IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
International Civil Aviation Organization
9/7/08
WORKING PAPER
INTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS VOLCANO WATCH OPERATIONS GROUP
(IAVWOPSG)
FOURTH MEETING
Paris, France, 15 to 19 September 2008
Agenda Item 5: Operation of the IAVWOPSG
5.1: Implementation of the IAVW, including the IAVW Management Report
ASSESSMENT OF DAILY VOLCANO STATUS BRIEFING PRODUCT
(Presented by Australia)
SUMMARY
This paper discusses the issues around the provision of a daily volcano status
product for aviation, known as the Daily Volcanic Activity Summary, and the
feedback received by users, and makes a recommendation to further develop
the product with the view to introduce it worldwide.
.
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
At the third meeting of the International Airways Volcano Watch Operations Group
(IAVWOPSG/3), the need for members of the international airways volcano watch (IAVW) to maintain a
coherent picture of the status of all the volcanoes of interest for a particular region was discussed (refer
IAVWOPSG/3 5.2.15). The Darwin volcanic ash advisory centre (VAAC) has been trialling a product,
known as the Daily Volcanic Activity Summary, intended to collate known activity within the Darwin
VAAC area of responsibility in a form that IAVW participants can easily assimilate.
1.2
Conclusion 3/19 asked that the IAVWOPSG Member for Australia, in co-ordination with
the IAVWOPSG Members from the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) and the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) further develop the concept and assess the costs and
benefits related to the introduction of a daily volcano status product by selected VAACs.
(17 pages)
106744888
IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
2.
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DISCUSSION
2.1
The product has been issued daily in text form since the previous meeting, and made
available to users via a password protected website. A trial graphical form has also been made available to
two airlines through embedded meteorological units. These users have indicated a high level of
satisfaction with the product. They have found it reduces their workload significantly, particularly in
regard to the need for telephone calls to the VAAC. This reduction in telephone calls also reduces the
workload on the VAAC.
2.2
The most important element to aviation was found to be the colour code (of significance
when orange or red), which, when used in conjunction with forecast winds, can be used for route airways
management. It was noted that the colour code on its own can sometimes be insufficient for airline
planning due to the dual meaning of each colour (i.e. for red/orange the volcano can either be in eruption
or an eruption is likely, yellow may indicate either an increase or decrease in activity). The provision of
further information in the volcanic activity summary under ‘Eruption Details’ and ‘Remarks’ helps to
clarify the situation.
2.3
One airline advised that they were able to modify their risk analysis and internal route
restrictions based on additional information provided in the Volcanic Activity Summary, such as how
well a volcano is monitored from the ground, and were therefore able to make considerable savings in
related fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
2.4
Our trial users encouraged international consistency and would like to see the product
introduced elsewhere. In this regard it should be noted that, as each VAAC region has different
characteristics, it would be very useful if the Daily Volcanic Activity Summary is trialled by at least one
other VAAC to identify other issues. The ultimate goal would be a worldwide, quality controlled
summary of known volcanic activity, that would facilitate cross-checking with NOTAMs, ASHTAMs,
SIGMETs, VAAs and pilot reports.
2.5
The product has been initially prepared in a structured but non-rigid format. Feedback
from Darwin VAAC forecasters revealed some editing difficulties and occasional confusion with respect
to format and content. To resolve these issues a more highly structured, fixed format is desired, with data
being entered into a database, or ingested from Common Alerting Protocol, XML format or similar.
Darwin VAAC has initiated some preliminary work towards this goal, although other priorities have
prevented significant progress at this stage.
2.6
A fixed format would also have the added benefit that information from the Volcano
Observatory Notice for Aviation could be automatically inserted into the product. This is seen as highly
desirable as it would minimise the work involved in preparing the product and ensure that the advice of
observatories is reflected properly in the product. Reputable third-party information, such as from the
Global Volcanism Program of the Smithsonian Institution, could also be incorporated in this way.
2.7
The trial graphical format of the product - where the colour code of each volcano is
displayed on a Google Earth map, and further information taken from the Volcanic Activity Summary can
be viewed by clicking on the volcano – also received favourable feedback, as this is a more user-friendly
format for flight dispatchers, particularly if additional information such as ASHTAMs, SIGMETs etc
were displayed. In light of this feedback, we believe this is a format that is worthy of further
development.
