Volcano update December 8, see pg 33

not in the situation that I covered.... ALL tec plates warp and shift a long distance VERY suddenly. After wards the volcanic situation can happen

23rd anniversary of the Ruiz disaster and warning signs at Machin.
November 13, 2008 by Erik Klemetti
[link to eruptions.wordpress.com]

Just a brief note, but today (November 13) is the 23rd anniversary of the disastrous lahar at Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia. Over 23,000 people died when a lahar, started by a relatively minor eruption of the volcano, swept down the river valleys the side of the edifice and destroyed Armero and Chinchina. The footage of rescue efforts after the lahar were devastating and heartbreaking (caution: linked video might not be for the faint of heart). Sadly, this disaster was mostly preventable as the citizens of these towns could have had at least an hour’s warning to walk to higher ground, but the Colombian government did not have an effective plan in place.

My mother’s home town is Pereira, to the southwest of Ruiz, and I clearly remember driving through the area hit by the lahar a few years after it occurred. It was one of those formative memories, seeing the whole area paved by the mud, rock hard by the time I saw it a few years later. However, if any good came from this event, it was that it opened many people’s eyes around the world to the dangers posed by volcanoes and the relatively simple solutions to preventing tragedies like this.

Currently, there are four (yes, four) volcanoes in Colombia currently active or showing signs of activity - Galeras, Huila, Ruiz and the most recent volcano to make noise, Machin. The aforementioned Machin hasn’t had an identified eruption since 1180 AD, so the increased shallow seismicity are definitely something to monitor closely.

Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Weekly Report for the period 07 November - 14 November 2008

Activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano this week increased slightly but remains at a low level.

MVO recorded 15 rockfalls, 6 long-periods, and 9 volcano-tectonic events this week. Most of these volcano-tectonic events occurred in a small swarm on the evening of November 12 and were followed within an hour by at least 3 rockfalls. The rockfalls most likely originated on the western side of the dome and traveled down Gages valley to an unknown distance.

The sulphur dioxide (SO2) flux was 893 tons per day on average for the week. These values are only slightly higher than last week. The minimum valid measurement was 438 on November 10 and the maximum was 1549 on November 7.

No visual observations have been possible due to the lack of regular helicopter support. The dome has been obscured by clouds and vigorous steaming most of the time. Weak ash venting may have occurred briefly on November 13 around 17h30 local time.

At this moment there is no evidence of ongoing lava extrusion but future resumption of extrusion cannot be ruled out.

Pyroclastic flows may occur without any warning, as well as mud flows, especially when there is heavy rainfall.

The Hazard Level is 3.

Additional information on the Soufrière Hills Volcano and the new Hazard Level System can be found at the MVO website: [link to www.mvo.ms.]

Lots to read but always a pleasure! Look forward to your posts.

Hi lamchop! always a pleasure to hear from you! Activity decreased for a short while and seems to have a mild increase again...

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Friday, November 14, 2008 08:10 HST (Friday, November 14, 2008 18:10 UTC)
[link to volcanoes.usgs.gov]

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW#1302-01-)
19.42°N 155.29°W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at [link to www.nps.gov] or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Tuesday's DI tilt event completed yesterday. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and the Pu`u `O`o vents remain high. Tephra production from the Halema`uma`u vent remains small. At the east rift eruption site, lava flows through tubes to the ocean; surface flows are active on the pali.

Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Weak winds resulted in moderately poor air quality overnight. Last night was similar to many recent nights in that the vent glow was too weak to be recorded by the webcam. At dawn, weak winds from the south are allowing the gas plume to rise vertically before moving to the north at about 600 m (2,000 ft) above ground. GOES-WEST imagery shows the plume moving northward into the Saddle and spreading out.

Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable. The most recent average measurement was 1,200 tonnes/day on November 10, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. Gas emission rate measurements will resume moderate trade winds resume.

Variable but small amounts of tephra, mostly ash-sized spatter, continue to be produced and deposited downwind of the vent; collection amounts were again small, possibly because the plume has been moving away from the collection locations. Vent sounds included moderately loud surf noises and some muffled thumps.

The network of tiltmeters within the caldera turned back to recording very weak deflation. The GPS receiver networks (less sensitive than tiltmeters) continued to record weak contraction (barely 1 cm per month).

Seismic activity continued at low levels focused on the south caldera; tremor levels were back at the moderate values last seen on Nov. 12. An unusually low total of 4 earthquakes were located beneath Kilauea or nearby, including 1 beneath the south caldera and 2 on south flank faults, with the number of RB2S2BL earthquakes beneath the caldera at background values decreasing to around 20-30/day.

Last 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement of 2,000 tonnes/day measured on November 7 is slightly higher than the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day for this vent. No incandescence was observed within the crater overnight. GOES-WEST imagery shows gas plumes from the east rift eruption site moving to the north.

The tiltmeter on the north side of Pu`u `O`o recorded rain-induced signals. GPS stations spanning the crater (less sensitive than tiltmeters) recorded about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels near Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex has resumed flow through tubes to the ocean. No incandescence was seen overnight anywhere in the area from the east rift eruption site to the top of the pali. This morning, CD officials report continuing surface flow activity on the pali and a large ocean entry plume moving from west to east.

WOOOOO! lets PART....OOooops wrong thread!

LOL! hugz!

The new Chaitén - nice and green in Pumalín? 16 November 2008
Posted by volcanismblog
[link to volcanism.wordpress.com]

While we continue to await the Chilean Government’s announcement on the future of Chaitén - promised for mid- or late November, or at the latest by the end of the year (but see below) - an article in La Nación indicates that the idea of rebuilding the town in its present position has been quietly abandoned, and that a number of possiblities for the location of a new Chaitén are under active consideration. One of these, however, is using the northern part of the present town, which has not been so badly affected by the volcanic eruption, as the nucleus for new development. Given that the whole of Chaitén is built on the mudflows left by previous eruptions of the volcano, this would be a very bad idea indeed. The reasons why should need no emphasizing in the week when we have been recalling the fate of the Colombian town of Armero.

The article - Chaitén podría refundarse en Pumalín (’Chaitén may be refounded in Pumalín’) - reports that three options are being considered for the relocation of the volcano-devastated town of Chaitén: using a site of 90 hectares adjacent to the town of Santa Bárbara, 15km north of the original location of Chaitén; rebuilding in the less-damaged northern sector of the present town of Chaitén; or moving the town another few kilometres north to a new site that would fall within the boundaries of the Pumalín Park (Parque Pumalín) nature reserve. It is this last option, as the headline suggests, that is attracting the most attention in Chile.

