The Shiveluch volcano in Kamchatka has sent a towering ash plume rising to about 10 kilometers above sea level, a height that experts note is not the upper limit of what the eruption could produce. Alexey Sobisevich, deputy director of research at IPE RAS and head of the Basic Laboratory for Environmental Geophysics and Volcanology, commented on the ongoing event. He noted that the activity observed so far shows a vigorous eruption capable of generating substantial ash columns, with more potential heights still possible.
Since commencing on April 11, the eruption has produced several ash emissions. The earlier plumes reached 8 to 10 kilometers in altitude, and the activity remains ongoing as of today. A newly formed column has been reported at approximately 5.5 kilometers, and the accompanying ash cloud extends roughly 400 kilometers from the vent, illustrating the scale of the ash-laden eruption.
The region around Shiveluch has been placed under a red aviation code, signaling high risk. This designation means that strong seismic signals are detected at distant monitoring stations and that ash plumes exceed 8 kilometers above sea level, presenting hazards to flights in the vicinity and at significant distances from the volcano.
From a scientific perspective, Sobisevich suggested that the volcano is capable of ejecting an ash cloud reaching 15,000 to 18,000 meters high under favorable atmospheric conditions. He explained that higher ash columns tend to travel longer distances and can persist in the atmosphere for extended periods if conditions allow dispersion over wide areas. The current plume height and evolving dynamics raise questions about future developments and potential air travel impacts.
Satellite and ground-based observations indicate that the ash cloud is moving southward, toward the Pacific Ocean and the North American coastline. As of the latest updates, the plume has already traversed several hundred kilometers from the vent. Over time, the ash particles will dilute and some may settle, but the exact trajectory depends on wind patterns, humidity, and atmospheric stability. While some fragments could reach distant regions, Sobisevich emphasized that the overall risk to populated areas remains limited in the near term, though aviation is the primary concern for the immediate area around the eruption. This nuance underscores the need for continuous monitoring and updated advisories as conditions evolve, rather than assuming a single outcome for the ash cloud’s spread.
In a separate note, Sobisevich previously discussed the reasons behind why aircraft were observed near the Shiveluch eruption, underscoring the necessity for real-time flight management and safety protocols in volcanic regions. His remarks highlight the intersection of volcanic activity and air traffic, and the role of rapid information sharing in mitigating risk for crews and passengers. The evolving situation at Shiveluch remains a focus for researchers who aim to better understand eruption dynamics, ash dispersion, and the atmospheric processes that govern plume height and longevity.
— attribution: socialbites.ca