Tolbachik Update. First photos of the eruption

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Source: Volcano Discovery - 11/29/12 By Volcano Bulletin

 

The Tolbachik fissure eruption at night, two areas of activity can clearly be seen. KVERT

The Tolbachik fissure eruption at night, two areas of activity can clearly be seen. KVERT

Photo showing the southern area of activity. Lava flows from the northern part of the activity can been seen on the upper right. KVERT

Photo showing the southern area of activity. Lava flows from the northern part of the activity can been seen on the upper right. KVERT

Photo showing the two eruptive fissures, located ton the S flank of Tolbachik. Eruptions have also been occurring from the summit.

Photo showing the two eruptive fissures, located ton the S flank of Tolbachik. Eruptions have also been occurring from the summit.

On 29 November, the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes from Tolbachik reached heights of 3.5 km. The MODVOLC also detected thermal anomalies and a strong S02 output is seen. On 29 November, the KVERT reported that the fissure had opened up in two places (in the southern cone area); the first is located 4.5 km from Tolbachik and contains 4 or 5 eruptive vents, the second is located 6.5 km downstream from the volcano and has 2 or 3 eruptive vents. Ground observers reported that the eruption started as a series of small eruptions that progressed into two fissures. Explosions were heard in Kosyrevsk (40 km west), Maiskoye (56 km northwest) and even Klyuchi (70 km north).


Analysis of a MODIS satellite image taken at 01:00 (UTC) shows two lava flows. The flows are facing west. The northernmost flow may extend for 5 km, the southern flow may extend for 8 km.
The KVERT has raised the alert level from ORANGE to RED.

The first photos of the eruption have been published (see photos).

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