Volcanic Activity Heats Up Across the Globe: March 17, 2025, Summary
Table of Contents
- 1. Volcanic Activity Heats Up Across the Globe: March 17, 2025, Summary
- 2. Indonesia: Multiple Volcanoes Active
- 3. Semeru (East Java)
- 4. Marapi (Western Sumatra)
- 5. Ibu (Halmahera)
- 6. Lewotobi (Flores)
- 7. Dukono (Halmahera)
- 8. Philippines: Canlaon Emits Ash
- 9. The Americas: Activity in Alaska, Guatemala, Colombia, and Ecuador
- 10. Katmai (Alaska Peninsula, USA)
- 11. Santiaguito (Guatemala)
- 12. Fuego (Guatemala)
- 13. Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia)
- 14. sangay (Ecuador)
- 15. Reventador (Ecuador)
- 16. Ongoing Eruptions Elsewhere
- 17. Volcanic Activity Update: A Detailed Overview
- 18. indonesia: high Volcanic Activity
- 19. Ibu (Halmahera)
- 20. Krakatau (Sunda Strait)
- 21. Lewotobi (Flores) & Lewotolo (Lesser Sunda Islands)
- 22. Marapi (Western Sumatra)
- 23. Merapi (Central Java)
- 24. Semeru (East Java)
- 25. Agung (Bali) – Eruption Warning
- 26. Dempo (Sumatra)
- 27. Karangetang (Siau island)
- 28. Ruang (Sangihe Islands)
- 29. Seulawah Agam (Sumatra)
- 30. Kamchatka Peninsula: Activity in Russia’s Far East
- 31. Karymsky
- 32. Shiveluch
- 33. Klyuchevskoy
- 34. Other Notable Volcanic Activities
- 35. Iwo-jima (Volcano Islands)
- 36. Kilauea (Hawai’i)
- 37. Masaya (Nicaragua)
- 38. Michael (South Sandwich Islands, UK)
- 39. Nyamuragira (DRCongo)
- 40. Nyiragongo (DRCongo)
- 41. popocatépetl (Central Mexico)
- 42. Reventador (Ecuador)
- 43. Sabancaya (Peru)
- 44. Sakurajima (kyushu, Japan)
- 45. Sangay (Ecuador)
- 46. Santiaguito (Guatemala)
- 47. Stromboli (Eolian Islands,Italy)
- 48. Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands)
- 49. Tinakula (Santa cruz Islands, Solomon Islands)
- 50. Yasur (Tanna Island, Vanuatu)
- 51. Bardarbunga (Central Iceland)
- 52. Concepción (Nicaragua)
- 53. Dofen (Ethiopia)
- 54. Matthew Island (France, Southwestern Pacific Ocean)
- 55. poas (Costa Rica)
- 56. Conclusion
- 57. Global Volcanic Activity: A Snapshot as of March 2025
- 58. Volcanic Updates by Region
- 59. Understanding Volcanic Activity Reports
- 60. Call to Action
- 61. What are the specific challenges in interpreting complex volcanic data and communicating uncertainty effectively to the public regarding volcanic eruptions?
- 62. Interview: Understanding the Surge in Global Volcanic Activity
- 63. Understanding the Increase in Volcanic Activity
- 64. volcanic Ash Advisories: protecting Air Travel
- 65. Indonesia: A Hotspot for Volcanic Eruptions
- 66. Monitoring Technology: Enhancing Prediction
- 67. Predicting the Unpredictable: Can We Ever Master Volcano Forecasting?
- 68. Reader Engagement: Your Thoughts?
Volcanic activity is on the rise around the world, with several eruptions and ash advisories issued on March 17, 2025. From Indonesia to the Philippines and beyond, here’s a breakdown of the key events.
Indonesia: Multiple Volcanoes Active
Indonesia is experiencing significant volcanic activity, with several volcanoes issuing ash plumes and prompting advisories.
Semeru (East Java)

Satellite image of Semeru volcano on 17 Mar 2025
Semeru continues its explosive activity. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin reported an ash plume reaching an estimated 15,000 feet (4,600 meters), drifting northeast at 5 knots. The full report states, “VA TO FL150 LAST REPORTED AT 17/1335Z MOV N/NE to 15000 ft (4600 m).”
