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Bulletin n°2 - Tanna Activity |
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VANUATU VOLCANIC ACTIVITY BULLETIN N°2 - TANNA ACTIVITY Friday, March 12th, 2010
TANNA VOLCANO
19°32’0”S 169°26’30”E Summit 1184ft (361m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Following the observations of the Geo-hazards team on in March 8th 2010 and the analysis of the volcano-seismic data recorded by the monitoring network of this volcano, it is confirmed that the activity of this volcano is increasing since January 2010, as indicated in the satellite images. This is also proven by the activity of all the three active vents and the recent volcanic bombs that fell on visitors’ observation path. Under these circumstances, the Alert Level for Yasur volcano is raised to LEVEL 2 according to the Vanuatu Volcanoes Alert Levels (VVAL). This means that eruptions are moderate and danger close to the volcano, within parts of Red Zone of the Hazard map. Thus approaching the volcano could be dangerous; it would be safer to view the yasur volcano from the parking area to avoid the volcano impact. Visitors and tourism agencies are advised to consider this information until the next alert is released. |
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Bulletin N°2 - Gaua Activity |
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VANUATU VOLCANIC ACTIVITY BULLETIN N°2 - GAUA ACTIVITY Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
GAUA VOLCANO
14°16’0”S 167°30’0”E Summit 2615ft (797m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Since the beginning of February 2010, the activity of Gaua volcano has been stable but there is still uncertainty in the predictions of its future activity. According to volcanologists, the current activities of ash and steam emissions will still alternate and there is high probability that it will continue in the next month also but possibly with scoria eruptions, which can manifest as a glow surrounding the volcano at night, and audible explosions.
The main risk posed by the volcano at this stage is the ashfalls which will be experienced on all parts of the island, which will be largely dependent upon wind direction. Ashfall impacts have been on garden crops and vegetables, affecting their health and growth. The other significant risk is on the safety of drinking water, thus it is vital to protect all water tanks during ashfalls. The data collected from the seismic network in February 2010 does not show any significant difference compared to the October 2009 data.
Thus, the current Alert Level of Gaua volcano still remains at Level 2 on the Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level (VVAL).
Please consider these given information until the next bulletin is issued.
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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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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: Moderate eruptions, danger close to the volcano vent, within parts of Volcanic Hazards Map Red Zone.
| | 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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