Ash explosions and drifting plumes caused by the eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano in the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia have resulted in local authorities raising the aviation alert from orange to red, signalling concerns of the volcano’s continued eruption in the surrounding airspace. The volcano erupted shortly after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake on July 30.
Eruption of Klyuchevskoy Volcano
On July 30, an immense 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Kamchatka region in Eastern Russia, causing tsunamis across the Pacific. Whilst the powerful ‘megaquake’ did not cause the Klyuchevskoy volcano to erupt, it did catalyse the process and increase the intensity.
The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has released a statement via Telegram that a summit explosive-effusive eruption is currently underway at Klyuchevskoy. This is Klyuchevskoy’s first eruption in 600 years.
Satellites are being used to monitor the volcano and its eruption, providing data on ash rising up to 9.5 kilometres above sea level and drifting approximately 141 kilometres east-southeast of the volcano.
KVERT has released a warning that ash explosions can increase, potentially reaching up to 10 kilometres above sea level. This could impact low-flying aircraft in the region, with ash being detrimental to jet engines, and authorities have therefore raised the aviation alert from orange to red.
Following the earthquake and residual aftershocks, a dam near Klyuchevskoy was also destroyed on August 6. The free flow of water could result in mudflows and transportation disruptions near the volcano, affecting both locals and tourists. Mud and debris are also a concern for those in the Tolbachinsky Valley, with lava heading toward the Bogdanovich Glacier causing a surge in water from melted ice.
What next?
On August 7, authorities raised the aviation alert for Klyuchevskoy from orange to red – the highest level on the warning system.
The red aviation alert indicates that Klyuchevskoy is currently erupting, and a significant emission of ash could impact aviation as it drifts into air routes. As a consequence, airspace around Klyuchevskoy is restricted, and airlines will have to establish new routes to avoid the volcano, resulting in flight delays or cancellations.
The full extent of Klyuchevskoy volcano’s eruption is currently unknown and continues to be monitored by local authorities and field experts.
Have you or anyone you know been affected by the eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano? Let us know.