Parque Pumalín is a privately-owned nature reserve, established by the United States businessman Douglas Tompkins and run, as the Pumalín website puts it, ‘as a type of National Park with public access under a private initiative’. The Pumalín project has been controversial, because of its size (3000 square kilometres or so), its private nature and US connections (Tompkins remains a US citizen), the fact it almost divides Chile in two, and the alleged heavy-handedness of the Pumalín authorities in some of their dealings with local residents and communities. More recently, Tompkins’s apparent lack of interest in the Chaitén eruption and its effects has caused resentment, as La Nación reports:

It may be recalled that the Chaitén community has been surprised and hurt because since the eruption - which was last May - el norteamericano [i.e. Tompkins] has not issued any statement, despite being a near neighbour of the town.

The report notes that the Fundación Pumalín has publicly rejected the idea of relocating Chaitén to somewhere within the boundaries of the park, but that this remains the favoured option for the Government:

Although the Fundación Pumalín denied talks with the Government and ruled out any possible location in the interior of the park, sources within La Moneda [i.e. Chilean Government sources] revealed that this is not only one of the three options for the relocation of the city, but also one of the most likely alternatives.

The Chilean Government has said that it wants the new Chaitén to be ‘green’ and ’sustainable’, and undoubtedly sees this concept finding a natural home within Pumalín. ‘It is clear that [the new town] should be located north of where Chaitén is today’, Minister of Public Works Sergio Bitar is quoted as saying, ‘and that the opportunity should be realized to construct a pioneering city, sustainable and organic’. The possibility that if the park is to be the location for the new town Fundación Pumalín might foot some of the bill may also be an attraction from the Chilean Government’s point of view.

Meanwhile, Presidential Delegate Paula Narváez seems to be suggesting that the final decision on Chaitén’s future will not now be taken until late January: apparently the receipt of ‘two further reports’, due to be delivered by the end of January 2009, will give ‘all the background necessary to settle the issue’. The President of the Republic will then make her decision.

Alaska Volcano Observatory
Weekly Update
Friday, November 14, 2008 12:05 PM AKST (21:05 UTC)


REDOUBT VOLCANO (CAVW #1103-03-)
60°29'7" N 152°44'38" W, Summit Elevation 10197 ft (3108 m)
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY

Seismic activity this week remained at low levels. Satellite views of the volcano were clear to partly cloudy with no activity observed. AVO staff made observations and began work to install additional geophysical equipment and a web camera on the volcano last weekend. New FLIR thermal-infrared camera images from last Friday document elevated temperatures in the areas of bare rock and disrupted ice near the summit crater and in a collapse hole within the Drift Glacier. Closer inspection of the summit fumaroles was not possible due to poor weather.

Heavily ice-mantled Redoubt volcano is located on the western side of Cook Inlet, 170 km (106 mi) southwest of Anchorage and 82 km (51 mi) west of Kenai, within Lake Clark National Park. Redoubt is a stratovolcano which rises to 10,198 feet above sea level. Recent eruptions occurred in 1902, 1966-68, and 1989-90. The 1989-90 eruption produced mudflows, or lahars, that traveled down the Drift River and partially flooded the Drift River Oil Terminal facility. The ash plume produced by the 1989-90 eruption affected international air traffic and resulted in minor or trace amounts of ash in the city of Anchorage and other nearby communities.

OKMOK VOLCANO (CAVW #1101-29-)
53°23'49" N 168°9'58" W, Summit Elevation 3520 ft (1073 m)
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY

Seismic activity at Okmok Volcano remained low all week with a few possible tremor bursts observed earlier in the week. A weak thermal anomaly caused by the caldera lakes appeared in a few clear to partly cloudy satellite views throughout the week.

Okmok volcano is a 6-mile-wide caldera that occupies most of the eastern end of Umnak Island, located 75 miles southwest of Dutch Harbor in the eastern Aleutian Islands. Okmok has had several eruptions in historic time typically consisting of ash emissions occasionally to over 30,000 feet ASL but generally much lower; lava flows crossed the caldera floor in 1945, 1958, and 1997.

The nearest settlement is Nikolski, population about 35, roughly 45 miles west of the volcano. A ranch caretaker family lives at Fort Glenn on the flank of the volcano about 6 miles east of the caldera rim.


OTHER ALASKA VOLCANOES

Seismic activity is monitored in real time at 31 volcanoes in Alaska. Satellite images of all Alaskan volcanoes are analyzed daily for evidence of ash plumes and elevated surface temperatures. Some volcanoes may currently display anomalous behavior but are not considered to be at a dangerous level of unrest. Augustine, Iliamna, Wrangell, Gareloi, Great Sitkin, Makushin, Fisher, Shishaldin, Isanotski, Pavlof, Veniaminof, Ugashik-Ugashik-Peulik, Griggs, Snowy, Fourpeaked, Aniakchak, Tanaga, Kanaga, Akutan, Westdahl, Dutton, Ukinrek Maars, Martin, Mageik, Trident, Katmai, Novarupta, Spurr, and Korovin volcanoes are in color code GREEN and volcano alert level Normal. All are at or near normal levels of background seismicity. AVO did not detect ash plumes or significant elevated surface temperatures in the vicinity of any volcano.

Please see [link to www.avo.alaska.edu] for complete definitions of Aviation color codes and Volcano alert levels.

VOLCANO INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET: [link to www.avo.alaska.edu]

Kamchatkan and Northern Kuriles Volcanic Activity
KVERT INFORMATION RELEASE 52-08
Thursday, November 13, 2008, 22:50 UTC (Friday, November 14, 10:50 KST)
[link to www.avo.alaska.edu]

SUMMARY OF LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODES:

KAMCHATKA:
KLYUCHEVSKOY, SHEVELUCH and KARYMSKY : ORANGE
BEZYMIANNY : YELLOW
TOLBACHIK PLOSKY, KIZIMEN, AVACHINSKY, KORYAKSKY, MUTNOVSKY and GORELY: GREEN

NORTHERN KURILES:
CHIKURACHKI, EBEKO and ALAID: GREEN

SHEVELUCH VOLCANO: 56°38'N, 161°19'E; Elevation 3,283 m, the dome elevation ~2,500 m
CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE IS ORANGE

Activity of the volcano continues (the lava flow is effusing on the southern flank of the lava dome) and ash explosions up to 10 km (32,800 ft.) ASL could occur at any time. The activity of the volcano could affect international and low-flying aircraft.

Seismicity was above background levels all week: a big number of volcanic earthquakes and an intermittent volcanic tremor were registered at the area of the the volcano. According to seismic data, ash plumes rose up to 6.8 km (22,300 ft) ASL past week. According to visual data, hot avalanches were observing at the lava dome on November 06. These avalanches generated ash plumes which rose up to 4.0 km (13,100 ft) ASL. A moderate fumarolic activity of the dome was observed on web-camera on November 08,10 and 12. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days of the week. According to satellite data, a big thermal anomaly was registered over the lava dome all week. An ash plume extending about 30 km (18.6 mi) to the east from the volcano was noted on November 10. Gas-steam plumes about 50 km long were observed on November 10.
[link to www.kscnet.ru]

KLYUCHEVSKOY VOLCANO; 56° 03'N, 160° 39'E; Elevation 4,750 m
CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE IS ORANGE

A Strombolian activity of the volcano continues. Possibly a lava flow will effuse to a volcanic slope in the near future. Moreover, an explosive process could increase at any time. The activity of the volcano could affect international and low-flying aircraft.

Seismic activity of the volcano was above background levels: a lot of volcanic earthquakes and continuous volcanic tremor were registered at the volcano all week. According to video and visual data, gas-steam plumes containing small amount of ash rose up to 300 m above the terminal crater on November 08 and 10-12. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days. According to satellite data, a big thermal anomaly was registered over the volcano all week.
[link to www.kscnet.ru]

KARYMSKY VOLCANO: 54°03'N, 159°27'E; Elevation 1,486 m
CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE IS ORANGE

Activity of the volcano continues and ash explosions up to 6 km (or 19,700 ft.) ASL are possible. The explosive activity of the volcano could affect low-flying aircraft.

Seismic activity of the volcano was above background levels on November 11-12, and at background levels on November 07 and 10. There was not seismic data about technical reasons on November 08-09. According to seismic data, possibly ash-gas explosions up to 3.8 km (12,500 ft) ASL occurred at the volcano on November 11-12. According to satellite data, a thermal anomaly was registered over the volcano on November 10-11. An ash plume extending 38 km (23.6 mi) to the east from the volcano was observed on November 10. An ash cloud was noted in 28 km (17.4 mi) from the volcano to the east-north-east. Clouds obscured the volcano on the other days of the week.

BEZYMIANNY VOLCANO: 55°58'N, 160°36'E; Elevation 2,895 m
CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE IS YELLOW

Growth of the lava dome continues - possibly a viscous lava flow continues to effusing to the south-southeast flank of the dome. Sudden ash emission related to this activity could affect low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the volcano.

Strong seismicity of Klyuchevskoy volcano does not allow to detach a seismicity of Bezymianny volcano. A weak fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed on web-camera on November 08 and 11-12. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days of the week. According to satellite data, a weak thermal anomaly was registered over the lava dome on November 08-11.

Kamchatkan and Northern Kuriles Volcanic Activity
KVERT INFORMATION RELEASE 52-08
Thursday, November 13, 2008, 22:50 UTC (Friday, November 14, 10:50 KST)
[link to www.avo.alaska.edu]

SUMMARY OF LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODES:

KAMCHATKA:
KLYUCHEVSKOY, SHEVELUCH and KARYMSKY : ORANGE
BEZYMIANNY : YELLOW
TOLBACHIK PLOSKY, KIZIMEN, AVACHINSKY, KORYAKSKY, MUTNOVSKY and GORELY: GREEN

NORTHERN KURILES:
CHIKURACHKI, EBEKO and ALAID: GREEN

SHEVELUCH VOLCANO: 56°38'N, 161°19'E; Elevation 3,283 m, the dome elevation ~2,500 m
CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE IS ORANGE

Activity of the volcano continues (the lava flow is effusing on the southern flank of the lava dome) and ash explosions up to 10 km (32,800 ft.) ASL could occur at any time. The activity of the volcano could affect international and low-flying aircraft.

Seismicity was above background levels all week: a big number of volcanic earthquakes and an intermittent volcanic tremor were registered at the area of the the volcano. According to seismic data, ash plumes rose up to 6.8 km (22,300 ft) ASL past week. According to visual data, hot avalanches were observing at the lava dome on November 06. These avalanches generated ash plumes which rose up to 4.0 km (13,100 ft) ASL. A moderate fumarolic activity of the dome was observed on web-camera on November 08,10 and 12. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days of the week. According to satellite data, a big thermal anomaly was registered over the lava dome all week. An ash plume extending about 30 km (18.6 mi) to the east from the volcano was noted on November 10. Gas-steam plumes about 50 km long were observed on November 10.
[link to www.kscnet.ru]

KLYUCHEVSKOY VOLCANO; 56° 03'N, 160° 39'E; Elevation 4,750 m
CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE IS ORANGE

A Strombolian activity of the volcano continues. Possibly a lava flow will effuse to a volcanic slope in the near future. Moreover, an explosive process could increase at any time. The activity of the volcano could affect international and low-flying aircraft.

Seismic activity of the volcano was above background levels: a lot of volcanic earthquakes and continuous volcanic tremor were registered at the volcano all week. According to video and visual data, gas-steam plumes containing small amount of ash rose up to 300 m above the terminal crater on November 08 and 10-12. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days. According to satellite data, a big thermal anomaly was registered over the volcano all week.
[link to www.kscnet.ru]

KARYMSKY VOLCANO: 54°03'N, 159°27'E; Elevation 1,486 m
CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE IS ORANGE

Activity of the volcano continues and ash explosions up to 6 km (or 19,700 ft.) ASL are possible. The explosive activity of the volcano could affect low-flying aircraft.

Seismic activity of the volcano was above background levels on November 11-12, and at background levels on November 07 and 10. There was not seismic data about technical reasons on November 08-09. According to seismic data, possibly ash-gas explosions up to 3.8 km (12,500 ft) ASL occurred at the volcano on November 11-12. According to satellite data, a thermal anomaly was registered over the volcano on November 10-11. An ash plume extending 38 km (23.6 mi) to the east from the volcano was observed on November 10. An ash cloud was noted in 28 km (17.4 mi) from the volcano to the east-north-east. Clouds obscured the volcano on the other days of the week.

BEZYMIANNY VOLCANO: 55°58'N, 160°36'E; Elevation 2,895 m
CURRENT LEVEL OF CONCERN COLOR CODE IS YELLOW

Growth of the lava dome continues - possibly a viscous lava flow continues to effusing to the south-southeast flank of the dome. Sudden ash emission related to this activity could affect low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the volcano.

Strong seismicity of Klyuchevskoy volcano does not allow to detach a seismicity of Bezymianny volcano. A weak fumarolic activity of the volcano was observed on web-camera on November 08 and 11-12. Clouds obscured the volcano in the other days of the week. According to satellite data, a weak thermal anomaly was registered over the lava dome on November 08-11.

LONG VALLEY OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Sunday, November 16, 2008 09:52 PST (Sunday, November 16, 2008 17:52 UTC)
[link to volcanoes.usgs.gov]
LONG VALLEY VOLCANIC CENTER VOLCANO (CAVW#1203-14-)
37.70°N 118.87°W, Summit Elevation 11122 ft (3390 m)
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

Since the last update on Saturday, November 15, the real-time computer system detected three earthquakes in the Long Valley area that were large enough to be located. There was a magnitude M=1.3 earthquake located in the south moat of the caldera and a magnitude M=1.5 and M=1.8 south of the caldera in the Sierra Nevada.

