April 05 , 2023.
Italy , Stromboli :
WEEKLY BULLETIN from March 27, 2023 to April 02, 2023. (issue date April 04, 2023)
ACTIVITY STATUS SUMMARY
In the light of the monitoring data, it is highlighted:
1) VOLCANOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS: Normal Strombolian activity was observed during this period. The total hourly frequency fluctuated between average values (11-15 events/h). The intensity of the explosions was mainly medium and weak in both the North crater area and the South Center crater area.
2) SEISMOLOGY: The seismological parameters monitored do not show any significant variations.
3) SOIL DEFORMATIONS: The island’s soil deformation monitoring networks did not show any significant variation to report for the period considered.
4) GEOCHEMISTRY: the flow of SO2 is at an average level
The CO2 streams show average outgassing values.
The C/S values are at average values.
The isotopic ratio of the helium dissolved in the heat sinks is at average values with R/Ra equal to 4.24.
5) SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS: The thermal activity observed from the satellite was generally weak.
VOLCANOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS
During the observation period, the eruptive activity of Stromboli was characterized by the analysis of the images recorded by the surveillance cameras of the INGV-OE at an altitude of 190m (SCT-SCV) and of the Pizzo, while the Punta dei Corvi infrared camera was operational until 8:32 p.m. on March 21.
The explosive activity was mainly produced by 2 (two) eruptive vents located in the North zone of the crater and by 3 (three) vents located in the Center-South zone.
Due to the unfavorable weather conditions of March 27 – April 1 and 2, the visibility of the crater area was insufficient for a correct description of the eruptive activity.
Observations of explosive activity captured by surveillance cameras
In the northern area of the crater (N), with a mouth located in sector N1 and one in sector N2, explosive activity of variable intensity from low (less than 80 m in height) to medium-high was observed ( sometimes the products exceeded 150 m in height) emitting coarse materials (bombs and lapilli). The average frequency of explosions fluctuated between 7 and 9 events/h.
In the Center-South zone (CS), sector S2, with three active vents, showed explosive activity of low and medium intensity (less than 150 in height) emitting coarse materials. Sector C and sector S1 did not show significant eruptive activity. The frequency varied between 4 and 7 events/h.
Source : INGV.
Photo : Stromboli Stati d’animo / Sebastiani Cannavo.
Colombia , Nevado del Ruiz :
Manizales, April 4, 2023 10:25 a.m.
Regarding the monitoring of the activity of the NEVADO DEL RUIZ VOLCANO, the MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY through the COLOMBIAN GEOLOGICAL SERVICE (SGC) informs that:
The recording of rock fracturing seismicity continues inside the volcanic edifice. Yesterday April 3, 5,000 events were recorded. The highest magnitude reached was 2.0 ML corresponding to the 8:15 p.m. earthquake, located 2.6 km southwest of the crater. Seismicity remains localized in the southwestern sector of the volcanic edifice at a distance from the crater of between 2.0 and 5.0 km.
In addition, the recording of seismic activity related to the movement of fluids inside the volcanic conduits continues, which has been associated with confirmed ash emissions and degassing, the latter maintaining rates similar to those of yesterday. The maximum height of the column of gas and / or ash observed yesterday was 1100 m measured from the summit of the volcano, the direction of dispersion of the column predominated towards the southwest of the volcano.
It is important to point out that the activity of the volcano at the ORANGE LEVEL can fluctuate and sometimes decrease compared to the previous days, without this meaning that the volcano has returned to a lower level of activity.
To change the level and return to the yellow level, a prudential time is necessary where trends and patterns can be observed that allow us to deduce the possible decrease in activity, which is why it is warned that the level of activity of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano will remain at the ORANGE LEVEL for several weeks. Meanwhile, if there is an acceleration of processes suggesting an impending eruption or the eruption itself occurring, the activity level will turn red.
The community is recommended to remain calm, follow the recommendations of the National Risk Management Unit and local authorities and be attentive to the information provided
by the Colombian Geological Service on the evolution of the state of the volcano.
Source et photo : SGC.
Italy / Sicily , Etna :
MONTHLY BULLETIN, March 2023 (issue date 04 April 2023)
ACTIVITY STATUS SUMMARY
In the light of the monitoring data, it is highlighted:
1) VOLCANOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS: Degassing of the summit craters, especially the Bocca Nuova crater and to a lesser extent the Southeast crater; absence of eruptive activity.
2) SEISMOLOGY: Low seismic activity due to fracturing. Average amplitude of the volcanic tremor at an average level. The sources of the tremor are mainly between the Bocca Nuova and Southeast craters.
3) INFRASOUND: Weak infrasonic activity.
4) GROUND DEFORMATIONS: Over the past month, ground deformation monitoring networks have not recorded any significant changes
5) GEOCHEMISTRY: SO2 flux at an average and increasing level.
The CO2 circulates on the average degassing values.
