The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: March 8 – 14, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 5 volcanoes from March 8 to 14, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 15 volcanoes.
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Very strong and shallow M7.0 earthquake hits Kermadec Islands, New Zealand
A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.0 hit the Kermadec Islands at 00:56 UTC on March 16, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 22 km (13.7 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Asteroid 2023 EY to fly past Earth at 0.6 LD
A newly-discovered asteroid designated 2023 EY will fly past Earth at a distance of 0.6 LD / 0.0016 AU (239 356 km / 148 729 miles) at 11:39 UTC on March 17, 2023.
G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storming due to CH HSS effects combined with CME
Our planet is under the influence of a positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) today, March 15, 2023, combined with an impact from the coronal mass ejection (CME) produced on March 10. G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm threshold was reached at 05:59 UTC and the geomagnetic field is likely to reach G1 – Minor geomagnetic storming levels, with a chance for isolated G2 – Moderate periods on March 15 and 16 due to any flanking effects from CMEs produced on March 11 to 13.
Eruption at Nyamulagira volcano – 4.5 km (15 000 feet) a.s.l. plume, Aviation Color Code Red, DR Congo
The Goma Volcanic Observatory (OVG) has reported an eruption of the Nyamulagira volcano, also known as Nyamuragira, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A plume was observed rising 1 500 m (4 900 feet) above the summit, reaching an altitude of 4.5 km (15 000 feet) above sea level.
Major Nor’easter triggers snow, wind, and disruptions in northeastern U.S.
A powerful Nor’easter is wreaking havoc across parts of the northeastern United States, with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding leading to travel disruptions and widespread power outages. The storm is expected to impact the region from northeast Pennsylvania to southern Maine through tonight.
Almost 1 million Californians without power amid second atmospheric river impact in a week
California is grappling with the effects of a second atmospheric river in just one week, as heavy rainfall and high-elevation snow continue to pummel the state on March 14, 2023. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of a high risk for excessive rainfall today, with the storm expected to persist into Wednesday, further exacerbating the potential for widespread flooding.
Asteroid 2023 EN flew past Earth at 0.3 LD
A newly-discovered asteroid designated 2023 EN flew past Earth at a distance of 0.3 LD / 0.00091 (136 134 km / 84 589 miles) from the center of our planet at 11:25 UTC on March 9, 2023.
Large tornado hits Taif, Saudi Arabia
A large tornado swept through the countryside near the city of Taif, Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
Strong M6.3 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit the eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea at 00:49 UTC on March 14, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 213 km (132 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 211 km (131 miles).
