– SEPTEMBER 2, 2012

• The Watchers

   

Kamchatkan stratovolcano Bezymianny had large explosive eruption on September 1, 2012. According to seismic data by KB GS RAS, explosive eruption began at 19:16 UTC. According to visual data, ash plumes rose up to 32,800 – 39,400 ft (10-12 km). Explosive phase of eruption continued till 19:45 UTC, and later there was a volcanic tremor was registered about 2 hours. There is no ash near Bezymianny volcano at now, but ash plumes are extending to the east-north-east of the volcano about 550-600 km of the volcano.

By 21:32 UTC ash plumes were extending to the east-north-east of the volcano about 370 mi (600 km) of the volcano. As of September 2nd the Aviation color code is back Orange from Red and the eruption of the volcano is gradually finishing. Ash plumes are extending more 370 mi (600 km) to the east-north-east of the volcano.

Ongoing activity could affect international and low-flying aircraft.

Three periods of intensified activity have occurred during the past 3000 years. The latest period, which was preceded by a 1000-year quiescence, began with the dramatic 1955-56 eruption. This eruption, similar to that of Mount St. Helens in 1980, 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.

Bezymianny volcano is one the most active volcano of the world. 43 Vulcanian-type strong explosive eruptions of Bezymianny occurred in 1965-2012, while 20 of them producing ash up to 10-15 km.

Take a look at images of Bezymianny volcano on September 1, 2012 here. Images from previous eruptions are also there.