VOLCANOES of KAMCHATKA

Abstract

The results of near real-time monitoring of the active Kamchatka volcanoes are described. Continuous monitoring was carried out using three remote methods: 1) seismic monitoring according to automatic telemetric seismic stations; 2) visual and video observation; 3) satellite observation of the thermal anomalies and ash clouds. Daily information about the volcanic activity is published on the Internet (http://www.emsd.ru/~ssl/monitoring/main.htm) since February 2000. Annual results of the seismic activity of the Northern (Shiveluch, Kluchevskoy, Bezymianny, Krestovsky, and Ushkovsky), Avacha (Avachinsky and Koryaksky), Mutnovsky-Gorely volcano group, and Kizimen volcano are presented. 4390 earthquakes with КS=3.0–8.5 were located for the Northern volcano group, 213 earthquakes with КS=1.8–5.7 – for Avacha volcano group, 110 earthquakes with КS=2.7–7.2 – Mutnovsky-Gorely volcano group, 199 earthquakes with КS=3.0–8.5 for Kizimen volcano, and 22 earthquakes with КS=3.7–6.7 for the Zhupanovsky volcano in 2013. Maps of epicenters, quantities of seismic energy, and earthquake distribution according to class are given. All periods of activity were fixed and investigated by remote methods in 2013: intensive volcanic activity of Sheveluch volcano associated with new cone, subplinian summit eruption of Kluchevskoy volcano, seismic and volcanic activity of Zhupanovsky volcano after a 56-year quite period, and the ending of the long-time eruptions: Tolbachik fissure eruption and Kizimen volcano eruption.