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Small eruption noted on Anatahan
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Posted on Jan 06 2005
Volcanic activity continues at Anatahan with a small eruption reported early Tuesday morning, according to the Emergency Management Office and U.S Geological Survey.
The third eruption at Anatahan began at about 5:40am after two days of occasional small long-period events. The eruption was accompanied by a “slow ramp-up of harmonic tremor.”
“No large event or explosion signal initiated the eruption, nor are any significant signals observable,” the EMO said.
EMO geophysical seismic technician Juan T. Camacho said yesterday the volcano continues to smoke and activities are currently “being monitored very closely.”
He said the eruption was reported from the Guam airport tower after a pilot on an airline saw smoke on the island.
“Guam tower confirmed that a low plume of ash up to about 500 feet was visible [Wednesday] morning,” EMO said.
EMO said the seismic signals seem to indicate magma at the surface with little buildup of magmatic pressure.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta declared the island “off-limits” just days after the volcano’s first big eruption on May 10, 2003.
“Although the volcano is not currently dangerous to most aircraft within the CNMI airspace, conditions may change rapidly, and aircraft should pass upwind of Anatahan or farther than 30km downwind from the island and exercise due caution within 30km to 50km,” EMO said.
Fishermen and tour operators are urged to take precautionary measures to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, Camacho said he is not sure if any plans for a visit to the island in the near future is set.
The eruption in 2003 sent ash to over 30,000 feet and deposited about 10 million cubic meters of material over the island and the sea.
