Eruptions

Signs pointing towards eruption at Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira

Posted by Erik Klemetti on March 30, 2009
(62)
More »


Goma after the 2002 Eruption of Nyiragongo

The activity at Redoubt has captivated a lot of us, but in the grand scheme of things, its eruption are more likely to caused inconvenience and property damage rather than dramatically loss of life (unless something huge and unexpected occurs). However, the same cannot be said if Nyiragongo and/or Nyamuragira (a.k.a. Nyamulagira) in the Congo were to erupt. These volcanoes are close to the city of Goma, a city of nearly 600,000, not including refugees from the fighting in the region. Eruptions of Nyiragongo in 2002 prompted the displacement of 400,000 people as lava flows invaded the city.

Currently, Dieudonne Wafula, lead scientist at the Volcanological Observatory of Goma is reporting that there is increased seismic unrest underneath the volcanoes – mostly centered under Nyamuragira, however activity is seen at both volcanoes. Luckily, right now at least, the lava lake at Nyiragongo is low, which might reduce the damage if an eruption were to take place. The Red Cross is standing-by in case an eruption occurs or evacuations are needed.

Both volcanoes have lava lakes at the summit, and these lava lakes have the potential to drain rapidly, sending fast-moving lava flows into populated area. It is, in fact, one of the few places were lava flows present such a large volcano hazard for people (lava flows are a large problem for property many places as it can’t get out of the way). In 1977, the lava lake at Nyiragongo drained catastrophically, sending the basaltic lava down the side of the volcano at nearly 100 km/hr (60 mph), killing 70 people.

Nyiragongo is somewhat unique in the sense that the lava erupted from the volcano is very low in silica, thus very fluid, so when the lava lake breached, this very fluid lava rushed down the volcano at speeds much faster than most lava flows (which you could out-walk). This fluidity was probably amplified by the fact that the lava was all stored in a lava lake, keeping a large volume hot and ready to move. Something like this is not likely to happen at other basaltic volcanoes such as those in Hawai’i. In recent volcano research news, Dr. Asish Basu at Rochester University thinks that this unique nature of the Nyiragongo lavas – their isotopic composition especially – is due to the fact that a new “plume” is reaching the Earth’s surface in this part of Africa. It is an interesting theory, but not one that has been robustly analyzed yet. In any case, the activity at Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira are well worth our attention as any major eruption could have dire consequences for the people living in Goma and the eastern parts of the Congo.

Keywords: ,
(62)
More »

Comments

  1. #1 Ed Kohut
    March 30, 2009

    One measure of the threat posed by Nyiragongo is that it is one of the sixteen Decade Volcanoes named by IAVCEI. For those not familiar with the decade volcanoes, they were designated as such to promote study of volcanoes deemed particularly dangerous due to their eruptive history and proximity to population centers.

  2. #2 eklemetti
    March 30, 2009

    Good point, Ed. Maybe when I get a chance, I’ll write something up on the Decade Volcanoes, or at least a summary of the volcanoes and their significance.

  3. #3 Chris
    March 30, 2009

    Interesting how the activity at Nyamuragira might affect the activity at Nyiragongo.

    I do wish to point out however that Nyiragongo erupts nephelinite with an abundance of minerals from the melilite group. I searched and searched to find a %SiO2 for the lavas but I found nothing, only that they are “mafic” and “less silica-saturated than alkali basalt. I understand that nephelinite is found in abundance in the Great Rift Valley and that it has recently started to mix with the carbonatitic magma of Ol Doinyo Lengai, producing a more viscous and explosive lava that is currently building a cone that now covers all of those bizarre hornitos that existed in its active crater. I’m eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the story of that volcano too.

    One more thing – I know that Nyiragongo hosts an active lava lake, but I have not heard the same of Nyamuragira; in fact, having seen recent satellite photos of the volcano published online, there’s not even any significant degassing from Nyamuragira. At any rate, it is a shield volcano and Nyiragongo has a stratovolcanic profile (despite its current lava fluidity) indicating that at some point an explosive magma erupted and built a stratovolcano there, but not at Nyamuragira.

