View larger. | Pavlof Volcano in the Aleutian Arc on May 18, 2013. The volcano began erupting May 13. Image via NASA.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory released this update on May 28 at 4 p.m. CDT (21 UTC):
Over the past three days, the eruptive activity at Pavlof have greatly declined. Seismic tremor and small discrete explosions are no longer detected in seismic and pressure sensor data. Satellite observations show no evidence of elevated surface temperatures, volcanic gas or ash emissions. There have been no visual observations from pilots or web cameras of any eruptive activity. Consequently, the Aviation Color Code is being reduced to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory.
During past eruptions of Pavlof, the style of eruptive activity fluctuated from higher to lower levels. Therefore, this pause in eruptive activity does not necessarily indicate that the eruption has ended. Renewed activity is possible, and may not be preceded by significant seismic activity. AVO will continue to monitor Pavlof closely.
View larger. | The volcano jetted lava into the air and spewed an ash cloud 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) high. Image via NASA.
Members of International Space Station crew (Expedition 36) acquired these images with a Nikon D3S digital camera using 800, 400, and 50 millimeter lenses, respectively. The images are from May 18, 2013, five days after the current eruption began.
Our Editor-in-Chief Deborah Byrd works to keep all the astronomy balls in the air between EarthSky's website, YouTube page and social media platforms. She's the primary editor of our popular daily newsletter and a frequent host of EarthSky livestreams. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.
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