El Hierro

[jand]

More photos of the stain.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110327184570944806725/ElHierroFebruary132012?authuser=0&feat=directlink#

[jand]

Photo of active gas spot taken today.

[jand]

Update 13/02 – 09:34 UTC – 09:59 UTC
 - 3 earthquakes so far today
 13/02/2012 06:10     Depth 10 km  M 1.1      SW EL PINAR
 13/02/2012 07:41     Depth 10 km  M 1.7     SW EL PINAR
 13/02/2012 08:27     Depth 11 km  M 1.8      W EL PINAR
 - variable HT periods, the latest one rather subsiding to very minimal
 - the behavior of the stain has less and less relation with the HT reading. One very big obstacle we have as "open source" followers, is that we cannot see HT in real time but only delayed by approx. 20 to 30 minutes.
 - the center of the stain (gray pumice) is back to the location of the main vent (yesterday, we had multiple jacuzzi areas).
 - we may expect new beautiful stain images tonight as we see the helicopter from the Guardia Civil and Involcan flying over the vent at 09:59.

[jand]

Photos to follow taken today.

[jand]

[jand]

[jand]

[jand]

Avcan FB Comment translated the position of this villageis shown on the link below.

Discussed me that in Timijiraque from about three hours ago noticed does buzz? in the ears, something as well as when the ship arrives at port
 3 minutes ago · Like

Reply

http://www.kyero.com/map/49784-timijiraque-map

[jand]

Video taken from the flight yesterday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahN5iYHzJ88&feature=player_embedded

[jand]

2nd Video taken yesterday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgRbcK9Xla0&feature=player_embedded

[jand]

Update 14/02 – 00:17 UTC
 - The UME emergency division has now completely left El Hierro. In case the volcano would suddenly decide to change his scenario, they will have to deploy again.

[jand]

Update 14/02 – 08:55 UTC
 - HT (harmonic tremor) has been at minimum all night
 - The vent emission point is very visible on the webcam, although a strong surf is hampering visibility. Hopefully there are no SLS this morning because if the Salvamar Adhara would go out to the vent, it may lead to a very bad stomach feeling for the crew.
 - 3 earthquakes since midnight UTC. Based on the location of the epicenters, we can conclude that the magma is till active and present from Frontera to the greater vent area to the south of La Restinga. The only difference with a couple of months ago, is that we have less earthquakes in the sea to the west of Frontera.
 14/02/2012    00:42:01    Depth 17 km        M 1.1       SW FRONTERA
 14/02/2012    01:15:10    Depth 12 km        M 1.6       W EL PINAR
 14/02/2012    07:22:43    Depth 16 km        M 1.1       SW EL PINAR

[jand]

viva says:

 February 14, 2012 at 14:46


details are coming out..
 http://www.rtvc.es/noticias/la-erupci%C3%B3n-de-el-hierro-tiene-dos-conos-y-un-aumento-considerable-de-magma-83259.aspx

Latest bathymetry performed on the area of the underwater eruption in El Hierro reveal that there are two volcanic cones, a principal of 120 meters and an annexe, 75 meters, and has been detected considerable increase in the volume of magma emitted, not yet quantified.

This was stated the director of the National Geographic Institute (IGN) in the Canary Islands, José María Blanco, in a press conference after finishing a meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Civil Protection Plan for Volcanic Risk (Pevolca).

According to data obtained by scientists, the eruption continues in the Sea of Calm and there is a magmatic reactivation, while Maria Jose Blanco said that this term applies to the volcanic activity is recorded on the island since July past.

According to the bathymetry carried out by research vessels in the area of the rash is a main cone 120 meters high and the base is located 350 meters deep, while the base has a radius of 400 meters.

This cone has only increased since the last five meters bathymetry but there is a considerable increase in the volume of magma emitted, although scientists do not have the specific figure, said Maria Jose Blanco, who recalled that the last calculation was 145 million cubic meters of magma.