Marapi (Western Sumatra)

The eruption column from Marapi yesterday (image: FPMKI/x.com)
marapi is also experiencing ongoing explosive eruptions. The VAAC Darwin issued an advisory: “CGVHM VONA REPORT VA TO FL120 AT 17/0420Z EST VA DTG:17/0510Z.” On March 16th, a powerful eruption sent dense ash emissions and lava bombs from the crater. The ash plume reached approximately 3.7 km altitude, moving north. Local observatories recorded a seismic signal measuring 30.4 mm amplitude over 45 seconds.
Ibu (Halmahera)
VAAC Darwin reported an eruption, stating: “ERUPTION LAST REPORTED AT 17/0255Z MOV SW EST VA DTG:17/0930Z.”
Lewotobi (Flores)
VAAC Darwin issued an ash advisory: “ERUPTION LAST REPORTED AT 17/0149Z EST VA DTG:17/1010Z.”
Dukono (Halmahera)
Dukono continues its explosive activity. VAAC Darwin warned that a volcanic ash plume rose to an estimated 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), moving south at 10 knots. The full report reads: “VA TO FL080 LAST REPORTED 17/0454Z EST VA DTG:17/1630Z to 8000 ft (2400 m)”.
Philippines: Canlaon Emits Ash
Canlaon in the Central Philippines is also showing activity. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Tokyo (VAAC) reported: “ERUPTION AT 20250317/0455Z FL090 EXTD SW REPORTED OBS VA DTG:17/0500Z”.
The Americas: Activity in Alaska, Guatemala, Colombia, and Ecuador
Volcanic activity isn’t confined to Asia.Several volcanoes in the Americas are also under observation.
Katmai (Alaska Peninsula, USA)
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Anchorage (VAAC) reported: “VA NOT IDENTIFIABLE FM SATELLITE DATA.”
Santiaguito (Guatemala)
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Washington (VAAC) issued a report stating: “PSBL VA EMS”.
Fuego (Guatemala)
Fuego’s explosive activity continues. VAAC Washington warned of an ash plume rising to an estimated 15,000 feet (4,600 meters). The full report says: “CONT VA EMS to 15000 ft (4600 m)”.
Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia)
VAAC Washington issued a report stating: “PSBL VA EMS”.
sangay (Ecuador)
VAAC Washington issued a report stating: “PSBL VA EMS”.
Reventador (Ecuador)
VAAC Washington reported: “NO VA DTCTD”.
Ongoing Eruptions Elsewhere
In addition to the above, several volcanoes are in a state of continuous eruption:
- Bagana (Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea): Eruption continues with lava flows (updated 31 Jan 2025).
- Barren Island (Indian Ocean): Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic activity Report (updated 30 Mar 2024).
- Bezymianny (Kamchatka): Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report (updated 3 Feb 2025).
Volcanic Activity Update: A Detailed Overview
Volcanic activity continues to be dynamic across the globe, with numerous volcanoes under constant observation for potential hazards. This report provides an updated overview of volcanic activities, including ash advisories, new eruptions, and ongoing monitoring efforts.
indonesia: high Volcanic Activity
Indonesia, an archipelago known for its numerous active volcanoes, remains a hotspot for volcanic activity. Several volcanoes are currently under close observation due to volcanic ash advisories and eruptive activity.
Ibu (Halmahera)
Ibu volcano on Halmahera is under a Volcanic Ash Advisory, updated on February 4, 2025.Volcanic ash poses significant risks to air travel and local populations.
Krakatau (Sunda Strait)
Krakatau, infamous for its cataclysmic 1883 eruption, is being monitored through the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly volcanic Activity Report, with the latest update on December 14, 2023.
Lewotobi (Flores) & Lewotolo (Lesser Sunda Islands)
Both Lewotobi (updated February 13, 2025) and Lewotolo (updated March 14, 2025) are under Volcanic Ash Advisories, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding ash emissions.
Marapi (Western Sumatra)
Marapi, located in Western Sumatra, also has a volcanic Ash Advisory currently in effect, updated on March 17, 2025.
Merapi (Central Java)
Merapi, one of Java’s most active volcanoes, is being monitored through the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated on January 30, 2025.
Semeru (East Java)
Semeru, located in East Java, has a Volcanic Ash Advisory updated on January 9, 2025. Recent eruptions have caused significant disruption.
