Kamchatka gigantic volcano awakening

The Kamchatka Peninsula (the north-east edge of the Asian part of Russia, metaphorically called "the country of geysers and volcanoes") is witnessing an increasing activity of the Klyuchevskoy volcano, employer of the Kamchatka experimental-methodological seismological group Yuri Demyanchuk reported.

Glowing in the crater, which testifies to the appearance of fresh lava, is becoming more intensive, he said. Over the past 24 hours the glow was even registered by a video camera, which had not been possible before, he added.

Seismic stations near the volcano register a large number of earthquakes on the surface and at a 30-km depth under the central crater, as well as constant spasmodic volcano tremor. Gas and vapor emissions containing ashes reach 1,000 meters.

The Klyuchevskoy is Eurasia's highest acting volcano (its height is 4,833 meters). The biggest recent summit eruption took place in 1994.

Experts forecast the beginning of another big eruption of the Klyuchevskoy in 2003.