Most Recent Weekly Report: 21 August-27 August 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 16-22 August that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery.

Seismic activity decreased during 22-24 August. Video images showed no incandescence from the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol, although a thermal anomaly continued to be detected in satellite images. On 27 August the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Most Recent Bulletin Report: October 2017 (BGVN 42:10) Cite this Report

Weekly Reports - Index

2013: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August
2012: November | December

21 August-27 August 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 16-22 August that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery.

Seismic activity decreased during 22-24 August. Video images showed no incandescence from the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol, although a thermal anomaly continued to be detected in satellite images. On 27 August the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

14 August-20 August 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 9-17 August that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

7 August-13 August 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 2-9 August that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

31 July-6 August 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 26 July-2 August that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

24 July-30 July 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 19-26 July that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

17 July-23 July 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 12-19 July that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

10 July-16 July 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 5-12 July that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

3 July-9 July 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 28 June-5 July that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

26 June-2 July 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 21-28 June that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

19 June-25 June 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 14-21 June that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

12 June-18 June 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 7-14 June that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

5 June-11 June 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 31 May-7 June that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

29 May-4 June 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 24-31 May that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

22 May-28 May 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 17-24 May that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and weak gas-and-steam plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

15 May-21 May 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 10-16 May that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and gas-and-ash plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

8 May-14 May 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 3-10 May that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and gas-and-ash plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

1 May-7 May 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 26 April-3 May that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure and gas-and-ash plumes were observed. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

24 April-30 April 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 19-26 April that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

17 April-23 April 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 12-19 April that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

10 April-16 April 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 5-12 April that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the S fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. A weak thermal anomaly was detected over the crater of the volcano on 6 and 9 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

3 April-9 April 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 29 March-5 April that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

27 March-2 April 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 22-29 March that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

20 March-26 March 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 15-22 March that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

13 March-19 March 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 8-15 March that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

6 March-12 March 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 28 February-7 March that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow along the fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

27 February-5 March 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 22 February-1 March that traveled to the W, S, and E sides of the plateau. Cinder cones continued to grow on the fissure. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

20 February-26 February 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 15-22 February that traveled to the W, S, and SE sides of the plateau. Four cinder cones continued to grow on the S fissure above Krasny cone. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

13 February-19 February 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 8-15 February that traveled to the W, S, and SE sides of the plateau. Four cinder cones continued to grow on the S fissure above Krasny cone. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

6 February-12 February 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 1-8 February that traveled to the W and S sides of the plateau. Four cinder cones continued to grow on the S fissure above Krasny cone. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

30 January-5 February 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 25 January-1 February that traveled to the W and S sides of Tolbachinsky Dol. Four cinder cones continued to grow on the S fissure above Krasny cone. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

23 January-29 January 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 18-25 January that traveled to the W and S sides of Tolbachinsky Dol. Four cinder cones continued to grow on the S fissure above Krasny cone. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

16 January-22 January 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 11-18 January that traveled to the W and S sides of Tolbachinsky Dol. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

9 January-15 January 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 4-15 January that traveled to the W and SE sides of Tolbachinsky Dol. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4.5 km (14,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

2 January-8 January 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 28 December-8 January. Strong seismicity was detected. Gas-and-ash plumes drifted in multiple directions, and a fifth cone continued to grow above the fissure. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on information from KVERT, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 7 January an ash plume rose to altitudes of 3.7-4.3 km (12,000-14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE.

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

26 December-1 January 2013 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows during 21-28 December. Strong seismicity was detected. Gas-and-ash plumes drifted in multiple directions, and a fifth cone continued to grow above the fissure. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible daily in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

19 December-25 December 2012 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows that traveled 17-20 km during 17-21 December. Strong seismicity was detected. Gas-and-ash plumes drifted in multiple directions, and a fifth cone grew above the fissure. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

12 December-18 December 2012 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the S fissure along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of Tolbachik, continued to produce very fluid lava flows that traveled 17-20 km during 7-17 December. Strong seismicity was detected. Ash plumes rose less than 1 km and drifted in multiple directions, and at least two cones grew above the fissure. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol was visible in satellite imagery. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

