December 13, 2016

Strong eruption of the Bezymianny volcano can occur in the near future on the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia), said the head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team   (KVERT) of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences) and seismology Olga Girina. According to data by KBGS RAS, seismic activity of the Bezymianny volcano (Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia) began increasing from 18 November, 2016. Satellite data by KVERT showed an increase of the thermal anomaly temperature from 05 December, 2016. Today a temperature of the thermal anomaly significantly grow. Probably an extrude of lava blocks at the top of the dome occur, that prepares a strong explosive eruption of the volcano.

Activity of the volcano gradually increases. Strong ash explosions up to 49,200 ft (15 km) a.s.l. could occur at any time during this day or next days. Ongoing activity could affect international and low-flying aircraft. Current Aviation Color Code is orange.

Bezymianny volcano is one the most active volcano of the world. In 1955, for the first time in history, Bezymianny started to erupt and after six months it produced a catastrophic eruption with the total volume of eruptive products over 3 km3. The lava dome began to grow in the explosive caldera immediately after the catastrophe and continues at now. 44 Vulcanian-type strong explosive eruptions of Bezymianny occurred in 1965-2012. Last explosive eruption of Bezymianny volcano occurred on 01 September, 2012.

In Russia, KVERT, on behalf of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (IVS) FED RAS, is responsible for providing information on volcanic activity to international air navigation services for the airspace users.