Marc Szeglat

Kilauea: New Eruption Phase in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater

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Kilauea’s 34th eruption phase has begun – Lava fountains over 100 m high

On October 1 at 12:53 a.m. HST, the 34th episode of the ongoing eruption began at the summit of Kīlauea. Activity had already been building for days with more than 120 so-called gas-piston events, which produced small spattering fountains and short lava overflows. These events started on September 28, occurring irregularly at first, but by September 29 they had become increasingly rhythmic and culminated during the night of September 30.

The transition to the actual episode occurred on September 30 at 11:43 p.m., when lava fountains about 10 meters high first rose from the northern vent. With the onset of summit deflation at 12:53 a.m., activity intensified significantly. The fountains are currently reaching heights of up to 100 meters, tilting slightly to the northeast, and feeding lava flows within the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

Earlier episodes had produced fountains over 300 meters high, with ash plumes rising as much as 6,000 meters. The current activity is more moderate, yet remains a spectacular display.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service, moderate winds are blowing from the northeast, which could carry volcanic gases and fine material southwest of the crater. Air traffic, however, is unaffected: Kona (KOA) and Hilo (ITO) airports are operating normally.

Several livestreams provide real-time views: V1cam, V2cam, and V3cam show the eruptive fountains directly, while KPcam and MKcam are used to assess fountain heights.

Whether Episode 34 will last only a day, like most previous phases, or continue longer remains uncertain. What is clear is that Kīlauea remains one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

Laacher See volcano: Study proves Magma

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New 3D Model of the Magma System Beneath the Laacher See volcano

Although the German Eifel region has seen no eruptions for over 11,000 years, it is still considered an active volcanic field. The last eruption of the Laacher See volcano occurred about 13,000 years ago, but gas emissions along the lake’s shore suggest ongoing volcanic activity. A German research team led by Hao Zhang from the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam has now produced the first high-resolution 3D image of the magma reservoir beneath Laacher See, confirming that magma is still accumulating there.

Between September 2022 and August 2023, the scientists operated more than 490 seismic stations across the Eifel. This unprecedented “Large-N” experiment recorded signals from local earthquakes, which were then processed through seismic tomography to create a three-dimensional model of the upper crust.

Their results are striking: Beneath Laacher See lies a cylindrical anomaly between two and ten kilometers deep, with an estimated volume of about 75 cubic kilometers. It shows a combination of low P-wave velocity and a high VP/VS ratio—classic indicators of partially molten rock. Interestingly, the structure tilts about 40 degrees to the southeast and intersects one of the region’s major fault zones, the Siegen Main Thrust, at around ten kilometers depth.

Clusters of microearthquakes were detected along the edges of this reservoir, pointing to high fluid pressures or elevated temperatures. The researchers also discovered a seismically active “channel” in the lower crust, which has produced recurring low-frequency volcanic earthquakes since 2013. This channel likely feeds magma and fluids upward from the upper mantle.

Although an eruption is not expected in the near future, the findings are highly relevant for volcanic hazard assessment. The reservoir is evidently replenished with fresh material over time, suggesting a higher eruption potential in the East Eifel than previously assumed.

In addition to Laacher See, the study identified smaller magmatic anomalies beneath other volcanic centers such as Rieden and Korretsberg—the latter showing increased microseismic activity in recent months. The study thus provides valuable insights into both the volcanic past and the possible future of the Eifel region.

Santorini: Seismic Crisis Triggered by Magma Intrusion

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Earthquake Swarm near Santorini: Study Confirms Massive Magma Intrusion

Between January and March 2025, a powerful earthquake swarm shook the area northeast of Santorini. Thousands of quakes – some exceeding magnitude 5.0 – caused damage to buildings and triggered evacuations. For months, scientists debated whether tectonic processes or rising magma were responsible. A newly published study, led by the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, now provides clear evidence for a magma intrusion.

Santorini lies on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates. In addition to the caldera with its islands Nea and Palea Kameni, the active underwater volcano Kolumbo is located nearby. Historically, the region has experienced several eruptions, the last major one occurring in 1950.

For this study, researchers combined seismic data from land stations with measurements from seafloor instruments deployed at Kolumbo. An AI-based method enabled the precise localization of more than 28,000 tremors. The results reveal that roughly 300 million cubic meters of magma rose from deep within the crust and stalled about four kilometers below the seafloor. As it moved upward, the molten rock triggered thousands of earthquakes and tremor phases.

