The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: November 22 – 28, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes from November 22 – 28, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 19 volcanoes.
Rapid growth of newly-formed island near Iwo Jima, Japan
On November 1, 2023, a new island was born approximately 1 km (0.62 miles) off the southern coast of Iwoto Island, Japan, following intense volcanic activity. This latest addition to the Ogasawara island chain, now nearly merging with Iwoto, was first identified by military personnel stationed there.
Powerful explosions at Anak Krakatau volcano, Indonesia
The Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia entered a period of intense eruptive activity around 05:28 UTC on November 26, 2023. The volcano has since produced numerous explosions, with ash columns reaching heights of up to 2.1 km (7 000 feet) above sea level. Officials are urging residents to stay away at least 5 km (3.1 miles) from the volcano.
Strombolian explosions at snow-clad Etna volcano, Italy
Since the early hours of November 24, 2023, Mount Etna has exhibited intensified Strombolian activity at its SE Crater, as observed by INGV-OE. Over the following days, this activity has persisted, marked by modest ash emissions and fluctuating seismic intensity, with the Aviation Color Code maintained at Orange.
Clear evidence of uplift in Svartsengi, intense weather impacting seismic monitoring, Iceland
On November 21, 2023, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported a decrease in seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula, with 165 earthquakes, all below magnitude 2, detected since midnight. This decline contrasts with the previous days’ average of 1 500 to 1 800 earthquakes per 24-hour period.
Major eruption at Ulawun volcano triggers highest Alert Level, ash reaches 18.3 km (60 000 feet) a.s.l., P.N.G.
On Monday, November 20, 2023, at approximately 15:30 local time (06:30 UTC), Papua New Guinea’s Ulawun volcano erupted violently, sending volcanic ash as high as 15 km (50 000 feet) above sea level. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red and the Alert Level to 4 (highest). Despite widespread rumors, no tsunami warnings have been issued for the surrounding regions, including Japan and Australia.
Seismicity remains high, high likelihood of eruption near Grindavik continues, Iceland
Seismicity related to the magma intrusion that formed suddenly a week ago in Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland remains high and constant, although the level of activity is substantially lower than from November 10 to 12, 2023.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: November 8 – 14, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 1 volcano from November 8 to 14, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 18 volcanoes.
Graben-like formation in Grindavik still forming and mechanically active, Iceland
Over 700 earthquakes have been detected along the orientation of a magma intrusion in Iceland during the first 12 hours of November 14, 2023. The latest measurements show that the graben-like formation is still forming and is mechanically active.
Satellite data show a graben-like formation that cuts through part of Grindavík, Iceland
Seismicity along the 15-km (9.3 miles) long magma intrusion continues, although the size and intensity of the activity is decreasing, the Icelandic Met Office reported at 13:00 UTC on November 13, 2023
