ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Sunday, July 18, 2021, 11:47 AM AKDT (Sunday, July 18, 2021, 19:47 UTC)

SEMISOPOCHNOI VOLCANO (VNUM #311060)
51°55'44" N 179°35'52" E, Summit Elevation 2625 ft (800 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Low-level seismicity observed over the past day. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions were detected in satellite data from yesterday afternoon. The gas plume contained small, but measurable amounts of gas and extended for about 200 km (120 miles) towards the north. Gas emissions such as these have been observed intermittently over the past months and do not indicate that an explosive eruption while occur. Other satellite and web camera observations were obscured by clouds over the past day. No evidence of explosive activity was detected in seismic or infrasound data.

Small eruptions producing minor ash deposits within the vicinity of the active north crater of Mount Cerberus and ash clouds under 10,000 ft above sea level are typical of recent activity at Semisopochnoi. Small explosions may occur without warning and could be undetected by regional infrasound sensors and cloudy weather conditions.

Semisopochnoi is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, regional infrasound, and lightning detection instruments.

GARELOI VOLCANO (VNUM #311070)
51°47'21" N 178°47'46" W, Summit Elevation 5161 ft (1573 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Low-level seismicity continues at Gareloi volcano. Satellite and web camera observations were obscured by clouds over the past day. No evidence of explosive activity was detected in seismic or infrasound data.

Gareloi volcano persistently emits magmatic gases from a fumarole field on the south crater and commonly exhibits low-level seismic activity. These observations suggest the presence of shallow magma and potential interaction with a hydrothermal system. The current increase in seismicity likely reflects a change to the magmatic-hydrothermal system, but it is not clear that the likelihood of a volcanic eruption has increased. AVO will continue to monitor activity to determine if the recent changes are related to influx of new magma or other changes to the magmatic system.

Gareloi is monitored by a local seismic and infrasound network, satellite data, and regional infrasound and lightning-detection networks.

GREAT SITKIN VOLCANO (VNUM #311120)
52°4'35" N 176°6'39" W, Summit Elevation 5709 ft (1740 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Unrest continues. Seismicity at very low levels over the past day. No explosive activity was observed in local and regional infrasound data. Satellite and web camera observations were obscured by clouds. No evidence of explosive activity was detected in seismic or infrasound data.

Renewed explosive activity or lava effusion remain possible outcomes of the current period of unrest. This is not certain and a decline in unrest to background levels of activity is also possible. Great Sitkin volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and remote infrasound and lightning networks.

PAVLOF VOLCANO (VNUM #312030)
55°25'2" N 161°53'37" W, Summit Elevation 8261 ft (2518 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Unrest continues at Pavlof volcano. Brief periods of seismic tremor were observed over the past day. A high resolution satellite image from yesterday showed thin deposits extending for a short distance from the summit crater. No evidence of increased surface temperatures in the summit crater were observed. This suggests that the deposit is fine-grained material from the summit crater that was carried upwards by steam emissions and subsequently deposited near the vent, rather than being the result of eruptive activity. Satellite and web camera images during periods of clear weather show no evidence of activity. No evidence of explosive activity was observed in seismic or infrasound data.

The level of unrest at Pavlof can change quickly and the progression to eruptive activity can occur with little or no warning. AVO continues to monitor Pavlof closely and will provide any new information about the status of the volcano when or if it becomes available.

Pavlof is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and distant infrasound and lightning networks.

CLEVELAND VOLCANO (VNUM #311240)
52°49'20" N 169°56'42" W, Summit Elevation 5676 ft (1730 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Unrest continues. Seismicity was at very low levels. Satellite observations were obscured by clouds. No evidence of explosive activity was detected in seismic or regional infrasound data.

Episodes of lava effusion and explosions can occur without advance warning. Explosions from Cleveland are normally short duration and only present a hazard to aviation in the immediate vicinity of the volcano. Larger explosions that present a more widespread hazard to aviation are possible, but are less likely and occur less frequently.

When operational, Cleveland volcano is monitored by only two seismic stations, which restricts AVO's ability to precisely locate earthquakes and detect precursory unrest that may lead to an explosive eruption. Rapid detection of an ash-producing eruption may be possible using a combination of seismic, infrasound, lightning, and satellite data.

OTHER ALASKA VOLCANOES

Information on all Alaska volcanoes is available at : http://www.avo.alaska.edu.

For definitions of Aviation Color Codes and Volcano Alert Levels, see: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/color_codes.php

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

Michelle Coombs, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS mcoombs@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAF dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 322-4085

The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

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