Ebeko volcano covers Severo-Kurilsk in ash, Russia

A relatively large explosion occurred at the Ebeko volcano in Paramushir Island, Russia, at 21:21 UTC on April 28, 2020 (06:21 LT on April 29). The Aviation Color Code remains Orange.

According to the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), ash plume reached up to 3 658 m (12 000 feet) above sea level and drifted to the southeast. 

Videos of the aftermath showed the nearby town of Severo-Kurilsk coated with a layer of ash. 

According to Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), a moderate explosive activity at the volcano continues and explosions of up to 6 000 m (19 700 feet) may occur at any time. Ongoing activity could affect low-flying aircraft and the airport of Severo-Kurilsk.

Geological summary

The flat-topped summit of the central cone of Ebeko volcano, one of the most active in the Kuril Islands, occupies the northern end of Paramushir Island. Three summit craters located along an SSW-NNE line form Ebeko volcano proper, at the northern end of a complex of five volcanic cones.

Blocky lava flows extend west from Ebeko and SE from the neighboring Nezametnyi cone. The eastern part of the southern crater contains strong solfataras and a large boiling spring.

The central crater is filled by a lake about 20 m (65 feet) deep whose shores are lined with steaming solfataras; the northern crater lies across a narrow, low barrier from the central crater and contains a small, cold crescentic lake.

Historical activity, recorded since the late-18th century, has been restricted to small-to-moderate explosive eruptions from the summit craters. Intense fumarolic activity occurs in the summit craters, on the outer flanks of the cone, and in lateral explosion craters.

Featured image credit: Leonid Kotenko