Archived Volcano News - John Seach
February 2008

Monitoring worldwide volcanic activity.

Reports Written by John Seach

Reports are posted in Eastern Australian Time (UT +10 hr).
Archived Volcano News

Friday 29th February 2008
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Lava from Kilauea volcano continues to flow through Royal Gardens subdivision in Hawaii. Lava has reached the coastal flat at the base of the subdivision, after flowing through abandoned streets, and burning forest.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...

Thursday 28th February 2008
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, Tanzania

New eruptions have occurred at Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano in Tanzania. Ash emissions were observed by flight crew at 1030 am, and 12 midday, local time, yesterday, and 0530 am today. The ash cloud moved towards SW and dissipated.
More on Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano...
Volcanoes of Tanzania...

Thursday 28th February 2008
Heard Island Volcano, Australia

Eruptions occurred at Heard Island Volcano, Australian Territory on 22nd February. Satellite images showed hotspots at the volcano. Heard Island is one of two currently active Australian volcanoes. The last recorded eruptions at the volcano were in November 2007.
More on Heard Island Volcano...
Volcanoes of Australia...

Wednesday 27th February 2008
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Two lava flows from Kilauea volcano have entered Royal Gardens subdivision. On 25th February one flow reached Royal Avenue and the other near Prince Avenue.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...

Tuesday 26th February 2008
Rabaul Volcano, Papua New Guinea
An explosion occurred at Turvurvur cone, Rabaul volcano in Papua New Guinea today at 1110 hr, local time. According to Rabaul Volcano Observatory, thick billowing dark grey ash clouds reached 3 km above the summit. Ash fell on Kokopo town and surrounding villages. Seismicity remains high with 874 volcanic earthquakes measured on 23rd February. The public is advised to avoid the volcano, and take precautions under ash plumes.
More on Rabaul Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...

Sunday 24th February 2008
Lopevi Volcano, Vanuatu
Lopevi volcano in Vanuatu erupted today according to a pilot report. A thick grey plume was visible to an altitude of 10,000 ft and drifted 5 nautical miles east of the volcano.
More on Lopevi Volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...

Saturday 23nd February 2008
Mt St Helens Volcano, USA
Lava dome growth at Mt St Helens volcano paused in late January 2008, after more than 3 years of activity. Over the past few weeks no extrusion of lava has been detected. The lava dome is still hot and may form hot avalanches and steam explosions. Melting of snow could produce lahars. Seismicity is at very low levels at the volcano. Gas emissions are barely detectable, and daily ground-tilt events have stopped. The volcano alert level has been reduced from orange to yellow.
More on Mt St Helens Volcano...
Volcanoes of USA...

Friday 22nd February 2008
Rabaul Volcano, Papua New Guinea
Ash emissions continue at Rabaul volcano in Papua New Guinea. Ashfall occurred at villages SW and W of the volcano. On 20th February 777 volcanic earthquakes were recorded. Rabaul volcano observatory advises the public to take precautions while under ash plumes.
More on Rabaul Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...

Friday 22nd February 2008
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, Tanzania

Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania erupted yesterday according to a report by KLM pilot. The volcano has been erupting regularly since earthquake swarms hit the area in September 2007.
More on Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano...
Volcanoes of Tanzania...

Friday 22nd February 2008
USA Earthquake (Mag 6.0)
A large earthquake (Mag 6.0) occurred in Nevada, USA on February 21, at 6:16 am local time. The epicentre was located at Independence Valley fault system which only rarely produces earthquakes. Earthquakes of this size do not strongly affect nearby volcanoes. Wapi volcano is located in Idaho 230 km NE of the earthquake epicentre.
Volcanoes of USA...

Wednesday 20th February 2008
Indonesia Earthquake (Mag 7.5)
A major earthquake (magnitude 7.5) hit Indonesia today at 3:08 pm, local time. The epicentre was located on the island of Pulau Simeulue, 133 km off the west coast of Sumatra. Earthquakes of this size can sometimes disrupt nearby volcanoes. Kembar volcano is located 220 km NE of the earthquake epicentre.
Volcanoes of Indonesia...

Wednesday 20th February 2008
Rabaul Volcano, Papua New Guinea
Heavy ashfall from Rabaul volcano closed Tokua airport today. Sub-continuous pale grey ash emission occurred at Tavurvur, reaching 1.5 km above the vent. High level seismic activity was recorded.
More on Rabaul Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...

Saturday 16th February 2008
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano, Tanzania

Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania erupted yesterday, according to an aviation report. Ash was observed to 38,000 ft. Pilots have been advised to avoid flying near the volcano.
More on Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano...
Volcanoes of Tanzania...

Thursday 14th February 2008
Greece Earthquakes

Two large earthquakes (Mag 6.9, 6.2) hit southern Greece today at 12:09 pm and 02:08 pm, local time. Methana volcano is located 170 km NE. The earthquake was felt as far away as Cairo, Egypt.
More on Methana Volcano...
Volcanoes of Greece...

Thursday 14th February 2008
Tshibinda Volcano, Democratic Republic of Congo

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit Tshibinda volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo, today at 4:07 am local time. This follows a large earthquke at the volcano eleven days ago. The volcano is located in SW shore of Lake Kivu. The lake contains dissolved carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and methane. These gases pose an explosion risk to residents surrounding the lake, and can be mobilised by volcanic activity or earthquakes.
More on Tshibinda Volcano...
Volcanoes of Democratic Republic of Congo...

Thursday 14th February 2008
Anatahan Volcano, Mariana Islands
Volcanic haze from Anatahan volcano has drifted 150 km south to Saipan and Tinian, prompting the government to issue an alert. The Department of Public Health urged people with respiratory problems to remain indoors until the haze and odour are dispersed. Teachers and officials advised students to cover their mouths and noses when outside the classrooms. Boats are advised to avoid Anatahan Island. People were advised not to drink water that is contaminated with heavy ash fall.
More on Anatahan Volcano...
Volcanoes of Mariana Islands...

Wednesday 13th February 2008
Kanlaon Volcano, Philippines

A significant rise in volcanic earthquakes were measured at Kanlaon Volcano over the past week. This indicates the volcano is in a period of volcanic unrest. Ash explosions are possible without warning, and the public are advised to avoid the 4 km Permanent Danger Zone. The volcano has been raised from alert level 0 to 1 (on a scale of 0-5).
More on Kanlaon Volcano...
Volcanoes of Philippines...

Wednesday 13th February 2008
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Sulphur dioxide emissions at the summit of Kilauea volcano were more than more than 1,000 tonnes/day yesterday. This is the second highest emission rate measured at Kilauea summit since regular measurements were started in 1979. The National Park Service has closed all pullouts and parking areas in the south caldera due to hazardous gas emissions. Seismic tremor levels are elevated at Kilauea summit. Two small earthquakes were located beneath the summit area and on south flank faults.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...

Tuesday 12th February 2008
Cerro Prieto Volcano, Mexico
An earthquake swarm occurred under Cerro Prieto volcano in Mexico between 8-11 February. The seismic swarm began on 8 February 2008 at 11:12 pm (Pacific Time) with a magnitude 5.1 earthquake. A second magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred on 11 February 2008 at 10:29 am (Pacific Time) about 4 miles further south. Both events, were shallow, at a depth of less than 3 miles. Sixteen earthquakes greater than magnitude 3 have been recorded over 2.5 days. The two magnitude 5 earthquakes were tectonic, consistent with activity on the Cerro Prieto fault. Cerro Prieto geothermal field is located at the volcano, and there is evidence that earthquakes at the volcano may be related to fluid extraction at the field.
More on Cerro Prieto Volcano...
Volcanoes of Mexico...

Tuesday 12th February 2008
Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador
Ash from Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador has fallen on the city of Riobamba, 32 km away. Today there is ongoing emission of ash at the volcano.
More on Tungurahua Volcano...
Volcanoes of Ecuador...

Monday 11th February 2008
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

High levels of sulphur dioxide continue to be recorded at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Pullouts and parking areas have been closed on Crater Rim Drive on the south caldera. This includes southwest rift zone, south caldera pullout, and Halema`uma`u overlook parking area. Sulphur dioxide concentrations exceed 10 ppm for on Crater Rim Drive between the Halema`uma`u parking lot and the south caldera pullout. Along SE Rift Zone sulphur dioxide emissions are high at Pu`u `O`o crater, and lava flows present a hazard near Royal Gardens subdivision, and at 7/21 eruption site. Wao Kele o Puna and 7/21 eruption site remain closed.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...

Sunday 10th February 2008
Anatahan Volcano, Mariana Islands
Ash emissions occurred at Anatahan volcano in Mariana Islands today. Satellite images showed a plume extending 120 nautical miles NW of the volcano. This follows an increase in seismicity at the volcano since the end of last month.
More on Anatahan Volcano...
Volcanoes of Mariana Islands...

Sunday 10th February 2008
Cleveland Volcano, Alaska

Two pilots reported an eruption of Cleveland volcano in Alaska at 1630 hr, local time, on Friday 8th February. Ash reached 20,000 ft and drifted NW. A diffuse low-level plume was observed earlier in satellite images. There is no seismic monitoring at the volcano. Cleveland volcano had one eruption in 2007, and four in 2006.
More on Cleveland Volcano...
Volcanoes of USA...