-----

LONG VALLEY OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Saturday, November 15, 2008 08:34 PST (Saturday, November 15, 2008 16:34 UTC)

LONG VALLEY VOLCANIC CENTER VOLCANO (CAVW#1203-14-)
37.70°N 118.87°W, Summit Elevation 11122 ft (3390 m)
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

Since the last update at 9:32 AM (PST) on Friday, November 14, the real-time computer system detected one earthquake in the Long Valley area that was large enough to be located. This was a magnitude M=2.9 earthquake at 4:36 AM on the 14th located SE of the caldera beneath Wheeler Crest (7 miles NNW of Round Valley).

-----

LONG VALLEY OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Friday, November 14, 2008 09:32 PST (Friday, November 14, 2008 17:32 UTC)

LONG VALLEY VOLCANIC CENTER VOLCANO (CAVW#1203-14-)
37.70°N 118.87°W, Summit Elevation 11122 ft (3390 m)
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

The real-time computer system detected six earthquakes in the Long Valley area since the last update at 8:25 AM (PST) on Thursday, November 13, that were large enough to be located. Four were located in the Sierra Nevada south of the caldera, the largest of which was a M=2.1 earthquake at 5:01 AM this morning located 11 miles SW of Tom's Place. The other two included a magnitude M=1.7 earthquake at 2:50 PM on the 13th centered beneath Chalfant Valley (12 miles north of Bishop) and a M=1.5 earthquake at 9:03 AM on the 13th located near the SE margin of Yosemite Nat'l Park (18 miles west of Mammoth Lakes).

-----

LONG VALLEY OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Thursday, November 13, 2008 08:25 PST (Thursday, November 13, 2008 16:25 UTC)

LONG VALLEY VOLCANIC CENTER VOLCANO (CAVW#1203-14-)
37.70°N 118.87°W, Summit Elevation 11122 ft (3390 m)
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

The real-time computer system detected one earthquake in the Long Valley area since the last update at 9:22 AM (PST) on Wednesday, November 12, that was large enough to be located. This was a magnitude M=1.7 earthquake at 10:52 AM on the 12th centered beneath Chalfant Valley (12 miles north of Bishop).

-----

LONG VALLEY OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 09:22 PST (Wednesday, November 12, 2008 17:22 UTC)

LONG VALLEY VOLCANIC CENTER VOLCANO (CAVW#1203-14-)
37.70°N 118.87°W, Summit Elevation 11122 ft (3390 m)
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

The real-time computer system detected one earthquake in the Long Valley area since the last update at 8:57 AM (PST) on Tuesday, November 11, that was large enough to be located. This was a magnitude M=1.4 earthquake at 10:33 PM on the 11th centered beneath the Sierra Nevada south of the caldera (11 miles SW of Tom's Place).

-----

LONG VALLEY OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 08:57 PST (Tuesday, November 11, 2008 16:57 UTC)

LONG VALLEY VOLCANIC CENTER VOLCANO (CAVW#1203-14-)
37.70°N 118.87°W, Summit Elevation 11122 ft (3390 m)
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

The real-time computer system detected no earthquakes large enough to be located in the Long Valley area since the last update at 8:53 AM (PST) on Monday, November 10.

-----

LONG VALLEY OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Monday, November 10, 2008 08:53 PST (Monday, November 10, 2008 16:53 UTC)

LONG VALLEY VOLCANIC CENTER VOLCANO (CAVW#1203-14-)
37.70°N 118.87°W, Summit Elevation 11122 ft (3390 m)
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

There were no earthquakes large enough to be located by the real-time detection system in the Long Valley area since the last update at 12:07 PM on Sunday, November 9.

-----
The Long Valley Observatory (LVO) monitors and studies earthquakes, ground deformation, degassing, and other types of geologic unrest in and around the Long Valley Caldera. The 15 by 30 km Long Valley Caldera was formed during an eruption 760,000 years ago and is located 20 km south of Mono Lake along the east side of the Sierra Nevada in east-central California. There have been multiple smaller eruptions since the caldera-forming eruption with the most recent occurring 250 years ago in Mono Lake at the north end of Mono-Inyo Craters volcanic chain. LVO is one of the five USGS Volcano Observatories that monitor volcanoes within the United States for science and public safety.

CASCADES VOLCANO OBSERVATORY WEEKLY UPDATE
Friday, November 14, 2008 10:00 PST (Friday, November 14, 2008 18:00 UTC)
[link to volcanoes.usgs.gov]

Cascade Range Volcanoes
Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Aviation Color Code: GREEN

Activity Update: All volcanoes in the Cascade Range are at normal levels of background seismicity. These include Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams in Washington State; Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Three Sisters, Newberry Volcano, and Crater Lake, in Oregon; and Medicine Lake volcano, Mount Shasta, and Lassen Peak in northern California.
Mount St. Helens has been at Volcano Alert Level NORMAL (Aviation Color Code GREEN) since July 10, 2008, a change assigned 5-6 months after the late January cessation of its 2004-2008 eruption.

Volcano seismicity at Mount St. Helens and elsewhere along the Cascades has remained relatively quiet over the past week. November 13 at 17:48 PST a M5.2 earthquake originated offshore of Oregon and was recorded at seismographs along the Cascades. Inclement and tempestuous weather for much of the week and snow at higher elevations has led to a quiet week for fieldwork in the Cascades.

The U.S. Geological Survey and University of Washington continue to monitor these volcanoes closely and will issue additional updates and changes in alert level as warranted.

Mahalo!!

Mahalo! <for the bump>
How are you?

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 07:35 HST (Tuesday, November 18, 2008 17:35 UTC)
[link to volcano.wr.usgs.gov]

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW#1302-01-)
19.42°N 155.29°W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at [link to www.nps.gov] or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Inflation associated with Sunday's DI tilt event is waning; significant glow from the Halema`uma`u vent was observed overnight for the first time in a month. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and the Pu`u `O`o vents remain high. Tephra production from the Halema`uma`u vent remains small. At the east rift eruption site, lava flows through tubes to the ocean; surface flows are active on the pali.

Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Plume vigor yesterday fluctuated dramatically, with vigorous periods lasting several hours, interrupted by weak phases that could last tens of minutes to several hours. These changes in plume strength corresponded to fluctuations in tremor levels. Last night vent glow was variable but reached high levels for short periods, and the webcam registered the glow for the first time in about a month. This morning, winds are carrying the gas plume to the southwest over the Ka`u desert, as is usual.

Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable. The most recent average measurement was 800 tonnes/day on November 17, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day.

Variable but small amounts of tephra, mostly ash-sized spatter, continue to be produced and deposited downwind of the vent; This morning's collection yielded the highest daily amount since the Oct. 14 explosive eruption, and several spatter bits were up to 3 cm (1.2 in) in size.

