Another episode of strong explosive activity at Klyuchevskoy, Russia

Another phase of strong explosive activity occurred late on December 7 (morning of December 8 by Kamchatka time), generating a dense ash plume that rose to altitude of approximately 5.5 km and drifted 400 km to the north-east. 

This is the strongest activity since November 20 this year, when a powerful paroxysmal phase with lava fountains, lava flows and strong ash emissions ended.

Latest KVERT notice (issued at 23:14 UTC on November 7):

Activity of Klyuchevskoy volcano continues. According to data by seismologists of KBGS RAS, an amplitude of volcanic tremor remain on the previous level (0.7-1.0 mcm/s), shallow volcanic earthquakes began to registering. Ash plume extended to the north-east of the volcano on the height about 5.5 km a.s.l. at 17:03 UTC on December 07 (according to satellite data). Video data show a gas-steam plume containing ash on the height about 5.5 km a.s.l. extended to the north-east of the volcano.

Explosive eruption of the volcano continues. Ash explosions > 32,800 ft (10 km) a.s.l. could occur at any time. Ongoing activity could affect international and low-flying aircraft.

Volcanic cloud height: 

5000-5500 m (16400-18040 ft) a.s.l. A gas-steam plume containing ash extended to the north-east of the volcano.

The volcano seems to have calmed down again today, Volcano Discovery reports. Aviation color code is set on orange.

Video courtesy of Volcano Discovery

Featured image: NASA Terra/Aqua MODIS taken on December 7, 2013.