It is located on Unyak Island, which is part of the Rat Islands group in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
A RED alert warning has been issued by scientists stating that a "major eruption" of an Alaskan volcano is occuring.
Volcanologists have stated that the major volcanic eruption is underway with hazardous activity both on the ground and in the air. Seismic observations represent an increase in eruptive activity at the site of the volcano. Scientists have upgraded the Aviation Color Code and Volcano Alert level to a red warning.
The volcano is called Semisopochnoi. It is located on Unyak Island, which is part of the Rat Islands group in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
Observations of Semisopochnoi volcano shows an increase in ash plumes rising to 15,000 feet into the atmosphere.
The ash emissions from the volcano have increased in frequency and intensity and can be seen on satellite images rising above the weather clouds.
The ash cloud, blown by high winds, has extended approximately 60 miles to the southeast of the volcano.
Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported: "Explosions have been observed throughout the day and increased sulfur dioxide gas emissions have been observed in satellite data this afternoon.
"These observations represent an increase in eruptive activity and Aviation Color Code and Volcano Alert level are being increased to a red warning.
"Increasing high clouds over Semisopochnoi will likely obscure satellite views of ash emissions within the hour.
"Seismic and infrasound monitoring will continue to provide notice of ongoing explosive activity, however, it cannot determine the height or extent of ash emissions.
"The Alaska Volcano Observatory will continue to closely monitor all available data."
The volcano sits on the Ring of Fire that surrounds the Pacific ocean.
Waddayaknow.
The pictures and facts speak a different language. Only a few volcanic slopes are more densely populated than is the case here. However, the houses on the flank seem to be mostly holiday homes. Nevertheless, 5000 people are being evacuated. The evacuations are hampered by onlookers blocking the roads.
Vulkane.net today following:
Incredible pictures XPan. Thank you to share them here for us.Cumbre Vieja Volcano, LaPalma - Spain
19-22 Sep 2021
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Marc Szeglat writes at his site
Cumbre Vieja continues
"The eruption at Cumbre Vieja on La Palma remains stable and continues without much fluctuation. A lava fountain is being produced which feeds lava flows. There are occasional strombolian eruptions from a 2nd vent. A 3rd vent is effusive. Last night, a stronger explosion was observed, spherically dispersing incandescent tephra. Such explosions are known from Etna, among other places. There they mainly occur during the final phase of paroxysms. They have already been described as phreatomagmatic.
The lava flow crosses the municipality of Todoque and is close to a cinder cone on the coast. This blocks the path to the sea and must be flowed around. The latest forecasts say that Ocean Entry could then occur the next night. However, this "event" has already been postponed several times because the progress of the lava front on the flatter terrain in the coastal area has slowed down. If Ocean Entry does occur, it could be a spectacular event as it is a cliff face.
Since yesterday afternoon the seismicity has decreased and only single earthquakes were recorded. On the other hand, the tremor increased significantly, which caused additional concern. There was speculation about whether the volcano might be entering a more explosive eruption phase. New data from volcanologists is still pending and will be provided in an update"
(DeepL)
28 cm inflation
I also read at the Spanish Institut Geográfico Nacional, that the accumulated inflation has now reached 28 cm - which means a lot of magma is collecting under the volcano...
Additionally I encountered some magnificent photos people have made from the eruption, between 20-22 Sep 2021 + one photo from 19 Sep 2021, how it all started.
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How it started... (19 Sep 2021)
Incidentally, we owe the term "caldera" to the Canary Islands.The Wiki on La Palma has:
So it is exactly 50 years since the last time.
and just blew another Paroxysm, the 55th, in a row of many since 16 Feb 2021.
