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Report on Bezymianny (Russia) — 18 May-24 May 2022


Bezymianny

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 18 May-24 May 2022
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2022. Report on Bezymianny (Russia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 18 May-24 May 2022. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (18 May-24 May 2022)

Bezymianny

Russia

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

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


On 24 May KVERT reported that the effusive eruption at Bezymianny continued, characterized by strong fumarolic emissions, lava-dome incandescence, and hot avalanches. Notable hot avalanches descended the E flank. Gas-and-steam plumes with some ash content drifted 30 km NW on 24 May and 25 km NE on 25 May, at altitudes of 3-4.5 km (9,800-14,800 ft) a.s.l. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC times; specific events are in local time where noted.

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)