"There are still seismicity, deformation (the land) and emission inconsistent with a stable process and finish, and thus keeps talking about recovery," said the director of IGN in the Canaries, who said that in this area have to work with "a medium-term."

The Director General of Security and Emergency of the Canary Islands, Juan Manuel Santana explained that remains active surveillance by monitoring volcanic group of Civil Protection and the red light goes on alert in the maritime zone of the eruption, while still in yellow for the rest of the island of El Hierro.

It has also agreed to open access to Tacorón Creek once you have connection to the operating room of 112 to receive data in real-time air quality sensors installed there.

Reply



criseh says:

 February 14, 2012 at 14:53


La base del cráter se encuentra situada a 300 metros de profundidad. ...
 see http://www.avcan.org/?m=Noticias&a=noticia&N=908
 and now..."the main one, 300 m high and at 125 m from the surface and the second, only 75 m high" see http://www.canarias7.es/articulo.cfm?id=249558
 I don't understand at all...do they miss the reference point? or what...
 anyhow in the second bathymetric map was seen the second cone pretty clear

[jand]

Update 14/02 – 16:45 UTC
 - There has been an official communication [In Spanish] from the Government of Canary Islands that clarifies previous reports including an image from the bathymetry.
 - "Eruption is still active, with a process of magmatic reactivation, constant vigilance will remain.
 Scientists responsible of IOE, from Ramón Margalef, have confirmed to PEVOLCA that the depth of the main cone is 120 meters.
 Also, from the bathymetry works done last week, scientists have recorded the emergence of a secondary cone attached to the side of the maincone having a height of 75 meters and whose summit is 200 meters from the surface."

[jand]

It is also apparent that the emission of material varies around the main summit. The area, East of El Julan, is the only place in which submarine volcanic activity has been detected in all surveyed areas, in the various campaigns."

Update 14/02 – 15:38 UTC


 - 2 new earthquakes since our last update
 14/02/2012    12:51:26    Depth 11 km        M 1.9        SW EL PINAR
 14/02/2012    13:01:12    Depth 6     km        M 2.2        W EL PINAR

Important Update 14/02 – 13:58 UTC
 - ER reader Max just wrote in the comments section that local newspaper Canarias 7 cites PEVOLCA that 2 active cones have been detected (probably during the latest bathymetry from the Ramon Margalef) in the current area. One of the vents has a depth of 125 meter BUT the other one has a depth of ONLY 75 meter.  Pevolcan also told Canarias7 that a magmatic reactivation is taking place ... If true, a depth of 75 meter is considered by specialists as being able to start a Surtseyan phase if the eruption reactivates at full force (currently minor).
 This news isn't changing the danger for the area. The vents are far enough away from La Restinga to NOT cause any direct treat to the population.
 Update after the initial important update : Confusion all over / The initial text of Canarias7 has been modified to "El cono principal tiene más de 300 metros de altura y se encuentra a 125 metros de la superficie. Y el segundo ha alcanzado ya una altura de 75 metros alturas." A description almost nobody can translate for sure at present.
 " The principal cone has more then 300 meter height and is currently at a depth of 125 meter (he seems to have collapsed a little bit compared to the earlier bathymetry – which is indeed possible).  The second vent has grown to 75 meter. A simple calculations means that the second cone is at a depth of 35o meter ? – if we talk about the same base). It surely could have been communicated simpler. We will follow up further and will report it asap.
 - PEVOLCA has also decided to open the Tacaron coast

Update 14/02 – 13:08 UTC
 - The IGN personnel will have seen something special in the vent today as the Salvamar Adhara went out to the vent in a rough sea.  We do not know yet whether SLS were found, but Joke will certainly tell us afterwards if this was the case. Below a screen capture from ER reader Penny showing the return to the La Restinga port of the Salvamar Adhara.

[jand]

[jand]

Question just posted on Avcan FB translated.