    I almost feel guilty talking about the crazy geological happenings in the Great Rift Valley, as if the ongoing war is a mere triviality. People have evacuated from places where death at human hands was all but certain to Goma, which has two volcanoes that maybe pose a lesser risk than staying where they were, but a risk nonetheless. Out of the fire and into the frying pan? Hopefully now that Rwandan troops have supposedly dealt with the Hutus in the area and *captured!* the main rebel leader who engaged in vigilantism (and war crimes, depending on who you believe) against those who supposedly were complicit in the Rwandan genocide back in the 1990s, will allow that ongoing war a breath of peace, but…

    In a democratic country where people did not lead hand-to-mouth lives, day by day, getting by with what survival skills and resources they had, making use of things we would toss away as garbage, to make it to tomorrow, where fear for your life and the lives of your family was not something you had to deal with regularly…in Canada (my home) for example, a serious natural disaster, say a flood (a typical Canadian disaster), would make people draw closer as a community, sandbagging, donating funds to help build dykes and volunteering to help people who were forced to evacuate their now-destroyed property. And there would be insurance money or government support or both to rebuild and get back to life as usual, without fear. There might be a death toll, but it would be very low.

    But if one or both of those volcanoes has a serious eruption, it will add just one more level of chaos to an already chaotic region, and I cannot imagine the consequences. Can volcanoes trigger genocide?

    Sorry to go on and on, but putting money into studying how volcanoes work, identifying other precursors to eruptions, etc. has never been more important. With global population expanding, people are forced to live in places prone to natural disasters, there is nowhere else. The last thing this active war zone needs is a volcanic eruption.

  4. #4 eklemetti
    March 30, 2009

    Chris – Thanks for the comment! I went back and checked about the lava lake at Nyamuragira and I could be wrong. The statement from the SI/GVP is:
    A lava lake in the summit crater, active since at least 1921, drained in 1938, at the time of a major flank eruption. Now, whether that means that the lava lake is there right now, I’m not sure. You have to love these silica-undersaturated volcanoes … always erupting oddball magmas.

    As for the political ramifications of an eruption, that is anyone’s guess. I tried to think of a direct example, but I’m coming up blank so far. Any readers got any good examples of political/social upheaval directly related to an eruption?

  5. #5 gm
    March 31, 2009

    Could someone tell me if it is possible to follow online the evolution of seismic activity in the Great Lakes region and a good website with some reliable data on volcanic activity in the region? I am planning a visit in the very near future, and I would like to have some more background before I leave.
    Kind regards, G.

  6. #6 Stephen Maina
    March 31, 2009

    Thanks for the info. Keep it up Chris.

  7. #7 Prof. Margaret Gichuhi
    March 31, 2009

    Interesting how the activity at Nyamuragira might be affecting the activity of its neigbour though they are close in proximity. We are following the outcomes and learn together just incase it breaks the seal abruptly. Thumb up Chris.

  8. #8 mike don
    March 31, 2009

    I’m pretty certain that the lava lake at Nyamlagira disappeared at the time of the 1938 Tshambene flank eruption and has only made brief reappearances since; Haroun Tazieff would not have invested so much effort over so many years in reaching the Nyiragongo lake if one had existed for sustained periods in the more easily accessible caldera of its neighbour

  9. #9 Patrick
    April 3, 2009

    Any readers got any good examples of political/social upheaval directly related to an eruption?

    Mount Pelée in Martinique erupted in 1902. The eruption killed about 30,000 people. Most deaths occurred in Saint-Pierre, a city in Martinique, due to pyroclastic flows. There was an election coming up. The island governor needed the votes of the city residents. So the gov discouraged people from fleeing, even though, in hindsight, there were signs of an impending eruption. It has been a while since I read the story. I can’t remember the title or author, but it included a lot of quotes from people on ships, who of course lived to tell the tale.

  10. #10 mike
    April 19, 2009

    Vesuvius erupted causing not only the loss of Pompei but the detruction of a complex system of waterways which fed the most valuable agricultural regions of the Roman Empire. What followed was famine and then plague and then the fall of the Roman Empire. Santorini erupted and brought to an end the Minoan civilisation and much of civilised society around the whole Mediteranean. The more worrisome thing is the number of volcanoes which today find themselves surrounded by massive populations, would modern Italy survive a major eruption of Vesuvius, given that 11 million people now live under it? Would modern America survive a reawakened Yellowstone? There are a great many places where a single volcano now has the potential to devastate a country’s economy. Volcanoes have this amazing ability to both start and end life.

  11. #11 dave
    March 16, 2010

    Do volcanoes produce cheese?