The network of tiltmeters within the caldera recorded weak inflation following the main part of the DI event that began on Sunday (see graph in deformation section). The GPS receiver networks (less sensitive than tiltmeters) continued to record weak contraction (barely 1 cm per month).

Seismic activity continued at low levels focused on the south caldera; tremor levels have been variable over the last day, fluctuating between low and moderate values; these changes were observed to correlate with plume vigor. Nine earthquakes were located beneath Kilauea or nearby in the last day, including 3 at the summit and 3 on the south flank. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes beneath the caldera remains at background values of about 20-30/day.

Last 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement of 2,000 tonnes/day measured on November 7 is slightly higher than the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day for this vent. No incandescence was observed within the crater overnight.

The tiltmeter on the north side of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant changes over the last day, following the DI event. GPS stations spanning the crater (less sensitive than tiltmeters) recorded about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels near Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex continues to flow through tubes to the ocean. Minor incandescence was observed from the TEB vent - this was the only incandescence seen overnight in the area from the east rift eruption site to the top of the pali. This morning CD officials report surface flows on the pali and continued activity at the ocean entry.

Ongoing volcanic activity in north-east Ethiopia 17 November 2008
Posted by volcanismblog
[link to volcanism.wordpress.com]

The eruptive activity in the Afar region of north-east Ethiopia that began on 3 November is continuing, with substantial effusive lava flows visible on recent MODIS satellite images of the area. Activolcans reported yesterday the presence of ‘a very important thermal anomaly in the Alu volcanic zone, north of Erta Ale’. The MODIS images for the period 12-17 November, generated by the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology hotspots website, see the link!

Hi Geogal, thanks for the links toward "planet x", he he he Great images of the sky there, wonderfull job ; )

I had always love great landscapes, and also great skyscapes... everything is so amazing ; )

Regarding your thread, thanks for the updates on volcanic activity and of course it is not really... hmmm... too much research other than documental in this board... or perhaps also social (and often misinformation).... it has diffusion opportunities for knowledge too nevertheless and that´s interesting.

There are some scientists, i´m here nevertheless... he he he

For your "research on expansion" i meant a more comprehensive look on what others have done/discovered, and having another view point on what has been explained by most... of what BTW i had read much more...

are you finding it amazing? I found it more than that ; )

cheers,

S. who C.

HI S who C
I find it entertaining, but appreciate it.

I don't know how to write you back Geogal.
I've tried,but I'm not a full member.

I know this will be removed before you can see it like last time, but thanks for your email.
I LOVE Geology,like you.
So I appreciate your posts.
Plus I can see you are a nice person.

Thanks, Awaking! I'm glad you enjoy this thread!

I've tried to write back but I cannot

To your emails

NO worries. If I send you a PM, I know you can't write back, so it's more often a FYI note

Smithsonian/ USGS Weekly Volcano Update
[link to www.volcano.si.edu]
12 November-18 November 2008

This page is updated on Wednesdays, please see the GVP Home Page for news of the latest significant activity.

The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is a cooperative project between the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program. Updated by 2300 UTC every Wednesday, notices of volcanic activity posted on these pages are preliminary and subject to change as events are studied in more detail. This is not a comprehensive list of all of Earth's volcanoes erupting during the week, but rather a summary of activity at volcanoes that meet criteria discussed in detail in the "Criteria and Disclaimers" section. Carefully reviewed, detailed reports on various volcanoes are published monthly in the Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network.

Note: Many news agencies do not archive the articles they post on the Internet, and therefore the links to some sources may not be active. To obtain information about the cited articles that are no longer available on the Internet contact the source.

New Activity/Unrest

AKAN Hokkaido 43.384°N, 144.013°E; summit elev. 1499 m

On 17 November, JMA raised the Alert Level for Me-Akan (also known as Meakan-dake, which means Meakan Peak) of the Akan volcanic complex to "near-crater warning" (levels 2 and 3 on a 5-level scale) after the seismic network detected tremor that lasted 171 minutes. On 18 November, the summit was obscured by cloud cover but web camera views showed that the snow-covered S slopes had turned black. During an overflight later that day, JMA scientists noted that the ash covered an area up to 400 m away from Ponmachineshiri crater. Ballistic lithics several tens of centimeters in diameter were deposited around the crater.

Geologic Summary. Akan is a 13 x 24 km, elongated caldera that formed more than 31,500 years ago immediately SW of Kutcharo caldera. Growth of four post-caldera stratovolcanoes, three at the SW end of the caldera and the other at the NE side, has restricted the size of the caldera lake. The 1-km-wide Nakamachineshiri crater was formed during a major pumice-and-scoria eruption about 13,500 years ago. Of the Holocene volcanoes of the Akan volcanic complex, only the Me-Akan group, E of Lake Akan, has been historically active, producing mild phreatic eruptions since the beginning of the 19th century. Me-Akan is composed of 9 overlapping cones. The main cone of Me-Akan proper has a triple crater at its summit. Historical eruptions at Me-Akan have consisted of minor phreatic explosions, but four major magmatic eruptions including pyroclastic flows have occurred during the Holocene.
_______
BARREN ISLAND Andaman Is 12.278°N, 93.858°E; summit elev. 354 m

Based on a pilot observation, the Darwin VAAC reported a lava flow from Barren Island on 17 November. A possible low-level ash plume was seen drifting W on satellite imagery. On 18 November, a pilot reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW.

Geologic Summary. Barren Island, a possession of India in the Andaman Sea about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, is the only historically active volcano along the N-S-trending volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). The 354-m-high island is the emergent summit of volcano that rises from a depth of about 2,250 m. The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide caldera with walls 250-350 m high. The caldera, which is open to the sea on the W, was created during a major explosive eruption in the late Pleistocene that produced pyroclastic-flow and -surge deposits. The morphology of a fresh pyroclastic cone that was constructed in the center of the caldera has varied during the course of historical eruptions. Lava flows fill much of the caldera floor and have reached the sea along the western coast during historical eruptions.
_______
DALAFFILLA Northeastern Africa 13.792°N, 40.55°E; summit elev. 613 m

Night-time satellite imagery from 8 November of the eruption that began on 3 November near Dalaffilla and Alu volcanoes revealed a multi-lobed lava-flow field with a primary channelized flow that traveled NE. The source appears to be a one or more NW-SE-trending eruptive fissures NW of Dalaffilla. The flow field on the 8 November image was an estimated 9.3 km long and 3 km wide, with an area of about 15 square kilometers. Thermal anomalies detected by satellites were present during 12-16 November.

