The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: February 22 – 28, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 5 volcanoes from February 22 to 28, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 18 volcanoes.
Large dust storm darkens skies across parts of Texas and New Mexico
A large storm system brought a rare snowfall to California and thunderstorms to the Southern Plains in late February 2023. The system also generated strong winds that caused a massive amount of dust to be lofted into the air, darkening skies across northwestern Texas, northern Mexico, and eastern New Mexico.
Extraordinary snowfall hits Mallorca, Spain
Snowfall and strong winds brought chaos to Spain’s holiday island of Mallorca on February 28, 2023, as Storm Juliette ravaged large parts of the country.
Deep M6.5 earthquake under Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea
A strong and deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit under the Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea at 05:36 UTC on March 1, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 598.9 km (372.5 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 610 km (380 miles).
Severe Tropical Cyclone “Judy” – Red Alert in effect for Penama, Malampa, Shefa, and Tafea provinces, Vanuatu
Category 3 – Severe Tropical Cyclone “Judy” is expected to bring destructive winds and heavy rainfalls to Vanuatu’s central and southern islands.
Another powerful western system will bring heavy snow to low elevations across the West, with blizzard conditions in the Sierra Nevada mountains, U.S.
The western United States is bracing for yet another powerful winter storm system, with heavy snow predicted for low elevations and blizzard conditions in the Sierra-Nevada Mountains. The Upper Midwest is also set to see heavy snowfall from a clipper system, while the Northeast is expected to experience heavy snow from a system moving through the area. Southern and interior Alaska will also face heavy snow and blizzard conditions from two powerful systems.
Mud domes discovered on islands near Kabawa mud volcano after M7.5 earthquake, Indonesia
Following a powerful M7.5 earthquake that struck the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia’s Maluku Province on January 10, 2023, researchers have discovered new dome-shaped mud eruption mounds on two small islands near the large Kabawa mud volcano. These mounds reach up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) in height and cover areas of up to approximately 700 m2 (7 534 feet2).
Tropical Cyclone “Judy” moving over Vanuatu Islands — Red Alert in effect for Torba, Sanma, and Penama
Tropical Cyclone “Judy” formed on February 26, 2023, over the South Pacific Ocean and is now moving SW over the northern Vanuatu Islands. A Red Alert is in effect for Torba, Sanma, and Penama
Tornadoes leave a trail of destruction in southern Plains, U.S.
Several destructive tornadoes touched down in southern Plains on February 26, 2023, resulting in severe damage and power outages. The National Weather Service reported multiple tornadoes throughout the day, with winds of over 177 km/h (110 mph) causing significant damage in Texas.
Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Papua New Guinea
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit the New Britain region, Papua New Guinea at 21:24 UTC on February 25, 2023 (07:24 LT on February 26). The agency is reporting a depth of 38.2 km (23.7 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 60 km (37 miles).
