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Posts Tagged ‘volcanic earthquake’

Significant Quakes Strike Iceland

Posted by feww on September 28, 2014

VOLCANIC HAZARDS
SEISMIC HAZARDS
MAIN SCENARIOS 707, 017, 08, 07, 02
.

Significant earthquakes strike near Bardarbunga volcano

At least 8 more earthquake measuring 4.0Mw or greater have occurred near Bardarbunga volcano in Iceland since Friday.

4 of the quakes measured 5.0Mw or greater, including three  shocks that registered 5.2Mw, according to the data provided by the Icelandic Met Office (IMO).

Meantime, IMO has issued the following warnings

  • Warning: Fissure eruption continues in Holuhraun lava field, north of Vatnajökull (Vatna Glacier).
  • Warning: Today (Sunday) volcanic gas emissions are expected to drift east and later to the northeast of the eruption site. Tomorrow (Monday) the pollution will affect areas to the north and northwest.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FIRE-EARTH Earthquake Forecasts

For detailed earthquake forecasts tune into FIRE-EARTH Reports daily @ 06:32UTC.


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Two More Significant Quakes Hit Bardarbunga Volcano

Posted by feww on August 27, 2014

MAJOR DISASTERS/ SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
VOLCANIC ERUPTION
SIGNIFICANT SEISMIC EVENTS
BARDARBUNGA VOLCANO ERUPTING
SCENARIOS 023, 09, 08, 07
.

Bardarbunga volcano hit by two more significant earthquakes

Two more earthquakes measuring magnitudes 5.4 and 5.2 struck near Iceland’s Bardarbunga volcano on Wednesday. The quakes struck at depths of 6.4 and 6.2km respectively.
A magnitude 4.5 quake also struck the nearby Askja volcano at a depth of 4km, said IMO.

Earthquake count in the past 48 hours, as of posting  [Source: IMO]

  • Magnitude less than 1 = 270
  • Magnitude 1 to 2 = 1,674
  • Magnitude 2 to 3 = 378
  • Magnitude more than 3 = 28
  • Total = 2,350

The largest quake to strike  Bardarbunga so far was a magnitude 5.7, which occurred at a depth of 6.2km on Tuesday about 4.8 km NNE of of the volcano.

bardarbunga eq
Earthquake location map as of 27 Aug 13:10 GMT. Source and copyright: IMO. See Fair Use Notice

Other Significant Events

M5.4 Strikes 150km SSE of Shizunai, Kamikazeland

Centered at 41.115°N, 143.158°E the quake occurred at a depth of 28.3km (17.6mi), said USGS/EHP.

Distances:

  • 158km (98mi) ENE of Misawa, Japan
  • 673km (418mi) NNE of Tokyo, Japan

FIRE-EARTH Earthquake Forecasts for Japan

FIRE-EARTH Science Team has suspended its research on Japan seismicity due to resurgence of militarism in Japan and other reasons, as previously stated.

The Team has suspended its research also on California seismicity to protest Internet censorship, Google’s manipulation of  information, theft of FIRE-EARTH intellectual property and other reasons, as previously stated.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: FIRE-EARTH Earthquake Forecasts

For detailed earthquake forecasts tune into FIRE-EARTH Reports daily @ 06:32UTC.


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Mt Mayon Menacingly Mute – Update [3 January 2010]

Posted by feww on January 3, 2010

Will Mayon Erupt Again Soon?

Which scenario will Mayon adopt: Chaitén, Kilauea, Galeras, or one with an entirely different pattern?

What seems highly probable—judging by a number of factors including increased tempo and rhythm of volcanism globally—is that Mayon won’t be in repose for very long.

Mayon activity highlights during  the past 24 hours:

  • Volcano hazard alert down to level 3
  • 9 volcanic earthquakes detected
  • 30 rockfall events
  • No steam emissions
  • Summit crater covered by heavy clouds for most of the 24-hr observation period.
  • Faint glow at the crater occurred
  • Sulfur Dioxide emission rate reported at an average rate of 2,094 tons per day

Mayon Volcano Bulletin 21 released by PHIVOLCS on 3 January 2010

Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) seismic monitoring network  detected 9 volcanic earthquakes and 30 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes during the past 24- hour observation period. Steaming activity was not observed due to thick clouds that covered the summit crater. Pale crater glow was observed last night. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was measured yesterday  morning at an average value of 2,094 tonnes/day.