Agung (Bali) – Eruption Warning
While categorized under “eruption warning / minor activity,” Agung in Bali has a Volcanic Ash Advisory, with the last update on December 18, 2022. This highlights the potential for future eruptions.
Dempo (Sumatra)
Dempo in Sumatra is also under observation by the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated on November 23, 2024.
Karangetang (Siau island)
Karangetang is being monitored via the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, with the latest data from August 9, 2024.
Ruang (Sangihe Islands)
Significant changes to the crater of Ruang have been detected via satellite, with the last update on September 11, 2024.
Seulawah Agam (Sumatra)
Seulawah Agam is currently under a Volcanic Ash Advisory, updated november 16, 2024.
Kamchatka Peninsula: Activity in Russia’s Far East
The Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia is home to numerous active volcanoes. Two notable volcanoes in the region are Karymsky and Shiveluch.
Karymsky
Karymsky is monitored by the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated September 1, 2024.
Shiveluch
Shiveluch’s activity is reported in the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated January 3, 2025.
Klyuchevskoy
Klyuchevskoy shows increased degassing as of November 6, 2024.
Other Notable Volcanic Activities
Volcanic activity extends beyond Indonesia and Kamchatka. Here are updates from other regions around the world.
Iwo-jima (Volcano Islands)
A new submarine eruption was reported at Iwo-jima on July 21, 2024, indicating ongoing underwater volcanic activity.
Kilauea (Hawai’i)
Kilauea is monitored through the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated March 12, 2025.
Masaya (Nicaragua)
Masaya’s volcanic activity is reported via the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, even though the last update was on October 24, 2019.
Michael (South Sandwich Islands, UK)
Activity has resumed at michael volcano, with a thermal anomaly in the summit crater reported on October 26, 2023.
Nyamuragira (DRCongo)
Nyamuragira is tracked through the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, last updated on January 17, 2025.
Nyiragongo (DRCongo)
Nyiragongo’s activity is reported via the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, with the latest update on April 17, 2024.
popocatépetl (Central Mexico)
Popocatépetl has a Volcanic Ash Advisory in effect, updated on October 30, 2024.
Reventador (Ecuador)
Reventador is under a Volcanic Ash advisory, updated on January 7, 2025.
Sabancaya (Peru)
Sabancaya’s activity is reported through the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report,with the last update on February 14,2023.
Sakurajima (kyushu, Japan)
Sakurajima has a Volcanic Ash Advisory in effect, updated on February 10, 2025.
Sangay (Ecuador)
Sangay’s Volcanic Ash Advisory was last updated on July 9, 2024.
Santiaguito (Guatemala)
Santiaguito has a Volcanic Ash Advisory updated on October 23, 2024.
Stromboli (Eolian Islands,Italy)
Stromboli is being monitored via the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report,updated on February 10,2025.
Suwanose-jima (Ryukyu Islands)
Suwanose-jima’s activity is reported through the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, with the latest update on January 12, 2024.
Tinakula (Santa cruz Islands, Solomon Islands)
Tinakula continues to erupt, with lava flows from the summit vent reported as of March 22, 2024.
Yasur (Tanna Island, Vanuatu)
Yasur’s activity is reported through the Smithsonian / USGS weekly Volcanic Activity Report, with the last update on October 12, 2023.
Bardarbunga (Central Iceland)
Bardarbunga is monitored by the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated January 14, 2025.
Concepción (Nicaragua)
Concepción’s status is available through the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, with data updated May 18, 2024.
Dofen (Ethiopia)
Dofen presents strong steam and mud eruptions from a new vent. This information was updated on January 5, 2025.
Matthew Island (France, Southwestern Pacific Ocean)
This island’s status is tracked via the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated on July 17, 2024.
poas (Costa Rica)
Poas’ activity is reported through the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly volcanic Activity Report,with the last update on February 8,2024.
Conclusion
Ongoing volcanic activity around the world underscores the dynamic nature of our planet. constant monitoring and reporting are crucial for mitigating potential hazards and keeping communities safe. Updates are regularly provided via Volcanic Ash Advisories and in Smithsonian/USGS reports.
Global Volcanic Activity: A Snapshot as of March 2025
Stay informed about recent volcanic activity across the globe. This report summarizes updates from the Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report and Volcanic Ash Advisories, providing a concise overview of current conditions as of March 2025.
