An eruption cloud is a transient, three-dimensional mass of gas, ash, and entrained ambient air generated above a volcanic vent during explosive activity, characterized by vigorous convective ascent and turbulent mixing. It typically develops when magma fragmentation produces pyroclasts and volatiles at high mass flux, driving a buoyant column that can transition from a jet-dominated region near the vent to a convective plume and, at neutral buoyancy, an umbrella region spreading laterally. Eruption clouds exhibit complex microphysical processes, including ash aggregation, ice formation, and electrostatic charging, and they play a central role in tephra dispersal, atmospheric loading of volcanic aerosols, and associated hazards to aviation and climate.
The volcano on Indonesia's Halmahera Island routinely ejects ash, volcanic gases, and volcanic bombs. In May 2026, the Global Volcanism Program reported nine actively erupting volcanoes in Indonesia—more than any other country ...
Earth Sciences
May 27, 2026
0
13
A volcano in Russia's far east on Wednesday spewed ash several kilometers into the sky, authorities said, putting on a spectacular display in its latest eruption.
Environment
Jan 28, 2026
0
42
On November 23, 2025, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted in dramatic fashion. The shield volcano in the Danakil (or Afar) Depression began spewing ash and volcanic gases at around 11:30 a.m. local time (8:30 ...
Environment
Dec 8, 2025
0
27
Volcanic activity in northern Ethiopia's long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano subsided Tuesday, days after an eruption that left a trail of destruction in nearby villages and caused flight cancellations after ash plumes disrupted ...
Environment
Nov 26, 2025
0
36
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in northeast Ethiopia, believed to have been dormant for up to 12,000 years, erupted on 23 November 2025, sending a massive plume of ash and sulfur dioxide high into the atmosphere.
Earth Sciences
Nov 25, 2025
0
31
A long-dormant volcano erupted in northern Ethiopia over the weekend, sending ash plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman.
Environment
Nov 24, 2025
0
20
Nearly 600 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption sent clouds of sulfurous gas and ash high into the atmosphere. The blast known as the 1458/59 CE event was so huge that it triggered decades of cooling, especially in the ...
Explosive volcanic eruptions on early Mars may have transported water ice to equatorial regions, according to a modeling study published in Nature Communications. The authors suggest that these eruptions could have led to ...
Planetary Sciences
Oct 14, 2025
0
57
Indonesia's rumbling Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted twice on Monday, sending a column of volcanic materials up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the sky, dumping ash on villages and causing flight cancellations.
Environment
Jul 7, 2025
0
41
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted with giant ash and smoke plumes again Wednesday after forcing evacuations of villages and flight cancelations, including to and from the resort island of Bali.
Environment
Jun 18, 2025
0
40
