Kurile Islands, July 2019: sea impressions from Alaid, Chikurachki, Fuss, Kharimkotan volcanoes

Impressions from our pilot tour to the northern Kurile Islands: from Atlasof Island we spend a full day and night sailing to reach Raikoke the following day.

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We leave Atlasof Island with Alaid volcano shredded in low clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(251 visti)

Alaid, tallest peak of the Kuriles, dresses itself majestically in rings of clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Alaid, tallest peak of the Kuriles, dresses itself majestically in rings of clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfei... [info]
(194 visti)

Otherwise, the passage between Atlasof and the western coast of Paramushir Island is in fine weather. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Otherwise, the passage between Atlasof and the western coast of Paramushir Island is in fine weather... [info]
(240 visti)

View back to Alaid, still with rings of clouds around it. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(155 visti)

As we approach Paramushir Island, the tall peaks of Chikurachki (l) and Fuss (r) volcanoes come into view. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

As we approach Paramushir Island, the tall peaks of Chikurachki (l) and Fuss (r) volcanoes come into... [info]
(157 visti)

Chikurachki volcano, one of the most active in the Kuriles, is emitting a plume of steam and possibly some ash. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Chikurachki volcano, one of the most active in the Kuriles, is emitting a plume of steam and possibl... [info]
(195 visti)

Zoom towards the summit of 1816 m tall Chikurachki with its steam-/gas- plume. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(196 visti)

Wider angle of Chikurachiki near the Shelihov Bay. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(279 visti)

Shelihov Bay, with remnants of a former settlement. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(179 visti)

Soelve photographing birds with his large tele lens. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(177 visti)

The complex structure of Chikurachki volcano composed of overlapping volcanic edifices. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The complex structure of Chikurachki volcano composed of overlapping volcanic edifices. (Photo: Tom ... [info]
(195 visti)

Closer view to Chikurachki volcano from the W. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(187 visti)

Erosion valleys on the slopes of the volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(169 visti)

We're continuing sailing southwards along the western coast of Paramushir Island. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

We're continuing sailing southwards along the western coast of Paramushir Island. (Photo: Tom Pfeiff... [info]
(171 visti)

A seagull decides to follow us. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(117 visti)

Its eyes observe what is going on on deck. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(123 visti)

Something grabbed its attention during flight. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(120 visti)

Close-up (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(128 visti)

Chikurachki volcano (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(144 visti)

... and our new friend. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(108 visti)

Part of our group is enjoying the great views and amused by the seagull. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(140 visti)

We approach the southern part of Paramushir, dominated by Fuss stratovolcano (1772 m) which forms a peninsula. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

We approach the southern part of Paramushir, dominated by Fuss stratovolcano (1772 m) which forms a ... [info]
(152 visti)

Fuss volcano seen from the west. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(126 visti)

Wider angle view of Fuss volcano and older volcanic mountains in the left background. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Wider angle view of Fuss volcano and older volcanic mountains in the left background. (Photo: Tom Pf... [info]
(149 visti)

Older volcanic ranges on Paramushir Island NE of Fuss volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(116 visti)

The crater of Fuss volcano is breached to the NW and contains a young-looking lava dome, possibly from the last confirmed historic eruption of the volcano in 1854. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The crater of Fuss volcano is breached to the NW and contains a young-looking lava dome, possibly fr... [info]
(111 visti)

We slowly sail around the volcano now seen from the SW. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(103 visti)

Wider angle view of Fuss Peak volcano from the SW. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(144 visti)

Flank of Fuss volcano, showing a thick lava flow layer cut by erosion canyons. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(108 visti)

View back to Fuss volcano (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(99 visti)

As we continue southwards, we leave Fuss volcano behind, but our seagull friend stays with us. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

As we continue southwards, we leave Fuss volcano behind, but our seagull friend stays with us. (Phot... [info]
(102 visti)

Not before long, it decides to use the boat as a ferry. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(108 visti)

The seagull will sit still and travel with us for quite a while, effectively saving several miles of voyage. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The seagull will sit still and travel with us for quite a while, effectively saving several miles of... [info]
(99 visti)

The next day in the evening, after Raikoke, we reach Kharimkotan, a large volcano, which forms a 8x12 km island. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The next day in the evening, after Raikoke, we reach Kharimkotan, a large volcano, which forms a 8x1... [info]
(136 visti)

The upper half of the volcano is still covered by thick ash deposits from the catastrophic eruption in 1933, one of the largest in the Kuriles during historic times. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The upper half of the volcano is still covered by thick ash deposits from the catastrophic eruption ... [info]
(136 visti)

The 1933 eruption of Kharimkotan had destroyed the former summit cone of the volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The 1933 eruption of Kharimkotan had destroyed the former summit cone of the volcano. (Photo: Tom Pf... [info]
(124 visti)

Sea bird colony near the shore of Kharimkotan. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(95 visti)

Ashy slopes of Kharimkotan in the warm evening light. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(116 visti)

Kharimkotan at sunset. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(111 visti)

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Kurile Islands, July 2019: sea impressions from Alaid, Chikurachki, Fuss, Kharimkotan volcanoes

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