5 December-11 December 2012 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that the eruption from Tolbachik that began on 27 November continued through 8 December. A very large thermal anomaly on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of the volcano, was reported daily. Lava effused from two fissures along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol; lava had flowed 17-20 km away from the S fissure by 7 December. Ash plumes rose less than 500 m during 1-5 December, and minor ashfall was reported in Kozyrevsk (40 km NW) and Klyuchi (65 km NW) villages on 3 December. Gas-and-steam plumes drifted 250 km SE on 5 December, and rose as high as 1 km during 7-11 December and drifted SW and W. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

28 November-4 December 2012 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that an eruption from Tolbachik that began on 27 November continued through 30 November. Lava effused from two fissures along the W side of Tolbachinsky Dol, a lava plateau on the SW side of the volcano, and ash plumes rose less than 500 m on 28 November. A large thermal anomaly was detected on the N part of Tolbachinsky Dol. On 29 November the Aviation Color Code was raised to Red. Ash plumes rose less than 500 m and drifted 300 km ESE. Later that day seismicity decreased and the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Orange. During 29 November-1 December Strombolian activity and lava effusion from two fissures continued. A large thermal anomaly continued to be detected in satellite imagery, and ashfall was reported in Kozyrevsk (40 km NW). According to a news article on 30 November, the lava flows destroyed two scientific base camps 10 km away. On 1 December gas-and-steam plumes with small amounts of ash rose over 400 m.

Based on information from UHPP (Yelizovo Airport), the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 4-6.1 km (13,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N and NW during 29-30 November and 3 December.

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

21 November-27 November 2012 Cite this Report

KVERT reported that episodes of volcanic tremor were detected in the area of Plosky Tolbachik during 7-10, 18, and 26 November. The number of shallow volcanic earthquakes increased to 250 on 26 November. A strong event occurred at 1652 on 27 November. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow. That same day observers from Kozyrevsk (40 km NW) and Lazo (50 km SW) villages reported ash explosions and lava flows at Tolbachinsky Dol, in the same area as the 1975 eruption (northern vents). Ashfall, 4 cm thick, was reported in Krasny Yar (60 km NNW). The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange. Based on information from the Kamchatka Branch of Geophysical Services (KGBS), the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes possibly rose to altitudes of 6.1-10.1 km (20,000-33,000 ft) a.s.l. Ash plumes were not detected in satellite imagery. Plume altitudes were estimated based on seismic data.

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

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This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Synonyms
Tolbachinskaia Sopka | Toluach | Tolbatschinskaja Ssopka | Tuluach
Cones
Feature Name	Feature Type	Elevation	Latitude	Longitude
Alaid	Pyroclastic cone
Bubochka	Pyroclastic cone
Buraya	Pyroclastic cone
Dalny	Pyroclastic cone
Dvoinoy	Pyroclastic cone
Isotochniky	Pyroclastic cone
Kamenistaya	Pyroclastic cone
Kleshnya	Pyroclastic cone
Kruglenky	Pyroclastic cone
Kust	Pyroclastic cone
Lagerny	Pyroclastic cone
Leshnaya	Pyroclastic cone
Maguskin	Pyroclastic cone
Malenky	Pyroclastic cone
Malishi	Pyroclastic cone
Mokhnataya	Pyroclastic cone
Nedostupny	Pyroclastic cone
Ostry Tolbachik	Stratovolcano	3682 m	55° 50' 0" N	160° 20' 0" E
Pelmen	Pyroclastic cone
Peschanie Gorky	Pyroclastic cone
Plosky Tolbachik	Shield volcano	3085 m	55° 49' 0" N	160° 24' 0" E
Poteryanny	Pyroclastic cone
Pra-Visokaya	Pyroclastic cone
Rataschenny	Pyroclastic cone
Serga	Pyroclastic cone
Sosed	Pyroclastic cone
Starichky	Pyroclastic cone
Treschina	Pyroclastic cone
Tsepochka	Pyroclastic cone
Visokaya	Pyroclastic cone
Yupiter	Pyroclastic cone
Zapretny	Pyroclastic cone
Zasipannie	Pyroclastic cone
Zvezda	Pyroclastic cone

