MT. KLYUCHEVSKOI VOLCANO 56o03'N, 160o39'E INFORMATION RELEASE No. 54 November 23, 1994, 1300 KST (0100 UTC) An explosive eruption of unknown but probably moderate intensity occurred beginning about 04:00 (1600 UTC) based on interpretation of seismic activity. The volcano was completely obscured by clouds but as much as 0.5 mm of ash fell in the town of Klyuchi 30 km NNE of the volcano. Thirteen strong shallow earthquakes were recorded beneath the volcano between 04:00 and 12:00. These earthquakes had a maximum amplitude of 14.25 microns at a seismic station 14 km from the volcano and were recorded at stations as much as 70 km away. Persistent volcanic tremor with a maximum amplitude of about 0.33 microns was recorded 14 km from the volcano. Comparing the seismicity of this event with that of the observed September 30-October 1 event suggests that the ash plume may have reached an altitude of about 7 km (23,000 ft above MSL). The possibility of more steam and ash explosions of similar character remains high for the near future.