USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2023-07-13T18:29:40-08:00

ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY WEEKLY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Friday, July 14, 2023, 12:21 PM AKDT (Friday, July 14, 2023, 20:21 UTC)

SHISHALDIN (VNUM #311360)
54°45'19" N 163°58'16" W, Summit Elevation 9373 ft (2857 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Shishaldin Volcano began erupting this week between July 11–12 and activity has increased resulting in ash clouds starting early on July 14.

A significant explosion occurred at 1:09 am AKDT (9:09 UTC) this morning and produced an ash cloud that initially reached 30,000 to 40,000 ft (9–12 km) above sea level and drifted south over the Pacific Ocean. A second smaller explosion occurred at 7:10 am AKDT (15:10 UTC) and reached ~15,000 ft (4.5 km) above sea level. The National Weather Service issued a SIGMET for these events and suggested a maximum cloud height of 25,000 ft (7.6 km) above sea level for the drifting ash cloud. Web camera images and pilot reports show continued low-level ash emissions this morning including a small ash cloud near the summit around 10:30 am AKDT (18:30 UTC, http://www.avo.alaska.edu/images/image.php?id=194413).

Observatory web camera images as well as photographs taken from a ship southwest of Unimak Island around 7:00 am AKDT (15:00 UTC) show small mudflow deposits generated by the interaction of hot pyroclastic material and snow and ice and as well as ashfall deposits on the southwest and north flanks of the volcano. Photographs also captured the 7:10 am event (http://www.avo.alaska.edu/images/image.php?id=194408).

Earlier in the week the Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory on Tuesday, July 11 following the observation of strongly elevated surface temperatures at the summit in satellite data and tremor in seismic data. Strongly elevated surface temperatures continued to be observed in satellite data on Wednesday, July 12 and seismic tremor amplitudes increased. In addition, sulfur dioxide was detected in satellite data and incandescence was observed at the summit in web camera images suggesting that lava was likely being erupted in the summit crater. In response, the Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange and Volcano Alert Level to Watch on Wednesday July 12. Observations from a US Coast Guard overflight the same day confirmed that lava was erupting within the summit crater (https://www.avo.alaska.edu/images/dbimages/1689278473.mp4).

Prior to the current activity, the 2019-2020 eruption of Shishaldin was the first to produce lava flows outside of the crater area since 1976. Minor eruptions in 2004 and 2014 produced lava flows that remained confined to the summit crater. Eruptions from Shishaldin have produced minor ash clouds in the past. These can occur with little warning. Satellite data is routinely monitored to look for ash clouds and seismic and infrasound (pressure sensor) data is watched for signs of any explosions that might produce ash clouds. In addition, ashfall forecast models are kept up to date on the public activity page that show both ash distribution and fallout to the ground if it were to occur given the current weather conditions. The Shishaldin's activity page can be found at https://avo.alaska.edu/activity/Shishaldin.php.

Shishaldin is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a telemetered geodetic network. The local monitoring network is partially impaired, therefore AVO is also using nearby geophysical networks, satellite data and regional infrasound and lighting data.

Shishaldin volcano, located near the center of Unimak Island in the eastern Aleutian Islands, is a spectacular symmetric cone with a base diameter of approximately 16 km (10 mi). A 200-m-wide (660 ft) funnel-shaped summit crater typically emits a steam plume and occasional small amounts of ash. Shishaldin is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian volcanic arc, with at least 54 episodes of unrest including over 24 confirmed eruptions since 1775. Most eruptions are relatively small, although the April-May 1999 event generated an ash column that reached 45,000 ft above sea level.

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

Lava likely continued to erupt slowly at Great Sitkin over the past week, adding to a thick lava flow confined to the summit crater.  The continued lava eruption was confirmed in satellite radar images from July 8. Other satellite and web camera images were mostly obscured by persistent cloud cover throughout most of the week but elevated surface temperatures were observed in satellite imagery from July 11.  Minor steaming at the lava flow vent region was observed occasionally in web camera images during periods of clear weather. Small earthquakes continued to be observed at the volcano throughout the week. 

Great Sitkin is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and regional infrasound and lightning networks. 

Great Sitkin Volcano is a basaltic andesite volcano that occupies most of the northern half of Great Sitkin Island, a member of the Andreanof Islands group in the central Aleutian Islands. It is located 26 miles (43 km) east of the community of Adak. The volcano is a composite structure consisting of an older dissected volcano and a younger parasitic cone with a ~1 mile (1.5 km)-diameter summit crater. A steep-sided lava dome, emplaced during the 1974 eruption, occupies the center of the crater. That eruption produced at least one ash cloud that likely exceeded an altitude of 25,000 ft (7.6 km) above sea level. A poorly documented eruption occurred in 1945, also producing a lava dome that was partially destroyed in the 1974 eruption. Within the past 280 years a large explosive eruption produced pyroclastic flows that partially filled the Glacier Creek valley on the southwest flank.

TRIDENT (VNUM #312160)
58°14'3" N 155°6'9" W, Summit Elevation 3599 ft (1097 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Seismicity beneath Trident Volcano remained elevated over the past week. Most of the earthquakes were small with magnitudes below 1.0 but there were a few larger earthquakes with magnitudes between 1.0 and 3.0. No eruptive activity or other signs of unrest were observed in mostly cloudy satellite or web camera views.  

The current period of seismic unrest began on August 24, 2022. Earthquake depths at the beginning of the swarm were mainly deep, around 16 miles (25 km) below sea level and became progressively shallower to around 3 miles (5 km) over the following four days. Since late August 2022, most earthquakes have occurred within the shallow crust, with depths less than 4 miles (6 km) below sea level; however, an increasing number of earthquakes have been occurring deeper (greater than 15 km depth). Starting in May 2023 an increase in low-frequency earthquakes has been observed - in addition to the regular earthquakes - near Trident Volcano. Such low-frequency events are often associated with the movement of lava or volcano-related fluids within the ground.

Increases in seismic activity have been detected previously at Trident Volcano and other similar volcanoes, with no subsequent eruptions. We expect additional shallow seismicity and other signs of unrest, such as gas emissions, elevated surface temperatures, and ground movement, to precede any future eruption if one were to occur.    

AVO monitors Trident Volcano with a local network of seismometers, a web camera, remote sensing data, and regional infrasound and lightning networks.

Trident is one of the Katmai group of volcanoes located within Katmai National Park and Preserve on the Alaska Peninsula. Trident consists of a complex of four cones and numerous lava domes, all andesite and dacite in composition, that reach as high as 6,115 ft (1,864 m) above sea level. An eruption beginning in 1953 constructed the newest cone, Southwest Trident, and four lava flows on the flank of the older complex. This eruption continued through 1974 and produced ash (an initial plume rose to 30,000 ft or 9 km asl), bombs, and lava at various times. Fumaroles remain active on the summit of Southwest Trident and on the southeast flank of the oldest, central cone. Trident is located 92 miles (148 km) southeast of King Salmon and 273 miles (440 km) southwest of Anchorage.

ANIAKCHAK (VNUM #312090)
56°54'21" N 158°12'32" W, Summit Elevation 4400 ft (1341 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Earthquake activity beneath Aniakchak volcano was at a low level over the past week. Satellite and web camera data were mostly obscured by clouds over the past week.

Increases in seismic activity and ground movement have been detected previously at other similar volcanoes, with no subsequent eruptions. We expect additional shallow seismicity and possibly other signs of unrest, such as gas emissions, elevated surface temperatures, and additional changes in ground movement to precede any future eruption, if one were to occur.  

AVO monitors Aniakchak with a local network, which consists of six seismometers, a web camera, and a single infrasound sensor, as well as satellite remote sensing data and regional infrasound and lightning networks.

Aniakchak volcano, located in the central portion of the Alaska Peninsula, consists of a stratovolcano edifice with a 6 miles (10 km) diameter summit caldera. The caldera-forming eruption occurred around 3,500 years ago. Postcaldera eruptions have produced lava domes, tuff cones, and larger spatter and scoria cone structures including Half-Cone and Vent Mountain all within the caldera. The most recent eruption occurred in 1931 and created a new vent and lava flows on the western caldera floor while spreading ash over much of southwestern Alaska. Aniakchak volcano is 15 miles (25 km) southeast of the nearest community, Port Heiden, and 416 miles (670 km) southwest of Anchorage, Alaska.

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

Seismic activity at Semisopochnoi volcano was very low over the past week. Satellite and web camera views of the volcano throughout the week were mostly obscured by clouds, but a weak steam plume from the north crater of Mount Young was observed occasionally during brief clear views. The last evidence of ash emission from the volcano was on May 5 and consisted of a minor dusting of ash on the northwest flank of the north crater of Mount Young.

The recent eruptive activity has been characterized by small eruptions producing minor ash deposits within the vicinity of the active north crater of Mount Young, and ash clouds usually under 10,000 ft (3 km) above sea level. Additional ash-producing events could occur again with little warning.     

Semisopochnoi volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and regional infrasound and lightning networks. 

Semisopochnoi volcano occupies the largest, young volcanic island in the western Aleutians. The volcano is dominated by a 5-mile (8 km) diameter caldera that contains a small lake and several post-caldera cones and craters. The age of the caldera is not known with certainty but is likely early Holocene. Prior to 2018, the previous known historical eruption of Semisopochnoi volcano occurred in 1987, probably from Sugarloaf Peak on the south coast of the island, but details are lacking. Another prominent, young post-caldera landform is Mount Young, a three-peaked cone cluster in the southwest part of the caldera. Mount Young has been intermittently active since 2018. The island is uninhabited and part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. It is located 40 miles (65 km) northeast of Amchitka Island and 130 miles (200 km) west of Adak.

TAKAWANGHA (VNUM #311090)
51°52'1" N 178°1'37" W, Summit Elevation 4754 ft (1449 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Earthquake activity beneath Tanaga Island continued over the past week. No eruptive activity or other signs of unrest were observed in mostly cloudy satellite and web camera views.

Because seismic activity is also elevated at nearby Tanaga Volcano, if an eruption were to occur, it is unclear at this stage whether it would come from Tanaga Volcano or Takawangha volcano.

An increase in shallow seismicity and possibly other signs of unrest, such as gas emissions, elevated surface temperatures, and additional changes in ground movement, will likely precede any eruption if one were to occur.  

Takawangha is monitored with a local seismic network, a single local infrasound sensor, regional infrasound and lightning sensors, and satellite imagery. 

Takawangha is a remote, 4,754 ft (1,449 m)-high stratovolcano located on the northeast portion of Tanaga Island, roughly 59 miles (95 km) west of Adak in the Andreanof Islands. Takawangha's summit is mostly ice-covered, except for four young craters that have erupted ash and lava flows in the last few thousand years. Parts of Takawangha's edifice are hydrothermally altered and may be unstable, possibly leading to localized debris avalanches from its flanks. Takawangha lies across a saddle from historically active Tanaga volcano to the west. No historical eruptions are known from Takawangha; however, field work shows that recent eruptions have occurred, and it is possible that historic eruptions attributed to Tanaga may instead have come from Takawangha.

TANAGA (VNUM #311080)
51°53'2" N 178°8'35" W, Summit Elevation 5925 ft (1806 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Earthquake activity beneath Tanaga Island continued over the past week. No eruptive activity or other signs of unrest were observed in mostly cloudy satellite and web camera views.

Because seismic activity is also elevated at nearby Takawangha volcano, if an eruption were to occur, it is unclear at this stage whether it would come from Tanaga Volcano or Takawangha volcano.

Tanaga is monitored with a local seismic network, a single local infrasound sensor, regional infrasound and lightning sensors, and satellite imagery.

Tanaga Island lies in the Andreanof Islands approximately 62 miles (100 km) west of the community of Adak and 1260 miles (2025 km) SW of Anchorage. The northern half of the island is home to the Tanaga volcanic complex, comprising three main volcanic edifices. Tanaga Volcano is the tallest of these (5,925 ft or 1,806 m) and lies in the center of the complex. The last reported eruption of Tanaga occurred in 1914 and earlier eruptions were reported in 1763-1770, 1791, and 1829. Reports of these eruptions are vague, but deposits on the flanks of the volcano show that typical eruptions produce blocky lava flows and occasional ash clouds. Eruptions have occurred both from the summit vent and a 5,197 ft (1,584 m)-high satellite vent on the volcano's northeast flank. Immediately west of Tanaga volcano lies Sajaka, a 4,443 ft (1,354 m)-high compound edifice with an older cone to the east that collapsed into the sea within the last few thousand years, and a new cone that has grown in the breach. The new cone is 4,305 ft (1,312 m) high and consists of steeply dipping, interbedded cinders and thin, spatter-fed lava flows. To the east of Tanaga lies Takawangha, which is separated from the other active volcanic vents by a ridge of older rock. No historical eruptions are known from Sajaka or Takawangha; however, field work shows that recent eruptions have occurred, and it is possible that historic eruptions attributed only to Tanaga may instead have come from these other vents.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kristi Wallace, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS kwallace@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

Pavel Izbekov, Acting Coordinating Scientist, UAFGI peizbekov@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.