Report on Klyuchevskoy (Russia) — 20 June-26 June 2007
Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 20 June-26 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, 20 June-26 June 2007. 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)
KVERT reported that during 15-22 June, seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi continued above background levels and a thermal anomaly in the crater was detected on satellite imagery. Based on video and visual observations, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE on 15 June. Clouds inhibited observations on other days. Plumes were seen drifting N, W, and S on satellite imagery during 15-22 June.
A large ash cloud, about 300 km in diameter, was observed near Yelizovo airport during 20-21 June. Based on atmospheric profiles, the plumes rose to estimated altitudes of 6.5-9.5 km (21,300-31,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.
On 25 June, KVERT reported that seismic activity decreased during 22-24 June. Ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery drifting multiple directions. The plumes rose to estimated altitudes of 5.5-6.5 km (18,000-21,300 ft) a.s.l. based on atmospheric profiles. A thermal anomaly continued to be detected in the crater. The Level of Concern Color Code was lowered to 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.
