SVERT reported that weak steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were observed on 25 February, and 1 and 3 March. A thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images on 28 February and 3 March. Cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 25 February-4 March. The Aviation Color Code was Yellow.

Geological Summary. Chirpoi, a small island lying between the larger islands of Simushir and Urup, contains a half dozen volcanic edifices constructed within an 8-9 km wide, partially submerged caldera. The southern rim of the caldera is exposed on nearby Brat Chirpoev Island. The symmetrical Cherny volcano, which forms the central cone of the island, erupted twice during the 18th and 19th centuries. The youngest volcano, Snow, originated between 1770 and 1810. It is composed almost entirely of lava flows, many of which have reached the sea on the southern coast. No recorded eruptions are known from Brat Chirpoev, but its youthful morphology suggests recent Strombolian activity.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)