Alert Level 3 is in effect over Mayon, which means that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano should be free from human activity because of sudden explosions that may generate hazardous volcanic flows. People residing close to these danger areas are also advised to observe precautions associated with post-eruption activity, such as rockfalls, pyroclastic flows, and ash fallout which can also occur anytime due to instabilities of lava deposited on steep slopes. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS-DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.

For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:

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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon alert level, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Mayon Volcano Update [2 January 2010]

Posted by feww on January 2, 2010

Philippines experts out of step with Mayon?

Mayon may be gradually returning to the repose period: Phivolcs

The information coming out of PHIVOLCS and the decisions made by the state volcanologists concerning the volcano’s hazard status are at best inconsistent with the history of Mayon’s eruptive activity.

Highlights from the news, eye-witness accounts, official and unofficial reports on Mayon’s status during  the past 24 hours:

  • Phivolcs is lowering Mayon’s alert status from level 4 to level 3 [hazardous explosive eruption less likely]
  • Volcanic quakes down to 13 events (majority of events associated with rockfalls, and rolling  of lava fragments down the mountain)
  • No tephratic eruptions for the 3rd day
  • Sulfur Dioxide emission rate of 2,621 tons per day up (more than twice the amount previous day), but down from a high of about 9,000 tons.
  • Small amount of steam emitted

Mayon Volcano Bulletin 20 released by PHIVOLCS on 2 January 2010

The seismic monitoring network around Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) detected 13 volcanic earthquakes and 68 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes during the past observation period. Emission of weak volume of white steam at the summit crater was observed during cloud breaks yesterday. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was measured yesterday morning at an average value of 2,621 tonnes/day.

The latest activity of Mayon still indicates that its overall state of unrest remains relatively high.  However, this phase of unrest, characterized by moderate seismicity, high volcanic gas outputs and continuing glow of the summit are processes normally associated with very gradual return to the repose period.  The volcanic system is expected to continue producing earthquakes and to vent a large amount of gases because fresh magma still resides along the whole length of the volcanic pipe and near the summit.

From 28 December to present, a declining trend in Mayon volcano’s activity was noted as reflected by the following observations:

1.      No ash ejections were observed since 29 December. Steam emission was most of the time weak and white in color indicating considerable decrease in energy and absence of ash.

2.      Majority of the type of earthquakes that were recorded during the past days were associated with rockfalls and rolling down of fragments from the lava deposits along Bonga gully and the advancing lava front.

3.      Measured SO2 levels have also showed a decreasing trend from a maximum of 8,993 tons per day to 2,621 tons per day. The still high concentration of SO2 gas emission suggests that there is residual magma degassing at shallow depth.

In view of the above observations, PHIVOLCS-DOST is lowering the alert status of Mayon from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 to reflect the overall gradual decrease of activity. Alert Level 3 means that there is less probability of a hazardous explosive eruption.  However, the lowering of the alert level from 4 to 3 should not be interpreted that the unrest of the volcano has ceased. If there is resurgence in the volcano’s activity and the potential for explosive eruptions is perceived to be forthcoming, the alert level may be raised back to 4 but if there is noticeable downward trend in the monitored parameters, then the alert will be further lowered to Alert Level 2.

For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:

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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon Hazard level, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Mayon Volcano Update [1 January 2010]

Posted by feww on January 1, 2010

Could Blue Moon Trigger Mayon Explosion?

State vulcanologists believe full moon could trigger Mayon explosion

Resident volcanologists at Phivolcs said a major eruption could occur based on the volcano’s behavior and the the full moon working as triggering mechanism to cause the restive volcano to explode.

According to their theory,  the gravitational pull of the full moon as it gets closer to Earth could cause a large increase in the rate of ascent of magma up and out of the volcano.


The Moon glows by light it reflects from the Sun and is frequently the brightest object in the night sky. The Moon orbits the Earth about once a month (moon-th) from about 1 light second away. The above-pictured Full Moon occurs when the Moon is nearly opposite to the Sun in its orbit.   Credit: Lick Observatory.

