KVERT reported that seismic activity at Kliuchevskoi was at background levels during 13-20 July. Based on observations of satellite imagery, ash plumes drifted E on 13 July and a thermal anomaly in the crater was noted during 13-20 July. Ash plumes rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE and E during 13-15 July, according to video and visual observations. Gas-and-steam plumes were observed on 12, 16, and 18 July. The Level of Concern Color Code was lowered from Orange to Yellow due to a decrease in seismicity and an absence of ash plumes during 17-20 July.

Geological Summary. Klyuchevskoy is the highest and most active volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Since its origin about 6,000 years ago, this symmetrical, basaltic stratovolcano has produced frequent moderate-volume explosive and effusive eruptions without major periods of inactivity. It rises above a saddle NE of Kamen volcano and lies SE of the broad Ushkovsky massif. More than 100 flank eruptions have occurred during approximately the past 3,000 years, with most lateral craters and cones occurring along radial fissures between the unconfined NE-to-SE flanks of the conical volcano between 500 and 3,600 m elevation. Eruptions recorded since the late 17th century have resulted in frequent changes to the morphology of the 700-m-wide summit crater. These eruptions over the past 400 years have originated primarily from the summit crater, but have also included numerous major explosive and effusive eruptions from flank craters.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)