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Chirpoi

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Primary Volcano Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  •  
  • 46.532°N
  • 150.871°E

  • 742 m
    2434 ft

  • 290150
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number
Most Recent Weekly Report: 10 August-16 August 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 10 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


Most Recent Bulletin Report: January 2017 (BGVN 42:01) Citation IconCite this Report

Chirpoi's Snow cone erupts 11 November 2012; continued activity through October 2016

The first recorded eruption in 30 years at Russia's Chirpoi volcano was initially detected on 11 November 2012 by MODIS infrared satellite data and captured by the MODVOLC thermal alert system. The Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT) reported satellite images that detected thermal anomalies over Snow, a volcanic crater on the S end of Chirpoi Island, beginning on 20 November 2012 (BGVN 38:12), which they interpreted as a possible lava flow on the SE flank. Sparse satellite observations by SVERT, MIROVA and MODVOLC thermal anomaly information, a single report from the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), and a site visit to this remote location in the Kuril Islands in the western Pacific Ocean together suggest nearly continuous activity at Snow through mid-October 2016.

Activity during November 2012-April 2013. Continuous reports of activity between November 2012 and April 2013 began with strong MODVOLC thermal anomalies from MODIS satellite data first recorded on 11 November local time, followed by a report of thermal anomalies detected from SVERT on 20 November. Strong thermal anomalies were reported by MODVOLC for 12 days during November and nine days during December 2012, after which they did not appear again until July 2013. However, SVERT reported thermal anomalies in satellite data almost weekly through 26 April 2013. They also observed steam-and-gas emissions in satellite data a number of times between 15 December 2012 and 5 March 2013.

Activity during July 2013-June 2014. After about a 10 week break between thermal anomaly observations, the MODVOLC pixels reappeared on 8 July 2013, and SVERT reported a thermal anomaly on 14 July 2013 suggesting a new period of lava effusion. The MODVOLC anomalies were intermittent with only three in July, one each in August and September, and two in October 2013; they then disappeared until March 2014. A single MODVOLC thermal anomaly was recorded on 10 March 2014, one appeared on 2 June and two appeared on 25 June 2014.

SVERT reported anomalies twice in July 2013, three times in August and once on 1 September before picking up again in November. SVERT reported thermal anomalies every week in November 2013, and most weeks through the first week in May 2014. After weak anomalies during 2-4 June 2014, SVERT inferred cooling lava flows and lowered the Alert Level from Yellow to Green.

Steam-and-gas emissions were reported by SVERT only between 23 July and 12 August 2013, and not again until late October. Gas-and-steam emissions were common between 22 October and 25 November 2013 when a plume was observed in satellite imagery drifting 90 km SE, after which plumes were not observed until 15 March 2014. Twice in late March (20 and 27) steam-and-gas plumes were detected drifting SE (150 and 50 km). After 13 April 2014, plumes were not detected again until September.

Activity during August 2014-October 2016. Although SVERT kept the Alert Level at Green until 4 September 2014 when they raised it back to Yellow, MODVOLC thermal alert pixels in late June (two on the 25th) and on 10 August, suggest possible continued activity during the summer. When skies were clear, SVERT again detected thermal anomalies in satellite data beginning on 1 September 2014 and continuing most weeks until 8 June 2015. MODVOLC recorded thermal anomalies on 2 and 22 September, and 22 October 2014, but then was quiet until a strong signal reappeared in April 2015 with six days of multiple anomalies recorded during the month, and five days with anomalies in May. During this interval from September 2014 to June 2015, steam-and-gas plumes were reported twice each in September 2014, February, March, and April 2015, and on 25 May 2015.

While no data is available from SVERT between 9 June and 11 November 2015, the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow, and single MODVOLC thermal alert pixels were recorded on 28 June, 19 and 30 July, two on 7 September, and one each on 5 October, 3 November, and 19 November 2015, suggesting some type of continued heat source such as a lava flow. In addition, MIROVA records for 2015 provide the strongest evidence for ongoing low-to-moderate volcanic activity throughout 2015 (figure 2).

Figure (see Caption) Figure 2. Chirpoi thermal anomaly information from MIROVA for 2 Feb 2015 through 31 December 2016 showing Log Radiative Power measured from MODIS infrared satellite data. Continuous thermal anomalies throughout the period suggest an ongoing heat source such as a lava flows. Vertical axis VRP is Volcanic Radiative Power. Courtesy of MIROVA.

