With Julie hiking Mount Saint Helens and my living between the world's most active and most maasive volcanoes, it seems to be a good idea for first hand experiences and learned-the-hard-way wisdom to be shared.

good topic, marcia!!!

Hi all Definitely true. I was wondering what it is like to live with volcanoes like Mayon where there is a permanent dangerzone. Mayon is a perfect stratovolcano rising off the fertile plain around Legaspi in the Philippines. Rob

Try Mexico City in the shadow of Popocat�petl or Tokyo with Mt Fuji. We have much to consider. Currently, in Hawaii, the State Forestry people and Park Rangers are still battling the brush fires started by the current lava flows going in new areas of the park.

i was wondering about that since i saw a glimpse of some volcanic activity on the news near the hilo area....i sure hope you're far from it!

Though it is about 50 miles from me by car whihc sounds close, it is on the other side of Kilauea from Hilo, so we are safe. Besides, a very wet rainforest exists between us and the summit and/or fire area, so though it sounds scary, it really isn't. If I get the birthday present I want, I'll see the eruption and take more pictures of it. Once a year hardly sounds like enough...

ooooooooooohhhhh!!!!!!! fingers are crossed for you, sweetie!

Right now, my life is so messed up, a volcano would be peaceful. Just wish me a peaceful birthday. Happiness will be delayed this year.

talk to me sweetie!! *HUGS*

It's the same thing over and over... but this time I may just "jump ship" and flee. Sorry I missed you on IM. Stuff has pretty much settled down again. Still it makes my insides hurt. Ulcers anyone?!

Hi all I have two (and a suspected third existing in geological theory)large stratoshield volcanoes near me but they are extinct. The 5000 feet between where the summit was and sea level has been eroded taking much of the magma chamber with it. These volcanoes have not erupted for least 5.8 million years, and since the magma chamber has been flooded for probably a couple million years, you can safely assume they are extinct. Marcia, dear. Take what time you can with Wolfie since things are decidely messy and you don't know when push will come to shove. Be careful, and scream if you need anything. *HUGS FROM ME AND JULIE*. Rob

I'll be ok. Thanks Rob. You are there in the middle of the night for me and I appreciated it. Back to our very NON-dormant volcano. I will thump on it and take it's temperature and other vital signs. I would really like to see some fountaining again. I have gotten spoiled in not being content to see just plain molten lava. Having my own volcano is very special. Especially when it is so safe to visit and appreciate. I'll be taking my digital camera with me. Now is when I need that strong telephoto lens that mine lacks.

oh sweetie girl!!! *****HUGS!!!!*****

HUGS back, Wolfie! It looks good for viewing on the 31st. This is today's eruption report : 0750 May 29 The west arm of the Mother's Day flow has broken into fairly open grassland and is now rapidly moving down Pulama pali. This morning at 0444, the broad front of the flow is about 250 m wide and down as low as the 950-foot elevation. Spectacular scenes of the rolling lava, flaming grass and brush, and flaring trees can be seen from the end of the Chain of Craters Road. The west arm is moving south-southeast and is now about 2.8 km from the road. Its front is close to, if not below, the historic Kalapana Trail that once was the main route between Kilauea's summit and Kalapana. The central and east arms of the flow (a simplification of the complex front) are moving southeastward toward the 1995 Jason flow. These arms have moved fairly swiftly during the past 24 hours, as they have encountered rather steep slopes on Pulama pali. Consequently they are nearly as low as the west arm, down to about 1000 feet or perhaps a little less. They remain in forest, their traces being best seen by the smoke and fire of burning vegetation. The Boundary flow remains dark this morning, though lava is feeding onto the coastal flat through one or more tubes. As of May 25, the front of the flow was about 1.8 km from the coastline. Another branch, which turns east at the foot of Pulama pali, is less active. On May 25, it had reached about 1.3 km east of the foot of the cascade down the pali and was adding more lava to the previously buried intersection of Lehua and Prince Streets in Royal Gardens. The HALP flow continues its slow advance into upper Royal Gardens subdivision. Glow from just above its front is plainly visible this morning. How far the flow has moved from the intersection of Warrior and Ekaha Streets is not known. The crater of Pu`u `O`o is dark this morning, though incandescent spatter cones were observed from the air yesterday. Seismicity across the volcano is at a background level. Volcanic tremor at Kilauea's summit is low, broken occasionally by short-lived long-period earthquakes. Pu`u `O`o has weak to moderate tremor. Tiltmeters are showing nothing unusual. http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/main.html

It is 31st. See these spectacular scenes but think Marcia first. Take care yourself Marcia. Stay far off an unforeseen event. John

My travel to the volcano is off until the first of the week. I have asked Mme Pele to please plan on more good things for me to photograph for you.

USGS volcano news June 6, 2002 - Eruptions and fires Lava is not fire. People sometimes talk about lava as fire, as in "fire fountain," "curtain of fire," and "river of fire." Most realize that these and similar terms are misleading and confusing metaphors, but bad habits are hard to break. Volcanologists are weaning themselves away from using the terms, and they are no longer used by HVO scientists in their publications. Lava is liquid rock, nothing else. Lava can, however, cause fire. In that sense, the two words are sometimes intertwined. The fire caused by the Mother's Day lava flow at Kilauea is an example. The fire owes its start to hot lava igniting vegetation. The lava didn't need a fire to get going, but the fire needed the lava's heat. The Pu`u `O`o eruption has caused many fires in the past 19 years, some fairly large but most of them small. The Kupukupu Fire, the name given by Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to the fire ignited by the Mother's Day lava flow, is the largest of the eruption, burning more than 1,480 hectares (3,660 acres) by June 4. But it is only the latest fire of the eruption. Each time lava enters even the tiniest vegetated kipuka, a fire is generated. Old-timers will recall the heroic efforts of the park to save the Naulu Forest and picnic area during the Mauna Ulu eruption in 1970-1972. Most of this forest, consisting almost entirely of native vegetation, eventually succumbed to the lava flows that spread downslope near and east of the Kealakomo shelter and overlook. The largest fire burned 1,300 hectares (3,200 acres) in 1972, but an earlier fire in 1970 took the real jewels. It was a sad day, indeed, when a large `ulu (breadfruit) tree, a landmark to those driving down the new Chain of Craters Road, was caught by the fire near the base of Holei Pali in 1970. Sad, perhaps, but perfectly natural. Lava has been starting fires since there was vegetation to light. Recent investigation into the past 1,500 years of Kilauea's eruptive history has uncovered evidence for a number of fires in the relatively dry area between the Hilina Pali Road and the Mauna Ulu lava flows. Some of these fires were almost certainly caused by lava flows, because charcoal is found directly under a flow or in a tree mold formed in a flow. Other old fires, however, have no certain cause, yet circumstantial evidence suggests a lava origin. For example, lots of charcoal in alluvial debris has radiocarbon ages from the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries. This was a time when lava flows were frequently erupting from the summit and upper east rift zone of Kilauea. The charcoal is found in deposits on top of, or beyond the ends of, these flows, so we can't really relate it to a particular flow or even to any eruption at all. Nonetheless, it is a logical inference that lava started the fires. There is even 1,300-year-old charcoal sitting near the ground surface and indicating an old fire possibly ignited by an explosive eruption of about that age. Fire is just one of many indirect consequences of eruptions. There are others that don't involve fire. For example, many readers will remember the problems at Kilauea 10-15 years ago with acid rain from vog leaching lead out of paint and solder. On a similar note, the upper part of the Ka`u Desert is largely an acid rain desert, caused indirectly by sulfur dioxide emitted in Halemaumau. At other volcanoes, mudflows are commonly disastrous indirect results of an eruption, although they can be direct as well. Volcanic ash can down high-flying jetliners that enter nearly invisible ash concentrations before they know it. On a larger scale, crop failures and short-term weather change can be consequences of very large eruptions. The Kupukupu Fire reminds us again that eruptions may pose significant problems above and beyond the area actually covered by lava or ash. The earth is a complex system, and even minor natural perturbations in that system can have indirect, often unexpected results. Eruption Update Eruptive activity of Kilauea Volcano continued unabated at the Pu`u `O`o vent during the past week. The "Mother's Day" lava flow is slowly advancing in the flats between Pulama pali and Paliuli with the distal end of the flow located 1.6 km (1 mi) above the Chain of Craters road. The two flows emanating from the "rootless" shields continue to be active. The lower flow along the National Park-Royal Gardens boundary is inflating and spreading on the coastal flats with only minimal movement toward the ocean. The higher flow that entered the top of Royal Gardens subdivision last week has one lobe moving down Prince past Pakalana and another between Prince and Royal approaching Pikake. At least four houses are in the probable path of the flow. There were no earthquakes reported felt during the week ending on June 6. This article was written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Alaska, Russian and Worldwide Volcanoes For updates on U.S. and Russian volcanoes see: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/update.html For updates on volcanoes worldwide see: http://www.volcano.si.edu/gvp/usgs/index.htm Carolyn Bell Acting Public Affairs Officer U.S. Geological Survey

Seafloor studies reveal a huge volcanic blast 2 million years ago Associated Press Scientists drilling into the ocean floor say they have found the first evidence of a giant volcanic eruption 2 million years ago on Oahu. A similar eruption could occur on the Big Island, according to one of the project leaders. The discovery by 15 scientists on the multinational Ocean Drilling Program expedition was reported this week by the Joint Oceanographic Institutions of Washington, D.C., which manages the program. The expedition known as Leg 200 was drilling a deep hole into the oceanic crust near Hawaii in December when evidence emerged of a "cataclysmic volcanic event," according to the report. The drilling penetrated two layers that had been blasted out to sea at temperatures nearly 400 degrees Fahrenheit, said Ralph Stephen, co-chief scientist of the project. "Our drilling results from Leg 200 indicate that this event was not merely a landslide, but a hot explosion," Stephen said. "The same process could happen again to the Big Island." The hole more than 180 miles northeast of Oahu eventually will house a deep-sea observatory with seismic and other geophysical, geochemical and microbiological monitoring devices. Volcanoes along the Hawaiian and Canary chains have been so steep that large segments collapse into huge landslides onto the ocean floor. Scientists say the Nuuanu landslide removed half of what was Oahu 2 million years ago. "The evidence indicates that this large landslide was associated with an explosive event similar to the Mount Saint Helens' eruption in Washington State in 1980, but was an order of magnitude (10 times) larger," Stephen said. Under normal conditions, volcanic magma is held in place, but when a landslide removes it, explosions send the hot magma into surrounding air and sea, he said. The drilling provided the first evidence that the landslide was accompanied by such explosions. Scientists are continuing to study material extracted during the drilling. The Ocean Drilling Program is an international partnership that is studying the evolution and structure of the Earth. Funding comes primarily from the U.S. National Science Foundation and its international partners.