Hello, good evening, I'm reading the post and I see that they have released the last batimetria, there is something that I do not understand, please if someone can explain me is the agradeceria, in the latest batimetria from January 19 have been published that the cone of the volcano was 130 meters of depth and leo now that the base is at 350 meters and the height of the volcanic edifice is 120 meters , with which the cone of the volcano is located 230 metres from the surface, as it is possible that if a month ago was 130 meters?or I did not understand either before or do not understand now, that everything can be! . Dejo link of the batemetría of January 19: http://www.gobcan.es/noticias/index.jsp?module=1 & page = note. htm & id = 146878

[jand]

There have been six earthquakes already today some very shallow.


Nuevos sismos detectados y localizados ayer y hoy por el IGN en la zona de la isla de El Hierro y proximidades desde la última nota informativa AVCAN:

1126539 14/02/2012 12:51:26 27.6678 -18.0561 11.3 1.9 mbLg SW EL PINAR.IHI

1126549 14/02/2012 13:01:12 27.7067 -18.0605 6.2 2.2 mbLg W EL PINAR.IHI
1126563 14/02/2012 18:23:39 27.6553 -18.0865 8.8 1.6 mbLg SW EL PINAR.IHI
1126566 14/02/2012 20:06:09 27.6232 -18.0741 9.9 1.3 mbLg SW EL PINAR.IHI
1126568 14/02/2012 22:11:31 27.7507 -18.0448 9.9 1.2 mbLg W FRONTERA.IHI
1126589 14/02/2012 23:45:11 27.6530 -18.0504 9.9 1.2 mbLg SW EL PINAR.IHI 12220

1126591 15/02/2012 01:50:54 27.6892 -18.0726 7.1 1.4 mbLg W EL PINAR.IHI
1126593 15/02/2012 02:26:24 27.6451 -18.0904 10.8 1.4 mbLg SW EL PINAR.IHI
1126605 15/02/2012 04:05:33 27.6548 -18.0571 2.0 mbLg SW EL PINAR.IHI
1126607 15/02/2012 04:15:10 27.6921 -18.0833 10.5 1.3 mbLg W EL PINAR.IHI
1126637 15/02/2012 05:02:09 27.6835 -18.0851 11.9 1.3 mbLg W EL PINAR.IHI

1126639 15/02/2012 05:21:51 27.7122 -18.0573 9.6 2.3 mbLg SW FRONTERA.IHI

25 minutes ago · Like · 4

[jand]

And another one.

Y alguno mas...
 1126641 15/02/2012 05:45:47 27.6708 -18.1191 11 1.5 4 W EL PINAR.IHI

[jand]

Map of the earthquakes.

http://www.avcan.org/mapas/AVCAN2708.jpg?d=1329289030

In the map of seismicity of the last 5 days, today are in the calm sea, three along the coast of the Julan and two more to the South. Highlight one of 2.3 in the area of summits. Yesterday the seismicity was in the same area, including some more toward the summits and border area. Like the earthquakes today and aye, Antesdeayer afternoon activity are concentrating in the calm sea and the Julan mainly, but in the morning there was one by the Gulf area. The 12 day highlight a deep earthquake in the area of punta Arenas Blancas in Sabinosa to 23.2km and that the seismicity was located by the morning and tomorrow in the Gulf and in the afternoon in the mar de las Calmas. The activity of the Gulf are mainly ranked in n-S direction. (Henry).

[jand]

jonfr.com/volcano

Over the past two weeks there has been interesting earthquake activity in El Hierro volcano in Canary Islands. What is so interesting about this earthquakes is the fact they are getting more shallow every day or so. Currently the most shallow activity that has been taking place is around 6km depth. But this is an rise from about 12 km depth.

What this means in my opinion is that magma is most likely rising to the surface at the location where the earthquakes are currently taking place (dike intrusions). This did happen before the first eruption in Eyjafjallajökull volcano. So it is an important to keep an eye on this earthquakes and where they happen, as eruption might take place in nearby area of this earthquakes. As magma might, and most likely is going find an clear path to the surface soon. The last part of that before an eruption might happen with no noticeable earthquakes at all. They might well be just over ML2.0 in magnitude or smaller.

