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Ambrym volcano (Vanuatu): increased activity, alert level raised

Fri, 1 Sep 2017, 08:03 | BY: T
Map of Ambrym's exlusion zones around Benbow and Ambrym (image: Geo-Hazards)
Map of Ambrym's exlusion zones around Benbow and Ambrym (image: Geo-Hazards)
Satellite image of Ambrym from 17 Aug 2017 (image: Sentinel / ESA)
Satellite image of Ambrym from 17 Aug 2017 (image: Sentinel / ESA)
According to Vanuatu's volcano monitoring agency Geohazards, the "volcanic activity at Ambrym is showing drastic changes." The alert level for Benbow and Ambrym volcanoes was raised from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-5).
What exactly the nature of the reported increased activity is was not specified in the report, unfortunately. Likely, it consists of a combination of increased detected seismic activity, degassing and high levels of lava lake activity which all could be precursors of potentially dangerous explosions from the active craters, in particular at Benbow and Marum (but also including the smaller vents of Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu).

An exclusion zone of 2 km radius around Benbow and 3 km around Marum was declared (danger zones A and B, see map), for visitors to "avoid volcanic projectiles, gases, ashes and any other volcano activity related incidents.
Volcanic gas and ashes can also affect villages that are exposed to trade winds." (Geo-Hazards)

Previous news

Wed, 30 Aug 2017, 06:00

Ambrym volcano (Vanuatu) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 30 August-5 September 2017 (New Activity / Unrest)

On 30 August the Vanuatu Geohazards Observatory (VGO) reported that “drastic changes” at Ambrym prompted an increase in the Alert Level from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 0-5). Areas deemed hazardous were near and around the active vents (Benbow, Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu), and in downwind areas prone to ashfall. According to a news article, a representative of VGO indicated that the Alert Level change was based on increased seismicity detected since the beginning of August but which became more notable on 25 August. ... Read all
Mon, 24 Jul 2017, 06:37

Ambrym volcano (Vanuatu): continuing lava lake activity, but lava lakes now 30-50% smaller

Lava lake in Benbow crater (Ambrym, Vanuatu) in mid July 2017 (photo: Yashmin Chebli / VolcanoDiscovery)
During our most recent Vanuatu volcano expedition, a small group stayed 4 days and nights in the Ambrym caldera. Expedition leader volcanologist Yashmin Chebli reported: ... Read all
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Ambrym volcano
shield volcano 1334 m (4,377 ft)
Vanuatu, -16.25°S / 168.12°E
Current status: restless (2 out of 5) Ambrym volcano eruptions:
1774, 1820(?), 1863, 1870(?), 1871, 1883, 1884, 1886, 1888, 1894, 1898, 1908, 1909(?), 1910, 1912, 1913, 1915, 1929, 1935, 1937, 1938, 1942, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1977 (2x), 1979 (2x), 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2009 -ongoing
Typical eruption style
Effusive, formation of lava lakes
Ambrym Volcano Tours
15-day volcano and photo expedition to Ambrym and Yasur volcanoes, Vanuatu
15 days / 14 nights - Moderate
Price 4490 €
2-16 Jul 2024