How They Paint the Moon Blue

Most years have twelve full moons occurring monthly; however, each solar calendar year has an additional eleven days compared with the lunar year. The extra days add up to a 13th full moon called a “blue moon” about 7 times in the 19-year Metonic cycle, which translates into one blue moon every two or three years.

Other highlights from the news, eye-witness accounts, official and unofficial reports on Mayon’s status during  the past 24 hours:

  • 28 volcanic earthquakes recorded
  • 91 rockfall events
  • Some steam emitted
  • Lava still flowing
  • SO2 emissions down to daily average of 1,255 tons
  • Phivolcs may lower alert level from 4 to 3, if no significant events occur in the next few days

Human Angle:

  • A power blackout was enforced in the danger zone around Mt Mayon on Thursday, to discourage residents from returning to their homes.
  • The water supply is due to be turned off Friday, as state volcanologists warned that the full moon  could trigger a major explosion today.
  • A military spokesman said many residents were using  “backdoor” routes to return to their homes for the New Year’s festivities.
  • About two dozen tourists were reportedly arrested as they entered the danger zone.
  • Local police and military have been ordered to carry out house-to-house searches and arrest any residents that might still be in the danger zone.
  • Aid organizations are plan to evacuate about 4,000 animals to areas outside Mayon danger zone, ABC said.

Mayon Volcano Bulletin 19 released by PHIVOLCS on 1 January 2010

The seismic monitoring network around the volcano detected 28 volcanic earthquakes and 91 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes during the past 24-hour observation period. No ash explosion was observed. Weak to moderate emission of white steam at the summit crater was seen during cloud breaks from 7:29 AM – 8:30 AM and from 5:25 PM to 5:40 PM yesterday. Flowing lava and intermittent rolling incandescent lava fragments were observed last night. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was measured at an average of 1,255 tons/day.

Alert Level 4 is still being maintained but if no significant events should occur during the next few days, PHIVOLCS-DOST shall consider the possibility of lowering down the alert level from 4 to 3. PHIVOLCS-DOST still strongly reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. In addition, Civil Aviation Authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS-DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.

For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:

Related Links:

Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Mayon Volcano Update [31 December 2009]

Posted by feww on December 31, 2009

Mayon Pipes Down, for Now

The Contrast: “Disaster Tourism” Booms as Boredom Sets in Among the Evacuees!


Lava flow from the crater of Mayon volcano as viewed from Lignon Hill in Legazpi city, Albay province, December 30, 2009. Credit: Bullit Marquez/ AP. Image may be subject to copyright.

Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:

  • Thick clouds covered the volcano summit affecting visibility
  • No ash explosion during times of good visibility
  • Steam and ash spewed from volcano
  • 60 volcanic earthquakes recorded
  • 267 rock fall events reported
  • SO2 emissions rate down to 1,158 tonnes per day
  • volcano edifice remains inflated
  • Volcano hazard alert remained at Level 4 (explosive eruption could be imminent)

Other Headlines:

  • Seismic activity increasing in Mindanao, Philippines, with several several quakes measuring 5.0 to 5.7Mw reported in the region.
  • At least two quakes measuring 5.2 and 5.6 Mw struck near Leyte, Philippines in the past 24 hrs.

Human Angle:

Albay Governor Joey Salceda ordered the electricity and water supplies to be cit off to properties within the extended and permanent danger zones near Mayon Volcano yesterday, the Manila Bulletin reported.

Salceda said he wanted to discourage people from entering their homes withing the danger zone, after reports that many evacuees had returned to their homes for the New Year.

“Legally, there should be no people within the declared danger zones because of the provincial ordinance of the implementation of a 24-hour curfew. It is on this premise that I ordered that electricity and water supplies should be cut off,” he added.

“By Thursday afternoon (December 31), Salceda said he is also expecting the security forces to cut off the roads leading to all affected barangays in the cities of Tabaco, Legazpi and Ligao and the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo.” Manila Bulletin reported

“All the hotels are fully booked, even the cheapest ones,” Salceda told reporters.

The Contrast: “Disaster Tourism” Booms as Boredom Sets in Among the Evacuees!


As the hotels in the Albay Province are filled to capacity with overenthusiastic, “disaster tourism” visitors, boredom sets in among the evacuees. AP Photo/Mike Alquinto. Image may be subject to copyright.

Mayon Volcano Bulletin 18 released on 31 December 2009

For the past 24 hours, Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) activity was characterized by extrusion of lava and rolling down of incandescent lava fragments along the Bonga gully. The summit of the volcano was obscured most of the time yesterday due to thick cloud cover. No ash explosion was observed during times of good visibility. Emission of very weak to moderate volume of white steam that drifted towards west- southwest was observed during clear views of the crater.

Seismic monitoring revealed the occurrence of 60 volcanic earthquakes. A total of 267 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was also detected by the seismic network. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate measurements yesterday yielded an average value of 1,158 tonnes per day (t/d). The volcano edifice remains inflated as indicated by the electronic tilt meter installed at the northeast sector of the volcano.

The status of Mayon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 4.  PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity.  Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify.  Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. In addition, Civil Aviation Authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.

For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:

Related Links:

Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon, Philippines volcanoes | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Mayon Volcano Update [30 December 2009]

Posted by feww on December 30, 2009

Mayon Calmer, But it Could Be the Lull Before the Storm

It would be very helpful if PHIVOLCS released more detailed information on Mayon status!

Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:

  • Minor ash explosions down to one
  • Tephra ejected to a height of 100 meters above the summit
  • Continuous lava flow down Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies
  • Lava front traveled an additional 100 meters to a distance of 5.9 km from th esummit
  • 16 volcanic earthquakes recorded
  • 150 rockfall events caused by lava fragments detaching from the upper slopes
  • SO2 emission rate of 4,397 tons per day almost a third higher than the previous day
  • The edifice remains inflated

The Human Angle

  • About 50,000 people are still crammed in 29  evacuation centers in the country’s eastern province of Albay.
  • Local schools are doubling as makeshift evacuation centers.
  • The evacuees may have to spend several months in the centers.
  • But schools are supposed to open after New Year holidays.
  • Water and sanitation facilities are in critically short supply, UNICEF said.
  • Evacuees have been advised to protect their children from Mayon’s fine ash, because it could worsen asthma, bronchitis and respiratory-related illnesses; however, face masks are reportedly in short supply.
  • At least four people have died in the evacuation centers so far. A 3-year-old from an unspecified infection and three elderly people from heart attacks, health officials have revealed.
  • Crowding and cramp conditions have already led to widespread skin diseases and respiratory illnesses throughout the 29 shelters.
  • Food isn’t in short supply, but there’s a shortage of items such as nappies for babies and sanitary towels for women, according to a local news bulletin.
  • “The evacuees face the grim prospect of being away from home for several more weeks—local disaster officials said the worst case is six more months since Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 4 indicating imminent eruption.” The report said.
  • An elected official of Legazpi City, Councilor Celoy Chan, has been “renting his All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to foreign tourists [in direct contravention of the emergency laws] and even escorting them for a trip right near the lava front of the Mayon volcano.” A news report said.
  • Evacuees in Legazpi City and Tabaco City shelters are being “shortchanged.” That is, they are only receiving half the amount of relief goods, especially rice, allocated to them.  Every family is allocated 5 kilograms of rice daily but they only receive 2 ½  to 3kgs, according to another report.
  • Province of Albay officials say about 2,500 tourists per day are flocking into the region to see Mayon activity, a rise of about 15 folds since the volcano became restive on December 14.

The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:

Mayon Volcano Bulletin 17 released on 30 December 2009

For the past 24 hours, one ash explosion occurred at Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E). The explosion produced a dirty white ash column that rose to about 100 meters above the summit and drifted to the northwest. Lava continued to flow down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. The lava front has now reached about 5.9 kilometers from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gully.

Mayon Volcano’s seismic network recorded 16 volcanic earthquakes. A total of 150 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was also detected by the seismic network. Yesterday’s measurement of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) rate yielded an average value of 4,397 tonnes per day (t/d). The volcano edifice remains inflated as indicated by the electronic tilt meter installed at the northeast sector of the volcano.

The status of Mayon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 4.  PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity.  Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify.  Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. In addition, Civil Aviation Authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS–DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.

For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:

Related Links:

Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon, Philippines volcanoes | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »