USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-AVO-2023-10-18T12:07:29-08:00

Volcanic unrest continues at Shishaldin Volcano. Seismic activity remains elevated and consists of seismic tremor and small, low-frequency earthquakes. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions were seen again in satellite data yesterday. Elevated surface temperatures were evident in satellite images throughout the past day; however, thermal output is not consistent with new lava at the surface. Instead, a high-resolution satellite image from October 16 shows a linear feature that extends a few hundred meters from the summit down the northeast flank that is the source of intense steaming. These observations are all consistent with magma degassing at fairly shallow levels beneath the volcano. 

Twelve significant explosive events have occurred at Shishaldin since July 12, 2023. These events have been preceded by increases in seismicity in the hours to days before they occur. It is unknown how long this period of ongoing activity will last. However, previous eruptions of Shishaldin Volcano have lasted weeks to months with repeated cycles of eruptive activity like those seen since July.

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 of Great Sitkin Volcano continues as shown in satellite radar data through October 15. Earthquake activity remained low over the past day, with only a couple of events detected. Nothing unusual was observed over the past day in mostly cloudy satellite and web-camera images. 

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

Seismic activity over the past day near Trident Volcano was low, with a few local earthquakes detected. No volcanic activity was observed in webcam or satellite images over the past 24 hours. However, high winds in the Katmai area have resuspended ash from the 1912 eruption; this was observed via satellite and webcam earlier today. The National Weather Service issued a SIGMET for this resuspension event: https://aviationweather.gov/gfa/#sigmet 

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.   

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