The volume of magma is remarkable: it matches the entire lava output of the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption on La Palma and far exceeds the lava volumes of recent Icelandic eruptions.

The seismic crisis had already begun in mid-2024 with minor uplift of Santorini’s surface. In January 2025, earthquake activity intensified and the hypocenters migrated more than ten kilometers toward Kolumbo. Using GPS, satellite radar interferometry, and seismic modeling, researchers were able to reconstruct the magma’s ascent with unprecedented precision.

Another key finding: Santorini and Kolumbo are hydraulically connected. The slight subsidence of the island during magma ascent suggests that their magma systems interact underground. This insight significantly improves hazard assessments for the region.

Monitoring continues as part of the international MULTI-MAREX program, aiming to detect potential eruptions as early as possible.

Kilauea: Episode 33 in progress

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Kilauea Erupts Again: Episode 33 Active in the Summit Caldera

Kilauea on Hawaiʻi is once again putting on a spectacular display. In the early hours of September 19, at 3:11 a.m. HST, the 33rd eruptive phase since December 2024 began. Lava fountains are shooting up to 150 meters from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, and the eruption plume is rising roughly 3,000 meters into the sky.

In the days leading up to the event, sporadic outflows of small lava streams had been observed. Beginning September 17, the vent gradually filled, accompanied by low fountains. Activity intensified during the night of September 18, before transitioning to sustained eruption on September 19. Instruments recorded strong deflation and a marked increase in seismic tremor — clear indicators of the start of the new episode.

For now, the lava flows remain confined to the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. Airports in Kona and Hilo are not affected, according to the USGS. Winds are carrying volcanic gases and fine particles southwest across the Kaʻū Desert.

Sulfur dioxide emissions are estimated at roughly 50,000 tons per day. Fine ash and Pele’s hair can be transported up to 30 kilometers downwind, while larger particles fall within a few kilometers of the vent.

The alert level remains at WATCH, and the aviation color code is ORANGE. USGS livestream cameras are capturing the glowing fountains in real time, offering a striking view of the ongoing eruption.

Kamchatka: Strom Earthquke Mw 7.3

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Kamchatka: Series of Strong Earthquakes off the Coast near Petropavlovsk

This morning, the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula was shaken by a series of strong earthquakes. The most powerful quake reached a magnitude of Mw 7.3. Three additional tremors ranged between Mw 6.0 and 6.7, accompanied by several weaker aftershocks. The seismic sequence may not yet be over.

The strongest quake occurred at 06:49 UTC (08:49 CEST; 16:49 local time) at a depth of approximately 20 kilometers. The epicenter was located about 136 kilometers east of the regional capital, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The data comes from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and may still be subject to revision.

Germany’s GFZ (GeoForschungsZentrum) reported the main quake with a magnitude of Mw 7.4, though a manual data review is still pending. Initially, the depth was estimated at 10 kilometers but has since been adjusted to 20 kilometers. In total, five other earthquakes with magnitudes over 6.0 were recorded. The strongest of these, at Mw 6.7, occurred 21 minutes before the main shock.

Yellowstone Caldera: Are Bears Really Leaving the Park?

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Grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park are reportedly leaving the park in large numbers – fears of a supervolcano eruption are spreading

A video currently going viral is causing a stir: it shows a group of grizzly bears allegedly leaving Yellowstone National Park. The video was shared by influencer Scott Whitehead, who claims that even scientists are puzzled about why the animals are leaving the park. According to Whitehead, mountain lions reportedly fled the area last week as well. On social media, speculation is spreading that the animals might be sensing an impending supervolcano eruption and are fleeing as a result.

Animals as Early Warning Systems?

It is scientifically documented that some animals have a heightened sensitivity to impending natural disasters. For instance, in China, mass movements of snakes were observed before a major earthquake. Researchers see potential in using such animal behavior as an early warning system—by closely monitoring ants or goats in high-risk areas, for example.

Fact Check Exposes Video as Misleading

Several fact-checkers have analyzed the video and debunked the claims: the footage does not show an unusual migration, nor was it taken in Yellowstone. In reality, it appears to have been filmed at a bear wildlife park in Rapid City, South Dakota. Observant viewers recognized the location, especially a fence visible in the background. Thus, the claims made by influencer Scott Whitehead have no factual basis—likely motivated by the pursuit of clicks and advertising revenue.