[jand]

GeoLoco says:

 February 15, 2012 at 06:41


I still have my problem with making a new comment on one of my computers. So I answer here.
 That was a great résumé of the situation. T h a n k y o u.
 I'm a happy Randy. As we discussed 2-3 times since the start of the activity, Bob is Bob and we like him/her/it/whatever for that, but the volcano is Tanganasoga. This volcano is reactivating, and Bob just is a valve that slowed down the process or might replace a major eruption. But the process is still going on and deserves watching. Randies like to look at the general geological context, and in this case this means looking at the whole thing, from the plume, the feeder tube deeeeep down and everything up to Tanganasoga.
 Next steps I'm wondering about: evolution of Bobette. Will she go surtseyan or get stuck before? And then, is there enough potential left to get the whole stuff up the big hill?
 It's no "prediction" or something, it's just the potentials that interest me. Don't dare calling me a scaremonger or I come through the f.cking cable and jump out of your screen to kick your a... And concerning the security of the locals – Godabunga, watch and react in adequate ways, there's nothing else to do.
 I always called Bob a fart in the Atlantic. Well, it still is, but sure it's getting more "consistent". I'd call it a "wet fart". Let's see if it becomes a "big poo" with time. Anyways worth following.
 Sorry, not all swiss citizens are grose as I am. Blame it on me as a person.

[jand]

earthquake-report.com

Update 15/02 – 08:55 UTC
 - Minimal but still continuing harmonic tremor
 - NO jacuzzi and NO visible stain on the webcam this morning
 - Nightly webcam views : only stars at the horizon
 - 2 2+ earthquakes since midnight. 9 earthquakes already today
 Date                    Time             Depth Magn    Epicenter
 15/02/2012    01:50:54    7        1.4    W EL PINAR
 15/02/2012    02:26:24    11        1.4    SW EL PINAR
 115/02/2012    04:05:33    10        2.0    SW EL PINAR
 15/02/2012    04:15:10    10        1.3    W EL PINAR
 15/02/2012    05:02:09    12        1.3    W EL PINAR
 15/02/2012    05:21:51    10        2.3    SW FRONTERA
 15/02/2012    05:45:47    11        1.5    W EL PINAR
 15/02/2012    06:28:28    12        0.8    W EL PINAR
 15/02/2012    06:30:49    10        0.9    W EL PINAR
 List earthquakes
 - the numbers above are clear signs that the pressuring magma is more active than ever, which will make the near future very unsure. Why ? The current eruption flow is not big enough to keep the pressure from below at the same level (increasing number and strength of earthquakes). If HT remains at the current low amplitude, the number and magnitude of earthquakes will gradually build up to several tens per day until it finds a way out. The same vent ? Nobody knows. All scenarios are possible at that moment, also the complete stop of the eruption.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[jand]

http://www.ieo.es/apartar/ieoprensa/hierro/hierro-leg9.pdf

Latest map of the new cone.

[jand]

Avcan FB Comment.

Good news a ship with an underwater camera looks to be on its way soon.

Good afternoon, we want to send you the following information: vessel "Atlantic Explorer" of the "QSTAR" company which is collaborating with the NGO "SOS oceans", held for the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria various campaigns in the area of volcanic eruption on the island of El Hierro in the coming days. This ship is equipped with an ROV (remote underwater vehicle with cameras recording).Best regards
2 minutes ago · Like · 1

[jand]

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3524/imagen040lgx.jpg




Just posted on Avcan FB by Fernando Ros Faig

There is an information that I think is important in the IEO report.
 They have put a graph where the crecimiendo is marked from the bathymetry of the previous month.
 As you can see, all the growth is around the cone and not towards the lower slope. Or, it is assumed that almost 100% of the lava coming out now stays in the cone.
 If it keeps coming lava, does not grow at a higher pace than so far?.
 In data from the last month dijero than of the 145 million m3 of lava that had expelled the volcano, 88 were the cone and 57 had gone to the bottom.