  12. #12 dave
    March 16, 2010

    I like sausages

  13. #13 motel townsville
    October 19, 2010

    Deftly tight and up on chicken flicks

  14. #14 Boston Cab
    December 24, 2010

    Hey there I must say I revere your principals. As a Boston Cab driver I meet all kinds of people and now I just can`t get enough. As soon as I drop off my Boston Taxi I come right home and fire up my computer looking for entertaining and informative blogs like this one. The next time you are around zip code 02127 Southie Massachusetts stop by and see us!

  15. #15 Chieko Browns
    January 15, 2011

    What a great pile of presents Honey! And I can see you were very excited about all of them (who wouldnt be?). Of course you could do the dog brick. Ive got the tornado toy which I figured out pretty quickly. Anything to get more treats. Im glad you enjoyed your presents.

  16. #16 Vampire Diaries
    January 21, 2011

    Howdy, I really love the actual web pages!! That is simply a tremendous piece of writing. My hubby and i look forward to reading more interesting tips in which you will be publishing in the future. We have all realized a great deal with this. Thanks a ton.

  17. #17 Kate Middleton Wedding
    April 15, 2011

    This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  18. #18 chomikuj.pl wyszukiwarka
    April 15, 2011

    Completely understand what your stance in this matter!! Although I would disagree on some of the finer details!!

  19. #19 The new mam
    April 30, 2011

    The new mam

  20. #20 Nestor Rosario
    May 2, 2011

    Thanks for your article. It is very unfortunate that over the last one decade, the travel industry has already been able to to tackle terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, bird flu, swine flu, as well as the first ever true global economic downturn. Through everthing the industry has really proven to be powerful, resilient in addition to dynamic, finding new solutions to deal with trouble. There are usually fresh issues and the possiblility to which the industry must once more adapt and respond.

  21. #21 mydirtyhobby
    May 5, 2011

    Also, ging ich als erstes nach der Übergabe leadership das Zimmer 306. Und da lag er leadership seinem Einzelzimmer, cave rechten sock credit Gips und guckte TV.

  22. #22 Infiniti Dealers bridgewater NJ
    May 7, 2011

    Very interesting points you have mentioned, thank you for posting.

  23. #23 Felix Mattimoe
    May 12, 2011

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  24. #24 fukt
    May 18, 2011

    Good blog dude. When will you post the new one ?

    :) xxx

  25. #25 fukt shit
    June 10, 2011

    Because of reading your blog, I’ve decided to create my own. I had never been interested in keeping a blog until I saw how great yours was, then I was inspired!

    :) xxx

  26. #26 logiciel emailing
    July 2, 2011

    Opcenito, ne post o blogovima, ali htio bih reci da je ovaj post stvarno mi je prisiljen to uciniti! jako lijep post.

  27. #27 Affiliate Marketing Tips
    July 6, 2011

    I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re amazing! Thanks!

  28. #28 lagoon residencia
    July 30, 2011

    Simone Weil~ Evil when we are in its power is not felt as evil but as a necessity or even a duty.

  29. #29 mypadmedia refund
    August 13, 2011

    A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

  30. #30 barriles
    August 17, 2011

    Great issues to find out how i quit smoking and improve my well being status. I like my life now, becouse i didnt spend to a lot money to buy cigarettes on daily basis, and i really feel so effectively after i give up smoking cessation.

  31. #31 Sacaleches medela
    August 25, 2011

    Well, this is new for me. Am glad to find something who sees what i see. Keep this just like its going. You are doing greate, and i´ll be reading always this blog.

  32. #32 internat online
    August 30, 2011

    With all the cold snow we have had as of late I am stuck indoors , as luck would have it there is the internet, ta for leaving me something to do

  33. #33 sexo madrid
    August 31, 2011

    Texto de promoción: Web de contactos clasificados para Madrid y Barcelona – Encuentra todo los anuncios relacionados con el sexo, erotismo, relax y mucho más..

  34. #34 puta madrid
    August 31, 2011

    Texto de promoción: Web de contactos clasificados para Madrid y Barcelona – Encuentra todo los anuncios relacionados con el sexo, erotismo, relax y mucho más..

  35. #35 sexo madrid
    September 1, 2011

    Texto de promoción: Web de contactos clasificados para Madrid y Barcelona – Encuentra todo los anuncios relacionados con el sexo, erotismo, relax y mucho más..