No Signs of an Impending Eruption

Aside from the controversy surrounding the video, there are currently no indicators of an imminent eruption of the Yellowstone Caldera. Although there has been an increase in reports of minor hydrothermal explosions in recent months, such activity is not considered a reliable sign of an upcoming eruption. In the long term, scientists agree that the volcano may erupt again someday—but there is no immediate threat.

Note: To avoid further spreading the misleading video, we are not embedding it here. Instead, we are showing only a screenshot.

Iceland: Eruption No 9 has begun

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Ninth Volcanic Eruption in Iceland since November 2023 – Lava Fountains Along a New Fissure

Last night, Iceland experienced its ninth volcanic eruption in a row. At 03:54 UTC, a new fissure opened in the northern part of the Sundhnúkur crater row, stretching several hundred meters. Lava fountains are erupting along the fissure, forming a curtain of fire and feeding lava flows into the surrounding landscape. So far, no infrastructure is at risk. However, a harmful gas plume is drifting northward.

Seismic Activity Began After Midnight

The eruptive fissure is located northeast of the volcanic cone Stóra Skógfell and southeast of Litla-Skógfell—an area that was already affected by an eruption in August 2024. Compared to earlier events, this fissure is significantly farther north. So far, the eruption appears to be moderate in scale. However, ongoing earthquakes suggest that a new magmatic dike is forming, possibly extending along the entire Sundhnúkur crater row. The seismic activity stretches from the northern outskirts of Grindavík almost to the highway between Keflavík and Reykjavík. Nevertheless, the magmatic intrusion itself is likely to be shorter than the full range of quakes would imply. Notably, the seismic events began earlier than during previous eruptions—shortly after midnight (UTC).

Eruption Surprises Scientists – But Not Everyone

For the volcanologists at the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the eruption appears to have come as a surprise. Just the day before, they reported that only about two-thirds of the magma expelled during the April eruption had been replenished underground. In my update yesterday, I cautiously warned of a possible imminent eruption, having already anticipated one during the second half of July. The current developments seem to support my theory that the large dike formed in April was primarily fed by melt from a deep magma reservoir beneath Fagradalsfjall. The erupted lava, on the other hand, likely originated from the shallower system under Svartsengi.

Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts volcanic ash 13 km high

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Lewotobi Laki-Laki Ejects Ash 13 Kilometres High – Lava Dome Partially Destroyed by Eruption

Maumere, July 8, 2025 – Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano remains highly active. Following a powerful eruption in the morning, another major explosion occurred at 7:32 p.m. WITA. The resulting ash plume rose 13,000 metres above the crater, reaching a total altitude of 14,584 metres above sea level. In addition to ash, incandescent tephra was ejected and blanketed large parts of the volcano’s flanks. Air traffic between Bali and Australia was once again disrupted by the volcanic ash cloud.

Seismic Activity Low Prior to the Eruption

Notably, the seismic activity prior to the eruption was minimal. According to the Indonesian volcanology agency (VSI), only two volcano-tectonic earthquakes, four low-frequency events, and seven strong degassing episodes were recorded between 6:00 p.m. and midnight WITA. At Lewotobi, even small seismic changes can sometimes signal an impending eruption—though there are also days with elevated activity that do not lead to explosive events.

Lava Dome in the Crater Long Overlooked – Private Drone Footage Offers New Insights

During quieter phases, a flat lava dome tends to form in the crater, gradually clogging the volcano’s vent system. This viscous lava plug had barely been addressed in official VSI reports until recently. Its existence became public knowledge thanks to drone footage shared by independent observer Mbah Lurah. His videos show the so-called “pancake dome,” though he refers to it simply as “frozen lava.” Images captured on July 6—just hours before the first major explosion—already show a thick lava flow escaping through a depression on the crater rim.

In earlier footage from June, dense steam clouds mostly obscured the crater floor. Only one frame revealed a faint red glow, suggesting ongoing dome growth. The work of independent drone operators like Mbah Lurah has become crucial, particularly given that no specific eruption warnings appear to have been issued by the local VSI observatory.

Eruptions Follow a Pattern – Forecasts Theoretically Possible

The explosive events follow a recognizable pattern: as the dome grows, it increasingly obstructs the vent, causing gas pressure in the system to build. Shortly before an eruption, degassing typically drops sharply—an indication that the system is nearly sealed. When an explosion does occur, part or all of the dome is blown out, sometimes triggering pyroclastic flows.