Basic Data Volcano Number Last Known Eruption Elevation Latitude Longitude 300240 2013 CE 3,611 m / 11,847 ft 55.832°N 160.326°E Morphology Volcano Landform Shield Volcano Types Shield Caldera Pyroclastic cone(s) Rock Types Major Basalt / Picro-Basalt Andesite / Basaltic Andesite Tectonic Setting Subduction zone Continental crust (> 25 km) Population Within 5 km Within 10 km Within 30 km Within 100 km 0 0 225 10,487

Geological Summary The massive Tolbachik volcano is located at the southern end of the Kliuchevskaya volcano group. The massif is composed of two overlapping, but morphologically distinct, volcanoes. The flat-topped Plosky Tolbachik shield volcano with its nested Holocene calderas up to 3 km in diameter is located east of the older and higher sharp-topped Ostry Tolbachik stratovolcano. The summit caldera at Plosky Tolbachik was formed in association with major lava effusion about 6,500 years ago and simultaneously with a major southward-directed sector collapse of Ostry Tolbachik. Long rift zones extending NE and SSW of the volcano have erupted voluminous basaltic lava flows during the Holocene, with activity during the past two thousand years being confined to the narrow axial zone of the rifts. The 1975-76 eruption originating from the SSW-flank fissure system and the summit was the largest historical basaltic eruption in Kamchatka. This volcano is located within the Volcanoes of Kamchatka, a UNESCO World Heritage property. References The following references have all been used during the compilation of data for this volcano, it is not a comprehensive bibliography. Braitseva O A, Melekestsev I V, Ponomareva V V, Litasova S N, Sulerzhitsky L D, 1981. Tephrochronological and geochronological studies of Tolbachik regional zone of scoria cones. Volc Seism, 1981(3): 14-28 (in Russian). Braitseva O A, Melekestsev I V, Ponomareva V V, Sulerzhitsky L D, 1995. Ages of calderas, large explosive craters and active volcanoes in the Kuril-Kamchatka region, Russia. Bull Volcanol, 57: 383-402. Doubik P, Hill B E, 1999. Magmatic and hydromagmatic conduit development during the 1975 Tolbachik eruption, Kamchatka, with implications for hazards assessment at Yucca Mountain, NV. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 91: 43-64. Erlich E N, 1986. Geology of the calderas of Kamchatka and Kurile Islands with comparison to calderas of Japan and the Aleutians, Alaska. U S Geological Survey Open-File Report, 86-291: 1-300. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr86291 Fedotov S A, Masurenkov Y P (eds), 1991. Active Volcanoes of Kamchatka. Moscow: Nauka Pub, 2 volumes. Firstov P P, Ivanov B V, Karpukhina Y V, 1979. Temporal and energetical regularities of volcanic eruptions of Kurile-Kamchatka region in 1956-1976. Akad Nauk SSSR, Sibirsk Otdeleniye Byull Vulk Stantsii, 57: 3-11 (in Russian). Green J, Short N M, 1971. Volcanic Landforms and Surface Features: a Photographic Atlas and Glossary. New York: Springer-Verlag, 519 p. IAVCEI, 1973-80. Post-Miocene Volcanoes of the World. IAVCEI Data Sheets, Rome: Internatl Assoc Volc Chemistry Earth's Interior. Ponomareva V V, Melekestsev I V, Dirksen O V, 2006. Sector collapses and large landslides on late Pleistocene-Holocene volcanoes in Kamchatka, Russia. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 158: 117-138. Vlodavetz V I, Piip B I, 1959. Kamchatka and Continental Areas of Asia. Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World and Solfatara Fields, Rome: IAVCEI, 8: 1-110.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 58 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

Deformation History

There is data available for 2 deformation periods. Expand each entry for additional details.

Emission History

There is data available for 1 emission periods. Expand each entry for additional details.

