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Report on Bezymianny (Russia) — 8 September-14 September 2020


Bezymianny

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 8 September-14 September 2020
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2020. Report on Bezymianny (Russia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 8 September-14 September 2020. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (8 September-14 September 2020)

Bezymianny

Russia

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

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


KVERT reported that a new lava dome began growing in the summit crater of Bezymianny around 26 August. A thermal anomaly over the summit was visible during 28-31 August and on 4, 8, and 10 September. Weather clouds sometimes obscured views of the volcano. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).

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)