Anatahan volcano in the central Mariana Islands is continuing to vent gas, and levels of seismic activity at the volcano remain slightly above normal, according to USGS reports. Satellite data shows continuing production of sulphur dioxide by Anatahan, and northerly winds would cause the plume to deflect southwards, possibly extending over Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The volcanic activity level remains at ‘watch’ and the aviation colour code remains at ‘orange’.

The Marianas Variety newspaper has a report today on Anatahan volcano’s current activity under the attention-grabbing headline: ‘Could Anatahan “go Krakatoa” on us?’

Information
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program – summary information for Antahan (0804-20=)
Anatahan Volcano – USGS information page for Antahan

News
Could Anatahan ‘go Krakatoa’ on us? – Marianas Variety, 20 February 2008
Anatahan Island volcano closely monitored – Radio New Zealand International, 17 February 2008
Volcanic haze spreads to Rota – Saipan Tribune, 14 February 2008