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2.8
IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
Some recent suggestions for improvements, which the group may like to discuss, include:
a) for consistency between products, the element titles should be in the same format as
the Volcanic Ash Advisory. For example, LOCATION should be PSN, REMARKS
should be RMK etc.
b) a font or colour change to highlight any changes in volcano status; and
c) inclusion of additional profiling information on each volcano. For example, normal
eruptive characteristics (e.g. frequent low-level eruptions, explosive, fumarolic
activity), whether recent activity is similar to this normal behaviour, and the extent of
ground-based monitoring. This is currently done on an ad-hoc basis in the
REMARKS section, but could be made more structured by adding extra element
titles, for example CHARACTERISTIC ACTIVITY and MONITORING STATUS.
2.9
A potentially strong side benefit of the daily Volcanic Activity Summary has been
identified that, in the event of VAACs entering into a back-up mode of operation, the back-up site could
utilise this product to quickly familiarise themselves with the activity in the VAAC region.
2.10
In preparing the above discussion, we have been able to identify very few costs apart
from the work of initial product development. The time spent preparing the product each day is relatively
minimal, as there are usually few alterations from the previous day’s product, and this is more than offset
by the time saved per shift in situational understanding within the VAAC. However, it is acknowledged
that the product has been developed to suit the existing work and information flow within Australia, and
trials by additional VAAC provider States would probably identify additional costs or benefits.
2.11
Should the group consider that the concept deserves further development, we therefore
suggest that this should be done by a small group of VAACs working together, and that IATA members
operating in those areas be invited to participate in the development trials.
3.
CONCLUSION
3.1
conclusion:
In accordance with the discussion above, the group may wish to formulate the following
Conclusion 4/ — Daily volcano status briefing product
That,
a) VAAC (or VAACs) be tasked with trialing the Volcanic
Activity Summary within their region;
b) the IAVWOPSG Member from Australia, in coordination
with the IAVWOPSG Members from IUGG, IATA and
…. further develop the product, incorporating user
feedback during the process; and
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IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
c) make a report in time for consideration by the
IAVWOPSG/5 Meeting.
4.
4.1
ACTION BY THE IAVWOPSG
The IAVWOPSG is invited to:
a) note the information in this paper; and
b) decide on the draft conclusion proposed for the group’s consideration.
————————
IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
Appendix
APPENDIX
VOLCANIC ACTIVITY SUMMARY
06:00 UTC Friday, 20 June 2008
Updates this issue: Dukono, Krakatau.
Notes:
1. This summary is in trial format. Comments:
mailto:darwin.vaac.admin@bom.gov.aumailto:darwin.vaac.admin@bom.gov.audarwin.vaac.admi
n@bom.gov.aumailto:darwin.vaac.admin@bom.gov.aumailto:darwin.vaac.admin@bom.gov.au
2. http://bomw0007:aviation@www.bom.gov.au/products/reg/IDD41400.shtml -
Colour_Codeshttp://bomw0007:aviation@www.bom.gov.au/products/reg/IDD41400.shtml Colour_CodesAviation Colour
codeshttp://bomw0007:aviation@www.bom.gov.au/products/reg/IDD41400.shtml -
Colour_Codeshttp://bomw0007:aviation@www.bom.gov.au/products/reg/IDD41400.shtml Colour_Codes given here are generally unofficial and extrapolated from ground-based alert levels
and discussions with the responsible agencies – see
http://www.bom.gov.au/info/vaac/faq.shtmlhttp://www.bom.gov.au/info/vaac/faq.shtmlhttp://ww
w.bom.gov.au/info/vaac/faq.shtmlhttp://www.bom.gov.au/info/vaac/faq.shtmlhttp://www.bom.go
v.au/info/vaac/faq.shtml
3. The Smithsonian Institution’s http://www.volcano.si.edu/http://www.volcano.si.edu/Global
Volcanism Programhttp://www.volcano.si.edu/http://www.volcano.si.edu/ has a great deal of
background and current information.
4. Please check Volcanic Ash Advisories, SIGMETs and NOTAMs for any later information.
India
1. VOLCANO: Barren Island 0600-01
2. LOCATION: N1217 E9353
3. AREA: Andaman Islands, Indian Ocean
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 354M/1161FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20071223/1245Z.
