ALASKA VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Monday, May 31, 2021, 12:47 PM AKDT (Monday, May 31, 2021, 20:47 UTC)

SEMISOPOCHNOI VOLCANO (VNUM #311060)
51°55'44" N 179°35'52" E, Summit Elevation 2625 ft (800 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Low-level ash emissions from the north crater of Mount Cerberus were observed yesterday. The ash emissions were accompanied by an increase in seismic tremor (continuous shaking). A small ash cloud visible in satellite data yesterday has dissipated. Significant ash emissions are no longer occurring from north crater. Elevated surface temperatures at north crater also were observed in satellite data over the past day. The elevated surface temperatures likely represent hot material on the floor of the crater. Since the period of ash emission yesterday, the seismicity has been characterized by low-level continuous tremor and occasional small discrete events; overall the volcano remains restless.

Small eruptions producing minor ash deposits within the vicinity of the active north crater of Mount Cerberus and ash clouds under 10,000 ft above sea level are typical of recent activity at Semisopochnoi. Small explosions may occur without warning and could be undetected by regional infrasound sensors and cloudy weather conditions.

Semisopochnoi is monitored by a local seismic network, satellite data, regional infrasound, and lightning detection instruments. An infrasound array on Adak Island may detect explosive emissions from Semisopochnoi with a slight delay (approximately 13 minutes) if atmospheric conditions permit.

CLEVELAND VOLCANO (VNUM #311240)
52°49'20" N 169°56'42" W, Summit Elevation 5676 ft (1730 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

No activity was observed in seismic or infrasound data over the past day. Satellite observations have been obscured by clouds.

Episodes of lava effusion and explosions can occur without advance warning. Explosions from Cleveland are normally short duration and only present a hazard to aviation in the immediate vicinity of the volcano. Larger explosions that present a more widespread hazard to aviation are possible, but are less likely and occur less frequently.

When operational, Cleveland volcano is monitored by only two seismic stations, which restricts AVO's ability to precisely locate earthquakes and detect precursory unrest that may lead to an explosive eruption. Rapid detection of an ash-producing eruption may be possible using a combination of seismic, infrasound, lightning, and satellite data.

GREAT SITKIN VOLCANO (VNUM #311120)
52°4'35" N 176°6'39" W, Summit Elevation 5709 ft (1740 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Seismicity was at very low levels over the past day. Satellite observations show moderately elevated surface temperature over past day, indicative of continued low-level unrest. No ash emissions have been observed since the explosive event on May 25 (local time).

The prognosis for renewed eruptive activity is uncertain. Additional explosive events, the eruption of lava, or a return to non-eruptive behaviors are all possible. AVO will report on significant changes and observations in monitoring data should they occur.

Great Sitkin volcano is monitored by local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and remote infrasound and lightning networks.

OTHER ALASKA VOLCANOES

Information on all Alaska volcanoes is available at : http://www.avo.alaska.edu.

For definitions of Aviation Color Codes and Volcano Alert Levels, see: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/color_codes.php

SUBSCRIBE TO VOLCANO ALERT MESSAGES by email: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

Kristi Wallace, Acting Scientist-in-Charge, USGS
kwallace@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

David Fee, Coordinating Scientist, UAF
dfee1@alaska.edu (907) 322-4085



The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

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