Earthquake & Volcano Monitor — 2026-05-13
A comprehensive volcano news roundup from May 12 details significant developments across multiple systems, including rising magma volumes under Iceland's Svartsengi, elevated alert levels for Indonesia's Lewotobi, and Kupreanof in Alaska upgraded to Yellow Advisory. Meanwhile, Kīlauea's summit eruption remains paused at Advisory level, and a minor magnitude 2.4 earthquake was recorded near Ternate, Indonesia earlier today.
Earthquake & Volcano Monitor — 2026-05-13
Seismic Activity
Minor quake near Ternate, Indonesia (May 13, 2026) A weak magnitude 2.4 earthquake struck Kabupaten Halmahera Barat, approximately 38 km north of Ternate, Indonesia, at 06:22 AM local time (GMT+9). The event occurred in the seismically active Halmahera region.
The Live Earthquake Tracker notes that 2026 has seen 2,972 total M4+ events so far, with 32 significant M6+ events and a maximum magnitude of 7.5 recorded this year.
Volcanic Watch
May 12 Global Volcano Roundup — Multiple Highlights
The latest volcano news bulletin for May 12, 2026 (published 9 hours ago) highlights several key developments around the world:
- Svartsengi (Iceland): An estimated 26 million cubic metres of magma have accumulated beneath the Svartsengi volcanic system, raising concerns about future eruptive activity.
- Stromboli (Italy): Ongoing effusive activity continues at this perennially active volcano.
- Campi Flegrei (Italy): Increasing fumarole temperatures have been recorded at this restless caldera system near Naples, adding to ongoing monitoring concerns.
- Lewotobi (Indonesia): Alert level raised to III (Standby), indicating elevated unrest and potential for eruption.
- Kupreanof (Alaska): Alert level raised to Yellow: ADVISORY, signaling increased seismicity and gas emissions compared to background levels.
Kīlauea (Hawaiʻi) — Eruption Paused
As of May 12, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the eruption at the summit of Kīlauea is currently paused. The volcano remains at Alert Level: ADVISORY and Aviation Color Code: YELLOW, meaning elevated unrest but no active lava emission at present. Monitoring continues.
Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity — Notable PDC Events
The Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report highlights ongoing activity at an unnamed volcano where broadband tremor — typically associated with large-volume lava flow effusion — was recorded across most seismic network stations. Two significant pyroclastic density current (PDC) sequences were described:
- First sequence: at least 7 small-volume PDCs traveling 2–3 km, producing brownish-gray ash clouds.
- Second sequence: at least 22 PDC events, including some of the largest of the 2026 eruption to date.
No explosions were recorded alongside these flows.
Earth Science
Mt. Ontake Fluid-Induced Stress Changes Studied
A study published in Communications Earth & Environment (Nature portfolio) examines volcano-tectonic earthquake focal mechanisms at Mt. Ontake, Japan. Researchers found that subsurface fluid movement during the 2024–2025 unrest period temporarily reoriented the local stress field beneath the summit, modifying the orientations of fluid-permeable fractures and causing characteristic changes in focal mechanism patterns. This work deepens understanding of how hydrothermal system development can be tracked through seismological signatures — potentially improving eruption forecasting at similar volcanic systems worldwide.
Monitoring tip: Multiple volcanoes are simultaneously at elevated alert levels across the Pacific Ring of Fire and European volcanic zones. Residents near Lewotobi (Indonesia) and Kupreanof (Alaska) should follow guidance from local authorities and official monitoring agencies. For real-time updates, consult the USGS Volcano Hazards Program and the Global Volcanism Program.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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