Visual confirmation of an effusive eruption at Chirpoi was made in October 2015. The website Volcano Discovery reported that "Passengers on board a Russian cruise ship (Ponant) documented the recent … eruption of Snow volcano. When passing the island in October 2015, lava flows were actively reaching the sea, creating spectacular littoral explosions." (figure 3). A video of the event from the cruise ship is also posted on the website.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 3. Explosion of steam and rock fragments as lava from Snow volcano on Chirpoi Island enters the sea. Taken by a passenger on the Russian cruise ship Ponant, 8 October 2015. See complete video for additional imagery. Courtesy of Volcano Discovery, 2015.

SVERT reports were available again beginning in November 2015 and they reported that satellite images revealed thermal anomalies almost weekly from 11 November through 10 August 2016. They lowered the Alert Level to Green on 29 August 2016. MODVOLC thermal anomaly data was sparse in 2016 with only three reports of single anomalies on 5 February, 20 May, and 12 June 2016. Reports of steam-and-gas plumes observed in satellite imagery from SVERT were made on 12 and 14 November 2015, 24 March, and 20 and 23 April 2016. A plume that may have contained minor ash was observed by SVERT in satellite data drifting SW on 16 July, and one drifting 90 km N was noted during 22-24 July.

The Tokyo VAAC reported a possible eruption observed on satellite imagery at 1300 UTM on 6 March 2016 with a plume rising to 6.1 km altitude and drifting E. MIROVA data for 2016 again seems to confirm ongoing low to moderate thermally anomalous activity at Chirpoi until the middle of October when Radiative Power levels drop below 0.5 Watts VRP (figure 2).

Information Contacts: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT), Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Science, Nauki st., 1B, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia, 693022 (URL: http://www.imgg.ru/en/, http://www.imgg.ru/ru/svert/reports/); Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP), MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/, http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/cgi-bin/modisnew.cgi); MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity), a collaborative project between the Universities of Turin and Florence (Italy) supported by the Centre for Volcanic Risk of the Italian Civil Protection Department (URL: http://www.mirovaweb.it/); Volcano Discovery (URL: http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/chirpoi/news/55254/Chirpoi-volcano-Kurile-Islands-Russia-video-of-lava-entering-the-sea.html); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Tokyo, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/).

Weekly Reports - Index


2016: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August
2015: January | February | March | April | May | June | November | December
2014: January | February | March | April | May | June | September | October | November | December
2013: January | February | March | April | July | August | October | November | December
2012: November | December


10 August-16 August 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 10 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


3 August-9 August 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 6-7 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


27 July-2 August 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 27-28 and 31 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


20 July-26 July 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 18 and 20-24 July. Steam-and-gas emissions were visible drifting SW on 16 July and may have contained minor amounts of ash. Steam-and-gas emissions during 22-24 July drifted as far as 90 km N. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


13 July-19 July 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 13 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


6 July-12 July 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 5-7 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


29 June-5 July 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly at Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 29-30 June and on 1 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


22 June-28 June 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 20 and 22-23 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


15 June-21 June 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 19 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


8 June-14 June 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 7-8 and 12 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


25 May-31 May 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 23-25 and 28 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


11 May-17 May 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 9-11 and 14 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


4 May-10 May 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 2 and 5 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


20 April-26 April 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 20 April; gas-and-steam plumes were visible in images on 20 and 23 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


6 April-12 April 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 4-5 and 7 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


30 March-5 April 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 29-30 March and 1 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


23 March-29 March 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 21-25 and 27 March. Steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 24 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


16 March-22 March 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 14, 17, and 19 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


2 March-8 March 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on satellite images, the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 6 March a possible eruption at Chirpoi may have produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E. A subsequent image the next day showed that any ash had dissipated.

