KVERT reported that during 3-10 September seismic activity from Kliuchevskoi was above background levels and lava flowed down the SW and NW flanks. Satellite imagery analyses showed a large and intense daily thermal anomaly over the volcano. During 2-4 September ash plumes seen in satellite imagery drifted 150 km S and SW at an altitude of 6.5 km (21,300 ft) a.s.l. Phreatic bursts on the SW flank were observed on 5 September and Strombolian activity was seen during 5-7 September. Seismic data suggested that during 5-6 September ash plumes rose to an altitude of 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l.

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that a possible eruption on 12 September produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 7.6 km (25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. On 13 September an ash plume rose to an altitude of 9.8 km (32,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE according to information sent from the Yelizovo Airport (UHPP). Ash was seen in subsequent satellite images during 13-14 September. The Aviation Color Code level remained at Orange.

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.

Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT), Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)