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Appendix
A-2
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Thin plume observed to low levels
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: MTSAT.
9. REMARKS: Barren Island is not monitored from the ground in real time. When observed from the
air or by satellite, the eruption clouds are relatively small and low level.
Indonesia
Responsible volcanic agency:
http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/Centre of Volcanology and Geological Hazard
Mitigation, Indonesia (CVGHMhttp://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/)
1. VOLCANO: Talang 0601-16
2. LOCATION: S0059 E10041
3. AREA: Sumatra
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 2597M/8520FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: Ash cloud reported 20070318/1400Z 500m–1000m
above summit.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Eruptions have declined to below 400m above summit
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM
9. REMARKS: CVGHM advise Alert Level downgraded to Level 2(on a scale of 1-4) on 20071215
based on decline in seismicity and eruption height.
1. VOLCANO: Kerinci 0601-17
2. LOCATION: S0169 E10127
3. AREA: Sumatra
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 3805M/12480FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080324.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Ash and gas plume rise to 4.3 km above sea level.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM
9. REMARKS: CVGHM status is at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and they are continuing to
monitor the volcano.
1. VOLCANO: Krakatau 0602-00
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Appendix
2. LOCATION: S0606 E10525
3. AREA: Sunda Strait
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 813M/2667FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Orange
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: Low level VA plume to FL100 observed by satellite
extending 30nm to northwest on 20080620. CVGHM report heightened activity from 20080406.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Short period low level eruptions have been reported by CVGHM.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM
9. REMARKS: CVGHM upgraded the Alert Level from Level 2 to Level 3 (on a scale of 1-4) on
20080421.
1. VOLCANO: Merapi 0603-25
2. LOCATION: S0732 E11026
3. AREA: Java
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 2947M/9668FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Orange
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: Pilot report on 20080618/0339Z.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS:Eruption observed to FL200.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: Pilot Report.
9. REMARKS: CVGHM have not reported any recent activity and nothing visible on satellite
imagery. Close monitoring is ongoing.
10. VOLCANO: Kelut 0603-28
11. LOCATION: S0756 E11219
12. AREA: Java
13. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1731M/5679FT
14. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Orange
15. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: None observed recently.
16. ERUPTION DETAILS:None observed recently.
17. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM.
18. REMARKS: CVGHM reduced the local alert status on 20071130 from Alert Level 3 to 2 (on a
scale of 1-4). However, Kelut has a history of explosive eruptions to high levels. Aviation colour
code remains at orange. Close monitoring is ongoing.
IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
Appendix
A-4
1. VOLCANO: Semeru 0603-30
2. LOCATION: S0807 E11255
3. AREA: Java
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 3676M/12060FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow.
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: CVGHM advise a decrease in low level activity from
20080605.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Short period low level eruptions.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM.
9. REMARKS: Alert level downgraded to level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) by CVGHM on 20080605.
Semeru typically has several ash-rich explosions every hour, with ash to around FL150. Activity
can be difficult to observe from November-April due to cloud. Ongoing explosive activity (since
1967).
1. VOLCANO: Tengger (Bromo) 0603-31
2. LOCATION: S0756 E11257
3. AREA: Java
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 2329M/7640FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVEDV PLUME: 20040616
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Thin white steam being emitted.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM
9. REMARKS: Downgraded from CVGHM Alert Level 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) in September 2006.
1. VOLCANO: Raung 0603-34
2. LOCATION: S0807 E11402
3. AREA: Java
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 3332M/10931FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVEDV PLUME: 20080617
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Eruption observed to FL150 in vicinity of Raung.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: Pilot report.
9. REMARKS: Eruption observed over east Java. Volcano unconfirmed, but most likely Raung.
Seeking further clarification.
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Appendix
1. VOLCANO: Papandayan 0603-10
2. LOCATION: S0732 E10773
3. AREA: Western Java, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 2665M/8743FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080415
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: White plumes rising to an altitude of 2.7km (8,900ft). Reports indicating an
increase in activity.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVHGM.
9. REMARKS: CVHGM advise alert level raised to 2(on a scale of 1-4).
1. VOLCANO: Karangetang (Api Sau) 0607-02
2. LOCATION: N0247 E12529
3. AREA: Sangihe, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1784M/5852FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow.
