Explosive eruptions at Bogoslof, Alaska and Fuego, Guatemala

0

Two explosive eruptions have been reported at Bogoslof volcano, Alaska and Fuego volcano, Guatemala yesterday.

The worldwide volcanic unrest continues.

Bogoslof volcano, Aleutian Island, Alaska

A short-lived explosive eruption of Bogoslof volcano was reported by several pilots around 0100 UTC (4:00 pm AST). They reported a volcanic ash cloud rising to an estimated altitude of 34,000 ft (10.3 km).

bogoslof, bogoslof volcano eruption december 20 2016, bogoslof volcano, bogoslof activity, bogoslof volcano eruption, bogoslof update
An unexpected explosive eruption at Bogoslov volcano, Alaska, surprised pilots on December 20, 2016.

Satellite data show a discrete, short-lived explosion just prior to 0100 UTC that detached and drifted to the south by 0115 UTC. A subsequent pilot report from 0150 UTC indicated that activity had decreased.

bogoslof, bogoslof volcano eruption december 20 2016, bogoslof volcano, bogoslof activity, bogoslof volcano eruption, bogoslof update
Bogoslof 1994. , Tom Miller

On the basis of this information, the Aviation Color Code is increased to Red and the Volcano Alert Level to Warning. There is no ground-based volcano monitoring equipment on Bogoslof volcano so AVO is unable to provide a forecast of future eruptive activity. We will monitor satellite images and data from distant seismic and infrasound instruments for indications of significant explosive activity.

Some previous eruptions of Bogoslof have lasted for weeks to months, and further explosive activity could occur with little warning. Mariners in the area should use caution.

Volcanic Activity Summary: Issued: Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 9:05 PM AKST

The explosive eruption of Bogoslof volcano that occurred today at about 00:35 UTC (3:35 pm AKST) was short-lived, lasting approximately 30 minutes, and produced a detached ash cloud that rose to 34,000 ft (10.3 km) above sea level as reported by several pilots. A subsequent pilot report from 01:50 UTC (4:30 pm AKST) indicated that activity had decreased and the cloud was dispersing. The ash cloud was carried southward over the Gulf of Alaska and no ash fell on inhabited areas. No further explosions have been detected in seismic and infrasound networks indicating that the activity has subsided. No activity is apparent in recent nighttime satellite images.

On the basis of this information, the Aviation Color Code is lowered to ORANGE and the Volcano Alert Level to WATCH.

Source: AVO

Eruption at Fuego volcano, Guatemala, on December 20, 2016

The eruption No.16 of the volcano Fuego persists with an incandescent source which reaches a height of 300 meters above the crater, feeding three flows of lava, the first one in direction of Santa Teresa Canyon, reaching a length of 2,000 meters, the second to the canyon Taniluyá, with a length of 1,800 meters and the third towards the canyon Trinidad with a length of 600 meters.

Moderate to strong avalanches are noted on the outline of the crater. The volcano observatory reports moderate and strong explosions, ejecting ash plumes at an altitude of about 4,500 to 5,000 meters (14,763 to 16,404 feet) traveling more than 15 kilometers to the south, southwest, West and North-West. Ash falls are reported in nearby areas: Panimaché, Morelia, Hagia Sophia, Sangre de Cristo, San Pedro Yepocapa, among other areas near the volcano. There is a possibility that the ash will move a greater distance, mainly to the areas of Santa Lucia Cotz, given the variability of the wind.

fuego volcano eruption guatemala, fuego volcano eruption guatemala december 2016, fuego volcano eruption guatemala video
Continuous eruption at Fuego volcano on December 20, 2016. via Insivume

There are constant, moderate sounds, like the engine of a train locomotive, constant rumblings of moderate to very sensitive character in the volcanic perimeter, generating moderate shock waves. The eruption maintains its energy and there is a possibility that pyroclastic flows are generated, so it is not recommended to stay in or near the main canyons.

Source : Insivumeh

Meanwhile, the volcanic alert level for Mount Aso has been lowered – from 3 to 2 on the 5-point scale – due to diminished volcanic activity since the last major eruption in October, spewing volcanic ash up to 10,000 meters into the sky.

Source : JAPAN TIMES

The worldwide volcanic unrest continues.

Follow us: Facebook and Twitter

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.