************************************************************* New web-page: Commission on Mitigation of Volcanic Disasters ************************************************************* From: Giovanni Orsi A new web-page of the Commission for Mitigation of Volcanic Disasters of IAVCEI is online !!!!. The web-page is accessible either trough the IAVCEI web site or at http://www.ov.ingv.it/cmvd/index.htm. This site is intended to serve as a vehicle of communication between its members (professional volcanologists) and individuals or institutions (including laymen) interested in the reduction and mitigation of volcanic disasters. The leaders of this commission have decided to focus on hazard maps as they are the most important tool for designing monitoring systems, emergency plans as well as socio-economic development strategies for a given region. Unfortunately, for most active volcanoes in the world such maps do not exist. For this reason it is important to promote achievements in this direction with the introduction of the "Volcanic Hazard Information Project". As part of this project on the site you will find a World-wide Catalogue of Hazard and Risk Maps which are grouped according to geographic areas. Eventually, the Commission intends to help facilitate the production of a Volcanic Hazard Atlas for each area. The World-wide Catalogue of Hazard and Risk Maps is not just another catalogue of active volcanoes, rather a more specialised repository of technical information related to volcanic hazards and mitigation of volcanic disasters. This database is intended to be constantly updated and, although focussed mainly on technical information on hazard maps, includes information also on risk maps, geophysical and geochemical monitoring systems, populations at risk, volcanic alert systems, and civil defence mitigation programs. All individuals and members of an institution working on hazard and risk maps in a volcanic area are invited to contribute to the World-wide Catalogue of Hazard and Risk Maps and to the Volcanic Hazard Atlas. Giovanni Orsi ***************************************** Giovanni ORSI Osservatorio Vesuviano - I.N.G.V. Via Diocleziano, 328 80124 NAPOLI (Italia) Tel. +39 081 6108343 Fax +39 081 6108344 e-mail: orsi@ov.ingv.it web site: http://www.ov.ingv.it

Kilauea's Mother's Day lava flow eats Chain of Craters road: And falls into the sea:

Oh Terry, they are lovely! That is exactly what they look like and I can even smell and hear what it is like. Wouldn't you know - when I am 6000 miles away!

those are great pictures!! and marcia, these things always happen when we're away!! *HUGS*

Kilauea's mothers day present!

Alas, they closed the viewing road for Mother's Day because the lava was coming down too close to the road and heading for a vast area of what was available space to view. Thus I was not allowed down then, nor my birthday and I have not seen it since May 31, 2001 - a year and 2 months ago! There is little left of the coast road now. I wonder if we willbe able to watch it with such convenience again in the near future.

New Lava From Kilauea Volcano Entering the Sea USGS Web Site Features Daily Lava Flow Updates and Photographs Lava flows from the Pu`u `O`o vent on the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii are entering the sea and are rapidly adding new land to the coast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The USGS Web site http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/ features near real time lava flow updates as well as photographs. Detailed descriptions of lava flow and videos and photographs of lava breakouts, lava streams, and lava entering the ocean offer the public as well as scientists an opportunity to safely observe Kilauea's activity from their computers. Web site viewers can access the site daily and find out new information and see current photographs of Kilauea's lava flows. Kilauea Volcano has been erupting since Jan. 3, 1983. The current lava flows are arms of the larger lava flow that erupted earlier this year on Mother's Day (May 12). Since 1952, there have been 34 eruptions, and since 1983, eruptive activity has been nearly continuous. The eruption that began in 1983 continues at the cinder-and-spatter cone of Pu`u `O`o (high point on skyline). Kilauea is the youngest and southeastern-most volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Hawaiian name "Kilauea" means "spewing" or "much spreading," apparently in reference to the lava flows it erupts. The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to: describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life. ***USGS***

Oldest Volcanoes Discovered Tuesday 30th July 2002 Geologists in Brazil claim they have found the oldest volcanoes in the world. The pair are in the Amazon and date back 1.9 billion years. Professor Caetano Juliani of Sao Paulo University says the oldest previously known volcano was just 500 million years old. He told Estado de SP newspaper: "Usually old volcanoes are destroyed very fast, in a few million years." The volcanoes were found near the Tapajos and Jamanxin rivers. The larger of the two is 700 feet high and just over a mile in diameter at the base. The scientists expect the rocks to give up valuable information about the region's formation . (Ananova) http://www.volcanolive.com/volcanolive.html

Yucca Mountain Volcano Dangers Thursday 1st August 2002 A volcanic eruption at Yucca Mountain could do more damage than previously thought, possibly forcing radioactive waste from its burial site to the surface, according to a new study. If long-dormant volcanoes near the prospective high-level nuclear waste dump sprang back to life, molten rock could fill the repository deep beneath the Nevada desert within hours, said an article in the July issue of Geophysical Research Letters, a publication of the American Geophysical Union. Intense heat and pressure could cause some canisters of spent nuclear fuel that are to be buried at Yucca to rupture and allow radioactive material to flow toward the surface. Seven extinct volcanoes are within 27 miles but the last eruption was 80,000 years ago. Yucca project scientists calculate that the chance of one occurring within the waste repository over the next 10,000 years is one in 70 million. Last week Yucca was designated as the USA's lone long-term waste repository. It is scheduled to open in 2010. More on Yucca Mountain Volcanoes... Volcanoes of USA... Large Earthquake Hits Costa Rica and Panama (Magnitude 6.5) Thursday 1st August 2002 An earthquake of 6.5 magnitude shook Costa Rica on Tuesday evening, knocking down three houses and injuring at least two people, Costa Rica's national seismological service said. The quake, also felt in San Jose, was the strongest in the nation's south, near the border with Panama, where it also knocked out electricity in several communities. The earthquake was also felt in Panama, where communities near to the border with Costa Rica reported interrupted electricity and telephone service. There were no injuries reported. (Reuters) More on Costa Rica... More on Panama... Lava Enters Ocean at Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii) 19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano Wednesday 31st July 2002 Lava is entering the sea at two locations as of 30th July. Another arm of the Mother's Day lava flow (the Highcastle arm) is zeroing in on the remnant of the Chain of Craters Road in the Highcastle kipuka. At 0647hr, the front of the flow was in the grassy kipuka, about 150 m from the pavement. Small fires and methane explosions are taking place. The short stretch of roadway in the Highcastle kipuka, long cut off from the rest of the Chain of Craters Road, has been a landmark for years. It now appears in grave danger of being covered by lava. Lava entering the ocean entry at the West Highcastle entry, about 500 m southwest of the Highcastle kipuka, is confined to one place. Lava is dripping into the water from a height of some 5-7 m. The Wilipe`a entry is again mainly active on the west side of the new bench, the very spot the visitors can access most easily. Quite a crowd was on hand this morning before dawn to witness the numerous entry points, breakouts on the bench, and the play of rose to orange glow in the steam plume. (HVO) More on Kilauea volcano... Oldest Volcanoes Discovered Tuesday 30th July 2002 Geologists in Brazil claim they have found the oldest volcanoes in the world. The pair are in the Amazon and date back 1.9 billion years. Professor Caetano Juliani of Sao Paulo University says the oldest previously known volcano was just 500 million years old. He told Estado de SP newspaper: "Usually old volcanoes are destroyed very fast, in a few million years." The volcanoes were found near the Tapajos and Jamanxin rivers. The larger of the two is 700 feet high and just over a mile in diameter at the base. The scientists expect the rocks to give up valuable information about the region's formation . (Ananova) http://www.volcanolive.com/volcanolive.html

Kentucky Lava - July 2002- both sides of same 3 inch rock

It is most impressive full size which is about twice your monitor area. There are bits of shell and whatever ground rock it rolled over stuck in the matrix of the lava. I am certain it is the top of a VERY old a'a flow.

French Volcanologist Injured Friday 2nd August 2002 A French volcanologist was badly scalded when he tried to climb up the side of New Zealand's only mud volcano, on the eastern outskirts of Rotorua. The Frenchman had ignored a barrier around the volcano at Tikitere in the incident on Wednesday. He climbed over on to the volcano to take a closer look and get pictures inside the cone when the side of the vent collapsed under him. The injured man's wife ran for help, returning about 10 minutes later with park staff and a trained first-aider, who bathed the man's scorched legs and feet in a nearby cold-water stream. He was later taken to Rotorua Hospital. The man's weight had left a 60-70cm hole in the volcano's side, and boiling mud and water were still gushing from it yesterday. His wife said he had had a similar experience in Hawaii. About three weeks ago an Australian teenager suffered burns at Hell's Gate when he wandered off marked tracks into an active thermal area. (New Zealand Herald) More on volcanoes of New Zealand... More on Mud Volcanoes... Update on Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii) 19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano Friday 2nd August 2002 The Mother's Day flow on Pulama pali is putting one of the most awesome displays of the flow in some time, according to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory. West Highcastle has a sparkly breakout covering a large part of the bench and a couple of lava falls from the front of the bench into the water. Yucca Mountain Volcano Dangers Thursday 1st August 2002 A volcanic eruption at Yucca Mountain could do more damage than previously thought, possibly forcing radioactive waste from its burial site to the surface, according to a new study. If long-dormant volcanoes near the prospective high-level nuclear waste dump sprang back to life, molten rock could fill the repository deep beneath the Nevada desert within hours, said an article in the July issue of Geophysical Research Letters, a publication of the American Geophysical Union. Intense heat and pressure could cause some canisters of spent nuclear fuel that are to be buried at Yucca to rupture and allow radioactive material to flow toward the surface. Seven extinct volcanoes are within 27 miles but the last eruption was 80,000 years ago. Yucca project scientists calculate that the chance of one occurring within the waste repository over the next 10,000 years is one in 70 million. Last week Yucca was designated as the USA's lone long-term waste repository. It is scheduled to open in 2010. Lava Enters Ocean at Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii) 19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano Wednesday 31st July 2002 Lava is entering the sea at two locations as of 30th July. Another arm of the Mother's Day lava flow (the Highcastle arm) is zeroing in on the remnant of the Chain of Craters Road in the Highcastle kipuka. At 0647hr, the front of the flow was in the grassy kipuka, about 150 m from the pavement. Small fires and methane explosions are taking place. The short stretch of roadway in the Highcastle kipuka, long cut off from the rest of the Chain of Craters Road, has been a landmark for years. It now appears in grave danger of being covered by lava. Lava entering the ocean entry at the West Highcastle entry, about 500 m southwest of the Highcastle kipuka, is confined to one place. Lava is dripping into the water from a height of some 5-7 m. The Wilipe`a entry is again mainly active on the west side of the new bench, the very spot the visitors can access most easily. Quite a crowd was on hand this morning before dawn to witness the numerous entry points, breakouts on the bench, and the play of rose to orange glow in the steam plume. (HVO) Congo Eruption Threatens Animals Tuesday 30th July 2002 A large plume of ash over Mount Nyimuragira, which erupted on Thursday, poses no immediate danger to man, but may hurt animals west of the volcano, Dario Tedesco, the resident volcanologist of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said on Sunday. Reporting on the activity of Nyimuragira and the nearby Mount Nyiragongo, he said Nyiamuragira�s eruptions were continuing to produce "huge quantities" of ash, which was being blown in a westerly direction. These ashes contained "extremely sharp" glassy needles and other particles, often eaten by cows and other animals, he said, and were responsible for stomach haemorrhage leading to death. He also warned that harvests might be in endangered in "all regions" in the path of ash clouds, and by local acid rain. However, he said there were no reports of danger to the quality of water in the area. But villagers living downwind of the direction of the plumb could suffer eye irritations due to halogens and sulphur, and particularly fluorine. Others might suffer breathing problems associated with the heavy ash emissions. Scientists said there were gas discharges and "large amounts" of magma close to the nearby Mount Nyiragongo, which last erupted on 17 January, causing extensive damage to the lakeside town of Goma. That eruption caused thousands of people to flee, some to neighbouring Rwanda. (IRIN) More on Nyimuragira volcano... http://www.volcanolive.com/volcanolive.html

