Bristol Island Erupting...

[Rockhopper]

South Sandwich Islands in the southern Atlantic are a group of volcanic islands but Bristol is not usually active.

Data collected on April 24 by Operational Land Imager (OLI) instruments and SHOOTING (Thermal Infrared Sensor) show the presence of a strong thermal signal located in the middle of the island. Another set of data collected on May 1 indicates a similar intensity. More satellite data, collected by NASA's Suomi NPP, whose VIIRS sensor is sensitive to thermal infrared radiation, on May 3, show the activity detected earlier has continued.

Images collected earlier in the month show no similar signs of activity. However, it is possible the clouds have blocked the detection of infrared activity. According to experts, there are still some doubts about the eruptive activity and the situation will require further close monitoring.

As of May 5, 2016, the Global Volcanism Program has no Weekly Reports available for Bristol Island.

Here.

Tim.