ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 11:19 AM AKST (Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 20:19 UTC)
Low-level eruptive activity continues from a vent on the east flank of Pavlof Volcano, just below the summit. Seismic data indicated periods of volcanic tremor during the past 24 hours but no explosions were detected. Elevated surface temperatures were observed in satellite images. Relatively clear daytime web camera views show recent mass flow and ash deposits extending from the active vent onto the upper to lower flanks of the volcano.
Small explosions associated with the current eruption could happen at any time and may be accompanied by small ash plumes within the immediate vicinity of the volcano. The level of unrest at Pavlof Volcano can change quickly and the progression to more significant eruptive activity can occur with little or no warning.
Pavlof Volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and regional infrasound and lightning networks.
Local instruments detected no significant seismic activity over the past day. No activity was observed in cloudy satellite imagery, but weak steam emissions from the summit crater were seen in daytime webcam views.
Episodes of lava effusion and explosions can occur without advance warning. Explosions from Mount 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 the seismic network is operational, Mount Cleveland is monitored by only three local 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.
Unrest continues at Semisopochnoi volcano. Intermittent seismic tremor and occasional low-frequency earthquakes were detected over the past day. Nothing significant was observed in cloudy satellite imagery. Steam emissions were seen in webcam views.
Small eruptions producing minor ash deposits within the vicinity of the active north crater of Mount Cerberus and ash clouds usually under 10,000 ft (3 km) above sea level have characterized the recent activity. Small explosions and associated ash emissions could resume and may be difficult to detect during periods of high winds and/or when thick cloud cover obscures the volcano. Ash emissions over the past several years of activity have typically reached altitudes of less than 10,000 ft (3 km) above mean sea level.
Semisopochnoi volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and regional infrasound and lightning networks.
Lava continues to erupt in the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano. Seismicity was low over the past day. Nothing noteworthy was observed in cloudy satellite and webcam views.
Great Sitkin Volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and regional infrasound and lightning networks.
OTHER ALASKA VOLCANOES
Information on all Alaska volcanoes is available at: http://www.avo.alaska.edu.
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Michelle Coombs, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS, mcoombs@usgs.gov, (907) 786-7497
David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI, dfee1@alaska.edu, (907) 378-5460
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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