How the lava viewing got to be so great - KILAUEA The past two weeks have been exceptional for viewers of Kilauea's lava flows. Both colorful and convenient, the flows have drawn visitors to the island and attracted many residents as well. How did this happen? Everything started on Mother's Day, May 12, when a new vent opened near the southwest base of Pu`u `O`o. This area had not been the site of a previous vent, but nearby areas hosted many small vents during the past several years. The Mother's Day flow poured southwest into the nearest forest, turned south-southeast, and began its long, slow descent through the forest to the coastal flat below Paliuli. Along the way, the flow started the 3,600-acre Kupukupu fire, which burned throughout much of June and has had flare-ups since. By early June, lava had crossed the Kalapana Trail and almost reached the top of Paliuli. A park trail was readied for the time when the lava would pour down the pali onto the coastal flat and be easily accessible to visitors. Lava cascades started down Paliuli on the night of June 9-10, 1.5 km (1 mile) from the coast. For the next five-and-a-half weeks, the flow fed by the cascades slowly worked its way across the coastal flat, feinting this way and that, first to the west, then to the east, then in the middle. By June 25, an arm had moved along the west side of the 1995 flow to within 450 m (1,500 feet) of the Chain of Craters Road. It looked as if the flow were going to continue, and several small buildings at the end of the road were moved. But the threatening flow stagnated, and all activity became concentrated in the central and eastern parts of the 1-km-wide (0.6-mile-wide) flow front. By June 30, the leading edge of the flow was 1 km (3,300 feet) from water; by July 5, 800 m (2,600 feet); by July 10, 550 m (1,800 feet); and by July 15, 400 m (1,300 feet). Then, two fingers of the eastern lobe really took off. The west finger led on July 16-18, but the east rapidly closed in and was only 10 m (30 feet) shy on the 18th. That evening, a final push sent lava from the east arm into the ocean, at a place we now call West Highcastle. Meanwhile, a rapidly developing western arm of the flow was surging seaward, along the general route of the June threat. By morning of July 19, its front was 700 m (2,300 feet) from the Chain of Craters Road. The front moved 400 m (1,300 feet) in the next 20 hours and then 300 m (1,000 feet) in the next 12 hours, crossing the road in the early evening. Fortunately, the park had just enough time to move the building over the lua before it was destroyed. The lava quickly poured the next 230 m (750 feet) and entered the water in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 21, at a place known as Wilipe`a. The Wilipe`a entry quickly built a large bench, which at this writing reaches about 90 m (300 feet) offshore and is 470 m (1,540 feet) wide along the shore line. Visitors have outstanding viewing across the west end of the bench with favorable wind. If stinging acidic steam covers that area, visitors can take a marked trail across the warm flow to an upwind vantage point on the east side of the bench. Talk about a media splash! Amid the many truths, one misconception stands out. The flow is NOT the most dangerous in years. Lava flows have been entering the water off and on for the past 16 years, and each had a similar set of hazards. The current activity is not exceptional, but it is easily accessible. More people are therefore at risk, but the hazards they face are no greater than before. The difference between hazard (a natural process or event) and risk (the impact on society) is often confused. To the individual, there is no greater danger than before. To society, there are more people observing the entry, so there is more chance of someone getting hurt. How long will the great viewing last? Probably not long, so enjoy it while you can! Eruption Update Eruptive activity of Kilauea Volcano continued unabated at the Pu`u `O`o vent during the past week. As mentioned above, both the West Highcastle and Wilipe`a ocean entries of the Mother's Day flow are active and forming benches. More than seven acres of new land have been mapped in the first 10 days since lava reentered the ocean, and the area is rapidly increasing and adding to the size of the island. Lava viewing is spectacular, and the National Park Service is allowing visitors to hike out and get up close to the active flows. The eastern Boundary flow emanating from the "rootless" shields remains prominent. Two incandescent streams are seen on Pulama pali from just above to one-third of the way down. Two earthquakes were reported felt during the week ending on August 1. A resident on Kama`ili Road in Puna felt an earthquake at 6:33 p.m. on July 25. The magnitude-2.4 earthquake was located 5 km (3 mi) north of `Opihikao at a depth of 5.9 km (3.5 mi). A magnitude-2.0 earthquake located 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Pa`auilo at a depth of 8.1 km (5 mi) was felt by a resident of Papa`aloa at 7:52 p.m. on July 30. This article was written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory PO Box 51, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 Phone (808) 967-7328 FAX (808) 967-8890 Carolyn Bell Public Affairs Specialist U.S. Geological Survey Mail Stop 119 National Center

I am delighted to announce this website is ready for the world to see. I was fortunate enough to see it in its infancy. http://www.volcano.si.edu/gvp/

A volcano on NBC News tonight. "It is a lava junkies paradise in Hawaii. Kilua's most dramatic performance in years. It's drawing 2500 visitors a day. Don Swanson was interviewed about the dangers of people walking oout on the shelves.

Stay back of the ranger lines and you will be perfectly safe. They are there for your protection and they are not keeping you from seeing it. They are trying to keep you alive! Enjoy! (I'll be back there by the end of the month so it will stop before then!) I did see a photo and caption in ARCHAEOLOGY magazinel about making corn impressions on fresh lava by laying dried ears in front of the flows. I wonder if it worked.

The eruption continues at Kilauea. For update and wonderful pictures http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/main.html

Some great shots of volcanoes from satellites! http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/default.htm This sequence of ASTER nighttime thermal images shows the Pu'u O'o lava flows entering the sea at Kamokuna on the southeast side of the Island of Hawaii. Each image covers an area of 9 x 12 km. The acquisition dates are April 4 2000, May 13 2000, May 22 2000 (upper row) and June 30 2000, August 1 2000 and January 1 2001 (lower row). Thermal band 14 has been color coded from black (coldest) through blue, red, yellow and white (hottest). The first 5 images show a time sequence of a single eruptive phase; the last image shows flows from a later eruptive phase.

Oooh! I had not seen them before. Thanks for posting them. Lovely! Imagine what it must have been like at ground level ! That was my last chance to go and they closed the viewing to the public until the eruption stablized. This is the usual process done for eruptions.

Truly amazing stuff. "Spigots are turned on, and lava pours into ocean off front of Highcastle Stairs bench. Each spigot is mouth of small lava tube within bench": Front of bench: The stairs a few days ago:

Terry's pictures and more http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/main.html Today's activity update sounds like more and vigorous flows are being emitted from around Pu'u 'O'o and will make for even more spectacular photos in the days to come.

Which Hawaii volcano is coming to life after decades?

See what happened when Marcia left Hawaii. Madame Pele is sending a farewell, maybe.

Marcia left Hawaii? I have a lot of catching up to do.

Etna erupting. http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=651326D8-37F2-4E42- A29678B740A829CC

Mauna Loa is reactivating... Yes, wouldn't you know! Two active volcanoes and I am in the oldest stuff on the continent.

Hidden island off Sicily may reappear Monday, November 25, 2002 Posted: 12:20 PM EST (1720 GMT) ROME, Italy (Reuters) -- A volcanic island submerged off the coast of Sicily for the last 170 years could reappear in the coming weeks if furious seismic rumblings continue, Italy's chief seismologist said Monday. "We've seen Etna erupting, seismic activity to the north and east of Sicily and gas activity around the Aeolian Islands," Enzo Boschi, head of Italy's Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, said. "The island could come back to the surface, but we'll have to wait and see ... It could be a few weeks or months." Diplomatic spat could resurface Formed by the tip of a submerged volcano, the island last popped up in 1831, sparking a diplomatic spat among several nations, before it sank beneath the Mediterranean waves six months later. The volcano's peak now sits just 26 feet under water about 19 miles south of Sicily, near Tunisia. "We are monitoring things very closely," Boschi said. "The process could begin at any time ... It would be a very beautiful and fascinating event." Over the centuries, the island has emerged four times, with underwater volcanic eruptions first recorded during the first Punic War of 264-241 BC. The last emergence on July 2, 1831, caused months of international wrangling with four nations making territorial claims including Britain, Spain and the Bourbon court of Sicily. Call it what you will The rock, which rose some 213 feet above the surface and had a circumference of about three miles, emerged for six months, giving the British time to claim it as Graham Island, while Sicily's King Ferdinand II called it Ferdinandea. Scientists refer to it as Graham Bank, but Italians still call it Ferdinandea. This time, Sicilian divers have gone down and planted a flag on the rock in the hope of claiming it as Italian the moment it rises above the surface, Boschi said. While it may not spark the same diplomatic spat as 171 years ago if it emerges, there could well be a new claimant. "I'm sure the European Union will want it as a member, won't they?" Boschi said. Here's the link: http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/science/11/25/italy.island.reut/index.html

Ooh Cheryl! Many thanks for finding that article about the hidden volcano. Volcanoes are pretty hard to hide! Even when Mauna Loa decided to erupt just after the invasion of Pearl Harbor. No one would admit it was happening lest the Japanese planes use it as a beacon to do more damage to Hawaii.

I didn't know that Mauna Loa erupted shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story about no one admitting that it was erupting is fascinating. You're right, though. It is really hard to hide an erupting volcano.

Makes you wonder who Mme Pele was rooting for.It is still referred to as the "secret" eruption. Secret from NO ONE!!!

Stromboli Volcano (Italy) Italian rescue workers set up a satellite-linked early warning system on Stromboli Sunday amid fears the volcanic island off the toe of Italy could trigger another Tsunami. Volcanic activity on Stromboli caused a tsunami on Monday that crashed into a coastal village, injuring three people, damaging several homes and overturning boats. The risk of further landslides and thus of another anomalous wave cannot be excluded. Rescue workers have launched a buoy equipped with sensors a short distance off the coast of Stromboli that is designed to sound the alarm if a tidal wave starts to form. Semeru Volcano (Indonesia) Semeru volcano is currently showing a high level of activity. Seismic record on 1 January 2003 are : 88 events of explosion earthquake, 18 events of avalanche earthquake. Volcano Tours for 2003 Join us on expedition to the great erupting volcanoes of the world. In 2003 we are travelling to Italy, Hawaii, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Indonesia. You are welcome to join a trip. See www.volcanolive.com/travel.html for full details. John Seach Volcano Live www.volcanolive.com NSW, Australia

An interesting and amusing discussion of Hollywood "Volcano movies" plus a whole lot of good links: http://geology.about.com/library/weekly/aa042797.htm

There were a lot of them weren't there? I remember some but can't recall their names right now. Which ones do you like, Marci?

I am partial to the one for Jack Lockwood was the volcanologist and technical advisor. I think it was "Dante's Peak." One has to suspend science for the sake of the story. My first viewing of the volcano movies were with a small group of young volcanologists. They were more fun to listen to than the movie. In that vein, when Don and I watched anything archaological, we agreed that we will suspend critical comments on the technical aspects. However, a few are so funny we can't help it. By the way, Indiana Jones does not respresent the usual archaeologist's pursuits, thank goodness.

Joe vs The Volcano Dante's Peak Volcano ...are the three that come to mind.

***************************** Kilauea 20th Anniversary ***************************** From: Stephen James O'Meara Kilauea 20th Anniversary FYI: The National Geographic Society has a PHOTO GALLERY of images of Kilauea Volcano up at: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/01/photogalleries/kilauea/index.ht ml and a news story comemmorating the 20th year of eruption at: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/01/0102_030103_kilauea.html ***************************** New volcano show at NGC ***************************** From: Stephen James O'Meara Please note this new National Geographic Television program will air Monday January 27, 2003 at 4Pm EST: see Ad Below or click on the web addresses to read more about the programs: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL--TELEVISION Inside Base Camp with Steve & Donna O'Meara For the past 20 years, this married couple has gathered scientific data on eruptions, a very risky business. Volcanologists are at least three times more likely to be killed in the line of duty than New York City cops. Send Yourself a Program Reminder If you would like to be reminded one day before this particular episode is going to air, click on the website below--then click on the icon by the specific tv program. 4 p.m. Monday : January 27, 2003 For more details click on this website; http://www.nationalgeographic.com/channel/ET/daily/20030127.html Read about at These National Geographic Society websites: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/01/0102_030103_kilauea.html http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/02/0215_020215_volcanohunter.ht ml http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/explorer/exp021702.html OR View the O'Meara's VOLCANO Photo Gallery at: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/01/photogalleries/kilauea/index .html http://db2.photoresearchers.com/cgi-bin/query.cgi?api=100967797&row=4&col=4& pg=1 http://www.volcanoworld.org/

Has anyone heard of a 7.6 earthquake in Mexico City? Sounds very bad. They have not repaired everything from the last one.