Geologic Summary. Dalaffilla, also referred to as Gabuli, is a small, but steep-sided conical stratovolcano that rises 300 m above surrounding lava fields SE of Alu volcano. This morphology, unusual for the Erta Ale Range volcanoes, results from the extrusion of viscous, silicic lava flows with primary slopes up to about 35 degrees. These silicic flows extend primarily to the east; on the west they are blocked by walls of a horst structure along the crest of the Erta Ale range. Other basaltic lava flows from regional fissures surround the 613-m-high volcano. Fumarolic activity occurs in the 100-m-wide summit crater and has weathered surrounding lava flows.
_______
NEVADO DEL HUILA Colombia 2.93°N, 76.03°W; summit elev. 5364 m

The Washington VAAC reported that on 11 November occasional emissions of gas and possible ash from Nevado del Huila were observed on satellite imagery. During 12-18 November, INGEOMINAS continued to receive reports of strong sulfur odors and ashfall in areas to the W and SW. They also noted that 14 instances of ash emissions were detected on satellite imagery during 13-14 November. Sulfur dioxide plumes were also detected on satellite imagery. According to the Washington VAAC, a pilot observed an ash plume on 14 November that rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. News articles stated that classes at educational institutions near the Páez and Símbola rivers were suspended while the Alert Level remained at Orange.

Geologic Summary. Nevado del Huila, the highest active volcano in Colombia, is an elongated N-S-trending volcanic chain mantled by a glacier icecap. The andesitic-dacitic volcano was constructed within a 10-km-wide caldera. Volcanism at Nevado del Huila has produced six volcanic cones whose ages in general migrated from south to north. Two glacier-free lava domes lie at the southern end of the Huila volcanic complex. The first historical eruption from this little known volcano took place in the 16th century. Two persistent steam columns rise from the central peak, and hot springs are also present.
________
REVENTADOR Ecuador 0.077°S, 77.656°W; summit elev. 3562 m

The IG reported that slight incandescence from Reventador's crater was seen at night during 11-12 November. Inclement weather prevented observations during 13-16 November. On 17 and 18 November, a seismic station situated on the NE flank of the central cone recorded a high number of rockfall signals that presumably originated from the active lava-flow fronts. Steam emissions rose from the crater.

Geologic Summary. Reventador is the most frequently active of a chain of Ecuadorian volcanoes in the Cordillera Real, well E of the principal volcanic axis. It is a forested stratovolcano that rises above the remote jungles of the western Amazon basin. A 3-km-wide caldera breached to the E was formed by edifice collapse and is partially filled by a young, unvegetated stratovolcano that rises about 1,300 m above the caldera floor. Reventador has been the source of numerous lava flows as well as explosive eruptions that were visible from Quito in historical time. Frequent lahars in this region of heavy rainfall have constructed a debris plain on the eastern floor of the caldera.
______________________________

Ongoing Activity

CHAITEN Southern Chile 42.833°S, 72.646°W; summit elev. 1122 m

Based on observations of satellite imagery, SIGMET notices, and web camera views, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that during 12-17 November ash plumes from Chaitén continuously rose to altitudes 1.4-3.7 km (4,500-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, NNE, ENE, and E. A thermal anomaly was detected on satellite imagery on 12 November.

Geologic Summary. Chaitén is a small, glacier-free caldera with a Holocene lava dome located 10 km NE of the town of Chaitén on the Gulf of Corcovado. A pyroclastic-surge and pumice deposit considered to originate from the eruption that formed the elliptical 2.5 x 4 km wide summit caldera was dated at about 9400 years ago. A rhyolitic, 962-m-high obsidian lava dome occupies much of the caldera floor. Obsidian cobbles from this dome found in the Blanco River are the source of prehistorical artifacts from archaeological sites along the Pacific coast as far as 400 km away from the volcano to the north and south. The caldera is breached on the SW side by a river that drains to the bay of Chaitén, and the high point on its southern rim reaches 1122 m.
________

KARYMSKY Eastern Kamchatka 54.05°N, 159.45°E; summit elev. 1536 m

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Karymsky increased above background levels during 11-12 November. On 10 November, ash plumes were seen on satellite imagery drifting 38 km E and 28 km ENE. During 10-11 November, possible explosions may have generated ash plumes to an altitude of 3.8 km (12,500 ft) a.s.l. Also during 10-11 November, analysis of satellite imagery revealed a thermal anomaly in the crater; clouds prevented observations on the other days. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, information from the Yelizovo Airport (UHPP), and KEMSD notices, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. on 12 November. On 12 and 15 November, eruptions generated plumes that rose to an altitude of 3.4 km (11,000 ft) a.s.l.

Geologic Summary. Karymsky, the most active volcano of Kamchatka's eastern volcanic zone, is a symmetrical stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera that formed about 7,600-7,700 radiocarbon years ago. Construction of the Karymsky stratovolcano began about 2,000 years later. The latest eruptive period began about 500 years ago, following a 2,300-year quiescence. Much of the cone is mantled by lava flows less than 200 years old. Historical eruptions have been Vulcanian or Vulcanian-Strombolian with moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows from the summit crater. Most seismicity preceding Karymsky eruptions has originated beneath Akademia Nauk caldera, which is located immediately S of Karymsky volcano and erupted simultaneously with Karymsky in 1996.
__________

KILAUEA Hawaii (USA) 19.421°N, 155.287°W; summit elev. 1222 m

HVO reported that during 12-18 November lava flowed SE through a tube system from underneath Kilauea's Thanksgiving Eve Breakout (TEB) and rootless shield complex, reaching the Waikupanaha ocean entry. Incandescence and active surface flows were seen on and at the base of the pali (fault scarp). Earthquakes were variously located beneath and to the S of the caldera, and along the S-flank fault. Beneath Halema'uma'u crater daily earthquakes ranged from 20 to 40 (background is about 40), but were too small to be located more precisely. The vent in Halema'uma'u crater continued to produce a predominantly white plume that drifted mainly SW and deposited small amounts of tephra. Night-time incandescence was seen at the base of the plume on the web camera for the first time in about a month, and sounds resembling distant surf and rockfalls were heard in the vicinity of the crater. The sulfur dioxide emission rate was 1,200 and 800 tonnes per day on 14 and 17 November, respectively; the 2003-2007 rate average was 140 tonnes per day.

Geologic Summary. Kilauea, one of five coalescing volcanoes that comprise the island of Hawaii, is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Eruptions at Kilauea originate primarily from the summit caldera or along one of the lengthy E and SW rift zones that extend from the caldera to the sea. About 90% of the surface of Kilauea is formed of lava flows less than about 1,100 years old; 70% of the volcano's surface is younger than 600 years. A long-term eruption from the East rift zone that began in 1983 has produced lava flows covering more than 100 sq km, destroying nearly 200 houses and adding new coastline to the island.
________

KLIUCHEVSKOI Central Kamchatka (Russia) 56.057°N, 160.638°E; summit elev. 4835 m

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi was above background levels during 7-13 November. Video and visual observations showed that during 8 and 10-12 November gas-and-steam plumes that contained a small amount of ash rose to an altitude of 5.1 km (16,700 ft) a.s.l. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly in the crater. The Level of Concern Color Code remained Orange.

