Avachinsky Volcano, Kamchatkan Peninsula, Russia

Update 001

From: avo-sci@tardaddy.wr.usgs.gov
Subject: Karymsky Volcano
INFORMATION RELEASE
Thursday, March 7, 1996 12 PM AST (J067, 2100 UTC)

The IVGG has reported a noteworthy increase in seismicity beneath Avachinsky and an increase in the height of the steam plume to about 100 m (300 to400 ft) above the volcano. The steam plume suggests a possible increase in heat flux. The IVGG reports that the possiblity of an eruption from Avachinsky within the next few weeks to months has increased significantly.

Avachinsky volcano is 25 km from Elizovo airport near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. It has produced at least 14 historic eruptions, the most recent in January 1991 when, after a small explosive eruption, a lava flow filled the crater and has been cooling since. Based on the recent geologic record of Avachinsky volcano, lava flows in the crater may be explosively removed 2 to 5 years after emplacement. Avachinsky is seismically monitored, and IVGG continues to monitor the volcano closely.

PLEASE CONTACT AVO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:

John C. Eichelberger                            Terry E.C. Keith
Geophysical Institute                           U.S. Geological Survey
University of Alaska                            4200 University Drive
Fairbanks, AK  99775                            Anchorage, AK  99508-4667
OFF= (907) 474-5530                             OFF= (907) 786-7443
FAX= (907) 474-5618                             FAX= (907) 786-7425
EMAIL= EICH@GI.ALASKA.EDU               EMAIL= TKEITH@TARDADDY.WR.USGS.GOV