Shiveluch Volcano and Kamchatka Peninsula

Why in news?

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

About Kamchatka peninsula:

• The Shiveluch volcano is in Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka peninsula.
• Kamchatka is home to 29 active volcanoes
  • It is part of “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 forest and tundra, so pose little risk to local people, but big eruptions can spew glass, rock and ash into the sky, threatening aircraft.
• According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), these kinds of eruptions typically happen three or four times a year in Kamchatka, requiring air traffic to be rerouted.

About Shiveluch:

• Shiveluch is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Kamchatka, having erupted at least 60 times in the past 10,000 years.
• The volcano has been continuously erupting since 1999, but occasionally undergoes powerful explosive events, including in 2007.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Kamchatka peninsula, recently seen in news, is located in:

(a) Japan

(b) Russia

(c) Philippines

(d) Indonesia

Answer