Natural > Volcanoes
Vector > Natural > Volcanoes
Data Source: Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report
Website: https://volcano.si.edu/
Description
This layer shows a live feed of the latest Volcanoes throughout the world.
Background
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is a cooperative project between the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program, and is updated by 2300 UTC every Wednesday, with an average of 16 reported volcanoes.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report does not necessarily include all volcanic activity that occurred on Earth during the week. More than a dozen volcanoes globally have displayed more-or-less continuous eruptive activity for decades or longer, and such routine activity is typically not reported here. Moreover, Earth's sea-floor volcanism is seldom reported even though in theory it represents the single most prolific source of erupted material. The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report summarizes volcanic activity that meets one or more of the following criteria:
- A volcano observatory raises or lowers the alert level at the volcano.
- A volcanic ash advisory has been released by a volcanic ash advisory center (VAAC) stating that an ash cloud has been produced from the volcano.
- A verifiable news report of new activity or a change in activity at the volcano has been issued.
- Observers have reported a significant change in volcanic activity. Such activity can include, but is not restricted to, pyroclastic flows, lahars, lava flows, dome collapse, or increased unrest.
Volcanoes are included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section of the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report if the activity occurs after at least 3 months of quiescence. Once a volcano is included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section, updates will remain in that section unless the activity continues for more than 1 month without escalating, after which time updates will be listed in the "Continuing Activity" section. Volcanoes are also included in the "New Activity/Unrest" section if the volcano is undergoing a period of relatively high unrest, or increasing unrest.
It is important to note that volcanic activity meeting one or more of these criteria may occur during the week, but may not be included in the Weekly Volcanic Activity Report because a report not received.
A range of colors are used on the 'Time Mapper UHD' for Volcano points, ranging from yellow for the newest and most severe activity, to red for older, less severe activity.
Whilst viewing the 'Volcanoes' map-layer, you might also find it useful to see detailed information and activity reports for many of the volcanoes featured, by typing 'IP' to view the Info Bar's 'Volcano' page.