Bristol Island update 19/7/16

Satellite image from the 19th July 2016 shows a clear view of Bristol Island which appears to be grey in colour on the eastern half of the island. This could either be ashfall from the eruption of Mount Sourabaya or that the snow and ice has melted. An ash plume originating from Mount Sourabaya is visible drifting east-northeast. Also visible in the image are two short dark strips extending west and northwest respectively from the Mount Sourabaya area indicating lava flows.

Eastern half of Bristol Island appears grey in the image from 19th July 2016. SOURCE: Terra/MODIS/NASA.

Bristol Island update 17/7/16

Since my last post (dated 18th June 2016) an ash plume or a plume with ash content originating from Bristol Island was visible in satellite images from various days, the most recent being on the 16th July 2016. During other days, sometimes the plume was white in colour and sometimes cloud cover prevented observations.

In my view:
a) The eruption which began during late April 2016 continues.
b) The volcano is going through a different eruptive phase consisting of continuous explosive eruptions.
c) A new eruption might be occurring although I think it's most likely one of the above two scenarios.

Ash emission on Bristol Island 16th July 2016. SOURCE: Suomi NPP/VIIRS/NASA.