Volcanoes in eruption, 1996

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Annual review of volcanic eruptions: 1996

from numerous sources, mainly the GVN Bulletin

In terms of volcanic activity, 1996 has not been a particularly vigorous year. The number of eruptions (at least 51) is lower than the totals of 1994 (57) and 1995 (57). Since reporting on volcanic eruptions by the GVN Bulletin is already available through March 1997, the record of 1996 volcanic activity is to be considered reasonably complete. It should also be noted that direct reports about some volcanoes featured on the following pages are lacking, and their continued activity is assumed rather than confirmed (e.g. Sangay, Sabancaya, Erebus...).
The largest event may have been the spectacular subglacial eruption of Grimsv&oum;tn-Bardarbunga in Iceland, with a tephra volume of about 0.3-0.4 km^3. Other significant eruptions occurred at Karymsky (Kamchatka), Pacaya (Guatemala), Soufriere Hills (Montserrat), Ruapehu (New Zealand) and Manam (Papua New Guinea). The latter was also responsible for the year's hightest death toll from an eruption (13 killed), more than half of the total number of volcano deaths (21) in 1996.

As in the 1995 review, the volcanoes are arranged geographically according to Volcanoes of the World (1994 edition).

  • Region 1: Europe to Caucasus
  • Region 2: Africa & Red Sea
  • Region 4: New Zealand to Fiji
  • Region 5: Melanesia & Australia
  • Region 6: Indonesia & Andaman Islands
  • Region 7: Philippines & SE Asia
  • Region 8: Japan, Taiwan & Marianas
  • Regions 9 and 10: Kuriles, Kamchatka & Mainland Asia
  • Region 11: Alaska
  • Region 13: Hawaii & Pacific Ocean
  • Region 14: Mexico & Central America
  • Region 15: South America
  • Region 16: West Indies
  • Region 17: Iceland & Arctic Ocean
  • Region 19: Antarctica & S Sandwich Islands

    Page set up on 27 May 1997, last modified on 27 May 1997