·

Eruption at Sheveluch volcano, ash to 10 km (33 000 feet) a.s.l., Russia

sheveluch-volcano-eruption-november-3-2019

A relatively strong explosive eruption took place at Sheveluch volcano, Kamchatka, Russia at 05:00 UTC on November 3, 2019. 

Based on the ground report, the volcanic ash cloud reached 10 km (33 000 feet) above sea level, drifting NW.

The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red at 05:46 UTC and lowered back to Orange at 07:18 UTC. 

"Growth of the lava dome continues, accompanied by strong fumarolic activity and an incandescence of the dome blocks and hot avalanches," KVERT said.

Ash explosions up to 32 800 – 49 200 feet (10 – 15 km) a.s.l. could occur at any time. Ongoing activity could affect international and low-flying aircraft.

Explosive eruption at Sheveuch volcano on October 1, 2019. Credit: Yu. Demyanchuk, IVS FEB RAS, KVERT

Geological summary

The high, isolated massif of Sheveluch volcano (also spelled Shiveluch) rises above the lowlands NNE of the Kliuchevskaya volcano group. The 1 300 km3 (311.9 mi3) volcano is one of Kamchatka's largest and most active volcanic structures. The summit of roughly 65 000-year-old Stary Shiveluch is truncated by a broad 9-km-wide (5.6 miles) late-Pleistocene caldera breached to the south. Many lava domes dot its outer flanks. 

The Molodoy Shiveluch lava-dome complex was constructed during the Holocene within the large horseshoe-shaped caldera; Holocene lava dome extrusion also took place on the flanks of Stary Shiveluch. At least 60 large eruptions have occurred during the Holocene, making it the most vigorous andesitic volcano of the Kuril-Kamchatka arc.

Widespread tephra layers from these eruptions have provided valuable time markers for dating volcanic events in Kamchatka. Frequent collapses of dome complexes, most recently in 1964, have produced debris avalanches whose deposits cover much of the floor of the breached caldera. (GVP)

Featured image: Sheveluch on February 22, 2019. Credit: Yu. Demyanchuk, IVS FEB RAS, KVERT

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *