Spectacular stratospheric eruption, volcanic ash to 19.2 km (63 000 feet) a.s.l. – Ulawun, P.N.G.
Satellite imagery obtained 08:30 UTC, June 26, 2019 indicate an ongoing volcanic ash eruption to approximately 19.2 km (63 000 feet) above sea level extending in all directions, the Darwin VAAC reported 08:34 UTC.
Volcanic ash to 13.4 km (44 000 feet) a.s.l. continues to drift S and is expected to dissipate within 6 hours.
"VA to 19.2 km (63 000 feet) a.s.l. which is stratospheric has become detached from the volcano and is moving eastwards," the center reported 11:30 UTC. "Volcanic ash to 16.7 km (55 000 feet) a.s.l. is extending rapidly outwards and bulging more in a southerly direction. The eruption appears to have ceased, with strong hotspot remaining."
Close up shot of Mt Ulawun eruption today, with red lava blasting out. People living their villages near the volcano and moving out. Picture taken by Sophie Gett. #Ulawun #Ulamona #WestNewBritain #PNG pic.twitter.com/PNd8XnGcQE
— Quentin Talingapua (@QuencyHoooraay) June 26, 2019
That is just spectacular!… #Ulawun eruption! Photo credit: Eroli Tamarahttps://t.co/dCY6RZUmQW pic.twitter.com/K2kmJhKtFY
— Szabolcs Harangi (@szharangi) June 26, 2019
Satellite imagery shows a large circular cloud over the volcano, indicating that this is most likely a full-scale subplinian eruption, the world's first since Calbuco, Chile in 2015, VolcanoDiscovery noted.
Full report:
High-level eruption at Ulawun volcano – June 26, 2019
Featured image credit: Eroli Tamara
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