Global volcanic unrest intensified across multiple regions as monitoring networks tracked active eruptions, ash plumes, and hydrothermal degassing at sites including Mount Etna, Kilauea, and the Ahyi Seamount, according to official geological observatories.
Submarine and Island Unrest at Ahyi and Atka Volcanic Complex
According to the US Geological Survey, small plumes of discolored water around the Ahyi Seamount were identified intermittently in satellite images, with discrete plume shapes on 1, 7, and 11 July drifting less than 500 meters from the vent area. These plumes likely resulted from gas released into the water column, reflecting vigorous hydrothermal degassing or an ongoing effusive eruption. On 16 July, the Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. Meanwhile, the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported a small phreatic explosion at Korovin’s summit crater lake within the Atka Volcanic Complex on 16 July. Elevated seismicity declined immediately after the event, and by 21 July, the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Normal and the Aviation Color Code to Green.
Summit Activity and Ash Emissions at Mount Etna and Krakatau
Eruptive activity at Mount Etna’s summit craters continued during 13-19 July, characterized by gas emissions and sporadic explosions, according to the Sezione di Catania – Osservatorio Etneo (INGV). Field surveys on 16 and 18 July recorded yellowish-brown ash emissions from the West vent in Bocca Nuova Crater, becoming nearly continuous on 18-19 July with plumes rising several hundred meters. The Dipartimento della Protezione Civile maintained the Alert Level at Yellow. In Indonesia, the Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that an eruption at Krakatau continued during 16-22 July, with white, gray, and black ash plumes rising as high as 200 meters above the summit.
Did you know?
Krakatau’s renowned 1883 caldera collapse destroyed the Danan and Perbuwatan cones, generating tsunamis that resulted in more than 36,000 fatalities, before the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau began forming within the caldera in 1927.
Frequently Asked Questions
What alert level is Mount Etna currently under?
According to the Dipartimento della Protezione Civile, Mount Etna remains under a Yellow Alert Level.
Which agency monitors volcanic activity in the Aleutian Islands?
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) monitors volcanic complexes in the region, including Great Sitkin and the Atka Volcanic Complex.
How far must the public stay from Krakatau’s active crater?
According to the PVMBG, the public has been warned to stay at least 3 kilometers away from the active crater.
Stay informed on global geological developments by subscribing to our regional hazard updates and exploring our archives for ongoing scientific coverage.
Related reading