Hi all No, but a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked the Solomon Islands last night. No casualties, but some damage. Rob

I know it was a while since this came into the conversation, but does any one else remember "Krakatoa; East of Java"? Not sure who did the effects, but it was like a combination of Ray Harryhausen and Irwin Allen. Good for its time. As to the Earthquakes, The South had one recently, if you can believe it. But most people were so dense and dull that it went mostly unnoticed!

I remember it. Actually, it is WEST of Java, but the author got it wrong and so is history changed.

Eruption Space Station Science Picture of the Day for May 23, 2003 Tiny Anatahan Island is blanketed in ash. Its only inhabitants--thousands of feral goats and wild pigs--have perished. A churning plume of brown smoke reaches 4 miles into the air. International Space Station (ISS) science officer Ed Lu saw it first. PICTURE AND INFO at http://science.nasa.gov/ppod/y2003/23may_eruption.htm?list89800

First historic eruption of Mariana volcano Anatahan. On 10 May, Mariana Island volcano Anatahan was seen erupting ash on satellite imagery, which would be the first historic eruption of this volcano. Volcanic cloud reached an estimated 44,000 feet a.s.l. (~13.4km a.s.l.). Hot spot on satellite imagery. Source: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/Volc_ash_recent.shtml Anatahan began erupting around 9 p.m. on 10 May. A large red-brown cloud rose at least 6km, and there was a red pulsating glow over the island as well. Fortunately the winds are blowing the ash away from inhabited islands for now. This report mentions some sort of increased activity in 1990 of which I have no knowledge. Restless? Eruption? Unclear. Current eruption was still ongoing on 11 May. Source: http://www.guampdn.com/news/stories/20030512/localnews/283954.html Photo: http://www.guampdn.com/news/stories/20030512/localnews/283954-photos.html#1

New Spring source of information on volcanoes, with a link to Geo very prominent. http://stonedom.com/Geology/Volcanoes/ Hopefully, this will drive more traffic to Geo and to Stonedom.

Excellent, Terry. Thanks for telling us about it.

********************************** MVO activty report, 14 July 2003 ********************************** Soufriere Hills Volcano - Activity Report - 14th July 2003 Activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has been high with a major dome collapse and explosive activity. The hybrid swarm that began on Wednesday 9th July slowly intensified, with events becoming larger and more closely spaced. By 07:00* on the 12th of July, the events had merged into a continuous tremor signal. A period of prolonged and heavy rainfall occurred between 06:00 and 09:00, causing mudflows in the Belham Valley. Pyroclastic flow activity in the Tar River Valley began with a moderate-sized flow at 06:53. A series of similar-sized pyroclastic flows occurred in the Tar River Valley throughout the morning. Initially the flows were quite pale and weakly convective. The first pyroclastic flow reached the sea at 10:45. Flow activity increased slowly through the afternoon until it became almost continuous. Flows also occurred in Tuitt's Ghaut and White's Ghaut. The activity picked up markedly at 18:27, with more energetic pyroclastic flows. The level of activity fluctuated thereafter, with several smaller pyroclastic flows in the Tar River Valley, before escalating again at 20:05 with a phase of near-continuous pyroclastic flows. The flows increased in size and several surges traveled 2km over the sea at the mouth of the Tar River Valley. Pyroclastic flows also reached the sea in White's Ghaut and the Spanish Point area. These flows resulted in heavy fall out of ash and accretionary lapilli, particularly between Sa em and Woodlands. A number of explosive events took place during this collapse, with the largest occurring between 23:00 and midnight. Showers of rock fragments fell over the island, with dense clasts up to 40mm across falling at the MVO and up to 16mm at Lookout Yard. The Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) provided a column height of 48-50,000 feet for this event. The activity persisted at a high level until around 02:00 on the 13th of July before subsiding slowly. Heavy ash fall and fall of rock fragments was experienced over all the inhabited parts of Montserrat. The ash fall deposit was 115mm thick at Lime Kiln Bay. The ash burden resulted in the collapse of several wooden buildings in the Salem area. Vegetation damage was extensive with downed trees and branches broken from many others. Many birds were killed by the ash or trapped alive in it. Ash fall from this event was reported from Nevis, St Kitts, Anguilla and St Maarten, and resulted in the closure of several airports. At 09:10 on July 13th an explosive eruption occurred, following two hours of very low seismic activity. The eruption column was largely obscured due to the low cloud cover, but it was been pale in colour and did not collapse. Fallout of lithic clasts and pumice followed a few minutes later with pumice fragments up to 65mm in length falling in Lime Kiln Bay. The Washington VAAC provided a column height of 40,000 feet for this explosion. A second explosion occurred at 01:15 on July 14th. The dome and deposits were seen during a helicopter flight this morning. A large collapse scar has formed in the dome directed down the Tar River Valley. The western limit of the scar could not be seen, but the northern and southern walls of the scar are around 850m above sea level. The Tar River Valley is extensively modified and eroded with a deep canyon gouged by the pyroclastic flows. The fan has been extended eastwards into the sea and northwards along the coast. North of Tar River Valley to Killyhawk Ghaut has been devastated. Between Killyhawk Ghaut and Whites Ghaut the vegetation has been burnt and there is thick ash accumulation, but it does not appear to have been violently surged. Large pyroclastic flows have filled the lower reaches of Whites Bottom Ghaut with deposits and impacted Spanish Point. The MVO and our collaborators from Arkansas suffered significant equipment loses in the activity. The continuous GPS stations at Hermitage and White's Yard and the remote digital camera at White's Yard were destroyed in the event. The broadband seismometer at Long Ground survived. * All time in this report are Montserrat local time (GMT -4:00) 4 pm, 14th July 2003

Fall 2003 AGU session - "The Growth and Collapse of Hawaiian Volcanoes" We would like to announce a Fall 2003 AGU session, "The Growth and Collapse of Hawaiian Volcanoes" (see session summary below). Results of new research on Hawaiian and other ocean island volcanoes, especially research that builds upon the pioneering work of Jim Moore, are welcomed. The electronic abstract submission deadline is 4 September 2003, 1400 UT. Session summary: V02 The Growth and Collapse of Hawaiian Volcanoes The Hawaiian Islands are the most studied hot spot-related ocean island chain on Earth, and recent work on the submarine flanks of the islands has revealed much about their internal structure and development. Giant submarine landslides off island flanks, as well as less catastrophic volcano spreading and slumping processes, are now recognized as integral to the life cycles of the islands. Volcaniclastic sedimentation during island building, interplay between volcano growth and subsidence, and the formation of rift zones play important roles as well. James Moore has led the way in pinpointing many of the critical processes outlined above. In this session we solicit abstracts that present new results on all aspects of volcano growth, structure, and deformation that build on his fundamental contributions to our understanding of the development of the Hawaiian Islands, as well as other ocean island volcanoes. Conveners: Michelle L Coombs, USGS Menlo Park, CA, USA, email: mcoombs@usgs.gov Barry Eakins, USGS Menlo Park, CA, USA, email: beakins@usgs.gov Eiichi Takahashi, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan

GOMA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY Volcano Activities : During all this 3 months period, volcanic activity has been concentrated inside the Nyiragongo crater : an almost permanently boiling lava lake occupies the crater at the depth of 700m. If the level of the lake inside the crater seems to remain constant, its size is slowly growing due to collapses of the active pit walls. Degassing remains also very important marked by a large gas plume above the crater. This plume is generally deported to the West by the prevailing winds and extends on several tens of km. Impact of this permanent activity on the environment becomes to be quite important : inside the National Park a 50 km2 area of forest is totally destroyed by volcanic gases and acid rains, a zone with 50% destruction extends on more than 700 km2 with important impact on crops (potatoes, corn, beans, bananas). In the same areas important pollution by Fluoride was also detected and in several localities water tanks collecting rain water are showing F concentrations up to 23 mg/l (WHO tolerance = 1.5 mg/l). GVO, with several partners, has initiated a survey of the impact of the permanent volcano activity. Seismology : In the Nyiragongo area, long period events are commonly detected but at reduced number, and mainly located at the NW and SW of the volcano. The activity is largely dominated by permanent tremor generated by the activity of the lava lake. In the Nyamulagira area, seismicity is dominated by long period events, localized along a NNE-SSW direction on the main fracture between Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo volcano. Intermittent swarms of longs period seism (60 to 80 events each time) occurred on Nyamulagira twice or three times a week. A more important swarm was observed on July 23 (100 long period events). This activity remained fairly stable for the whole period. Some fracturation earthquakes are always occurring : they are mainly located in the South of Nyiragongo volcano (North of Lake Kivu ) and at the North-East of volcano Nyamulagira Deformation : No noticeable change has been recorded along the fracture system. Temperature Monitoring : No noticeable change has been measured in the different points under survey. Goma Volcano Observatory Activities: This period has been a quite important one for the activities of GVO. The routine work of surveillance plus the visits on top of Nyiragongo have been maintained on a regular basis. At the same time, it has been several important improvements at GVO : - Mr Kasereka Mahinda C�lestin has been elected as Director of the Department of Geophysics (CRSN) and Chief Scientist of GVO - Two researchers from GVO team have followed the CSAV session in Hawaii and later have participated to the congress �Cities on Volcanoes� (Hilo � Hawaii) plus the special �Nyiragongo Workshop� held at this occasion. - One researcher has made a stay in Italy, on the volcano Etna, to improve his skills in deformation monitoring. - Another researcher has made a stay in the University of Florence, for some geochemical laboratory training, and later participated to a sampling campaign on the Eolian Islands volcanoes. - A new deformation surveillance network has been established on the south flank of the volcano and across the rift, with 9 benchmarks built on the field. GVO has also been donated with the whole equipment (EDM bases, reflective prisms targets, etc�) Two complete measurements of the network have been realized and are showing very good accuracy in the measures. Two tiltmeter stations have been installed on South and East flanks of the volcano. - A new telemetered seismic network (7 seismometers 3 components) has also been deployed through our traditional seismic stations. So far, five of the seven stations are already radio-connected to GVO and are working in real-time. Another campaign, planned for February 2004, will complete the network and install a radio repetitor for a best coverage of the area. - On June / July 2003, a main expedition has been organized on volcano Nyiragongo. The inner crater walls being equipped with fixed ropes and a powered winch, it has been possible to put a small camp on the second platform, 300m below the crater rim. From there, scientists have been able to sample high temperatures fumaroles (D.Tedesco � O.Vaselli) but also fresh lava from the active lava lake (J.Durieux). Results will be published in separate papers.

What's the closest volcano to your new digs, Marci?

Wow...... active or extinct? I guess The Soufriere Hills on Montserrat are the closest now.

The New Madrid fault is the closest world hazard.

Are you going to be visiting any Kentucky caves? Or other geological formations?

We were at Mammoth Cave last month on the way to Bowling Green for a conference, but only did the entrance and I decided to try it on a less tight schedule. The hike down in and back up again is more than a casual stroll. I do want to see it, though. That whole area is full of caves.

