ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 11:55 AM AKST (Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 20:55 UTC)
Slow eruption of lava in the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano likely continues. Seismicity was low over the past day with a few earthquakes observed. Satellite and web camera observations were obscured by clouds over the past day. No activity was observed.
The current lava flow began erupting in July 2021. No explosive events have occurred since a single event in May 2021.
Local seismic and infrasound sensors and web cameras are used to monitor Great Sitkin along with regional infrasound and lightning networks and satellite data.
Seismicity remains slightly elevated with small low frequency earthquakes observed. These earthquakes are not uncommon at Gareloi. Satellite and web camera observations were obscured by clouds over the past day. No activity was observed.
Mount Gareloi persistently emits magmatic gases from a fumarole field on the south crater and commonly exhibits low-level seismic activity. 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.
Mount Gareloi is monitored by a local seismic and infrasound network, satellite data, and regional infrasound and lightning-detection networks.
Low-level unrest continues at Shishaldin Volcano with occasional small low frequency events observed. Satellite and web camera observations were obscured by clouds over the past day. No activity was observed.
No significant eruptive activity has been observed since November 2023.
Local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a geodetic network are used to monitor Shishaldin Volcano. In addition to the local monitoring network, AVO uses nearby geophysical networks, regional infrasound and lighting data, and satellite images to detect eruptions.
Volcanic unrest at Kanaga Volcano has subsided over the past several weeks and the Aviation Color Code was decreased to GREEN and the Volcano Alert Level to NORMAL earlier today. Seismicity, which was elevated following a small explosion and ground-cracking event on December 18, 2023, has decreased to background levels. Satellite data show that there have been no recent surface changes, elevated temperatures, or gas emissions. When atmospheric conditions are favorable, web camera and satellite data show intermittent steaming from the crack near the summit crater.
Local seismic and infrasound sensors and web cameras are used to monitor Kanaga. AVO also uses regional infrasound and lightning networks and a variety of satellite data.
Hannah Dietterich, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS hdietterich@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.