  36. #36 puta madrid
    September 1, 2011

    Texto de promoción: Web de contactos clasificados para Madrid y Barcelona – Encuentra todo los anuncios relacionados con el sexo, erotismo, relax y mucho más..

  37. #37 sexo madrid
    September 1, 2011

    Texto de promoción: Web de contactos clasificados para Madrid y Barcelona – Encuentra todo los anuncios relacionados con el sexo, erotismo, relax y mucho más..

  38. #38 escorts madrid
    September 1, 2011

    Texto de promoción: Web de contactos clasificados para Madrid y Barcelona – Encuentra todo los anuncios relacionados con el sexo, erotismo, relax y mucho más..

  39. #39 acompañante barato
    September 1, 2011

    Texto de promoción: Web de contactos clasificados para Madrid y Barcelona – Encuentra todo los anuncios relacionados con el sexo, erotismo, relax y mucho más..

  40. #40 puta madrid
    September 1, 2011

    Texto de promoción: Web de contactos clasificados para Madrid y Barcelona – Encuentra todo los anuncios relacionados con el sexo, erotismo, relax y mucho más..

  41. #41 Reading Comprehension Strategies
    September 8, 2011

    Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous website.

  42. #42 Donita Bannister
    September 10, 2011

    It is wonderful article ! I simply love’d this !

  43. #43 oil change coupons
    September 15, 2011

    Can easily someone explain what the writer meant in his final paragraph? He makes a terrific start but lost me halfway in the article. I had a difficult time following what the author is looking to say. First was great but personally i think he needs to work with writing a better finish.

  44. #44 Oscar Gepner
    September 20, 2011

    Seriously, dude I think the general point being made is that this, coupled with DISNEY, is pretty much whats with United States American culture. In other words, dumb flies tend land on dumb shit to breed more dumb flies from more dumb, typically HATEFUL, shit, etc

  45. #45 Canasta
    September 22, 2011

    tolle saubt der hischeb zu tzunge mit zorta und bomum. nikreit den siforzat des dikens ohne tezax, jerrert, flolog oder russt.

  46. #46 technivorm
    September 29, 2011

    I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today..

  47. #47 Thuy Bordenkircher
    October 11, 2011

    thank you for the info it definitely helped

  48. #48 Jeneva Bario
    October 21, 2011

    Slaves. We will all be slaves to the government. Is that what the Liberals want? Do they not understand they too will be enslaved with this ruling. Where is their thinking?

  49. #49 gamis
    October 29, 2011

    busana muslim

  50. #50 african mango reviews
    November 4, 2011

    My brother suggested I might like this website. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  51. #51 Sau
    November 4, 2011

    I wished I had known this two weeks ago when I had this problem. Do you think it’s too late now?

  52. #52 wedding banners
    November 5, 2011

    OMG ! I just found a error inside your site! Find out if your plugins is configured correctly!

  53. #53 gold coast seo
    November 9, 2011

    Whoa! that post was quite helpful thanks.

  54. #54 brisbane search engine optimisation
    November 9, 2011

    Its pretty cool what blogging are capable of doing. Connect you with everyone else.

  55. #55 Cheap Car Insurance UK compare
    November 14, 2011

    Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include almost all important infos. I would like to see a lot more posts like this .

  56. #56 birthday banners
    November 14, 2011

    Good post i was looking forit I can see that you will be a professional at your field! I’m launching an internet site soon & your information can be really useful for me Thanks for your help & wish you all the success within your business.

  57. #57 north shore gutter cleaning
    November 14, 2011

    Good sharing of concept here in whatever way thank you for posting valueble information..before I possibly could thank allowed coment in your blog, I buy lots of information of your stuff, If only I could be even more information of your stuff .

  58. #58 rod mill
    November 15, 2011

    this is great thanks

  59. #59 genf20 scam
    November 15, 2011

    I was just seeking this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative sites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.

  60. #60 Best Furniture Manufacturer
    November 17, 2011

    Signs pointing towards eruption at Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira : Eruptions you’ve an amazing blog here! would you prefer to make some invite posts on my weblog? Regards, Best Furniture Manufacturer

  61. #61 homefront resist edition
    November 23, 2011

    buenblog buena informacion b los felicito. Para informacion respecto the dolar haga clic the el vinculo

  62. #62 paula brown
    November 25, 2011

    You should join us for our day of action this Saturday – it’s a great opportunity to help grow this campaign.