological Watch Office (MWO), the Washington VAAC reported that on 6 August an ash plume drifted W.
Sangeang Api | Indonesia
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 7-8 August minor emissions from Sangeang Api rose 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW.
Sinabung | Indonesia
BNPB reported intense activity at Sinabung on 2 August; between 0800 and 1200, pyroclastic flows were generated 17 times and traveled as far as 4.5 km ESE. Ash plumes rose up to 4.2 km above the crater and drifted S, causing ashfall in local areas including Perbaji (4 km SW), Sukatendel, Temberun, Perteguhen (7 km ESE), Kuta Rakyat (5 km NE), Simpang Empat (7 km SE), Tiga Pancur (6 km SSE), Selandi (5 km SSW), Payung (5 km SSW), and Kuta Gugung (5 km N). Significant ashfall was noted in Ndokum Siroga (9 km ESE), Gajah (8 km E), and Naman Teran (5 km NE). BNPB noted that there were 2,038 families (7,214 people) displaced to eight shelters, and an additional 2,863 people living in refugee camps. Based on PVMBG observations, webcam and satellite images, and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 6-7 August multiple ash plumes rose as high as 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ENE, E, and SE. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 1-4), with an exclusion zone of 7 km from the volcano on the SSE sector, and 6 km in the ESE sector, and 4 km in the NNE sector.
Ulawun | New Britain (Papua New Guinea)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-8 August ash plumes from Ulawun rose 2.4-2.7 km (8,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, W, and SW.
Information provided by Smithsonian GVP Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
August 11, 2017
Marum volcano, Ambryn, Vanuatu (Philippa)
Hands up if you want to see a bubbling lava lake! Please thank (Canadian) Weather Network for this footage from Marum volcano:
via Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) / The Weather Network (@weathernetwork)
Deep in the crater of Marum, the lava is boiling. It was so hot I had to wear a heat suit. @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/7givifekLU
— Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) August 7, 2017
Volcanic projectiles - Worldwide (Philippa)
If, like me, you are fascinated by volcanic projectiles - molten and solid rock, which are spat out by volcanic vents during small and medium-sized eruptions - then you may be interested in this article by Jacopo Taddeucci (INGV), who is one of the leading experts in the world on this particular aspect of volcanology.
EOS - Caught on Camera: Volcanic Bombs In Flight
Jacopo explains how he and several other volcanologists have for the past few years been using high-speed, high-definition cameras in order to capture direct observations of volcanic projectiles. Using software which then tracks the image of each projectile in motion over time, they are able to investigate both the velocity (speed and direction) with which projectiles are spat out from a volcanic vent, and their trajectories (travel paths).
The observations and subsequent analysis enable volcanologists such as Jacopo to better connect geological deposits and numerical modelling of volcanic ballistics towards improving natural hazard mapping and early warning systems.
via Alison Graettinger (@AlisonGraetting) / image by Marco Albano
Volcan de Fuego, Guatemala (Philippa)
(monitoring agency) INSIVUMEH have reported on explosive eruptions which occurred at around 21:30 (local time) last night at Volcan de Fuego. An ash column was generated up to an altitude of around 4,900 m above sea level, with the plume drifting around 15 km in a South / South Westerly direction.
via Gustavo Chigna (@gchigna) and INSIVUMEH Guatemala (@insivumehgt)
Nicaragua (Philippa)
The UNRESP project team, which is conducting research on persistently degassing volcanoes, has this week been looking at the effect of volcanoes on coffee plants in Nicaragua.
On the one hand, volcanic ash from previous eruptions makes soil very fertile for crops, and coffee plantations are found in many volcanic regions, such as Costa Rica and Kona on Big Island in Hawaii. However, ironically, persistent volcanic degassing inbetween major eruptions causes rain and soil to become acidic, which is detrimental to coffee and other crops.
The image below, though, is from a farm in Nicaragua, which has protected its coffee plants by growing other living shields (i.e. other plants) around them.
via UNRESP (@UNRESPproject)
Incidentally, if you area interested in taking part in fieldwork in Nicaragua, but on and around Masaya volcano, both from a geophysical perspective and ecological perspective, the Earthwatch Institute runs expeditions there every February and March with Professor Hazel Rymer (Open University). See the link below for further details.
