Previous Story
Anatahan rumblings decline
|
Posted on Feb 13 2005
The volcanic eruption at the island of Anatahan continues, but the seismic energy release rate indicates the eruption level has slowly declined over the last three days, according to the latest joint report from the Emergency Management Office and the U.S. Geological Survey.
The report showed that the magnitude of the eruption is currently about one-fourth of the maximum level attained for the eruption so far, which occurred on Jan. 26 and Feb. 1.
Explosions are likely still occurring at a rate of several per minute.
During the past week, the volcano had sent ash as high as 15,000 to 20,000 feet and as far as 100 nautical miles downwind. Vog—volcanic smog—has been detected nearly 600 miles downwind as well.
Anatahan’s third historical eruption began on Jan. 5. Several ash and haze advisories had been issued whenever winds change direction and carry them across the southern islands.
The first historical eruption of Anatahan began on May 10, 2003, sending ash to over 30,000 feet and depositing about 10 million cubic meters of material over the island and sea. The eruption ceased on June 14 before erupting again on April 9, 2004. That eruption ended on July 26, 2004.
Meanwhile, EMO and the National Weather Service on Guam maintains its high surf advisory for the Marianas.
“Strong trade winds have generated a large northwest swell that is producing hazardous surf for the islands,” the agencies reported. “A high surf and small craft advisory remains in effect for the Mariana Islands.”
Marine forecast for Saipan, Rota, and Tinian feature surf up to 9 to 11 feet on northern clockwise through eastern exposures and is expected to continue to next week.
Due to the high risks of dangerous rip currents and high surf in the region, the public is advised to avoid venturing to exposed beaches and reef lines on north and east facing coasts, citing that the events are life threatening for anyone entering the water.