Photo Gallery

Tolbachik is composed of two main edifices. The flat-topped Plosky Tolbachik (right) is located east of the older and higher Ostry Tolbachik cone (left). Lengthy rift zones extending NE and S of Plosky Tolbachik have erupted voluminous lava flows through the Holocene. The 1975-76 eruption from the summit and S-flank fissures was one of the largest historical basaltic eruption in Kamchatka.

Photo by Oleg Volynets (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). An ash plume rises above a scoria cone along the S-flank rift zone of Kamchatka's Tolbachik volcano in late July 1975. This was the first of three cones formed along the northern part of the rift zone during the early stage of the eruption and was only a few weeks old at the time of this photo. Lava fountains rose 1-2.5 km above the vent and ash plumes reached 10-18 km heights.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1975 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). Lava fountaining at a scoria cone along Kamchatka's Tolbachik S-flank rift zone in late-July 1975. This was the first of three large cones that formed along the northern part of the rift zone during the early stage of the eruption. The lava fountains reached heights up to 1-2.5 km above the vent and ash plumes rose 10-18 km. After 27 July, eruptions from the first cone were dominantly effusive. Activity at the first cone ceased on 9 August.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1975 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). Lava fountains erupt on 20 September 1975, two days after the continuation of activity 10 km south of the earlier activity at the northern end of the Tolbachik eruptive fissure. Activity at the southern end was dominantly effusive, and lasted 15 months, much longer than the three-month-long activity at the northern end.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1975 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). An incandescent lava flow slowly moves along the base of a scoria cone in April 1976, igniting a tree already killed by ash and scoria during the eruption. This was part of a lava field erupted from vents at the southern end of the 1975-76 "Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption."

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1976 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). The incandescent lava flow front advances across an ash-covered surface in July 1975. Incandescence can also be seen in the main body of the flow behind it. This lava flow, the first of the "Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption" of 1975-76, originated from the first of three large scoria cones that formed at the northern of two principal eruption sites.

Photo by Anatolii Khrenov, 1975 (courtesy of Oleg Volynets, Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). Incandescent lava flows from the southern eruptive center of the "Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption" in January 1976. Activity from the southern center, which began on 18 September 1976, was dominantly effusive. By the time the eruption ended in December 1976 the southern vent had produced a lava field that covered 40 km² to an average thickness of 28 m.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1976 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). A scientist from the Institute of Volcanology studies tephra produced during the 1975-76 eruption of Kamchatka's Tolbachik volcano. The circular pits were formed by the impact of dense volcanic blocks and bombs. The blocks, one of which can be seen in the closest pit, originated from the scoria cone in the background.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1975 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). The summit of flat-topped Plosky Tolbachik volcano (right) contains a 3-km-wide, glacier-filled caldera. Scoria cones line a rift zone that extends to the NE. Another rift zone that extends 70 km SSW of the summit has been the site of frequent basaltic eruptions during the Holocene, including the "Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption" of 1975-76. Udina rises to the left, with Kronotsky on the far horizon to the SSE.

Photo by Oleg Volynets (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). A lava fountain and ash plume rise above a volcanological field camp on Tolbachik volcano in July 1975. This photo was taken several days after the onset of activity along the southern rift zone on 6 July, and by this time the new scoria cone had grown to a height of 200 m. The upper flanks of the cone are blanketed by incandescent volcanic bombs.

Photo by Yuri Doubik, 1975 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). Ash plumes and incandescent lava fragments are ejected from a new scoria cone in 1975. Following minor ash eruptions from the Plosky Tolbachik summit crater on 28 June, the "Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption" began 18 km S of the summit on 6 July, producing a major eruption that lasted until 15 September. A dominantly effusive eruption began 28 km S of the summit on 18 September and continued until December 1976.

Photo by Yuri Doubik, 1975 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). On 6 July 1975 a new fissure opened along the south rift zone of Tolbachik volcano during the "Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption" of 1975-76, ending on 10 December 1976. Scoria cones grew to nearly 300 m high at the northern end of the 30-km-long eruption zone, with lava sheets covering more than 40 km².