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)


17 February-23 February 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 16-19 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


10 February-16 February 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 8 and 11 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


27 January-2 February 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 25, 27-28, and 30-31 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


20 January-26 January 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 18 and 23 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


13 January-19 January 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 12-13 and 17 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


6 January-12 January 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 9 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


30 December-5 January 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 28-29 December and 2 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


23 December-29 December 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images detected a weak thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 21-23 and 27 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


2 December-8 December 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, revealed a thermal anomaly during 1-3 and 6 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


18 November-24 November 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly on 17 and 19 November. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano on the other days during 16-23 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


11 November-17 November 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly during 11-12 and 15 November. Steam-and-gas emissions were also observed on 12 and 14 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


3 June-9 June 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly during 1-2 June. Cloud cover obscured views during 3-8 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


27 May-2 June 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected weak steam-and-gas emissions on 25 May. A thermal anomaly was detected on 25, 28, and 30 May. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 26 May-1 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


13 May-19 May 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly on 12 and 16 May. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 13-18 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


6 May-12 May 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly during 6-8 and 11 May. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 4-11 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


29 April-5 May 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly on 28 and 30 April, and 1 May. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 27 April-4 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


22 April-28 April 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected steam-and-gas emissions on 20 April. Cloud cover obscured views during 21-27 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


15 April-21 April 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly on 14 and 17 April. Weak steam-and-gas emissions were also observed on 17 April. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 13-20 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


8 April-14 April 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly during 8-11 April. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 7-13 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


1 April-7 April 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly during 2 and 4-5 April. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 31 March-6 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


25 March-31 March 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly during 26-27 March, and gas-and-steam emissions on 29 March. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 23-30 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


18 March-24 March 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed faint stream-and-gas emissions on 16 March and a thermal anomaly during 17-20 March. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 21-23 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


11 March-17 March 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly during 9, 14, and 15 March. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 9-16 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


4 March-10 March 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly during 3-5 and 7-8 March. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 2-9 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


25 February-3 March 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed gas-and-steam emissions on 23 February and a thermal anomaly on 23 and 25 February. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 23 February-2 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


18 February-24 February 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed gas-and-steam emissions on 19 February and a thermal anomaly on 21 February. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 16-23 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


11 February-17 February 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly on 9 and 11 February. Cloud cover obscured views during 10 and 12-16 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


28 January-3 February 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a weak thermal anomaly on 26 January. Cloud cover obscured views during 27 January-2 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


21 January-27 January 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly during 20-21 and 25 January. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 19-26 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


7 January-13 January 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly during 10-11 January. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 5-12 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


31 December-6 January 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly on 4 January. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 30 December-5 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


24 December-30 December 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly on 23 and 25 December. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 22-29 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


10 December-16 December 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly during 8-14 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


3 December-9 December 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly during 2-5 December. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 1-8 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


26 November-2 December 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly on 27 November. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 25 November-1 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


19 November-25 November 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a weak thermal anomaly during 17-18 November. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 19-24 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


12 November-18 November 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a weak thermal anomaly on 16 November. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 11-17 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


15 October-21 October 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly during 15-16 October. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 14-20 October. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


8 October-14 October 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, showed a thermal anomaly on 6, 9, and 12 October. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 7-13 October. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


10 September-16 September 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

During 1 to 16 September thermal anomalies were detected from Chirpoi in satellite images when clear conditions permitted. On 4 September SVERT increased the Aviation Color Code from Green to Yellow due to renewed activity including thermal anomalies. Gas-and-steam plumes were visible on 11 and 15-16 September.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


4 June-10 June 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

In a 5 June report, SVERT summarized activity at Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, over the previous two years: an effusive eruption started on 10 November 2012, producing steam-and-gas emissions and thermal anomalies thorough April 2013; the volcano was quiet; steam-and-gas emissions and thermal anomalies were again detected starting on 12 July 2013, suggesting a new period of lava effusion. Weak thermal anomalies during 2-4 June implied cooling lava flows. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


7 May-13 May 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly on 7 and 9 May. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 5-12 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


30 April-6 May 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly during 29-30 April. Cloud cover obscured views during 1-5 May. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


23 April-29 April 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly on 21 and 27 April. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 22-28 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


16 April-22 April 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly on 14, 16, and 18 April. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 15-21 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


9 April-15 April 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that on 13 April satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected steam-and-gas emissions. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 9-15 April. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


26 March-1 April 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that on 27 March satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly and a steam-and-gas plume drifting more than 50 km SE. A weak thermal anomaly was detected on 28 March. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 24-31 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


