Context:
Shiveluch volcano in Russia erupted after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of the country recently.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Shiveluch Volcano:
- Shiveluch Volcano is situated approximately 280 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in the Kamchatka region of eastern Russia.
- It is categorized as a stratovolcano, characterized by its steep slopes and composed of layers of solidified ash, lava, and volcanic rock.
- Shiveluch is one of the largest volcanoes in Kamchatka, reaching a height of 3,283 meters (10,771 feet). It is known for its frequent activity, including roughly 60 major eruptions over the last 10,000 years, and has been in a state of continuous eruption since August 1999, with significant explosive episodes noted, such as in 2007.
Kamchatka Peninsula Insights:
- Located in the far eastern part of Russia, bordered by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean along with the Bering Sea to the east.
- The peninsula is a hotspot for geothermal activity, home to about 30 active volcanoes.
- It stretches about 1,200 km from north to south and is 480 km wide at its broadest point, covering an area of approximately 370,000 square kilometers—making it one of the world’s largest peninsulas.
- The region experiences harsh climates with long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
- The regional capital is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and the peninsula features the Kuril Island chain, extending close to Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island.
-Source: The Hindu
