Volcanic activity of the Kuril Islands in 2020–2021

Abstract

The data on volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands during 2020–2021 are presented. The activity of Ebeko (Paramushir Island), Chirinkotan (Chirinkotan Island) and Sarychev Peak (Matua Island) volcanoes is characterized on the basis of satellite data and results of visual observations. In 2020–2021 a weak (to moderate) explosive eruption (VEI 1-2), which has begun in autumn 2016, continued on Ebeko volcano. During the period under review, at least 1169 emissions were recorded at a height of 1.5–3 (up to 5) km a.s.l. In the interval from May till July, a sharp increase in the explosive activity of the volcano was noted, during this time more than half of the total number of explosions occurred: 2020 – 298 out of 558, 2021 – 344 out of 611. The ashfalls of varying intensity were periodically observed in Severo-Kurilsk. The active phase of the eruption has ended in December 2021, only 2 weak explosions occurred. A moderate (VEI 2) explosive eruption took place on Chirinkotan volcano from August 8 to August 23, 2021. At least 12 volcanic explosions were recorded at a height of 1.5 to 4.5 km a.s.l. An effusive eruption was observed on the Sarychev Peak volcano from December 2020 till February 2021: the crater was filled with lava, after which it erupted along the northeastern slope of the edifice. In 2021, the activity of the volcano was characterized by manifestations of several episodes of an explosive nature: on June 29, July 1, August 6, and November 26, single, relatively weak ejections to a height of about 2.2–3 km a.s.l. were recorded (VEI 2).