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Report on Klyuchevskoy (Russia) — 13 June-19 June 2007


Klyuchevskoy

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 13 June-19 June 2007
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2007. Report on Klyuchevskoy (Russia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 13 June-19 June 2007. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (13 June-19 June 2007)

Klyuchevskoy

Russia

56.056°N, 160.642°E; summit elev. 4754 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


KVERT reported that during 8-15 June, seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi continued above background levels and a thermal anomaly in the crater was detected on satellite imagery. Strombolian and Vulcanian activity at the summit crater, lava flows, and phreatic bursts at the SE flank of the volcano were observed on 8 and 13 June. Based on video and visual observations, ash plumes rose to altitudes of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. during 8-10 and 13 June and drifted E, SE, and NW. Ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting multiple directions during 8-15 June.

KVERT reported that seismicity increased on 19 June at 1010. Beginning at 0400 on 20 June, ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery, drifting W. Based on atmospheric profiles, plume altitudes rose to an altitude of 6.5-7.5 km (21,300-24,600 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was reported from Kozyrevsk village. The Level of Concern Color Code was raised to Red.

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.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)