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20071021/0855Z – Plume to FL070 observed on
satellite imagery.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Ongoing mild eruption activity.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: MTSAT, CVGHM.
9. REMARKS: CVGHM advise downgraded from local Alert Level 3 to Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on
20071125.
1. VOLCANO: Lokon-Empung 0606-03
2. LOCATION: N0122 E12447
3. AREA: Sulawesi, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1580M/5183FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080226
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Thin white plumes observed 50-75m above crater during February 2008.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM
9. REMARKS: CVGHM downgraded Lokon from Alert Level 3 to Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on
20080229 based on reduced seismicity and visual data.
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Appendix
A-6
1. VOLCANO: Soputan 0606-03
2. LOCATION: N0107 E12443
3. AREA: Sulawesi, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1784M/5853FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow.
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: Eruption to FL450 on 20080606 extending 150nm to
southwest.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: An increase in earthquake activity from 20080604 resulted in a significant
eruption on 20080606.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM, MTSAT.
9. REMARKS: CVGHM advise downgrade to local Alert Level 2 from Level 3 (on a scale of 1-4) on
20080619.
1. VOLCANO: Gamkonora 0608-04
2. LOCATION: N0123 E12731
3. AREA: Halmahera, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1635M/5364FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080326
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Thick white smoke observed to 100m above volcano 20080326.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: MTSAT-VIS, DMSP, CVGHM.
9. REMARKS: CVGHM downgraded Gamkonora.to Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 20070726.
Last major eruption was in 1987, producing lava and Pyroclastic flows.
1. VOLCANO: Dukono 0608-01
2. LOCATION: N0141 E12753
3. AREA: Halmahera, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1185M/3887FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080529
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: CVGHM report a decrease in activity.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM
9. REMARKS: CVGHM downgraded Dukono from Alert level 3 to level 2 (on a scaled of 1-4) on
20080619.
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A-7
Appendix
1. VOLCANO: Ibu 0608-03
2. LOCATION: N0129 E12738
3. AREA: Halmahera, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1325M/4347FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Orange
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080405
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Activity and plume altitude increased to 1.8-2.0km (5.900-6,600ft).
Eruption plume was grey and material fell onto the crater.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM
9. REMARKS: CVGHM upgraded Alert level from Level 2 to Level 3 (on a scale of 1-4) on
20080421.
1. VOLCANO: Gamalama 0608-06
2. LOCATION: N0048 E12719
3. AREA: Halmahera, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1715M/5627FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080510
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Thick white smoke was observed to 50m above the crater.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVGHM
9. REMARKS: CVGHM upgraded to Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 20080511.
1. VOLCANO: Batu Tara 0604-26
2. LOCATION: S0747 E12335
3. AREA: Lesser Sunda Island, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 748M/2454FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Orange.
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: VA plume to FL070 observed on 20080614/0130Z.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Occasional low level eruptions.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: MTSAT, MODIS
9. REMARKS: Occasional low level eruptions expected to continue.
1. VOLCANO: Egon 0604-16
2. LOCATION: S0840 E12227
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Appendix
A-8
3. AREA: Lesser Sunda Island, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1703M/5587FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080513.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: An decrease in activity has been reported with eruption heights lowering
significantly.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVHGM
9. REMARKS: CVHGM advise Egon alert level has been reduced to Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on
20080513
1. VOLCANO: Lewotobi 0604-18
2. LOCATION: S0832 E12247
3. AREA: Lesser Sunda Island, Indonesia
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1703M/5587FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080520.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Occasional low level smoke plumes observed.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: CVHGM
9. REMARKS: CVHGM have observed an increase in seismic activity at the volcano so have
upgraded the alert level from Alert Level 1 to Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Philippines
Responsible volcanic agency:
http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (
http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/http:/
/www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/PHIVOLCS)http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.p
h/
Check PHIVOLCS site and Tokyo VAAC advisories for information about Bulusan, Mayon, Kanlaon, Taal,
and other volcanoes north of 10N.
No known current activity south of 10N.
Papua New Guinea
Responsible volcanic agency:
IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
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Appendix
Rabaul Volcanological Observatory (RVO)
1. VOLCANO: Rabaul 0502-14
2. LOCATION: S0416 E15212
3. AREA: New Britain, Southwest Pacific
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 688M/2257FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Orange
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080619/0130Z
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Minor eruptive activity causing low level ash plumes.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: MTSAT.
