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Report on Klyuchevskoy (Russia) — 9 May-15 May 2007


Klyuchevskoy

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 9 May-15 May 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, 9 May-15 May 2007. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (9 May-15 May 2007)

Klyuchevskoy

Russia

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

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


KVERT reported that during 4-11 May, seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi continued above background levels and a thermal anomaly in the crater was detected on satellite imagery. Lava flows continued to advance on the NW flank. Phreatic activity and ash plumes from lava-flow fronts were noted. Gas-and-steam plumes containing ash rose to altitudes of 6.7 km (22,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N during 4-7 May. Ash plumes were seen on satellite imagery drifting NE, NW, W, and E during the reporting period. Ashfall was reported on 4 May and explosions were heard during 3-6 May in the town of Klyuchi, about 30 km to the NE. Based on information from KEMSD and satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 11 May ash plumes rose to altitudes of 7.6 km (25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE and E. On 12 May, the Anchorage VAAC reported that ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery. On 15 May, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption plume was possibly seen on satellite imagery to an altitude of 5.2 km (17,000 ft) a.s.l. drifting N. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

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.

Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Anchorage Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)