KVERT reported that moderate explosive activity continued at Ebeko during 1-8 February. According to volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island, approximately 7 km E), explosions ejected ash as high as 4.5 km a.s.l during 5-6, and 8 February; ash plumes drifted SE and E. Satellite data acquired by KVERT showed the ash plume produced on 6 February extended as far as 11 km SE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third color on a four-color scale). Dates are UTC; 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)