Kamchatka, land of volcanoes and colors: impressions Sep 2019

Kamchatka, land of volcanoes and colors: impressions Sep 2019 - part 2: Tolbachik to Shiveluch

Some impressions taken during our recent Kamchatka expedition in Sep 2019: the plateau between the northern and southern volcanoes groups, with fantastic and rare views of 6 volcanoes at once: Ushkovsky, Klyuchevskoy, Kamen, Bezymianny, Zimina, Tolbachik... We then traveled to the north side of Klyuchevskoy and on to erupting Sheveluch. Photos taken during 9-13 Sep 2019.
Go to: Part 1: Karymsky, Mutnovsky and Gorely | Part 3: Tolbachik | Part 4: Avachinsky & Koryaksky

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A halo is visible around the sun above Tolbachik volcano - a storm is approaching from SW and sends its first messengers, thin veils of high clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A halo is visible around the sun above Tolbachik volcano - a storm is approaching from SW and sends ... [info]
(176 Éxitos)

We're on the tundra-covered plateau between the northern group of volcanoes and the Tolbachik massif, and enjoy a still very fine weather. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

We're on the tundra-covered plateau between the northern group of volcanoes and the Tolbachik massif... [info]
(157 Éxitos)

Ushkovsky, Klyuchevskoy and Kamen volcanoes are mighty landmarks visible from there. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Ushkovsky, Klyuchevskoy and Kamen volcanoes are mighty landmarks visible from there. (Photo: Tom Pfe... [info]
(129 Éxitos)

To the SW where the sky starts to cover itself, the impressive Tolbachik complex is visible. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

To the SW where the sky starts to cover itself, the impressive Tolbachik complex is visible. (Photo:... [info]
(119 Éxitos)

After climbing higher areas of the plateau, also Bezymianny volcano (r) is visible. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

After climbing higher areas of the plateau, also Bezymianny volcano (r) is visible. (Photo: Tom Pfei... [info]
(119 Éxitos)

Ushkovsky volcano (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(112 Éxitos)

Klyuchevskoy volcano, weakly active, is emitting white steam plumes, and its summit area at approx. 4835 m a.s.l. is either covered with some ash and/or snow has melted by warm emissions. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Klyuchevskoy volcano, weakly active, is emitting white steam plumes, and its summit area at approx. ... [info]
(137 Éxitos)

Klyuchevskoy's steep-sided neighbor (inactive) Kamen volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(128 Éxitos)

Klyuchevskoy and Kamen volcanoes, both over 4500 m high, form an impressive duo of stratovolcanoes. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Klyuchevskoy and Kamen volcanoes, both over 4500 m high, form an impressive duo of stratovolcanoes. ... [info]
(133 Éxitos)

View of Bezyianny, the volcano "without name", with its summit caldera and the active lava dome inside it emitting a steam & gas plume with fine ash in it as well. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

View of Bezyianny, the volcano "without name", with its summit caldera and the active lava dome insi... [info]
(115 Éxitos)

To the W, Zimina volcano also becomes visible from the plateau. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(113 Éxitos)

Tolbachik consists of two overlapping volcanic edifices: to the right, the steeper, older part of Ostry Tolbachik stratovolcano, and left, the lower, flat-topped shield of the active Plosky Tolbachik volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Tolbachik consists of two overlapping volcanic edifices: to the right, the steeper, older part of Os... [info]
(157 Éxitos)

Group photo with no less than 4 (potentially) active volcanoes in the background! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Group photo with no less than 4 (potentially) active volcanoes in the background! (Photo: Tom Pfeiff... [info]
(172 Éxitos)

A curious visitor - a ground squirrel. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(141 Éxitos)

He or she is checking out whether I have something... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(115 Éxitos)

It's funny to see them stand up, ready to grab small "gifts" in case I drop food or something. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

It's funny to see them stand up, ready to grab small "gifts" in case I drop food or something. (Phot... [info]
(124 Éxitos)

A small lake on the top of the plateau provides opportunities to play with mirror images of the snow-clad volcanoes. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A small lake on the top of the plateau provides opportunities to play with mirror images of the snow... [info]
(148 Éxitos)