Actually, most of our time is devoted to writing and editing the book in progress. It sounds prosaic, but it is a very exciting happening to us, and this book will be very important to the local literature. Hopefully, we publish it with the idea of stimulating further research and publishing. This part of archaeology has not been covered at all till now.

****************************************** GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report 19-25 November 2003 ****************************************** New Activity/Unrest KAVACHI Solomon Islands 9.02�S, 157.95�E; summit elev. -32 m (submarine) An observer from The Wilderness Lodge reported that a 15-m-high island formed at Kavachi during an eruptive cycle 3 months prior to a visit on 16 November. By 16 November the summit had reduced to ~32 m below sea level. No evidence of volcanic activity was observed during the 3 previous months, which is the first time this has occurred in 4 years of observation. Background. Kavachi, one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the SW Pacific, occupies an isolated position in the Solomon Islands far from major aircraft and shipping lanes. Kavachi, sometimes referred to as Rejo te Kvachi ("Kavachi's oven"), is located S of Vangunu Island only 30 km N of the site of subduction of the Indo-Australian plate beneath the Pacific plate. The shallow submarine basaltic-to-andesitic volcano has produced ephemeral islands up to 150 m long at least eight times since its first recorded eruption during 1939. The roughly conical volcano rises from water depths of 1.1-1.2 km on the N and greater depths to the S. Source: The Wilderness Lodge http://www.thewildernesslodge.org/news&updates.htm Kavachi information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0505-06= Ongoing Activity COLIMA western M�xico 19.514�N,103.62�W; summit elev. ~3,850 m; All times are local (= UTC - 5 hours) A subtle ash plume, visible in satellite imagery, was emitted from Colima on 18 November at 1900 and rose to ~5.5 km a.s.l. Background. The Colima volcanic complex is the most prominent volcanic center of the western Mexican Volcanic Belt. It consists of two southward-younging volcanoes, Nevado de Colima (the 4,320 m high point of the complex) on the N and the historically active Volc�n de Colima on the S. Volc�n de Colima (also known as Volc�n Fuego) is a youthful stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km- wide caldera, breached to the S, that has been the source of large debris avalanches. Major slope failures have occurred repetitively from both the Nevado and Colima cones, and have produced a thick apron of debris-avalanche deposits on three sides of the complex. Frequent historical eruptions have mostly originated from Colima's summit crater. The current eruptive episode began in November 1998 and has included summit lava-dome growth, block lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and intermittent explosive activity. Source: Washington VAAV http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html Colima information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1401-014= DUKONO Halmahera, Indonesia 1.70�N, 127.87�E; summit elev. 1,185 m; All times are local (= UTC + 9 hours) Satellite imagery showed ash plumes emitted from Dukono on 19 November at 1403, 20 November at 0713, and 21 November at 1428, extending ~185 km NE, ~170 km NE, and ~150 km ESE, respectively. A possible ash plume was observed on 22 November at 1349. All plumes were below ~3 km a.s.l. Background. Reports from this remote volcano in northernmost Halmahera are rare, but Dukono has been one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. More-or- less continuous explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, occurred since 1933 until at least the mid-1990s, when routine observations were curtailed. During a major eruption in 1550, a lava flow filled in the strait between Halmahera and the N-flank cone of Gunung Mamuya. Dukono is a complex volcano presenting a broad, low profile with multiple summit peaks and overlapping craters. Malupang Wariang, 1 km SW of Dukono's summit crater complex, contains a 700 x 570 m crater that has also been active during historical time. Source: Darwin VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/AU/messages.html Dukono information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0608-01= FUEGO Guatemala 14.47�N, 90.88�W; summit elev. 3,763 m Small explosive eruptions at Fuego produced gas-and-ash plumes up to 1.2 km above the crater. During the night of 18-19 November moderate-sized avalanches were observed in the upper Santa Teresa and Trinidad ravines. Night-time incandescence at the summit was common during the week. Periods of harmonic tremor, lasting between 0.5-3 hours, were recorded on 23 November, and almost continuous harmonic tremor was recorded for a period of 21 hours on 24 November. Background. Fuego, one of Central America's most active volcanoes, is one of three large stratovolcanoes overlooking Guatemala's former capital, Antigua. Collapse of the ancestral Meseta volcano about 8,500 years ago produced a massive debris avalanche that traveled about 50 km onto the Pacific coastal plain. Growth of the modern Fuego volcano followed, continuing the southward migration of volcanism that began at Acatenango, the northern twin volcano of Fuego. Frequent vigorous historical eruptions have been recorded since 1524 and have produced major ashfalls, along with occasional pyroclastic flows and lava flows. The last major explosive eruption from Fuego took place in 1974, producing spectacular pyroclastic flows visible from Antigua. Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia http://www.insivumeh.gob.gt/geofisica/boletin%20formato.htm Fuego information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1402-09= KARYMSKY Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 54.05�N, 159.43�E; summit elev. 1,536 m During 15-21 November, intermittent explosive eruptions at Karymsky produced gas-and-ash plumes that rose to 1.5-2 km above the crater. Karymsky remained at Concern Color Code Orange . Background. 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. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory Karymsky information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-13= KILAUEA Hawaii, USA 19.43�N, 155.29�W; summit elev. 1,222 m Minor surface lava flows were observed upslope of Kilauea�s coastal plain the week of 19-25 November. Small amounts of inflation and deflation were recorded through the week with sharp deflation beginning at both Uwekahuna and Pu`u O`o early on the morning of 25 November. Moderate, shallow seismicity was recorded beneath the summit, and moderate-to-high seismicity occurred beneath Pu`u O`o. Background. 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 by lava flows less than about 1,100 years old; 70% of the volcano's surface is younger than 600 years. The latest Kilauea eruption began in January 1983 along the E rift zone. This long-term ongoing eruption from Pu`u `O`o-Kupaianaha has produced lava flows that have traveled 11-12 km from the vents to the sea, paving about 104 km2 of land on the S flank of Kilauea and building more than 200 hectares of new land. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/update.html Kilauea Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1302-01- KLIUCHEVSKOI Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 56.06�N, 160.64�E; summit elev. 4,835 m Strombolian activity was observed at Kliuchevskoi on 14-15 November. During 14- 15 and 18 November, gas-and-ash plumes rose to ~2.5 km above the crater and extended more than 10 km W, E, and NE. During 15-20 November, seismic activity continued to be above background levels with 75 shallow M 1.9-2.5 earthquakes and many small, shallow earthquakes recorded. Kliuchevskoi remained at Concern Color Code Orange . Background. 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 have occurred during the past 3,000 years, mostly on the NE and SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3,600 m elevation. 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 eruptions from flank craters. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) via the Alaska Volcano Observatory, http://www.avo.alaska.edu/avo4/updates/kvertweekly.htm Kliuchevskoi Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-26= POPOCAT�PETL M�xico 19.02�N, 98.62�W; summit elev. 5,426 m Activity at Popocat�petl remained stable during the week with numerous gas-and- steam emissions. Based on information from the Mexico City MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that an ash plume was emitted on 22 November that rose to ~9.5 km a.s.l. and extended ~19 km NE. Background. Popocat�petl, whose name is the Aztec word for smoking mountain, towers to 5,426 m 70 km SE of M�xico 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. Sources: Centro Nacionale de Prevencion de Desastres http://www.cenapred.unam.mx/, Washington VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html Popocat�petl Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1401-09= SANTA MAR�A Guatemala 14.756�N 91.552�W; summit elev. 3,772 m; All times local (= UTC - 6 hours) Small eruptions on 18 and 23 November at Santa Mar�a�s Santiaguito lava dome produced localized tephra fall. Small avalanches from the SW portion of the dome occurred on 18 November. On 24 November at 0745, five explosions occurred at 1-minute intervals, producing a gas-and-ash plume that rose to 2 km above the crater and was dispersed up to 12 km SSW. Background. Symmetrical, forest-covered Santa Mar�a 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. Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia, http://www.insivumeh.gob.gt/geofisica/boletin%20formato.htm, Washington VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html Santa Mar�a Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1402-03= TUNGURAHUA Ecuador 1.47�S, 78.44�W; summit elev. 5,023 m During 19-25 November, activity at Tungurahua remained high, with numerous moderate explosions producing plumes that were frequently visible on satellite imagery and rose up to 2 km above the crater. Ash was dispersed to the SSW and SW on 19 and 20 November and WNW and NW on 23 and 24 November, respectively. Throughout the week Strombolian activity was visible at night. Background. The steep-sided Tungurahua stratovolcano towers more than 3 km above its northern base. It sits ~140 km S of Quito, Ecuador�s capital city, and is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. Historical eruptions have been restricted to the summit crater. They have been accompanied by strong explosions and sometimes by pyroclastic flows and lava flows that reached populated areas at the volcano's base. The last major eruption took place from 1916 to 1918, although minor activity continued until 1925. The latest eruption began in October 1999 and prompted temporary evacuation of the town of Ba�os on the N side of the volcano. Sources: Instituto Geofisico-Escuela Poltecnica Nacional http://www.igepn.edu.ec/vulcanologia/tungurahua/actividad/informet.htm, Washington VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html Tungurahua Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1502-08=

GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report - 14-20 January 2004 New Activity/Unrest ASO Kyushu, Japan 32.88�N, 131.10�E; summit elev. 1,592 m; All times are local (= UTC + 9 hours) According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency, a �mud eruption� occurred at Aso�s Crater 1 on 14 January at 1541. The eruption was accompanied by volcanic tremor and ash emissions that rose to low levels above the crater. Small amounts of very fine ash fell in Takamori Town about 10 km ESE of the crater. The level of thermal activity at Aso had risen during the previous year, with the last �mud eruption� occurring in July 2003. The Alert Level at Aso was raised from 2 to 3, and no tourists were permitted entrance within 1 km of the crater. Background. The 24-km-wide Aso caldera was formed during four major explosive eruptions from 300,000 to 80,000 years ago. These produced voluminous pyroclastic flows that covered much of Kyushu. A group of 17 central cones was constructed in the middle of the caldera, one of which, Naka-dake, is one of Japan's most active volcanoes. It was the location of Japan's first documented historical eruption in 553 AD. The Naka-dake complex has remained active throughout the Holocene. Several other cones have been active during the Holocene, including the Kometsuka scoria cone as recently as about 210 AD. Historical eruptions have largely consisted of basaltic to basaltic-andesite ash emission with periodic Strombolian and phreatomagmatic activity. The summit crater of Naka-dake is accessible by toll road and cable car, and is one of Kyushu's most popular tourist destinations. Sources: Volcano Research Center (VRC-ERI, Univ. Tokyo) http://hakone.eri.u- tokyo.ac.jp/vrc/erup/aso.html, Reuters http://story.news.yahoo.com/news? tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040114/sc_nm/japan_volcano_dc_1 Aso Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/gvp/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0802-11= BEZYMIANNY Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 55.98�N, 160.59�E; summit elev. 2,882 m; All times are local (= UTC + 12 hours) Video footage showed a strong explosion at Bezymianny on 14 January at 1053 producing an ash plume that rose to 6-8 km a.s.l. and extended ENE. A large pyroclastic flow probably traveled SSE down the volcano�s flank. This abrupt increase in activity at Bezymianny led KVERT to raise the Concern Color Code from Green (the lowest level) to Red (the highest level), but later the same day they reduced it to Orange . By 1134 on 14 January the ash plume extended ~55 km and was at a height around 6 km a.s.l, and by 1421 it extended ~190 km and was at 4-6 km a.s.l. No ash was deposited in the nearby settlement of Ust�-Kamchatsk. On 16 January the Concern Color Code was further reduced to Yellow. On that day a lava dome was growing and viscous lava was probably flowing slowly from it. Precise seismic monitoring at Bezymianny was hampered due to high-level volcanic tremor at nearby Kliuchevskoi volcano. Visual observations at Bezymianny revealed that gas-and-steam plumes rose to 100 m above the lava dome. Prior to the 14 January eruption, a weak thermal anomaly has been registered at Bezymianny since an eruption on 26 July 2003. On 9 January one shallow M 2.2 earthquake was recorded at the volcano. During 10-13 January, a 1-2 pixel thermal anomaly was noted at the volcano and during 10-12 January gas-and-steam plumes rose to low levels above the volcano. Background. Prior to its noted 1955-56 eruption, Bezymianny volcano had been considered extinct. Three periods of intensified activity have occurred during the past 3,000 years. The latest period, which was preceded by a 1,000-year quiescence, began with the dramatic 1955-56 eruption. That eruption, similar to the 1980 event at Mount St. Helens, produced a large horseshoe-shaped crater that was formed by collapse of the summit and an associated lateral blast. Subsequent episodic but ongoing lava-dome growth, accompanied by intermittent explosive activity and pyroclastic flows, has largely filled the 1956 crater. Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory http://www.avo.alaska.edu/avo4/updates/kvertweekly.htm, Tokyo VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/JP/messages.html, Anchorage VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/OTH/AK/messages.html, Pravda News http://newsfromrussia.com/main/2004/01/15/51940.html Bezymianny Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-25= CERRO NEGRO Nicaragua 12.506�N, 86.702�W; summit elev. 726 m According to INETER, an unusually large amount of seismic tremor occurred at Cerro Negro from December 2003 to at least mid January. The tremor had variable intensity, but was too small to be felt by the population near the volcano. During visits to Cerro Negro on 6 and 10 January, scientists did not observe any surficial changes or measure a temperature increase at fumaroles in comparison to previous months. INETER reported that the alert level may be increased from no alert to Green (the lowest alert level) if the amplitude of the tremor increases, or if there is an increase in other precursory activity. Background. Central America's youngest volcano, Cerro Negro, was born in April 1850 and has since been one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua. Cerro Negro is the largest, southernmost, and most recent of a group of four youthful cinder cones constructed along a NNW-SSE-trending line in the central Marrabios Range 5 km NW of Las Pilas volcano. Strombolian-to-subplinian eruptions at Cerro Negro at intervals of a few years to several decades have constructed a roughly 250-m-high basaltic cone and an associated lava field that is constrained by topography to extend primarily to the NE and SW. Cone and crater morphology have varied significantly during its eruptive history. Although the volcano lies in a relatively unpopulated area, heavy ashfalls during eruptions of Cerro Negro have caused damage to crops and buildings in populated regions of the Nicaraguan depression. Sources: Instituto Nicarag�ense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER) http://www.ineter.gob.ni/geofisica/vol/comunicados/20040113-cerronegro.html, La Prensa http://www.laprensa.com.ni/nacionales/nacionales-20040114-12.html Cerro Negro Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1404-07= KIRISHIMA Kyushu, Japan 31.93�N, 130.87�E; summit elev. 1,700 m Seismicity increased from �normal� levels at Kirishima on 13 December, and the same day Dr. Kobayashi of Kagoshima University found new fumarole pits at the volcano�s Ohachi Crater. A video camera at the volcano showed steam rising above the crater rim. Observers saw two new pits that formed in the middle of the crater�s southern inner wall and steam rising to ~100 m. Also, pebbles (that were 2-3 cm across) and mud were scattered within about 10 m of these pits. JMA issued a volcanic advisory on 16 December, as the possibility of a small eruption had increased, judging from the high level of seismic and thermal activity. On 17 December authorities announced that tourists were not permitted to visit Ohachi Crater. The level of seismicity peaked in mid December, then declined somewhat, continuing at a relatively high level through at least mid January. Background. Kirishima is a large group of more than 20 Quaternary volcanoes located north of Kagoshima Bay. The late-Pleistocene to Holocene volcano group consists of stratovolcanoes, pyroclastic cones, maars, and underlying shield volcanoes located over an area of 20 x 30 km. The larger stratovolcanoes are scattered throughout the field, with the centrally located, 1,700-m-high Karakuni-dake being the highest. Onami-ike and Mi-ike, the two largest maars, are located SW of Karakuni-dake and at its far eastern end, respectively. Holocene eruptions have been concentrated along an E-W line of vents from Mi- ike to Ohachi, and at Shinmoe-dake to the NE. Frequent small-to-moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the 8th century. Source: Volcano Research Center (VRC-ERI, Univ. Tokyo) http://hakone.eri.u- tokyo.ac.jp/vrc/erup/kiri.html Kirishima Information form the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0802-09= SANGAY Ecuador 2.03�S, 78.34�W; summit elev. 5,188 m; All times are local (= UTC - 5 hours) According to the Washington VAAC, satellite imagery showed a plume emitted from Sangay on 14 January around 0500 extending ~45 km E. The plume most likely contained ash. During this time a hotspot was also visible on satellite imagery. Background. The isolated Sangay volcano, located E of the Andean crest, is the southernmost of Ecuador's volcanoes, and its most active. It has been in frequent eruption for the past several centuries. The steep-sided, 5,230-m-high glacier-covered volcano grew within horseshoe-shaped calderas of two previous edifices, which were destroyed by collapse to the E, producing large debris avalanches that reached the Amazonian lowlands. The modern edifice dates back to at least 14,000 years ago. Sangay towers above the tropical jungle on the E side; on the other sides flat plains of ash from the volcano have been sculpted by heavy rains into steep-walled canyons up to 600 m deep. The earliest report of an historical eruption was in 1628. More or less continuous eruptions were reported from 1728 until 1916, and again from 1934 to the present. The more or less constant eruptive activity has caused frequent changes to the morphology of the summit crater complex. Sources: Washington VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html, New Zealand Herald http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm? storyID=3543881&thesection=news&thesubsection=world Sangay Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1502-09= SHIVELUCH Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 56.653�N, 161.360�E; summit elev. 3,283 m; All times are local (= UTC + 12 hours) During 11-12 January, explosions at Shiveluch produced ash plumes to 4 km a.s.l. that drifted W. The explosions were accompanied by pyroclastic flows with run-out distances around 1 km. On 16 January at 1125 an eruption produced an ash plume that rose ~5.5 km a.s.l. and drifted W. The same day KVERT raised the Concern Color Code to Orange from Yellow . During 9-16 January, seismicity was above background levels at Shiveluch, with the recording of ~70 shallow earthquakes greater than M 1.75 and a large number of weaker earthquakes beneath the active lava dome. In addition, intermittent spasmodic tremor was recorded during 11-16 January. Background. 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 horseshoe-shaped 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 Kurile-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. Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory http://www.avo.alaska.edu/avo4/updates/kvertweekly.htm, Itar-Tass News http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=317648&PageNum=0 Shiveluch Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-27= Ongoing Activity GUAGUA PICHINCHA north-central Ecuador 0.17�S, 78.60�W; summit elev. 4,784 mm During the afternoon of 7 January, strong rains occurred at Guagua Pichincha and a series of seismic signals attributed to rockfalls and lahars were recorded. A visit to the area by IG scientists on 13 January confirmed that a lahar traveled down the NNE wall of the volcano�s crater. In addition, there were small fractures in the SE sector of the volcano and in the crater. IG noted that this activity does not indicate a change in volcanic activity at Guagua Pichincha. Background. Guagua Pichincha rises immediately west of Quito, Ecuador�s capital city. The broad volcanic massif is cut by a large horseshoe-shaped summit caldera, ~6 km in diameter and 600 m deep, that was breached to the W during a slope failure ~50,000 years ago. Subsequent late-Pleistocene and Holocene eruptions from the central vent consisted of explosive activity with pyroclastic flows accompanied by periodic lava dome growth and destruction. A major eruption in 1660 deposited 30 cm of ash in Quito, but most of the many eruptions since the Spanish colonial era have been minor. The latest eruptive period began with phreatic explosions in 1998. Magmatic eruptions first occurred in October 1999, and intermittent eruptions of varying scale since then have blanketed Quito and surrounding towns with ash. Source: Instituto Geof�sico-Escuela Polit�cnica Nacional http://www.igepn.edu.ec/vulcanologia/pichincha/actividad/isemana.htm Guagua Pichincha Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1502-02= KARYMSKY Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 54.05�N, 159.43�E; summit elev. 1,536 m Seismicity was above background levels at Karymsky during 9-16 January, with 150-300 earthquakes recorded. Ash-and-gas plumes may have risen 1.5-3 km above the volcano. According to the Airport Meteorological Center (AMC) in Yelizovo, during the report period a pilot saw an ash plume rise ~5.5 km above the volcano and extend SSW. On 12 January staff of the Kamchatkan Experimental & Methodical Seismological Department (KEMSD) saw an ash plume rise ~2 km above the volcano and explosions that occured every 5-7 minutes. On 10 January ash deposits were seen on the volcano�s snow-covered flanks extending SE. Karymsky remained at Concern Color Code Orange . Background. 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. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team via the Alaska Volcano Observatory http://www.avo.alaska.edu/avo4/updates/kvertweekly.htm Karymsky information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-13= KILAUEA Hawaii, USA 19.43�N, 155.29�W; summit elev. 1,222 m; All times are local (= UTC � 10 hours) On 18 January during 0550 to 0830 a large period of deflation occurred at Kilauea�s Pu`u `O`o cone, amounting in 18.1 microradians of net deflation. During this period a fissure opened at the SE base of Pu`u `O`o, trending approximately radial to the cone. Lava was emitted from the fissure and from three to four vents nearby. The initial flow reached about 1.5 km S of the cone. The S side of Pu`u `O`o was cut by many new fractures. The longest fracture constituted the N boundary of a shallow graben (a linear trough bounded by faults) that was ~75 m long and up to 1 m deep. Surface lava flows were emitted from the E end of the graben, at the base of Pu`u `O`o. The area S of Pu`u `O`o cone appeared to be quite unstable, so HVO scientists warned that no one should venture into the area. Seismicity at Kilauea�s summit during 15- 20 January was at low levels, while tremor at Pu`u `O`o was continuous and at moderate levels. The tremor picked up during the formation of the graben on 18 January. As of 20 January tilt continued to steadily decline following the 18 January deflation event. Background. 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 by lava flows less than about 1,100 years old; 70% of the volcano's surface is younger than 600 years. The latest Kilauea eruption began in January 1983 along the E rift zone. This long-term ongoing eruption from Pu`u `O`o-Kupaianaha has produced lava flows that have traveled 11-12 km from the vents to the sea, paving about 104 km2 of land on the S flank of Kilauea and building more than 200 hectares of new land. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/update.html Kilauea Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1302-01- KLIUCHEVSKOI Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia 56.06�N, 160.64�E; summit elev. 4,835 m Seismicity was above background levels at Kliuchevskoi during 9-16 January, with ~175 shallow M 1.9-2.5 earthquakes and a large number of weaker events recorded. Ash explosions rose 0.5-1 km above the volcano during 11-13 January. Strombolian activity was observed at the central crater during 11-12 January. Kliuchevskoi remained at Concern Color Code Orange . Background. 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 have occurred during the past 3,000 years, mostly on the NE and SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3,600 m elevation. 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 eruptions from flank craters. Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) via the Alaska Volcano Observatory http://www.avo.alaska.edu/avo4/updates/kvertweekly.htm Kliuchevskoi Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1000-26= SANTA MAR�A Guatemala 14.756�N 91.552�W; summit elev. 3,772 m On the morning of 15 January a moderate explosion at Santa Maria�s Santiguito lava-dome complex caused a collapse at the edge of the crater. Volcanic material traveled down the volcano�s SW flank, reaching the base. Ash rose ~900 m above the crater and fell on the observatory and property near the volcano. Weak avalanches occurred in the SE portion of the lava dome. On 19 January moderate explosions occurred and avalanches descended the lava dome. The plumes produced from the explosions traveled E, depositing small amounts of fine ash around the volcano, including on the ranches of San Jose, Quina, and San Juan Patzul�n. Background. Symmetrical, forest-covered Santa Mar�a 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. Sources: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meterologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH), http://www.insivumeh.gob.gt/geofisica/boletin% 20formato.htm, Washington VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html Santa Mar�a Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1402-03= SOUFRI�RE HILLS Montserrat, West Indies 16.72�N, 62.18�W; summit elev. 1,030 m Volcanic activity at Soufri�re Hills remained at low levels during 9-16 January. The seismic network recorded 5 rockfalls and 1 long-period and 18 hybrid earthquakes. The sulfur-dioxide flux from the volcano was low at the beginning of the report period (less than 200 tons per day), increasing to around 350 tons per day after a minor ash-venting event on 9 January. Background. The complex andesitic Soufri�re 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. Non-eruptive seismic swarms occurred at 30-year intervals in the 20th century, but the first well- documented historical eruption on Montserrat did not take place until 1995. Long-term small-to-moderate ash eruptions were 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 severe social and economic disruption. The volcano continues to extrude dome lavas, often accompanied by pyroclastic flows. Source: Montserrat Volcano Observatory http://www.mvo.ms/ Soufri�re Hills Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1600-05= TUNGURAHUA Ecuador 1.47�S, 78.44�W; summit elev. 5,023 m During 14-19 January, Tungurahua continued to emit gas, steam, and ash. Emissions rose to ~1 km above the crater and drifted predominately N and NE, with variable amounts of ash in the resultant plumes. In addition, low-level seismicity occurred. Background. The steep-sided Tungurahua stratovolcano towers more than 3 km above its northern base. It sits ~140 km S of Quito, Ecuador�s capital city, and is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. Historical eruptions have been restricted to the summit crater. They have been accompanied by strong explosions and sometimes by pyroclastic flows and lava flows that reached populated areas at the volcano's base. The last major eruption took place from 1916 to 1918, although minor activity continued until 1925. The latest eruption began in October 1999 and prompted temporary evacuation of the town of Ba�os on the N side of the volcano. Sources: Instituto Geofisico-Escuela Politecnica Nacional http://www.igepn.edu.ec/vulcanologia/tungurahua/actividad/informet.htm, Washington VAAC http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/messages.html Tungurahua Information from the Global Volcanism Program http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=1502-08= ********************************************************* Gari Mayberry US Geological Survey/Global Volcanism Program Smithsonian Institution