Although recent eruptions have shown little to no seismic precursors, in principle these patterns could allow for better forecasting. Improved monitoring would not only benefit the local population but also help mitigate disruptions to international air travel.

Pyroclastic Flows at Shinmoe-dake in Japan

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Kirishima Remains Active – Dangerous Pyroclastic Flows at Shinmoe-dake

Kagoshima, July 8, 2025 – The Shinmoe-dake crater, part of Japan’s Kirishima volcanic complex on Kyushu, continues to show intense volcanic activity. Ash plumes are rising several thousand meters into the sky, and multiple pyroclastic flows have been observed. These deadly currents pose a serious threat to anyone who enters the restricted zone around the volcano.

Pyroclastic Flows – Virtually Unsurvivable

Pyroclastic flows are fast-moving clouds of superheated gas, fine ash, and rock fragments. They race down volcanic slopes on a cushion of gas, often with little to no warning or sound. Depending on the steepness of the slope and the eruption’s intensity, they can travel at incredible speeds, leaving little chance for escape.

These flows typically form in one of three ways: the collapse of a large Plinian eruption column, the breakdown of a lava dome or the front of a viscous lava flow, or through lateral explosions. In addition to their speed, pyroclastic flows are extremely hot – often causing fatal burns not only to the skin but also to the lungs, leading to death by asphyxiation.

As such, pyroclastic flows are among the most dangerous hazards associated with volcanoes. To protect the public, a 3-kilometre exclusion zone has been established around Shinmoe-dake. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) estimates that the current flows can travel up to 2 kilometres, though significantly greater distances are possible during stronger eruptions. Recent photos from Sunday show a glowing cloud extending all the way to the base of the cone.

Activity Ongoing Since Late June – Pyroclastic Flows First Documented on Sunday

Shinmoe-dake entered its current active phase on June 22, with activity steadily intensifying since. On Saturday, ash plumes rose as high as 5,000 metres above the crater. The first pyroclastic flows were documented on Sunday afternoon, followed by additional flows on Monday. Poor weather has limited visibility today, but a webcam image from this morning suggests that another pyroclastic flow may have occurred.

Visitors are strongly urged to heed all warnings and avoid entering the restricted area. A safe and panoramic view of the volcano can be had from the 1,700-metre-high Karakuni-dake, the tallest peak within the Kirishima complex. Located about 3 kilometres northeast of Shinmoe-dake, it is still within range of modern drones—though their operation is, of course, legally limited to visual line-of-sight.

Signs the Eruption May Be Easing

Recent geophysical data show a slight contraction of the crater, likely due to increased ash emissions. It appears that less magma is currently rising from depth than is being expelled at the surface. This could indicate that the current eruptive phase may be nearing its end.

Lewotobi Laki-Laki: Flights Cancelled Due to Major Volcanic Eruption

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Powerful eruption at Lewotobi Laki-Laki – Ash cloud nearly 20 km high disrupts air traffic

Maumere, July 7, 2025 – A powerful explosion occurred today at 11:05 a.m. WITA at Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on the Indonesian island of Flores. Volcanic ash was ejected to an altitude of nearly 20 kilometres. A broad pyroclastic flow also formed and moved down the southern flank of the volcano. The high-reaching ash plume caused significant disruptions to air traffic. The VONA alert level has been raised to “Red.”

According to Indonesia’s volcanology agency (VSI), the ash cloud reached an altitude of 19,584 metres above sea level—an estimated 18,000 metres above the crater. However, the Darwin VAAC reported that satellite data detected volcanic ash at around 15,000 metres altitude.

This is the second time in four weeks that flights have been cancelled due to volcanic activity. Both regional flights and international connections between Bali and Australia have been affected. Virgin Australia confirmed that three outbound flights from Bali to Australia were cancelled. Details on disruptions to other airlines are not yet available.

Although a large pyroclastic flow accompanied the eruption, no casualties have been reported. Access to the volcano is prohibited, and a 6-kilometre exclusion zone is in place around Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s summit.

Lewotobi Laki-Laki forms a twin-volcano system with neighbouring Lewotobi Perempuan. The volcano has been intermittently active for nearly two years, producing frequent small eruptions and occasional large explosions such as today’s. However, not all eruptions are harmless: on November 4, 2024, at least ten people died when pyroclastic flows set fire to houses in a village near the volcano’s base.

Today’s eruption came with little warning. Seismic activity increased only slightly in the moments leading up to the explosion, according to VSI monitoring data.