Volcanic Updates by Region
here’s a breakdown of specific volcanoes and their activity, based on the latest reports:
- Taal (Luzon, Philippines): Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated Dec. 3, 2024.
- Telica (Nicaragua): Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated Jan. 15, 2025.
- Tofua (Tonga Islands): Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated Apr. 28, 2024.
- Ubinas (Peru): Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity report, updated Nov. 19, 2023.
- Ulawun (New Britain, Papua New Guinea): Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated Nov. 30, 2023.
- Villarrica (Central Chile): Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, updated Dec. 28, 2024.
- White Island (New Zealand): Volcanic Ash Advisory, updated Feb. 24, 2025.
Understanding Volcanic Activity Reports
The Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report is a crucial resource for monitoring volcanoes worldwide. It provides timely information on eruptions, unrest, and other significant volcanic events. Volcanic Ash Advisories are notably significant for aviation safety, as ash clouds can pose a serious threat to aircraft.
Call to Action
Stay vigilant and informed about volcanic activity in your region and around the world. Regularly check for updates from trusted sources like the Smithsonian/USGS and local geological agencies.Sign up for alerts and advisories to receive timely notifications about potential hazards.
What are the specific challenges in interpreting complex volcanic data and communicating uncertainty effectively to the public regarding volcanic eruptions?
Interview: Understanding the Surge in Global Volcanic Activity
We’re diving into the recent increase in global volcanic activity. Joining us is Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading volcanologist with the Global Volcanic Monitoring Association (GVMO). Dr. Sharma, welcome to archyde News!
Understanding the Increase in Volcanic Activity
Dr. Sharma, reports indicate a significant uptick in volcanic activity this month. Is this a typical fluctuation, or are we seeing something unusual?
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me.While volcanic activity inherently fluctuates, the number of simultaneous events we’re currently observing, like those in Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Americas, is certainly noteworthy. It’s not necessarily an unprecedented spike, but it does warrant careful observation and analysis to determine the underlying causes.
volcanic Ash Advisories: protecting Air Travel
Volcanic ash Advisories seem to be frequently issued. What is the impact of volcanic ash on air travel, and how effective are these advisories in mitigating risks?
Dr. Sharma: Volcanic ash poses a severe threat to aircraft. The microscopic particles can damage engines, impair visibility, and even disrupt avionic systems. Volcanic Ash Advisories are crucial because they provide real-time information to airlines, allowing them to reroute flights and avoid ash plumes. The advisories’ effectiveness depends on accurate plume tracking and timely dissemination of information.
Indonesia: A Hotspot for Volcanic Eruptions
Indonesia, with volcanoes like Semeru and Ibu, appears to be notably active. What factors contribute to Indonesia being such a volcanically active region?
Dr. Sharma: Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic and volcanic zone. The subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate creates immense pressure and heat, resulting in the frequent formation and eruption of volcanoes. This complex tectonic setting makes Indonesia a global hotspot for volcanic activity.
Monitoring Technology: Enhancing Prediction
How have advancements in monitoring technology, such as satellite imagery and seismic sensors, improved our ability to predict and manage volcanic eruptions?
Dr. sharma: Modern monitoring technologies have revolutionized volcanology. Satellite imagery allows us to observe volcanic ash plumes, thermal anomalies, and ground deformation from space. Seismic sensors detect subtle changes in ground movement, which can indicate magma movement and potential eruptions. by combining these data sources, we can create more accurate models and provide more timely warnings to at-risk communities. Though, challenges remain in interpreting complex data and communicating uncertainty effectively.
Predicting the Unpredictable: Can We Ever Master Volcano Forecasting?
is there a possibility that someday we will be able to forecast volcanic eruptions with the same precision and reliability as weather forecasts?
Dr. sharma:predicting volcanic eruptions with the precision of weather forecasts remains a long-term goal, but we are steadily making progress. The dynamics of magma and volcanic systems are incredibly complex, making precise predictions challenging. However, with advancements in machine learning and computational modeling, integrating diverse datasets from seismic activity to gas emissions, we believe that future forecasting will become far more reliable and lead to more efficient management and response efforts regarding volcanic hazards and the impact on populations.
Reader Engagement: Your Thoughts?
Dr. Sharma, thank you for shedding light on this critical topic. To our readers, what are your thoughts on improving volcanic hazard preparedness in your communities? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below.