Geologic Summary. Kliuchevskoi is Kamchatka's highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 7,000 years ago, the beautifully symmetrical, 4,835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. More than 100 flank eruptions, mostly on the NE and SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3,600 m elevation, have occurred during the past 3,000 years. The morphology of its 700-m-wide summit crater has been frequently modified by historical eruptions, which have been recorded since the late-17th century. Historical eruptions have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included major explosive and effusive events from flank craters.
_________

POPOCATEPETL México 19.023°N, 98.622°W; summit elev. 5426 m

CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 12-18 November. Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from the Mexico City MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that on 17 November an ash plume rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and WSW. A thermal anomaly was also detected. According to CENAPRED, the emissions contained slight amounts of ash on 18 November.

Geologic Summary. Popocatépetl, whose name is the Aztec word for smoking mountain, towers to 5,426 m 70 km SE of Mexico City and is North America's second-highest volcano. Frequent historical eruptions have been recorded since the beginning of the Spanish colonial era. A small eruption on 21 December 1994 ended five decades of quiescence. Since 1996 small lava domes have incrementally been constructed within the summit crater and destroyed by explosive eruptions. Intermittent small-to-moderate gas-and-ash eruptions have continued, occasionally producing ashfall in neighboring towns and villages.
_______

RABAUL New Britain 4.271°S, 152.203°E; summit elev. 688 m

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12 and 16-18 November ash plumes from Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and NNW.

Geologic Summary. The low-lying Rabaul caldera on the tip of the Gazelle Peninsula at the NE end of New Britain forms a broad sheltered harbor. The outer flanks of the 688-m-high asymmetrical pyroclastic shield volcano are formed by thick pyroclastic-flow deposits. The 8 x 14 km caldera is widely breached on the E, where its floor is flooded by Blanche Bay.Two major Holocene caldera-forming eruptions at Rabaul took place as recently as 3,500 and 1,400 years ago. Three small stratovolcanoes lie outside the northern and NE caldera rims. Post-caldera eruptions built basaltic-to-dacitic pyroclastic cones on the caldera floor near the NE and western caldera walls. Several of these, including Vulcan cone, which was formed during a large eruption in 1878, have produced major explosive activity during historical time. A powerful explosive eruption in 1994 occurred simultaneously from Vulcan and Tavurvur volcanoes and forced the temporary abandonment of Rabaul city.
_______

SANTA MARIA Guatemala 14.756°N, 91.552°W; summit elev. 3772 m

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that ash puffs from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted SW on 11 and 15 November.

Geologic Summary. Symmetrical, forest-covered Santa María volcano is one of a chain of large stratovolcanoes that rises dramatically above the Pacific coastal plain of Guatemala. The stratovolcano has a sharp-topped, conical profile that is cut on the SW flank by a large, 1-km-wide crater, which formed during a catastrophic eruption in 1902 and extends from just below the summit to the lower flank. The renowned Plinian eruption of 1902 followed a long repose period and devastated much of SW Guatemala. The large dacitic Santiaguito lava-dome complex has been growing at the base of the 1902 crater since 1922. Compound dome growth at Santiaguito has occurred episodically from four westward-younging vents, accompanied by almost continuous minor explosions and periodic lava extrusion, larger explosions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars.
_______

SHIVELUCH Central Kamchatka (Russia) 56.653°N, 161.360°E; summit elev. 3283 m

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was above background levels during 6-14 November. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 6.8 km (22,300 ft) a.s.l. Hot avalanches descended the lava dome on 6 November and produced ash plumes that rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. Analysis of satellite imagery revealed a daily thermal anomaly on the lava dome. On 10 November, an ash plume drifted 30 km E and gas-and-steam plumes drifted 50 km. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange. Fumarolic activity was visible on the web camera on 8, 10, and 12 November.

Based on information from KEMSD and analysis of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 13 and 16 November eruptions produced plumes to altitudes of 4.9-6.1 km (16,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l.

Geologic Summary. The high, isolated massif of Shiveluch volcano (also spelled Sheveluch) rises above the lowlands NNE of the Kliuchevskaya volcano group and forms one of Kamchatka's largest and most active volcanoes. The currently active Molodoy Shiveluch lava-dome complex was constructed during the Holocene within a large breached caldera formed by collapse of the massive late-Pleistocene Strary Shiveluch volcano. At least 60 large eruptions of Shiveluch have occurred during the Holocene, making it the most vigorous andesitic volcano of the Kuril-Kamchatka arc. Frequent collapses of lava-dome complexes, most recently in 1964, have produced large debris avalanches whose deposits cover much of the floor of the breached caldera. During the 1990s, intermittent explosive eruptions took place from a new lava dome that began growing in 1980. The largest historical eruptions from Shiveluch occurred in 1854 and 1964.
________

SOUFRIERE HILLS Montserrat 16.72°N, 62.18°W; summit elev. 915 m

MVO reported that during 7-14 November the activity level at the Soufrière Hills lava dome increased slightly, but remained low, and there was no evidence of lava extrusion. Rockfalls were detected by the seismic network. Visual observations were hindered by clouds and vigorous steaming from the dome. Weak ash venting possibly occurred briefly on 13 November. The Hazard Level remained at 3.

Geologic Summary. The complex dominantly andesitic Soufrière Hills volcano occupies the southern half of the island of Montserrat. The summit area consists primarily of a series of lava domes emplaced along an ESE-trending zone. English's Crater, a 1-km-wide crater breached widely to the E, was formed during an eruption about 4,000 years ago in which the summit collapsed, producing a large submarine debris avalanche. Block-and-ash flow and surge deposits associated with dome growth predominate in flank deposits at Soufrière Hills. Non-eruptive seismic swarms occurred at 30-year intervals in the 20th century, but with the exception of a 17th-century eruption that produced the Castle Peak lava dome, no historical eruptions were recorded on Montserrat until 1995. Long-term small-to-moderate ash eruptions beginning in that year were later accompanied by lava-dome growth and pyroclastic flows that forced evacuation of the southern half of the island and ultimately destroyed the capital city of Plymouth, causing major social and economic disruption.
________

SUWANOSE-JIMA Ryukyu Islands (Japan) 29.635°N, 129.716°E; summit elev. 799 m

Based on analysis of satellite imagery and information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported multiple explosions or eruptions from Suwanose-jima during 12-16 November. Occasional plumes rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.1 km (5,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. during 13-15 November.