Ushkovsky volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(108 Éxitos)

Klyuchevskoy, Kamen and Bezymianny (l-r) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(130 Éxitos)

Walking through the tundra with such views is pure pleasure. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(106 Éxitos)

Cloud cover increases by the minute, telling us that the (for this spot very unusually) good weather is soon going to be over... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Cloud cover increases by the minute, telling us that the (for this spot very unusually) good weather... [info]
(109 Éxitos)

From higher areas, a perfect young-looking cinder cone at the base of Kamen volcano is visible. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

From higher areas, a perfect young-looking cinder cone at the base of Kamen volcano is visible. (Pho... [info]
(119 Éxitos)

Famous brothers, Klyuchevskoy and Kamen. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(144 Éxitos)

We continue to walk towards the largest gorge in the volcanic massif. Fortunately, visibility remains excellent while the sky is now covered with high clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

We continue to walk towards the largest gorge in the volcanic massif. Fortunately, visibility remain... [info]
(91 Éxitos)

The first of us have reached the canyon. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(89 Éxitos)

At the rim of the largest canyon of Central Kamchatka: it is almost 1000 deep and the natural watershed between the northern and the southern volcanoes in the group. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

At the rim of the largest canyon of Central Kamchatka: it is almost 1000 deep and the natural waters... [info]
(109 Éxitos)

The size of the canyon is difficult to understand. Opposite is Tolbachik massif. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The size of the canyon is difficult to understand. Opposite is Tolbachik massif. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffe... [info]
(109 Éxitos)

Looking west, Zimina volcano seems small compared to Tolbachik. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(110 Éxitos)

After enjoying the grand views, a picnic snack, it's time to start the 2-3 hours hike back to our hut & campsite. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

After enjoying the grand views, a picnic snack, it's time to start the 2-3 hours hike back to our hu... [info]
(85 Éxitos)

Yellow, brown and red tundra (still lots of berries in there...) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(83 Éxitos)

Red tundra around an outcropping surface of the underlying lava flow plateau, with Tolbachik in the background. Clouds soon descended and bad weather started, but we are filled with impressions of this great landscape. What followed was an unforgettable evening in the warm hut with good food, wine, guitar music, and lots of talks and laughter... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Red tundra around an outcropping surface of the underlying lava flow plateau, with Tolbachik in the ... [info]
(105 Éxitos)

The forests on the lower slopes of the volcanic massifs are enchanting in autumn. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The forests on the lower slopes of the volcanic massifs are enchanting in autumn. (Photo: Tom Pfeiff... [info]
(105 Éxitos)

Green and red colors dominate the ground, while trees offer all shades of green. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Green and red colors dominate the ground, while trees offer all shades of green. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffe... [info]
(105 Éxitos)

Birch forest (1) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(138 Éxitos)

Birch forest (2) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(105 Éxitos)

On the way to Klyuchevsky volcano from the northern side: we're in the endless flood plain at its feet made of volcanic sand washed down from the volcano's slopes during countless rains. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

On the way to Klyuchevsky volcano from the northern side: we're in the endless flood plain at its fe... [info]
(106 Éxitos)

The size of Klyuchevskoy volcano is difficult to grasp: a perfect cone rises almost from sea level to close to 5000 m - the highest active stratovolcano by prominence. And even more unbelievable is that it might be less than 10,000 years old and accounts for almost half of Kamchatka's volcanic activity in recent geologic times. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The size of Klyuchevskoy volcano is difficult to grasp: a perfect cone rises almost from sea level t... [info]
(100 Éxitos)

Fields of tall grass with Klyuchevskoy (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(119 Éxitos)

The gently sloped lower slopes seem endless. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(99 Éxitos)

We have reached the tundra at around 1000 m elevation. Many cinder cones dot the area. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

We have reached the tundra at around 1000 m elevation. Many cinder cones dot the area. (Photo: Tom P... [info]
(90 Éxitos)

A young lava flow, probably from the 1940s. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(98 Éxitos)

