Anatahan Volcano Update
Anatahan Volcano Update for May 5, 2004
Submitted Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at 1000 local Anatahan time
On April 24, a moderate eruption at Anatahan began producing steam and
ash to ~2, 000 ft (600 m), and a small dome extruded a day or two later.
On April 28, the seismicity peaked at the highest level of the year, the
dome increased in size, and explosions also apparently increased in size
and rate. The activity and seismicity level then slowly decreased about
25 percent over 5 days until May 3, when the seismicity dropped off
suddenly but smoothly by another 40 percent. Over the last day or so,
the seismicity level has recovered somewhat to about 50 percent of the
highest level of April 28. Small explosions are still occurring every
minute or two, and steam and ash are still rising to a few thousand
feet. The eruption could become more explosive at any time with little
or no warning.
The Emergency Management Office, Office of the Governor, CNMI, has
placed Anatahan Island off-limits until further notice and concludes
that, 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 >30 km downwind from the island and
exercise due caution within 30-50 km of Anatahan.
Contact persons:
Juan Takai Camacho, Geophysical Seismic Technician, EMO Saipan; tel:
(670) 322-9528, fax: (670) 322-7743, email: juantcamacho@hotmail.com
Ramon Chong, Geophysical Instrument Specialist, EMO Saipan; tel: (670)
322-9528, fax: (670) 322-7743, email: rcchongemo@hotmail.com
Frank Trusdell, Geologist, USGS; tel: (808) 967-8812, fax: (808) 967-8890,
email: trusdell@usgs.gov
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