The latest explosive event at Shiveluch, the northern Kamchatka volcano, has dramatically altered its structure. The dome, once a defining feature of the active cone, was largely demolished in the eruption, giving rise to a new, immense crater. This observation comes from the Interagency communications relay with the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and is echoed by volcanology specialists on the ground.
According to Yuri Demyanchuk, a volcanologist closely monitoring the site, the majority of the dome material collapsed, leaving behind a crater more than a kilometer in diameter. He noted that the crater now hosts intense fumarolic activity and ongoing degassing, marking it as a hot and dangerous source of volcanic gases. The dramatic change in the landscape underscores the volatile nature of Shiveluch, where eruptions can rapidly reshape the volcanic edifice and alter nearby air and weather conditions.
Earlier assessments from Aleksey Sobisevich, who leads the Laboratory for Fundamental Problems of Ecological Geophysics and Volcanology at the Institute of Physics and Earth Sciences, indicated that the ash cloud from the eruption rose to significant altitudes. He described flight-level ash plumes extending up to 10 kilometers above sea level, while acknowledging that higher columns remain possible under escalating eruptive activity. This suggests ongoing risk for aviation and air quality in the wider region, warranting continued satellite and ground-based observation.
The eruption began on April 11 and has since produced multiple ash emissions. Column heights have ranged from 8 to 10 kilometers during various phases, with authorities classifying the event as highly explosive. The red code applied to the eruption reflects strong seismic activity measured at remote observation stations and ash plumes that extend well above the atmospheric baseline. Scientists stress that conditions can change rapidly, and monitoring networks continue to track tremor intensity, gas emissions, and lava movement to forecast potential expansion of the crater or renewed dome formation.
Volcanologists emphasize that the Shiveluch system remains in a highly unsettled state. The current crater, now a central feature of the volcano, serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic processes at play beneath the surface. As magma continues to ascend and degas, future phases of activity are anticipated to influence local air traffic, climate interactions, and the ecological balance around the volcano. Ongoing field surveys and remote sensing efforts aim to provide timely updates on eruption stages, plume trajectories, and the evolving topography of this storied Kamchatkan volcano. Researchers reiterate the importance of public safety measures and aviation advisories as authorities coordinate with regional emergency services to mitigate exposure to ash and gas in surrounding communities and air corridors, drawing on the latest observational data and scientific analysis.