Saturday 9th February 2008
Tshibinda Volcano, Democratic Republic of Congo

Update on February 3 earthquake under Tshibinda volcano.
There have been 7 confirmed deaths, 447 injured persons, and 58 persons are still in hospital in Bukavu. A total of 250 buildings were destroyed in Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe, Idjwi territories, and damage to 56 health facilities. Volcanologists are preparing a risk assessment of the volcano.
More on Tshibinda Volcano...
Volcanoes of Democratic Republic of Congo...

Friday 8th February 2008
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Lava from Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has resumed its advance towards Royal Gardens subdivision. Slowly advancing pahoehoe lava has overflowed from a new rootless shield, and is 2 miles from the subdivision.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...

Friday 8th February 2008
Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador
A new phase of eruptive activity occurred at Tungurahua volcano on 7th February. Since 1330 hr, local time, an eruption column reached 5km above the volcano, with a high ash content and roaring noises. Ashfall was reported in the surrounding areas. Volcanic tremor remains elevated for periods of an hour before falling to moderate levels. Satellite images show a hotspot at the volcano.
More on Tungurahua Volcano...
Volcanoes of Ecuador...

Thursday 7th February 2008
Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador
Another eruption occurred at Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador on the afternoon of 6th February, local time. The Geophysical Institute of Ecuador warns residents that further eruptions are possible. This follows two large eruptions which occurred earlier in the day.
More on Tungurahua Volcano...
Volcanoes of Ecuador...

Wednesday 6th February 2008
Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador
Two large eruptions occurred at Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador today, separated by 4 hours and 15 minutes. Ash emissions reached 47,000 ft altitude south of the volcano, and 27,000 ft altitude 125 nautical miles NW of the volcano. The eruptions were preceded by strong volcanic tremor at an intensity similar to that experienced in 2006. The Geophysical Institute in Ecuador received numerous phone calls by residents who heard very loud noises at the volcano. The eruption was accompanied by pyroclastic flows and 3 cm diameter pumice fell in surrounding areas. Due to cloud cover there were no visual observations of the eruption column, but satellite images recorded ash to a height of 10 km above the volcano.
More on Tungurahua Volcano...
Volcanoes of Ecuador...

Wednesday 6th February 2008
Llaima Volcano, Chile
Eruptions continue at Llaima Volcano in Chile. A lava flow has reached 1.5 km from the crater. Ash has been emitted to a height of 5000 m. Glacier melting has decreased. Residents who were evacuated on Sunday remain with relatives. There are restrictions on entry to Conguillìo National Park.
More on Llaima Volcano...
Volcanoes of Chile...

Monday 4th February 2008
Llaima Volcano, Chile
New eruptions at Llaima volcano in Chile have forced the evacuation of 20 residents. The volcano erupted last month, with spectacular lava fountains, and covering a national park with ash.
More on Llaima Volcano...
Volcanoes of Chile...

Sunday 3rd February 2008
Tshibinda Volcano, Democratic Republic of Congo

A large earthquake occurred under Tshibinda volcano today at 9:34 am , local time. The earthquake measured magnitude 6.0, and caused 7 deaths, with 250 injured. Tshibinda is a dormant volcano located in Democratic Republic of Congo, close to the border with Rwanda. A magnitude 5.0 aftershock was registered 3.5 hours later 16 km SE across the border in Rwanda.
More on Tshibinda Volcano...
Volcanoes of Democratic Republic of Congo...

Sunday 3rd February 2008
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Gas emissions remain elevated at the summit of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Since the beginning of January, sulphur dioxide levels have been 2-4 times background levels. SO2 concentrations exceed 10 ppm for approximately 200 m (650 ft) of the road between the Halema`uma`u parking lot and the south caldera pullout. Visitors should be alert for hazardous levels of gas in areas downwind of Halema`uma`u crater. Lava emission continues along the east rift zone, and still threaten Royal Gardens subdivision.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...

Sunday 3rd February 2008
Guagua Pichincha Volcano, Ecuador
Seven moderate phreatic explosions occurred at Guagua Pichincha Volcano in Ecuador on 1st February 2008. The explosions follow heavy rains which fell on the mountain in recent days. Over the past few weeks there was a small increase in activity at the volcano. The crater of Guagua Pichincha Volcano is 11 km from the center of Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
More on Guagua Pichincha Volcano...
Volcanoes of Ecuador...

Saturday 2nd February 2008
Anatahan Volcano, Mariana Islands
Over the past week there has been increasing levels of volcanic tremor at Anatahan volcano in Mariana Islands. A lake in east crater has disappeared, suggesting magma is rising close to the surface. Sulphur dioxide emissions are expected to increase.
More on Anatahan Volcano...
Volcanoes of Mariana Islands...