BEZYMIANNY Central Kamchatka (Russia) 55.978°N, 160.587°E; summit elev. 2882 m

New Activity/Unrest

BEZYMIANNY Central Kamchatka (Russia) 55.978°N, 160.587°E; summit elev. 2882 m

In addition to producing ashfall 45 km to the NNW on 14 April, KVERT reported that the explosive eruption from Bezymianny also generated a viscous lava flow on the SE flank. Incandescence from the lava flow was visible on 19 April. Satellite imagery showed a thermal anomaly during 15-22 April, and small ash-and-gas plumes on 16 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Geologic Summary. Prior to its noted 1955-56 eruption, Bezymianny volcano had been considered extinct. Three periods of intensified activity have occurred during the past 3,000 years. The latest period, which was preceded by a 1,000-year quiescence, began with the dramatic 1955-56 eruption. That eruption, similar to the 1980 event at Mount St. Helens, produced a large horseshoe-shaped crater that was formed by collapse of the summit and an associated lateral blast. Subsequent episodic but ongoing lava-dome growth, accompanied by intermittent explosive activity and pyroclastic flows, has largely filled the 1956 crater.