Report on Klyuchevskoy (Russia) — 26 February-4 March 2003
Smithsonian / US Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report,
26 February-4 March 2003
Managing Editor: Gari Mayberry
Please cite this report as:
Global Volcanism Program, 2003. Report on Klyuchevskoy (Russia). In: Mayberry, G (ed.), Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 26 February-4 March 2003. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.
Klyuchevskoy
Russia
56.056°N, 160.642°E; summit elev. 4754 m
All times are local (unless otherwise noted)
Seismicity at Kliuchevskoi was slightly above background levels during 21-28 February, with 10-14 earthquakes occurring per day at depths of ~30 km. Continuous, spasmodic volcanic tremor was recorded all week. Gas-and-steam plumes rose to low levels and possible ash deposits on the volcano's SE summit were visible on satellite imagery. The Concern Color Code remained at Yellow.
Geological Summary. Klyuchevskoy (also spelled Kliuchevskoi) is Kamchatka's highest and most active volcano. Since its origin about 6000 years ago, the beautifully symmetrical, 4835-m-high basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. It rises above a saddle NE of sharp-peaked Kamen volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred during the past roughly 3000 years, with most lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 m and 3600 m elevation. The morphology of the 700-m-wide summit crater has been frequently modified by historical eruptions, which have been recorded since the late-17th century. Historical eruptions have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included numerous major explosive and effusive eruptions from flank craters.