How high can lava shoot up in the air?

Fountain where lava flows enter the ocean. Kilauea Volcano. Photograph by Steve Mattox, November 24, 1992.
Lava fountains can propel lava 1,000-2,000 feet (300-600 m) above the volcano. The gas dissolved inside the magma is the driving force. As the magma approaches the surface the pressure on it decreases. The gas in the magma starts forming [...]

Ubinas, Peru

Based on a SIGMET notice and a pilot observation, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported that on 23 February an ash plume from Ubinas rose to altitudes of 6.2-7.6 km (20,500-25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S. Ash was not seen on satellite imagery.
Source: Buenos Aires Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) – “Reports provided courtesy of the [...]

Tungurahua, Ecuador

The IG reported that, although cloud cover occasionally prevented visual observation during 18-24 February, ash plumes from Tungurahua were seen and rose to altitudes of 6-8 km (19,700-26,200 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted mainly W and NW. Ashfall was reported almost daily and was noted in areas to the SW, W, and NW. Blocks were [...]

Suwanose-Jima, Ryukyu Islands, Japan

JMA reported that Suwanose-jima erupted explosively on 18 February; a colored plume rose 400 m above the crater and drifted E. Two explosive eruptions occurred the next day. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported explosions on 20 and 21 February. Details of possible resultant ash plumes were not reported.
Sources: Japan Meteorological Agency [...]

Soufriére Hills, Montserrat, West Indies

MVO reported that during 13-20 February activity from the Soufrière Hills lava dome was at a low level. Four rockfalls were detected and seismicity had increased slightly compared to previous weeks. On 16 February, heavy rainfall triggered a small pyroclastic flow on the N side of the lava dome and a substantial lahar NW in [...]

Shiveluch, Russia

KVERT reported that seismic activity at Shiveluch was at background levels during 13-20 February. Based on interpretations of seismic data, ash plumes likely rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,100 ft) a.s.l. Lava flows continued to be active on the S and N flanks. Fumarolic activity was seen during 12-13 and 19 February. Analysis [...]

Santa María, Guatemala

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 18 February a dense ash plume from Santa María’s Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted W. On 20 February, INSIVUMEH reported that an explosion produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 3.2 km (10,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. On 24 [...]

Sakura-Jima, Japan

JMA lowered the Alert Level for Sakura-jima from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) on 19 February because deformation was absent, seismicity was low, and no eruptions occurred after 5 February. Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 22 February an explosion produced a plume that rose to an [...]

Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 22-23 February ash plumes from Rabaul caldera’s Tavurvur cone rose to altitudes of 1.8-3 km (6,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S, W, and NW.
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US [...]

Popocatépetl, Mexico

CENAPRED reported that emissions of steam and gas from Popocatépetl were visible during 18-24 February; the plumes occasionally contained slight amounts of ash.
Sources: Centro Nacional de Prevencion de Desastres (CENAPRED) – “Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey’s Volcano Hazards Program.”
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