Volcanic and Seismic Activity Update: Global Overview (February 23, 2026)

Global monitoring networks continue to track ongoing volcanic and seismic activity, providing crucial data for hazard assessment and public safety. As of February 23, 2026, several volcanoes are exhibiting unrest or eruptive activity, while earthquake swarms are being observed in various regions worldwide. This report summarizes the latest information from monitoring agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Volcano Discovery.

Volcanic Activity Highlights

Great Sitkin Volcano, Alaska

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has issued a WATCH advisory for Great Sitkin volcano, with an Aviation Color Code of ORANGE. A slow eruption of lava within the summit crater continues as of February 22, 2026. More information is available from the AVO.

Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska

Shishaldin volcano remains under an ADVISORY alert level with a YELLOW Aviation Color Code. Low-level unrest persists, characterized by small volcanic earthquakes and periods of tremor. The current status has been in effect since August 25, 2025. Further details can be found on the USGS website.

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Kilauea volcano is under a WATCH advisory with an ORANGE Aviation Color Code. The Halemaʻumaʻu eruption paused on February 15, 2026, with preliminary models suggesting a potential onset of episode 43 fountaining between March 5-15, 2026. The previous WARNING and RED Aviation Color Code was in effect until December 23, 2024. Updates are available from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO).

Ahyi Seamount, Papua Modern Guinea

Ahyi Seamount is currently at an ADVISORY alert level with a YELLOW Aviation Color Code. No significant activity has been detected over the past week, with the current status unchanged since November 5, 2025. More information can be found at the Northern Marianas Islands Volcano Observatory (NMI).

Recent Seismic Activity

Recent earthquake monitoring indicates seismic activity at Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Hood. An interactive map of active volcanoes and recent earthquakes worldwide is available at Volcano Discovery. This map provides real-time data and allows users to view earthquake magnitudes, locations, and depths.

Understanding Volcano Seismicity

Seismicity plays a crucial role in understanding volcanic processes. Volcanic earthquakes are triggered by the movement of magma and volcanic fluids, causing stress changes in the Earth’s crust. Different types of seismic events provide insights into the state of a volcano:

• Volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes: Result from brittle failure of rock, similar to tectonic faults.
• Long-period (LP) or low-frequency (LF) earthquakes: Caused by cracks resonating as magma and gases move towards the surface.

Monitoring these seismic events, alongside data from geodesy, hydrology, and gas geochemistry, helps scientists assess volcanic hazards. Further details on volcano seismicity can be found on the USGS website.

Resources and Further Information

• Volcano Discovery: Interactive Map of Volcanoes and Earthquakes
• USGS Volcano Updates
• USGS: Monitoring Volcano Seismicity
• ArcGIS: Live Earthquakes and Volcanoes Map