KVERT reported that moderate explosive activity at Ebeko was ongoing during 13-20 July. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, about 7 km E), explosions during 17-19 July generated ash plumes that rose as high as 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l and drifted to the NW and SE. Thermal anomalies were identified in satellite images on 17 and 19 July; weather clouds obscured views on other days. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

Geological Summary. The flat-topped summit of the central cone of Ebeko volcano, one of the most active in the Kuril Islands, occupies the northern end of Paramushir Island. Three summit craters located along a SSW-NNE line form Ebeko volcano proper, at the northern end of a complex of five volcanic cones. Blocky lava flows extend west from Ebeko and SE from the neighboring Nezametnyi cone. The eastern part of the southern crater contains strong solfataras and a large boiling spring. The central crater is filled by a lake about 20 m deep whose shores are lined with steaming solfataras; the northern crater lies across a narrow, low barrier from the central crater and contains a small, cold crescentic lake. Historical activity, recorded since the late-18th century, has been restricted to small-to-moderate explosive eruptions from the summit craters. Intense fumarolic activity occurs in the summit craters, on the outer flanks of the cone, and in lateral explosion craters.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)