Geologic Summary. The 8-km-long, spindle-shaped island of Suwanose-jima in the northern Ryukyu Islands consists of an andesitic stratovolcano with two historically active summit craters. Only about 50 persons live on the sparsely populated island. The summit of the volcano is truncated by a large breached crater extending to the sea on the east flank that was formed by edifice collapse. Suwanose-jima, one of Japan's most frequently active volcanoes, was in a state of intermittent Strombolian activity from On-take, the NE summit crater, that began in 1949 and lasted nearly a half century. The largest historical eruption took place in 1813-14, when thick scoria deposits blanketed residential areas, after which the island was uninhabited for about 70 years. The SW crater produced lava flows that reached the western coast in 1813, and lava flows reached the eastern coast of the island in 1884.

hi Geogal...this article is not about a volcano but where it produce a firefall i thought it would be of interest to your followers...
-----------------------------------

It wasn't a bird, and it sure as heck wasn't a plane, but whatever was in the sky over western Canada on Thursday night was very exciting for the people who saw it. In Edmonton and across the Prairies, hundreds of people reported seeing a bright flaming object light up the sky around 5:30 p.m. local time. It was variously described as green, yellow, purple or blue, and appeared as either an explosion or an object streaking through the sky. Sightings came from across the Prairies; from as far south as Medicine Hat, Alta., to as far north as Beauval, Sask. - 600 kilometres from Edmonton. Marcel Gobeil, who lives on a farm south of Edmonton, was in his living room when he heard what he describes as a "loud boom," followed by bright colourful light in the sky. "At first I thought it was fireworks," said Gobeil. "I've never seen anything like it; it was green and blue and then turned to bright red. It was pretty big." Gobeil said he thought the object hit the ground about 10 seconds later. "It seemed like it fell on Beaumont, but it's more likely it landed in Manitoba or Saskatchewan if it was a meteorite," he said. Hundreds of kilometres to the east, farmer Bruce Trapp also saw the light show.

"It lit up the yard almost like midday, but just for an instant," said Trapp, who farms about 70 kilometres southwest of Saskatoon. "It was far brighter than any lightning strike I've ever seen." Shawn Mitchler was pumping gas at Radisson, Sask., about 60 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, when the sky flashed green and yellow. "It seemed like fireworks or a missile coming down," said Mitchler, who estimates the light show lasted five to 10 seconds. "My heart just started racing because I didn't know what it was." Edmonton International Airport spokesman Jim Rudolph said "the skies east of the airport lit up" at 5:27 p.m. "According to NavCanada, it appears that this was the result of a meteorite, but that has not been confirmed," said Rudolph, adding that operations at the airport were not affected. "What we probably saw was a fireball, which is the result of a rock coming into the atmosphere," said Chris Herd, an associate professor in the University of Alberta's department of earth and atmospheric sciences and curator of the university's meteorite collection. "The big question now is whether or not anything hit the ground." Richard Huziak, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society who lives in Saskatoon, believes it was likely a meteor that did land somewhere near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. It may be possible to determine a more precise location, since fireball video cameras designed to begin recording when a bright light appears in the sky are located in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Edmonton and Calgary.

"It's very likely this one has been caught. It will show the track through the sky and might show the orbit back into space," Huziak said. But while many of the witnesses claimed to see something land, Herd said this was most likely an optical illusion. Since the fireball was a bright light several kilometres up in a dark sky, it would have appeared close to anyone who could see it. If something did fall to the Earth, it's extremely unlikely anyone would have witnessed it, Herd said. As the object fell through the Earth's atmosphere, it would slow down and the resulting decrease in friction would cause it to stop burning. "What we know about fireballs is that they're bright burning up for a certain amount of time in the atmosphere, but then they stop burning brightly. If there's a rock that continues after that, it's falling in dark flight," he said. "This could literally be a couple of kilometres up in the air and it could fall the whole rest of the way without giving off any light. It could drop like a rock to the ground." Herd said while fireballs are quite frequent, they don't generally happen over populated areas. "Something as bright as this is pretty rare," he said. If something did ultimately hit the ground, Herd said, it would be a very exciting find. "It's not often that something actually lands and is found, because of all the factors that are working against you," he said, adding he hopes anyone who finds a new rock in their yard tomorrow will get in touch with him. Meteorites often fall to Earth, but very few cause damage because the rocks often disintegrate as they travel through the atmosphere. For those who witnessed the fireball, Herd suggested they report it to the Meteorites and Impacts Advisory Committee to the Canadian Space Agency, which can be found at Miac.)

Volcano Nevado del Huila:

Thousands of people were evacuated Thursday after the Nevado del Huila volcano erupted. Authorities declared a state of red alert and order everyone within the surroundings to immediately leave their homes. Authorities called for the immediate evacuation of La Plata, Paicol, Nátaga and Tesalia, but it's uncertain if the population of the surrounding towns and villages cooperate with authorities. In April this year many people refused to respond to an evacuation call. The eruption took place at 21:45 and immediately made the Colombian seismologist institute to raise the state of alert to its highest level. the eruption caused a mudslide that passed an indigenous settlement alongside the Paez river, but no wounded were reported. Seismic activity seemed to go down again after the initial eruption, Ingeominas said, but authorities stay cautious. An eruption of the volcano in 1994 -- the first in 500 years -- resulted in the deaths of more than a thousand indigenous living close to the volcano. )

Red alert in Colombia as Nevado del Huila erupts 21 November 2008
Posted by volcanismblog
[link to volcanism.wordpress.com]

The Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (INGEOMINAS) issued a Special Report at 02:30 local time (07:30 GMT) today, 21 November 2008, reporting an eruption at Nevado del Huila volcano. The eruption began at 21:45 local time on 20 November (02:45 GMT 21 November 2008) and appears to have ended by the time of publication of the report. Abundant ashfall was reported, and a lahar descended the valley of the River Páez. Translation as follows:

Special report on the activity of the volcano Nevado del Huila, 21 November 2008, 2:30am.

The level of activity of the volcano is: LEVEL RED (I): ERUPTION IMMINENT OR IN PROGRESS

The INGEOMINAS volcanological and seismological observatory Popayán reports that:

- Beginning at 9:45pm local time there was an eruptive event at Nevado del Huila volcano.

- A mudflow has been generated that was channeled by the River Páez, affecting the road infrastructure of the region, according to reports received from the residents of the affected area.

- The inhabitants of Taravira, Tóez and La Estrella report abundant ashfall and noises associated with the eruptive event and the passage of the mudflow.

- The Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) reports two columns of gas and ash reaching an altitude of approximately 7000 and 10000 metres, measured from the summit of the volcano, with dispersal to the west and south-west of the volcanic edifice respectively.

- At the time of publication a decrease has been observed in seismic activity. It is clear that the eruptive process has finished, although the volcanic phenomenon continues its evolution.

INGEOMINAS remains vigilant and will report in a timely manner the changes that may arise.

A report in El País this morning says that ‘the population of the municipality of Belalcázar, in Cauca [province], and some indigenous communities in the region’ have been evacuated as a result of the eruption. El Espectador reports the population of Belalcázar (which is situated on the River Páez and is vulnerable to lahars) as 13,000: while it is not clear whether the entire town has been removed, the evacuations clearly affect thousands of people.