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Report on Bezymianny (Russia) — 17 October-23 October 2007


Bezymianny

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 17 October-23 October 2007
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2007. Report on Bezymianny (Russia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 17 October-23 October 2007. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (17 October-23 October 2007)

Bezymianny

Russia

55.972°N, 160.595°E; summit elev. 2882 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


KVERT reported that seismic activity at Bezymianny was slightly elevated during 16-19 October and returned to background levels during 19-20 October. Based on observations of satellite imagery, a strip of ash deposits was noted on the ESE flank on 18 October and a thermal anomaly was present in the crater during 16-20 October. On 20 October, KVERT lowered the level of Concern Color Code to Yellow.

Geological Summary. The modern Bezymianny, much smaller than its massive neighbors Kamen and Kliuchevskoi on the Kamchatka Peninsula, was formed about 4,700 years ago over a late-Pleistocene lava-dome complex and an edifice built about 11,000-7,000 years ago. Three periods of intensified activity have occurred during the past 3,000 years. The latest period, which was preceded by a 1,000-year quiescence, began with the dramatic 1955-56 eruption. This eruption, similar to that of St. Helens in 1980, produced a large open crater that was formed by collapse of the summit and an associated lateral blast. Subsequent episodic but ongoing lava-dome growth, accompanied by intermittent explosive activity and pyroclastic flows, has largely filled the 1956 crater.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)