Photo by Yuri Doubik, 1975 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). A volcanologist from the Institute of Volcanology in Petropavlovsk stands in front the 1975-76 Tolbachik eruption. Incandescent blocks can be seen in this nighttime photograph. This was Kamchatka's largest basaltic eruption during the past 10,000 years.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1975 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). A scientist gathers a sample of molten lava from a vent at the base of a new scoria cone in April 1976. Scientists from the Institute of Volcanology in Petropavlovsk analyzed lava samples throughout the eruption to determine the geochemical variation of eruptive products. The basaltic flow was one of several emplaced during a major SSW-flank eruption of Tolbachik in 1975-76.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1976 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk). The summit of Plosky Tolbachik contains a 3-km-wide caldera whose floor is covered by the glacier in the foreground. It contains a nested inner 1.8-km-wide caldera (center) with a crater that increased substantially in size during the 1975-76 eruption. Ostry Tolbachik stratovolcano towers west of the inner caldera of Plosky Tolbachik in this 1990 view.

Photo by Dan Miller, 1990 (U.S. Geological Survey). During the 1975-76 eruption a new collapse caldera formed within the Plosky Tolbachik main summit caldera. The eruption occurred along the SSW-flank rift zone 18 km away. Collapse began on 18 July following minor ash eruptions that began on 28 June. By mid-September the diameter of the caldera reached 1.2 x 1.6 km, and the depth increased from 230 to 400 m. The summit of Udina appears above the clouds to the SE.

Photo by Dan Miller, 1990 (U.S. Geological Survey). Ostry Tolbachik forms the western end of the Tolbachik complex. The summit and flank of Ostry Tolbachik collapsed about 7,000 years ago. The trees in the foreground were damaged during a 1975-76 eruption from the rift zone southern Tolbachik rift zone.

Photo by Vera Ponomareva, 1976 (Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Petropavlovsk). These lava stalactites formed in a lava tube within the 2012-2013 Tolbachik lava flow field, seen here in 2015. When the lava drains through the tubes remnants drip from the ceiling. Yellow and white minerals have crystalized across the surfaces.

Photo by Janine Krippner, 2015. Once the lava began to drain from a 2012-13 Tolbachik lava tube the dripping lava formed these structures on the ceiling, with minerals forming across the surfaces.

Photo by Janine Krippner, 2015. The main Tolbachik edifice is seen here from one of the southern flank scoria cones, with the Ostry peak to the left and the broader Plosky to the right. The 2012-13 lava flow is to the lower right of the scoria cones.

Photo by Janine Krippner, 2015.

GVP Map Holdings

Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 58 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number	Sample Description	Lava Source	Collection Date
NMNH 116543-7	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116543-8	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116556-21	Volcanic Bomb	--	--
NMNH 116556-22	Plagioclase	--	--
NMNH 116556-23	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116556-24	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116556-25	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116556-26	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116697	Volcanic Bomb	--	--
NMNH 117641-1	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-10	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-11	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-12	Scoria	--	--
NMNH 117641-13	Scoria	--	--
NMNH 117641-14	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-15	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-16	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-17	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-18	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-19	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-2	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-20	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-21	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-22	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-23	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-24	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-25	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-26	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-27	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-28	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-29	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-3	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-30	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-31	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-32	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-33	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-34	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-35	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-36	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-37	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-38	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-39	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-4	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-40	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-41	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-42	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-43	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-44	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-45	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-46	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-47	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-5	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-6	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-7	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-8	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 117641-9	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 176164-00	Kononovite	--	--
NMNH 176165-00	Zincomenite	--	--

External Sites

Copernicus Browser	The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions.
MIROVA	Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity.
MODVOLC Thermal Alerts	Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales.
WOVOdat    Single Volcano View    Temporal Evolution of Unrest    Side by Side Volcanoes	WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore. GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments.
Volcanic Hazard Maps	The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter.
IRIS seismic stations/networks	Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Tolbachik. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice.
UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations	Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Tolbachik. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player.
DECADE Data	The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere.
Large Eruptions of Tolbachik	Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA).
EarthChem	EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS).