USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2023-09-14T10:44:42-08:00

There was in increase in eruptive activity at Shishaldin Volcano over the past day. Seismic tremor amplitudes began to increase around 18:00 AKDT last night (02:00 UTC September 14) and small explosions were detected in seismic and infrasound data.  Elevated surface temperatures were observed in satellite views since yesterday afternoon with an increase in temperatures beginning last night into this morning.  Incandescence was seen in one web camera image early this morning at 01:34 AKDT (09:34 UTC) during the period of elevated tremor. No ash emissions were observed during the period of elevated seismicity but high clouds were present and could have obscured low-level ash emissions.  Seismicity declined significantly starting about 7:30 AKDT (15:30 UTC) and remains at low levels.

There have been nine periods of elevated eruptive activity resulting in significant ash emissions and mass flows of volcanic debris on the volcano's flanks since the onset of the current eruption. These periods of elevated eruptive activity have been preceded by increases in seismicity in the hours before they occur. Collapse of accumulated lava near the summit crater can occur without warning and generate hot mass flows on the upper flanks and small volcanic ash clouds. The ongoing eruptive period started on July 12, and it is unknown how long this eruptive episode will last. However, previous eruptions of Shishaldin Volcano have lasted weeks to months with repeated cycles of activity like those seen over the last month.

Local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, and a geodetic network 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.

Slow eruption of lava in the summit crater likely continues. Seismicity remains low with a few earthquakes detected over the past day. Clouds obscured views of the volcano by satellite and web camera today.

The current lava flow at Great Sitkin Volcano began erupting in July 2021. No explosive events have occurred since a single event in May 2021.

Local seismic and infrasound sensors, web cameras, regional infrasound and lightning networks, and satellite data are used to monitor the volcano.

Seismic activity near Trident Volcano remained elevated over the past day with some earthquakes detected. No activity was observed in mostly cloudy satellite views and clear web camera views over the past day.

The current period of seismic unrest began on August 24, 2022. Increases in seismic activity have been detected previously at Trident Volcano and other similar volcanoes and did not result in 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 issued an Information Statement on July 25 providing a more detailed update on the volcanic unrest at Trident Volcano and the broader Katmai volcanic cluster (https://www.avo.alaska.edu/news.php?id=1595).

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