Mt. St. Helens just went to a Level 3 Alert. That means potential danger to life and property.

I posted by mistake all the info on MSH so I will post it here also: Mount St. Helens Update | | September 29, 2004 5:30 P.M., PDT | | | | | | Increased seismicity overnight prompted raising the alert level to | | Volcano Advisory (Alert Level 2) at 10:40 A.M., PDT, this morning. | | Throughout the day the seismic energy level has remained at an | | elevated with a rate of 3-4 events per minute including an increase in | | the number of events between Magnitude 2 and 3. All earthquake | | locations are still shallow and in or below the lava dome. In | | addition, initial data from the GPS instrument on the lava dome that | | was repaired Monday morning suggest that the site moved a few inches | | northward Monday and Tuesday, but has since been stable. Such movement | | is not surprising in light of the high seismicity levels. A USGS field | | crew continued their deployment of GPS equipment today in order to | | monitor any ground movement on the lava dome, crater floor, or lower | | slopes of the volcano. Another gas flight this morning produced a | | result of no significant volcanic gas detected, as was the case on | | Monday. Two press conferences were held at CVO to update the media. | | Tomorrow's field work includes continued GPS deployments. | | | | | | The current hazard outlook is unchanged from that outlined in this | | morning's Volcano Advisory. Updated wind forecasts from the National | | Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration coupled with an eruption | | model indicate that the wind direction will shift from northwesterly | | to northeasterly tonight. Therefore any ash clouds produced tonight | | will drift southwestward. | | | | | | Confusion at this morning's press briefing at CVO regarding Alert | | Levels resulted in numerous calls to emergency management agencies | | from the public about which is the correct level. We are at Alert | | Level Two?Volcano Advisory. Explanation of the alert-level scheme can | | be found on the "News and Current Events" web site below. | | | | | | For past updates and notices see past updates at: | | http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Cascades/CurrentActivity/framework | | .html | | | | | | A few photographs of recent fieldwork and of the volcano can be | | obtained from: | | http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/News/framework.html | | | | | | Daily updates of earthquake data and other information can be found on | | the WORLD WIDE WEB at URL: | | | | | | http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/CurrentActivity | | (CVO Menu - Monthly Summaries and Updates) | | | | | | and | | | | | | http://www.pnsn.org/HELENS/welcome.html | | (University of Washington - Earthquake Update) | | | | | | Our "News and Current Events" webpage now contains "Quick Links" to | | the current update, current photos, and the University of Washington | | Mount St. Helens seismic page, plus other useful "Background" webpages | | on Mount St. Helens, including an explanation of the Cascade Range | | alert-level scheme. | | http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/News/ | |

as Terry pointed out, MSH is currently erupting and the volcanologists who know this volcano are predicting a major eruption within the next 24 hours.

Mount St. Helens Update | | October 1, 2004 8:00 A.M., PDT | | | | | | The alert remains at a Volcano Advisory. The seismic energy level | | remains elevated with a rate of 3-4 events per minute and earthquakes | | as large as magnitude 3.3. All earthquake locations are still shallow | | and in or below the lava dome. Data from a single GPS instrument on | | the east side of the lava dome suggest that total movement is ont the | | order of 7 cm less than 3 inches) since Monday. Such movement is not | | surprising in light of the high seismicity levels. A USGS field crew | | collected additional data from GPS equipment deployed to monitor any | | ground movement on the lava dome, crater floor, or lower slopes of the | | volcano. A gas flight Thursday again failed to detect any significant | | volcanic gas, as was the case on Monday and Wednesday. Today, field | | crews will use a thermal- imaging device (FLIR) to look for any | | thermal anomalies on the dome, and will install additional | | seismometers on the flanks of the volcano to enhance our ability to | | detect earthquakes. We are examining images of cracks on the crater | | glacier to determine how they are related to the current activity. A | | press conference will be held Friday at CVO at 9:30 am to update the | | media. | | | | | | The current hazard outlook is unchanged from that outlined in | | Wednesday's Volcano Advisory. | | | | | | Confusion regarding Alert Levels resulted in numerous calls to | | emergency management agencies from the public about which is the | | correct level. We are at Alert Level Two?Volcano Advisory. Explanation | | of the alert- level scheme can be found on the "News and Current | | Events" webpage below. | | | | | | Our "News and Current Events" webpage now contains "Quick Links" to | | the current update, current photos, and the University of Washington | | Mount St. Helens seismicity information, plus other useful | | "Background" webpages on Mount St. Helens, including an explanation of | | the Cascade Range alert-level scheme. | | | |

The first explosion plume appeard in the web cam at 12:04:01 Pacific Time. Here is a subsequent shot. The web cam can be seen here: http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/

I'm glad to see you posting. I have checked from my sister in laws pc but found nothing. We rode out the hurricanes at her house until the power was restored hered.

They made everyone leave the observatory.

It's venting right now, Mt. St. Helens. Nothing spectacular yet, just a smoke plume. I'm watching it live on msnbc.

MOUNT ST. HELENS NATIONAL MONUMENT, Wash. (AP)--Mount St. Helens belched more steam Monday following several days of tremors and low-level earthquakes that have raised fears that the mountain might blow at any moment. It was not immediately clear how large Monday's emission was, or whether it contained ash, but U.S. Geological Survey geologist Willie Scott said any ash would fall mostly in the crater and not threaten any structures. The steam burst blanketed the top of the mountain in a white cloud and followed a similar blast and 20-minute tremor late Sunday. A drumbeat of earthquakes since a plume of steam was released on Friday indicated that pressure was mounting within the mountain. Geological Survey crews also observed a shift in the crater floor and on part of the 1,000-foot lava dome that essentially serves as a plug for magma, he said. from the AP release

Daily update: U.S. Geological Survey, Vancouver, Washington | | University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network, | | Seattle, Washington | | | | | | Mount St. Helens Update 4 October 2004 7:00 A.M. | | | | | | Current status is Volcano Alert (Alert Level 3); aviation color code | | RED | | | | | | Overnight seismic activity increased until a steam (and possibly ash) | | event occurred about 10:40 P.M. Observers at Coldwater Ridge could see | | the steam plume, which barely made it to the crater rim, in the | | moonlight. Since then, the seismicity has been significantly lower as | | after prior steam-and-ash events. Earthquakes are occurring at a rate | | of about 1 per minute and the largest since the steam event have been | | in the magnitude 2s. All locations remain shallow. | | | | | | Results from GPS measurements indicate no significant deformation of | | the outer flanks of the volcano. However, visual observations and | | photographic analysis show large-scale uplift (10's of meters) of part | | of the glacier and a nearby segment of the lava dome. Yesterday a | | field crew installed a new GPS instrument on the dome and also | | measured the distance from the Johnston Ridge Observatory to the dome. | | | | | | Yesterday's gas flight did not detect significant concentrations of | | carbon dioxide. | | | | | | Two telemetered microphones are now in operation to detect explosions. | | | | | | Today we will receive a remotely operated video camera that will be | | installed on the crater rim from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano | | Observatory. Today field crews will work at installing additional | | seismometers on the flanks of the volcano and will continue to harden | | the GPS sites and download data. Time permitting, additional flights | | to acquire thermal imagery and gas measurements will occur. | | | | | | Wind forecasts from the NOAA, combined with eruption models show winds | | today will be from the east and southeast and any ash clouds would | | drift to the west and northwest. | | | | | | We continue to be concerned that additional steam-and-ash eruptions | | could occur at any time. The principal hazard from these types of | | events is for ash reaching altitudes that could affect aviation. If | | the current unrest continues there is also an increased probability of | | larger magnitude and more ash-rich eruptions. | | | | | | We continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue additional | | updates and Alert Level changes as warranted. | | | | | | Press conferences will continue to be held at the Headquarters office | | of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Press conferences are held at | | 9:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. | | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Mount St. Helens lets off steam Scientists concerned about 'what's following behind it' Monday, October 4, 2004 Posted: 7:43 PM EDT (2343 GMT) October 3: Large cracks appear in the glacier around the lava dome. Image: St. Helens on eBay Find St. Helens items at low prices. With over 5 million items for sale every... www.ebay.com St Helens - Cheap Hotel Rates Before booking a hotel, compare hotel room rates at Nextag. www.nextag.com VIDEO Observatory near Mount St. Helens is evacuated. PLAY VIDEO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What's in the clouds coming out of Mount St. Helens? PLAY VIDEO RELATED Gallery: Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- � Interactive: Anatomy of a volcano � Part of Pacific 'ring of fire' � Mount St. Helens VolcanoCam YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS Volcanic eruption Forest Service U.S. Geological Survey or Create your own Manage alerts | What is this? VANCOUVER, Washington (CNN) -- Mount St. Helens released huge, billowing clouds Monday in what geologists called a small eruption of steam and ash that indicated rising temperatures within the volcano. "It was a burst of steam and ash that came out fairly continuously for about 40 minutes" starting about 9:42 a.m. (12:42 p.m. ET), said Tom Pierson of the U.S. Geological Survey. The plumes, larger and darker than those of Friday's steam eruption, rose to about 10,000 feet above sea level, about 1,600 feet above the peak, according to geologists and pilots in the area. more... http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/10/04/mt.st.helens/index.html

Terry are you watching MSH live on MSNBC on your TV or on the internet? I think there are links here to watch live.

************************ Mount St. Helens update ************************ From: Curtis R Manley
New steam release & images of Mount St. Helens activity
New Steam Release
Another steam release began at 9:40 am PDT today, October 4, 2003, generating a steam and ash/dust plume that rose above the summit (to about 10,000 to 11,000 feet altitude) and was carried slowly to the NE by very gentle winds. Steam releases continued at a lower rate after the initial release, but after 15-20 muntes the activity ceased. More dust/ash was released than on October 1, and an ashfall advisory is in effect until 1 pm PDT for the southern Washington Cascades. Seismicity continued without interruption through the steam release.
A gentle small steam release also occurred at 10:40 pm PDT October 3, but it was smaller than the October 1 event. As on Friday, the seismicity decreased and then resumed afterward.
Visual and GPS observations on October 3 indicates that at least part of the dome and the glacier adjacent to the dome have been uplifted between 50 and 100 feet. Current Update at: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Cascades/CurrentActivity/current_updates.html


Online Images
Photographs of the current activity at Mount St. Helens are being posted online at irregular intervals. These were taken by USGS personnel on the ground and during helicopter and airplane reconnaissance and sampling flights. The images clearly show uplift of the dome glacier before the October 1 steam release. More current images were temporarily available and may be re-posted.
The images are high quality (1 to 3 megabytes) and so will take considerable time to download over low-bandwidth connections.
Note that this is an FTP site: ftp://ftpext.usgs.gov/pub/wr/wa/vancouver/MSH_Images/

I definitely need a new email stripper. I had a great one and it disappeared with the hard drive break. Please bear with me...

No problem Marcia, it's great to have you posting again.

ditto!!! saw in the local paper that she blew again and threw out rocks and stuff (didn't read the entire article though)...

more fun : (I found my great email stripper program and leave the citation in the body for anyone else to download. It is freeware) *************************** Erta Ale volcano fieldtrip *************************** From: Gaudru ERTA ALE 2005 SVE Volcano FIELDTRIP Dates : we propose a special expedition from 15th to 27th of January 2005 Here is new opportunity to visit the Danakil depression (Djibouti) and the Erta Ale active lava lake in Ethiopia. The goal of this expedition is to enable a small group of people to travel several days in the Northern Afar ( rift, Asal lake, Ardoukoba...) and spend two days near the Erta Ale active lava lake for measurements, photography, eruption observation... and of course enjoyment of nature in a unique, unspoiled setting. The best-suited participants would be those with a professional interest in geology/Volcanoloy or avid "volcano chasers"/photographers who are in excellent physical condition, enjoy "adventure travel, because this fieldtrip involves significant exertion and discomfort. The roads in the Danakil depression and North Ethiopia are extremely dusty and the weather at the summit of the Erta Ale is very uncomfortable (winds, sunny and very hot temperature). The ascent of Erta Ale volcano is long but not very steep. On Erta Ale the camp will be established near the active crater (lava lake). Organization of the fieldtrip : SVE (scientific aspects) in connection with Explor'Action Swiss agency (Geneva) for logistical supports Accompanied by : Henry Gaudru (European Volcanological Society) and local guide. For further "volcanic informations" please contact by Email: henry.gaudru@laposte.net For any further details about tour , conditions, price, inscription.... please contact directly by fax or phone : Explor'Action 11 rue du Mont Blanc 1201 Geneva - Switzerland tel : 00.41.22.731.70.26 Fax : 00.41.22.731.45.74 ******************************** NZAPLUME III expedition updates ******************************** From: Jeff Lyall THE NZAPLUME III EXPEDITION: Online Nautical Journal Reports from a freelance journalist who is presently on a GNS-led voyage in the Kermadec Arc are helping to put a human face on our offshore research. Mike Bodnar has joined 25 scientists on Tangaroa for the next two weeks as they investigate submarine volcanoes northeast of Bay of Plenty. Mike's colourful and informative daily reports can be seen here: http://data.gns.cri.nz/hazardwatch/kermadec.html This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.printcharger.com/emailStripper.htm

October 4, 2004: ************************ Mount St. Helens update ************************ From: Curtis R Manley New steam release & images of Mount St. Helens activity New Steam Release Another steam release began at 9:40 am PDT today, October 4, 2003, generating a steam and ash/dust plume that rose above the summit (to about 10,000 to 11,000 feet altitude) and was carried slowly to the NE by very gentle winds. Steam releases continued at a lower rate after the initial release, but after 15-20 muntes the activity ceased. More dust/ash was released than on October 1, and an ashfall advisory is in effect until 1 pm PDT for the southern Washington Cascades. Seismicity continued without interruption through the steam release. A gentle small steam release also occurred at 10:40 pm PDT October 3, but it was smaller than the October 1 event. As on Friday, the seismicity decreased and then resumed afterward. Visual and GPS observations on October 3 indicates that at least part of the dome and the glacier adjacent to the dome have been uplifted between 50 and 100 feet. Current Update at: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Cascades/CurrentActivity/current_updates.html Online Images Photographs of the current activity at Mount St. Helens are being posted online at irregular intervals. These were taken by USGS personnel on the ground and during helicopter and airplane reconnaissance and sampling flights. The images clearly show uplift of the dome glacier before the October 1 steam release. More current images were temporarily available and may be re-posted. The images are high quality (1 to 3 megabytes) and so will take considerable time to download over low-bandwidth connections. Note that this is an FTP site: ftp://ftpext.usgs.gov/pub/wr/wa/vancouver/MSH_Images/ This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.printcharger.com/emailStripper.htm

Julie, our Cascade volcanoes enthusiast hopes this MSH eruption stays low level until spring break when she can hike in to see it. I do, too. It would be nice to have a reporter for Geo in the field again!

U.S. Geological Survey, Vancouver, Washington | | University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network, | | Seattle, Washington | | | | | | Mount St. Helens Alert Level Change | | | | | | Past Alert Level: Volcano Alert (Alert Level 3) | | New Alert Level: Volcano Advisory (Alert Level 2) | | | | | | October 6, 2004 9:15 A.M., PDT | | | | | | Following yesterday morning's steam-and-ash eruption, seismicity | | dropped to a low level and has remained low. Low-level tremor observed | | following the eruption is also gradually declining. Lack of earthquake | | and rockfall signals suggest that deformation of the uplift area on | | the south side of the 1980-86 lava dome has slowed. Brief visual | | observations this morning from Coldwater Visitor Center showed weak | | steam emissions from the crater. We infer that the vigorous unrest of | | the past few days has lessened and that the probability of an imminent | | eruption that would endanger life and property is significantly less | | than at any time since Saturday, October 2, when the alert level was | | raised to Volcano Alert (Level 3). Therefore, we are lowering the | | alert level to Volcano Advisory (Alert Leve 2). | | | | | | Such decreases in the level of unrest, which may reflect a decrease in | | the rate of magma movement, have been common at Mount St. Helens | | during eruptions in 1980-86 and also at similar volcanoes elsewhere. | | Episodic changes in level of unrest over periods of days to weeks, or | | even months, are possible. We don't think that the current episode of | | unrest is over and we expect fluctuations in the level of unrest to | | continue during coming days and months. Everyone should be aware that | | escalation in unrest and perhaps an eruption could occur suddenly or | | with very little warning. There may be little time to raise the Alert | | Level before a hazardous event occurs. Therefore, we continue to | | monitor the situation closely and will issue additional updates a d | | changes in Alert Level as warranted. | | | This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.printcharger.com/emailStripper.htm

U.S. Geological Survey, Vancouver, Washington | | University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network, | | Seattle, Washington | | | | | | Mount St. Helens Update, October 6, 2004, 7:00 a.m, PDT | | | | | | Current status is Volcano Alert (Alert Level 3); aviation color code | | RED | | | | | | Seismicity overnight has remained at very low levels. After the | | vigourous stea -and-ash emission of yesterday morning, seismicity | | dropped with individual events becoming smaller. By about 5 p.m. PDT | | yesterday, individual events became rare and as of 11:00 p.m., | | seismicity has been stable at a low level. | | | | | | Yesterday, field crews continued to harden GPS sites for the | | approaching winter and retrieved data. The GPS sites on the dome | | survived the steam-and-ash emission and data are being received and | | processed at the observatory. The station on the northern flank of the | | dome, shows a trend of northward displacement totaling 2 cm in the | | last three days. This is the same sense of movement recorded by the | | nearby station that was destroyed by the first steam-and-ash emission | | on 1 October. Data from the other tw stations on the dome, which were | | installed on 4 October are currently being analyzed. Data from GPS | | instruments on the outer flanks of the volcano show no movement of the | | outer flanks. | | | | | | No gas measurements were made yesterday. A seismic crew installed an | | additional broadband seismometer on the northwest flank of the volcano | | which will help show a broader range of seismic energy release. With | | the help of the U.S. Forest Service, field crews installed an antenna | | mast for a VSAT uplink which will improve our ability to retrieve data | | from the field. | | | | | | It began raining t the mountain at about 7:30 p.m. PDT. By about 9:30 | | p.m. about 0.1 inch of rain had fallen. Overnight, the acoustic flow | | monitoror (AFM) in the crater indicated that several small debris | | flows had moved past the site. By midnight, higher flows were recorded | | at a station on the pumice plain, but none were large enough to | | trigger an automatic alert. We expect these types of flowage events to | | recur during intense rainstorms. | | | | | | Wind forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric | | Administration (NOAA), combined with eruption models, show winds this | | morning are from the west-southwest such that any ash clouds will | | drift to the east-northeast. | | | | | | We continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue additional | | updates and Alert Level changes as warranted. | | | | | | Press conferences will continue to be held at the Headquarters office | | of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The morning press conference | | is at 9:30 AM. If activity remains low, we will do a show-and-tell of | | some of the instruments were are using to monitor the volcano at the | | press conference. | | This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.printcharger.com/emailStripper.htm

how is julie doing anyway, is she still checking in with spring? (missed seeing you, marcia *HUGS*)

Haven't heard from that Cascade Climber for a while. Hope she checks in again soon.

Julie is fine and busy with college stuff. I'll ask her to check in when she gets a moment. My family geologist and family are heading off to MSH to encourage the magma to erupt. I'll report any information they send from the field. They have both cellular text messaging and email to work with. And.... a VERY good digital camera. It's time to commence the eruption dances!

Good luck on that journey, Marci. Looking forward to those pix.

are you going to MSH too, marcia? hope your family is safe over there!

No such luck, Wolfie. I am stuck in a slightly quaking New Madrid area. However the minor quakes of recent time here plus the world wide strong quakes: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake NEAR THE COAST OF NICARAGUA has occurred at: 11.41N 86.55W Depth 61km Sat Oct 9 21:26:56 2004 UTC Plus the eruption of Mount St Helens makes me wonder if the harvest moon (the closest to earth the moon gets in the yearly trek around its orbit) hs a great deal to do with what is happening. I am helping edit a large complex journal both last year's issue and this year's to come out next month so I am more than busy. I am also still working on the Kentucky lava paper. However, whatever photos are sent on to me I will be more than happy to share here.