The isotopic ratio of Helium is at high levels.
The partial pressure of dissolved CO2 does not show significant variations
6) SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS: Thermal activity observed from the satellite was generally weak.
VOLCANOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS
During the interval from March 6 to April 2, 2023, the monitoring of Etna’s activity was carried out through the surveillance cameras of the INGV – Osservatorio Etneo. On some days, notably the second week of March, observations were discontinued due to cloud cover, and the gas cloud was often flattened by the downslope wind.
As in previous weeks, the usual variable rate degassing continued from the summit craters. In particular, the degassing of the Bocca Nuova crater was continuous and almost always had a pulsatile character, in some cases generating steam rings. This activity was concentrated at the two vents at the bottom of the crater, also producing the hisses and roars that have accompanied gas emission for more than a year.
At the Southeast Crater, gas and steam emissions were most concentrated along the edges of the crater and in the upper part of the February 10, 2022 fracture on the southern flank of the cone. The North-East crater and the Voragine crater, on the other hand, only showed very weak fumarolic activity and remain completely obstructed.
Source : INGV.
Photo : Etnawalk / Giuseppe Distefano
Russia / Kuril Islands , Ebeko :
VOLCANO OBSERVATORY NOTICE FOR AVIATION (VONA)
Issued: April 05 , 2023
Volcano: Ebeko (CAVW #290380)
Current aviation colour code: ORANGE
Previous aviation colour code: orange
Source: KVERT
Notice Number: 2023-44
Volcano Location: N 50 deg 41 min E 156 deg 0 min
Area: Northern Kuriles, Russia
Summit Elevation: 1156 m (3791.68 ft)
Volcanic Activity Summary:
A moderate explosive activity of the volcano continues. According to visual data an explosion sent ash up to 3.5 km a.s.l., an ash cloud is drifting to the south-east from the volcano.
A moderate eruptive activity of the volcano continues. Ash explosions up to 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. could occur at any time. Ongoing activity could affect low-flying aircraft and airport of Severo-Kurilsk.
Volcanic cloud height:
3000-3500 m (9840-11480 ft) AMSL Time and method of ash plume/cloud height determination: 20230405/0200Z – Visual data
Other volcanic cloud information:
Distance of ash plume/cloud of the volcano: 5 km (3 mi)
Direction of drift of ash plume/cloud of the volcano: SE
Time and method of ash plume/cloud determination: 20230405/0200Z – Visual data
Source : Kvert.
Photo : T Totenko , ivs feb ras , kvert.
New Zealand , Lake Taupo :
Taupō Volcano remains in minor unrest despite earthquake activity having almost returned to normal. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1. Published: Wed Apr 5 2023 2:00 PM.
The number of earthquakes at Taupō Volcano over the last few weeks has decreased and almost returned to what is normally seen. Meanwhile, uplift of the floor of the central part of Lake Taupō continues. The volcanic alert level remains at 1.
Since the start of the current unrest period in May 2022, we have recorded over 1750 shallow earthquakes under Lake Taupō. The largest earthquake to date occurred on 30 November 2022, a magnitude 5.7 event at about 9 km below the lake surface. About 825 (47 %) of all the earthquakes since May 2022 were aftershocks associated with this main event. There have also been 4 other earthquakes over magnitude 4. The number and size of earthquakes, including the number of magnitude 4 to 5 events, is within our expectations for Taupō volcano at volcanic alert level 1.
Since the start of 2022, the earthquake activity can be divided into 5 blocks (Figure 1): A. 1 Jan 2022 – 30 April 2022: Pre-unrest. This shows a normal level of earthquake activity
B. 1 May – 15 September 2022: Initial period of heightened earthquakes
C. 16 September – 29 November 2022: Earthquake activity is lower, but still above that before unrest started
D. 30 Nov – 31 Dec 2022: Magnitude 5.7 event and it’s aftershocks
E. 1 Jan 2023 – 2 April 2023: Earthquake activity is lower, but still above that before unrest started
Over the same period of time, we have observed uplift at Horomatangi Reef at an average rate of about 60 mm per year.
Figure 1. The number of earthquakes per week from January 2022 until early April 2023. This period can be divided into 5 intervals (A-E). We can see that the rate of earthquake activity beneath Lake Taupō has almost returned to what it was before volcanic unrest started in May 2022.
The current unrest episode has now lasted for about 10 months. The rate of shallow earthquakes has declined overall since the start of 2023 (see period E in Figure 1) and is close to returning to levels last seen before May 2022. The rate of uplift at the surface may also have decreased over the same period. However, as the rates are very slow it is difficult to confirm this in the short term. Any decision to lower the alert level will be based on both the rate of uplift and the earthquake activity as well as any other relevant information.
Therefore, the Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1 at Taupō volcano, and the Aviation Colour Code at green. We continue to actively monitor the volcano and, when we have more information, will share this.
Source et photo : Geonet
