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Bulletin N°7 - Gaua Activity |
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VANUATU VOLCANIC ACTIVITY BULLETIN N°7 - GAUA ACTIVITY Friday, January 29th, 2010 GAUA VOLCANO 14°16’0”S 167°30’0”E Summit 2615ft (797m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
The volcanic activity on Gaua has changed significantly during the month of January. More gas has been emitted since 16 January, followed by multiple explosions with thicker and darker ashplume. This plume of ash and gas was being expelled to about more than 3000 meters high and carried by the wind to surrounding villages in the south and west. Strong strombolian activity was evident on the 24th of January 2010 as villagers were able to observe its projections. These signs indicate that the level of magma is rising. Very strong explosions have been heard and seen from the coastal villages of East Gaua this morning, January 29th 2010. Due to the current activity, the level of water and the rate of river flow from the waterfall and outlets were observed to have risen from 20 to 30cm since January 22nd. This occurrence is possibly due to the disturbance within the Lake Letas which is feeding the river due to the rising activity. Water from water thanks in the eastern coast is becoming acid from the acid rains. This means that there can be greater threats posed given the occurrence of volcanic explosions. During such powerful explosions, there are high expectancies and risks of volcanic projectiles in Zone 1, the risks of ash falls and gas in the Zone 2 and Zone 4 and the risk of mudflow or lahars in the Zone 3 (see fig.3).
The current volcano alert is set at Level 2, but the activity is still increasing with the possibility to reach higher Level on the Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level (VVAL). Visitors are advised to be aware of the danger and avoid approaching the volcano until further notice. Closer monitoring is recommended.
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Welcome to the National Geohazards Observatory Website (NGOW) |
Welcome to the Vanuatu Geohazards (Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis) Observatory homepage.
This site provides access to information about ongoing geophysical survey and research on Vanuatu. It is our goal to provide as much resource in information as possible, about all the programs within the Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory.
The site is not designed to be exceedingly technical, but rather, suitable, useful and interesting to both the general public and to the scientific community.
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Here are the earthquake bulletins and press releases by the Vanuatu Geohazards Section. Included are the official information about the recorded seismological activities around the Efate region.
| | | | | | | | | | EFATE - Map December 2009 | |
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Current Volcanic Activity |
The table below shows the current alert level of Vanuatu's volcanoes. There is 2 differents types of volcano group, the frequently active volcanoes (Yasur, Lopevi, Ambrym) and the 'dormant' volcanoes (Ambae, Gaua, Vanua Lava).
- Suretamatai, Vanua Lava
- Suretamatai, Vanua Lava: Normal, quiet.
- Mt Garet, Gaua
- Mt Garet, Gaua: Confirmation of awakening, Minor eruptions and danger near to crater.
- Manaro Voui, Ambae
- Manaro Voui, Ambae: Signs of awakening.
- Marum & Bembow, Ambrym
- Marum & Bembow, Ambrym: Increased activity, danger near crater only.
- Lopevi
- Lopevi:Normal low-level activity.
- Yasur, Tanna
- Yasur, Tanna: Increased activity, danger near crater only.
| | Volcanic Activity Summary | | Vanuatu Volcano | Current Alert Level | | Manaro (Ambae) | 1 | | Marum & Benbow (Ambrym) | 1 | | Mt Garet (Gaua) | 2 | | Lopevi | 0 | | Yasur (Tanna) | 1 | | Suretamatai (Vanua Lava) | 0 |
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This table shows the description of Vanuatu Volcanic Alert Level (VVAL). | VVAL | Frequently Active Volcano Group (Yasur, Lopevi, Ambrym) | 'Dormant' Volcano Group (Ambae, Gaua, Vanua Lava) | | | | | | Lvl.? | Insufficient Monitoring to make assessment | | Lvl.0 | Normal low-level activity. | Normal, quiet. | | Lvl.1 | Increased activity, danger near crater only. | Signs of awakening. | | Lvl.2 | Moderate eruptions, danger close to the volcano vent, within parts of Volcanic Hazards Map Red Zone. | Confirmation of awakening, Minor eruptions and danger near to crater. | | Lvl.3 | Large eruption, danger in specific areas within parts of Volcanic Hazards Map Red and Yellow Zones. | Moderate to large eruption, danger in areas near crater and along main stream valleys. | | Lvl.4 | Very large eruption, island-wide danger (including areas within Red, Yellow and Green Zones). | Very large eruption, island-wide danger and potential impacrs on neighbouring islands. |
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