Side of a slightly older flow. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(100 Éxitos)

We use the fine weather to stroll around between cinder cones, young and old lava flows. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

We use the fine weather to stroll around between cinder cones, young and old lava flows. (Photo: Tom... [info]
(79 Éxitos)

The colors of the tundra never cease to fascinate me. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(87 Éxitos)

In this area, the presence of black lava and a thin layer of white pumice (probably from Bezymianny's catastrophic eruption in 1955-56) add to the color palette. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

In this area, the presence of black lava and a thin layer of white pumice (probably from Bezymianny'... [info]
(82 Éxitos)

Yellow and black (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(83 Éxitos)

The sky is still very cloudy and we won't have a chance to see neighbor Shiveluch today. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The sky is still very cloudy and we won't have a chance to see neighbor Shiveluch today. (Photo: Tom... [info]
(73 Éxitos)

Shiveluch volcano is in the horizon hiding behind thick cluods. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(97 Éxitos)

View of an old wide lava channel. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(95 Éxitos)

Next morning is perfectly clear in Klyuchi village. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(101 Éxitos)

View towards Klyuchevskoy volcano from our hotel (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(103 Éxitos)

Strong winds pick up recent ash from Shiveluch, creating a dust layer. View back to Klyuchevskoy from about half way towards Shiveluch. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Strong winds pick up recent ash from Shiveluch, creating a dust layer. View back to Klyuchevskoy fro... [info]
(152 Éxitos)

First view of Shiveluch volcano's lava dome, after clouds have partially lifted in the afternoon (and wind dropped a bit). (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

First view of Shiveluch volcano's lava dome, after clouds have partially lifted in the afternoon (an... [info]
(104 Éxitos)

Clouds and fog continue to play hide and show until sunset. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(91 Éxitos)

Gradually, visibility becomes better. The lava dome is producing small rock avalanches from time to time, generating ash clouds that rise a few 100 meters. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Gradually, visibility becomes better. The lava dome is producing small rock avalanches from time to ... [info]
(113 Éxitos)

The remnants of the older Shiveluch volcano form a U-shaped collapse scar with rugged peaks surrounding the active lava dome. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The remnants of the older Shiveluch volcano form a U-shaped collapse scar with rugged peaks surround... [info]
(110 Éxitos)

Silhouettes of Klyuchevskoy and Kristovsky / Ushkovsky volcanoes looking back S during the blue hour. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Silhouettes of Klyuchevskoy and Kristovsky / Ushkovsky volcanoes looking back S during the blue hour... [info]
(110 Éxitos)

A fine, purple haze is visible for a short time after sunset high in the atmosphere - aerosols in the stratosphere from Raikoke's massive eruption in June? (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A fine, purple haze is visible for a short time after sunset high in the atmosphere - aerosols in th... [info]
(93 Éxitos)

Volcanic sunset sihouettes (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(75 Éxitos)

A rockfall lifts a trace of dust. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(99 Éxitos)

As it gets darker, small red spots become visible in the upper right part, where the currently active part of the dome can be seen as a darker mass with incandescence in rock gaps - a dome on top of a dome. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

As it gets darker, small red spots become visible in the upper right part, where the currently activ... [info]
(101 Éxitos)

A large lava lobe is visible on the south-eastern flank of the dome (left). It was generated probably last year (2018), but now is snow covered, suggesting it is no longer actively growing. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A large lava lobe is visible on the south-eastern flank of the dome (left). It was generated probabl... [info]
(88 Éxitos)

Apart from the active part of the dome visible as a mound on the upper right, a bright spot of incandescence is visible in the upper central area left of it. Sometimes, rockfalls occur from there as well. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Apart from the active part of the dome visible as a mound on the upper right, a bright spot of incan... [info]
(98 Éxitos)

At the end of the blue hour. Overall, the dome has been relatively calm during our stay, thank god. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

At the end of the blue hour. Overall, the dome has been relatively calm during our stay, thank god. ... [info]
(97 Éxitos)

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Kamchatka, land of volcanoes and colors: impressions Sep 2019 - part 2: Tolbachik to Shiveluch

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