One of the world's most active volcanoes, Klyuchevskoy in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, has erupted with dramatic force, spewing rivers of lava and sending an enormous ash plume soaring 13 kilometres into the atmosphere.
Spectacular footage captured by monitoring teams shows molten rock cascading down the volcano's slopes while a towering column of volcanic debris creates an ominous cloud visible for miles.
Flight Disruptions and Safety Measures
The volcanic ash cloud has prompted aviation authorities to divert several flights in the region, with the potential for further disruptions as winds carry the plume eastward. Local scientists have raised the aviation alert level to red - the highest warning - indicating significant emission of ash into the atmosphere.
"The eruption is currently ongoing with vigorous lava effusion and explosive activity," reported a volcanologist from the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team. "We're monitoring the situation closely as the ash could affect air traffic over a wide area."
Monitoring the Eruption
Scientists are keeping round-the-clock watch on the 4,750-meter tall volcano, which has been particularly active in recent weeks. Thermal satellites have detected increasing heat from the summit crater before the eruption began.
While the remote location means little immediate danger to populated areas, authorities are warning trekkers and climbers to stay clear of the region. The last major eruption of Klyuchevskoy in 2020 lasted several months and created similar widespread ash dispersion.
Geological Significance
Klyuchevskoy is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and represents one of Earth's most active volcanic zones. Its frequent eruptions provide valuable data for scientists studying subduction zone volcanism.
The current eruption follows increased seismic activity in the region over the past month, with hundreds of small earthquakes detected beneath the volcanic complex.
