The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: March 20 – 26, 2024
New activity/unrest was reported for 2 volcanoes from March 20 – 26, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 17 volcanoes.
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Strong X1.1 solar flare erupts from AR 3615
A strong X1.1 solar flare erupted from Active Region 3615 at 20:56 UTC on March 28, 2024. The event started at 20:50 and ended at 21:01 UTC.
Strong M6.1 solar flare erupts from Region 3615
A strong solar flare measuring M6.1 erupted from Active Region 3615 (beta-gamma-delta) at 15:56 UTC on March 28, 2024. The event started at 15:40 and ended at 16:03 UTC. This is the second M6+ solar flare of the day after M7.1 at 06:29 UTC.
Earthquake swarm in Askja caldera, ground deformation continues, Iceland
A seismic swarm occurred in the northwestern part of the Askja caldera in Iceland on March 25, 2024.
Strong M7.1 solar flare erupts from Region 3615
A strong solar flare measuring M7.1 erupted from Active Region 3615 at 06:29 UTC on March 28, 2024. The event started at 06:16 UTC and ended at 06:36.
Short-lived explosion at Atka volcanic complex, Aviation Color Code raised to Yellow, Alaska
A small, short-lived explosion was detected at the Atka volcanic complex in Alaska at 03:36 UTC on March 28, 2024 (19:36 AKDT on March 27).
High levels of sulfur dioxide emissions in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
The eruption that began in Reykjanes Peninsula on March 16, 2024, continues at stable levels. However, the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has been detecting very unhealthy levels of sulfur dioxide pollution over the past couple of days. Residents are urged to follow instructions provided by the Environment Agency of Iceland and the Office of the National Medical Examiner.
ESA’s SMOS and Swarm observe strongest geomagnetic storm since 2017
The European Space Agency’s SMOS and Swarm satellites have, for the first time, successfully tracked a severe solar storm, following an X1.1 solar flare and a halo coronal mass ejection (CME) on March 23, 2024. The CME impacted Earth on March 24, producing a G4 – Severe geomagnetic storm — the strongest geomagnetic storm since September 2017.
Shallow M5.7 earthquake hits off the coast of Oregon, U.S.
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.7 hit off the coast of Oregon, U.S. at 03:23 UTC on March 27, 2024 (20:23 LT, March 26). The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Strong and shallow M6.4 earthquake hits Vanuatu region
A strong and shallow earthquake hit the Vanuatu region at 01:28 UTC on March 27, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.7 at a depth of 18 km (11.2 miles).
