Cotopaxi Volcano Stirs, Ash Eruptions Reported

Ash from Ecuadorian volcano covers parts of Quito

Two small explosions at the giant Cotopaxi volcano ejected plumes of ash to a height of about 5km above the crater on Friday, reported Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute.

Volcanic ash from the eruptions covered southern parts of Quito, Ecuador’s capital and its second most populous city [metro pop: ~ 3.2 million, FIRE-EARTH Population Model.]

The events have been described as “very small explosions” that were “almost imperceptible,” by the officials, who insist the volcano, which has been showing signs of unrest since April, with a large increase in seismicity (including harmonic tremors) and SO2 emissions, is not necessarily about to erupt.

One of the world’s highest volcanoes, Cotopaxi is located about 50 km south of Quito, Ecuador. It is the second highest summit in the Andean country, reaching a height of about 5,900m. Some 90 or so eruption have been recorded since 1534.

Strong Earthquake Strikes W of Lata, Solomon Islands

The earthquake parameters listed below are subject to change due to procedural issues at the source!

M6.6 quake strikes 214km W of Lata, Solomon Islands

Centered at 10.905°S, 163.877°E the quake occurred at a depth of 6.3km, reported USGS/EHP.

The quake is the latest significant event in a seismic cluster swarming the region.

Related Links

• Strong Earthquake Strikes W of Honiara, Solomon Islands August 13, 2015
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Solomon Islands August 10, 2015

Sakurajima Volcano ‘Unhappy’ with Sendai Nuke Restart

Sakurajima Volcano Warning Raised

Mt Sakurajima volcanic warning level has been raised to Level 4, “prepare to evacuate,” amid signs of increased activity, said Japan’s weather agency.

Mt Sakurajima could have a larger than usual eruption, officials said.

The news follows Tuesday’s restart of a reactor at the Sendai nuclear power station, located less than 50km from the angry volcano.

Volcano Information

One of Japan’s most active volcanoes, Sakurajima is situated in Kagoshima Bay, south of Kyushu, Japan (about 1,000km WSW of Tokyo). The volcano has three active craters: Kitadake, Minamidake and Nakadake.

Multiple eruptions have occurred at Minamidake crater since 1955 .