What’s known about the Russian volcano that may be about to erupt?

Source: The post is based on the article “What’s known about the Russian volcano that may be about to erupt?” published in The Hindu on 28th November 2022.

What is the News?

The Shiveluch volcano in Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka peninsula may be gearing up for its first powerful eruption in 15 years.

Where is Shiveluch volcano?

Shiveluch is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia.

It has erupted at least 60 times in the past 10,000 years.

It has two main parts: Old Shiveluch, which tops 3,283 metres and Young Shiveluch – a smaller, 2,800-metre peak protruding from its side.

Young Shiveluch lies within an ancient caldera – a large crater-like basin that likely formed when the older part underwent a catastrophic eruption at least 10,000 years ago. It is this part that has become extremely active.

About Kamchatka Peninsula

Kamchatka Peninsula is a peninsula in the Russian Far East. The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk make up the peninsula’s eastern and western coastlines respectively.

The peninsula has a high density of volcanoes and associated volcanic phenomena, with 29 active volcanoes being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List site in the Volcanoes of Kamchatka group.

The peninsula is part of a vast belt of Earth known as the “Ring of Fire” which circles the Pacific Ocean and is prone to eruptions and frequent earthquakes.

Most of the peninsula’s volcanoes are surrounded by sparsely populated forests and tundra, so pose little risk to local people, but big eruptions can spew glass, rock and ash into the sky, threatening aircraft.