Earthwatch expedition - Exploring an active volcano in Nicaragua
Mount Baker, North Cascades, Washington State, USA (Philippa)
A multitude of volcanologists from around the world are heading to Portland, Oregon and other areas of NW USA over the next 2-3 weeks for a conference and field trips, so hopefully they will also post volcano photos from the region for us to coo over.
We love that one such scientist took this shot from the air of Mount Baker in the North Cascades of Washington State. This is the second most thermally-active volcano in the region after Mount St Helens. Nevertheless, Mount Baker is not thought to be as eruptive. Although two main fumaroles (steam vents) remain active, the geological evidence indicates that the last major eruption at this volcano was over 6,000 years ago. However, because of the glaciation which occurs here, it is possible that there may have been more recent eruptions since then, i.e. before the first observations were noted in the 19th Century, but deposits may have been eroded away.
via John Cassidy (@earthquakeguy)
Webcam shots, Kamchatka, Russia (Philippa)
Below is a round up of webcam shots of eruptive activity on the Kamchatka Peninsula from the past 12 hours.
All images via the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology - Kamchatka branch
Klyuchevskoy
Avachinsky
Kizimen
August 8, 2017
Bogoslov volcano, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, USA
Eruption report
A significant explosive eruption began at Bogoslof volcano at about 18:00 UTC (10:00 AKDT) on August 7 and is continuing. A pilot report at 18:45 UTC indicates that the ash cloud had reached 32,000 ft asl. Thus, AVO is raising the Aviation Color Code to RED and Alert level to WARNING for Bogoslof volcano.
Lava
Lovely textured lava up close.
Credit: Museum of Volcanology, La Restinga, El Hierro, Canary Islands
Via Frances Deegan (@fmdeegan)
August 7, 2017
Sinabung, Indonesia (Philippa)
More images (below) from the large 02 August 2017 eruptions at Sinabung volcano.
Although there were no reports of casualties, inhabitants of 10 different villages outside of the 4.4 miles exclusion zone were directly affected by ash fall that day, and there were requests for face masks and clean drinking water. The ash fall has created a natural dam in the upper part of the Labortus River.
Potential future problems following on from the eruptive activity that day could range from respiratory problems and people's roofs collapsing due to the ash fall, to the risk of lahars if the ash fall is remobilised by heavy rain and flash floods.
The first two images show both the eruptive ash plumes and the pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that were formed as the ash and rocks fell out of the plumes. Secondary lofting is caused by the process of convection within the PDCs, which together with the energy within, can cause PDCs to flow up slopes as well as following valley channels. PDCs are hot and flow quickly. This is what makes them so lethal.
via Endro Lewa (https://www.facebook.com/endrolewa)
View from inside a car, showing some of the ash fall conditions in surrounding villages following the 02 August 2017 eruptions of Sinabung. Several communities had to be evacuated, and the exclusion zone may have to be widened.
via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho (@Sutopo_BNPB)
Nevados de Chillan, Chile (Philippa)
After several months of relative respite, Nevados de Chillan has once again been displaying Strombolian-type eruptive behaviour and low-level ash emissions. The alert level for this volcano is currently at Yellow.
via Volcanes de Chile (@volcanesdechile) and SERNAGEOMIN(@Sernageomin)
Volcan San Cristobal, Nicaragua (Philippa)
The UNRESP research team, who are investigating the air and water quality around persistently degassing volcanoes in order to improve forecasting, have recently been to visit Volcan San Cristobal. This is the highest volcano in Nicaragua and one of the youngest within its volcanic complex. It last erupted explosively in 2014, but effusive volcanic gas emissions and catastrophic landslides have been just as unsettling for residents living around the volcano.
via UNRESP (@UNRESP)
In an aside from San Cristobal, UNRESP also posted this Tweet, which follows on nicely from a feature that we posted last week regardin