9. REMARKS: RVO advises that the current activity with small to moderate ash emissions expected
to continue.
1. VOLCANO: Manam 0501-02
2. LOCATION: S0406 E14504
3. AREA: New Guinea
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1807M/5928FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080511/0330Z
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Low level activity expected to continue.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: MTSAT, NOAA; RVO.
9. REMARKS: RVO advises that Manam continues to show signs of low level activity.
1. VOLCANO: Karkar 0501-03
2. LOCATION: S04649 E14596
3. AREA: New Guinea east
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1839M/6033FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080229
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Variable volumes of white vapour released towards the end of January.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: RVO
9. REMARKS: Information from RVO says this volcano is still causing concern because of it
fumarolic activity. This volcano has a history of explosive eruptions, the last was in 1979.
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Appendix
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1. VOLCANO: Langila 0502-01
2. LOCATION: S0531 E14825
3. AREA: New Britain, southwest Pacific
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1330M/5928FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080229
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Low level activity continues with some ash emitted on most days during
February 2008 to heights of a few hundered metres.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: RVO
9. REMARKS: RVO advises that the volcano is noted for its ongoing fluctuating eruptive activity all
year round. Occasional large explosions sending ash clouds to more than 5km pose a threat to
the aviation industry.
1. VOLCANO: Garbuna 0502-07
2. LOCATION: S0545 E15009
3. AREA: New Britain, southwest Pacific
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 564M/1850FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080331
7. ERUPTION DETAILS:Activity consisted of thin to thick white vapour.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: RVO
9. REMARKS: RVO advises that activity is fluctuating between moderate and low levels.
1. VOLCANO: Pago 0502-08
2. LOCATION: S0558 E15052
3. AREA: New Britain, southwest Pacific
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 742M/2434FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 200801
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Thin white vapour from upper vents.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: RVO
9. REMARKS: RVO advises that the volcano is quiet with very occasional low frequency seismic
events.
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Appendix
1. VOLCANO: Ulawun 0502-12
2. LOCATION: S0503 E15120
3. AREA: New Britain, southwest Pacific
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 2334M/7657FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow.
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080306
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: An increase in activity during early June.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: RVO
9. REMARKS: Various amounts of strong thick white vapor, sometimes emitted forcefully.
1. VOLCANO: Bagana 0505-02
2. LOCATION: S0608 E15512
3. AREA: New Britain, southwest Pacific
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 1750M/5741FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME: 20080521/2230Z observed to FL120.
7. ERUPTION DETAILS: Low level ash/steam plumes observed.
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: MTSAT, RVO.
9. REMARKS: RVO advise activity at Bagana consists of gentle emission of thin to thick white
vapour with occasional thin pale grey ash clouds. Intermittent lava effusion from the summit
crater expected to continue.
1. VOLCANO: Ritter Island 0501-07
2. LOCATION: S0531 E14807
3. AREA: New Guinea, southwest Pacific
4. SUMMIT ELEVATION: 140M/459FT
5. AVIATION COLOUR CODE: Yellow
6. LAST REPORTED/OBSERVED PLUME:Nil observed
7. ERUPTION DETAILS:Nil
8. INFORMATION SOURCE: RVO.
9. REMARKS: RVO advise 3 explosions were heard at 20070519/1100Z . No ash emissions were
observed. An earthquake occurred at 1112Z causing some large waves several metres high. Part
of the island was washed away.
IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
Appendix
Solomon Islands
Responsible volcanic agency:
Water and Mineral Resources Division
No known current activity.
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IAVWOPSG/4-WP/37
A-13
1.1.1
Appendix
Aviation Colour Code
GREEN ALERT: Volcano is in normal, non-eruptive state.
or, after a change from a higher alert level:
Volcanic activity considered to have ceased, and volcano reverted to its normal, non-eruptive state.
YELLOW ALERT: Volcano is experiencing signs of elevated unrest above known background levels.
or, after a change from higher alert level:
Volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed
increase.
ORANGE ALERT: Volcano is exhibiting heightened unrest with increased likelihood of eruption.
or,
Volcanic eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission
RED ALERT: Eruption is forecast to be imminent with significant emission of ash into the
atmosphere likely.
or,
Eruption is underway with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere.
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