[jand]

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=77171

[jand]

Update 15/02 – 19:11 UTC
 - 3 more earthquakes : we will from now on only change the number in the title.
 Nobody knows what will happen next but CAP science center in La Restinga and IGN Madrid, who is following up the instruments via data link, will certainly be on a higher alert than normal.

Update 15/02 – 17:52 UTC
 - 4 more earthquakes ! , which brings the total of listed earthquakes to 20 today, the most since many months !
 - we have still a minimum HT signal which means that the eruption is still hoing
 - NO jacuzzi or even stirring area anymore.

[jand]

Volcano discovery copied.


Magma plume: Volcanologists monitor swarm of new tremors under El Hierro Island

Posted on February 16, 2012

February 16, 2012 – CANARY ISLANDS – The submarine eruption south of El Hierro Island could be in a process of change: While visible activity on the sea surface above the vent, as well as harmonic tremor signal (thought to be more or less proportional to erupting magma flux) have nearly ceased, the number of earthquakes under the island has increased sharply since yesterday. On 15 February, more than 20 quakes were measured. Most of the earthquakes were very small, well below magnitude 2, and were clustered beneath the NW and SW sectors of the island at depths of around 10 km. There is no conclusive interpretation of this measurement. A possible (and usually assumed) scenario is that rising new magma from the mantle reservoir is creating new intrusions and rupturing rock to create pathways in the crust under El Hierro, not using the same paths as until now. That would explain why less magma is currently being erupted at the current vent(s). In that scenario, the eruption will continue, perhaps even from a different vent and an increase in magma output is going to be expected any time soon. However, this is speculation. The earthquakes could as well be related to some other (known or unknown) process, e.g. gravity-induced adjustments that respond to pressure changes and occur within previously ruptured areas of the crust beneath the island. The next days or weeks will show what happens next. –Volcano Discovery

Reply

[jand]

#8206;1126861 16/02/2012 01:21:40 27.6734 -18.0648 10 1.7 4 SW EL PINAR.IHI
 http://www.ign.es/ign/#8203;resources/volcanologia/www/#8203;dir_images_terremotos/#8203;detalle/1126861.gif
5 hours ago · Like · 1.


Jose Mauricio Mendez Febles #8206;1126863 16/02/2012 02:58:52 27.6807 -18.0930 9 1.4 4 W EL PINAR.IHI

• info

3 hours ago · Like · 1


1126870 16/02/2012 03:36:29 27.7013 -18.0878 11 1.3 4 SW FRONTERA.IHI
 http://www.ign.es/ign/#8203;resources/volcanologia/www/#8203;dir_images_terremotos/#8203;detalle/1126870.gif
2 hours ago · Like.

Julio Del Castillo Vivero ý1126872 16/02/2012 03:50:24 27.6764 -18.0633 12 1.4 4 SW EL PINAR.IHI
 http://www.ign.es/ign/#8203;resources/volcanologia/www/#8203;dir_images_terremotos/#8203;detalle/1126872.gif
2 hours ago · Like.

Julio Del Castillo Vivero ý1126874 16/02/2012 03:57:00 27.6022 -18.0730 10 1.1 4 SW EL PINAR.IHI
2 hours ago · Like.

Julio Del Castillo Vivero ý1126884 16/02/2012 06:10:05 27.6814 -18.0752 7 1.8 4 SW EL PINAR.IHI
 http://www.02.ign.es/ign/#8203;resources/volcanologia/www/#8203;dir_images_terremotos/#8203;detalle/1126884.gif
4 minutes ago · Like.

Julio Del Castillo Vivero ý1126885 16/02/2012 06:29:56 27.6205 -18.0043 13 0.5 4 SW EL PINAR.IHI
 http://www.02.ign.es/ign/#8203;resources/volcanologia/www/#8203;dir_images_terremotos/#8203;detalle/1126885.gif