19 March-25 March 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a steam-and-gas plume from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images drifting 150 km SE on 20 March. Cloud cover obscured views during 17-19 and 21-24 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


12 March-18 March 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 10-12 March. Diffuse steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 15 March. Cloud cover obscured views during 13-14 and 16-17 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


5 March-11 March 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 3 March. Cloud cover obscured views during 4-10 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


26 February-4 March 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 25 and 27 February. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 24 February-3 March. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


19 February-25 February 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 19-20 February. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 17-24 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


12 February-18 February 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 11-12 February. Cloud cover obscured views during 13-17 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


5 February-11 February 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 6 and 8-9 February. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 4-10 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


22 January-28 January 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 21-23 January. Cloud cover obscured views during 24-27 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


15 January-21 January 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 15-16 January. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 14-20 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


25 December-31 December 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 26 December. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 23-30 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


11 December-17 December 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 12-13 and 15 December. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 10-16 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


4 December-10 December 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 3 and 8 December. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


27 November-3 December 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images drifting 90 km SE on 25 November. A thermal anomaly was detected during 27-28 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


20 November-26 November 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 21 and 24 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


13 November-19 November 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 13-15 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


6 November-12 November 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 4-6 November. Weak steam-and-gas emissions were detected on 4 and 6 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


30 October-5 November 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images during 29 and 31 October. A thermal anomaly was detected during 2 and 3 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


23 October-29 October 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images during 22-23 October. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


28 August-3 September 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 1 September. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


14 August-20 August 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 12 August, along with gas-and-steam emissions. Cloud cover prevented observations during 13-18 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


7 August-13 August 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 5-7 and 9 August, and possibly during 10-11 August. Steam-and-gas emissions were detected on 9 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


24 July-30 July 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that possible steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images on 23 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


10 July-16 July 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 14 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


24 April-30 April 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 24 and 26 April.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


10 April-16 April 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 12-13 April; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 8-15 April.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


3 April-9 April 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 6 April; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 1-8 April.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


13 March-19 March 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 14 March; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 11-18 March.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


6 March-12 March 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images on 5 March; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 4-11 March.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


27 February-5 March 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that weak steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were observed on 25 February, and 1 and 3 March. A thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images on 28 February and 3 March. Cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 25 February-4 March. The Aviation Color Code was Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


20 February-26 February 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly and weak steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images during 19 and 22-23 February; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 18-25 February. The Aviation Color Code was Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


13 February-19 February 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly and weak steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images during 14-15 February; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 11-18 February. The Aviation Color Code was Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


6 February-12 February 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly and steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images on 7 and 10 February; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 4-11 February.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


30 January-5 February 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images on 1 February; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 28 January-4 February.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


23 January-29 January 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly and steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 8 January, were detected on 21, 23, and 25 January; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 22-28 January.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


9 January-15 January 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 8 January, and steam-and-gas plumes were detected on 9 and 11 January; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 7-14 January.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


2 January-8 January 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 5-6 January; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 1-7 January.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


26 December-1 January 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 24-25, 28, and 30 December; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 24-31 December.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


19 December-25 December 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 17, 19, and 21-22 December. A steam-and-gas plume was observed on 19 December. Cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on the other days during 10-17 December.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


12 December-18 December 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 11 and 13-15 December. A steam-and-gas plume was observed on 15 December. Cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 10-17 December.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


5 December-11 December 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 3-4, 6, and 8 December; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 2-10 December.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


28 November-4 December 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, during 26-28 November; cloud cover prevented observations of the volcano on other days during 29 November-2 December.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


21 November-27 November 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 20, 22, and 25 November, possibly indicating a lava flow on the SE flank.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


Bulletin Reports - Index

Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.

11/1982 (Ref 1988) Brief eruption observed from a ship

04/1987 (SEAN 12:04) Fumarolic activity

12/2013 (BGVN 38:12) Periodic steam-and-gas emissions and thermal anomalies, November 2012-April 2014

01/2017 (BGVN 42:01) Chirpoi's Snow cone erupts 11 November 2012; continued activity through October 2016




Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


November 1982 (Ref 1988)

Brief eruption observed from a ship

On 22 November 1982 a ship captain saw heavy smoke clouds above the crater of a 395-m peak on the island. Investigation showed that a brief eruption had occurred from Snow volcano.

Reference. Ivanov, B.V., Chirkov, A.M., Dubik, Yu. M., Khrenov, A.P., Dvigalo, V.N., Razina, A.A., Stepanov, V.V., and Chubarova, O.S., 1988, Active volcanoes of Kamchatka and Kurile Islands: status in 1982: Volcanology and Seismology, v. 6, p. 623-634 (English translation of paper in Volcanology and Seismology, 1984, no. 4, p. 104-110).

Information Contacts:


April 1987 (SEAN 12:04) Citation IconCite this Report

Fumarolic activity

Weak fumarolic activity was occurring from the crater of Snow volcano during a 6 November aerial survey.

Information Contacts: G. Steinberg and B. Piskunov, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.


December 2013 (BGVN 38:12) Citation IconCite this Report

Periodic steam-and-gas emissions and thermal anomalies, November 2012-April 2014

On 6 November 1986, weak fumarolic activity was observed during an aerial survey (SEAN 12:04). The Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT) noted that emissions were again observed in November 2012. This report covers steam-and-gas plumes and emissions and thermal alerts between 20 November 2012 and 30 April 2014.

SVERT's monitoring of Chirpoi is hampered by the lack of surface instruments or seismic network. The volcano is primarily monitored by satellites; cloud cover, however, often prevents space-borne observations. The location of Chirpoi in the Kuril Islands is shown in figure 1.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. Map showing location of Chirpoi. Courtesy of Google Earth.

SVERT reported thermal anomalies at a volcano of Chirpoi called Snow, starting on 17 November 2012. Periods of steam-and-gas began on 15 December 2012. This activity continued through at least April 2014, based upon analysis of satellite images (table 1). Cloud cover often obscured views of the volcano.

Table 1. Steam-and-gas plumes and emissions from Snow, a Chirpoi volcano, between 21 November 2012 and 30 April 2014, based on analysis of satellite images. Cloud cover frequently prevented observations. Courtesy of SVERT.

Year Dates Plume drift
2012 15 and 19 Dec --
2013 9 and 11 Jan --
2013 1, 7, 10, 14-15, 19-22, 25 Feb --
2013 1, 3, 5 Mar --
2013 23 Jul --
2013 9 and 12 Aug --
2013 22-23, 29-31 Oct --
2013 4, 6, 25 Nov Drifted 90 km SE on 25 Nov
2014 15, 20, and 27 Mar --
2014 13 Apr --

A search of MODVOLC thermal alerts at Chirpoi since 1980 found no such alerts until a they began at Snow on 11 November 2012. Between that date and 24 December 2012, many thermal alerts were reported. According to SVERT, this may have indicated a lava flow on the SE flank. No further alerts were reported until 8 July 2013; between 8 July and October 2013, thermal alerts were issued on six days. The only alerts between November 2013 and 30 April 2014 were on 10 March, 27-28 March, and 14, 16, 18, 21, 27, 29-30 April 2014.

Based on SVERT weekly reports on 12 and 19 November 2012, the Aviation Color Code increased from Green to Yellow between 5 and 19 November 2012, and remained Yellow through at least April 2014. (Green indicates a normal, non-eruptive state; Yellow indicates elevated unrest above background level.)

Information Contacts: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT) (URL in English: http://www.imgg.ru/?id_d=659); and Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP), MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/).


January 2017 (BGVN 42:01) Citation IconCite this Report

Chirpoi's Snow cone erupts 11 November 2012; continued activity through October 2016

The first recorded eruption in 30 years at Russia's Chirpoi volcano was initially detected on 11 November 2012 by MODIS infrared satellite data and captured by the MODVOLC thermal alert system. The Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT) reported satellite images that detected thermal anomalies over Snow, a volcanic crater on the S end of Chirpoi Island, beginning on 20 November 2012 (BGVN 38:12), which they interpreted as a possible lava flow on the SE flank. Sparse satellite observations by SVERT, MIROVA and MODVOLC thermal anomaly information, a single report from the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), and a site visit to this remote location in the Kuril Islands in the western Pacific Ocean together suggest nearly continuous activity at Snow through mid-October 2016.

Activity during November 2012-April 2013. Continuous reports of activity between November 2012 and April 2013 began with strong MODVOLC thermal anomalies from MODIS satellite data first recorded on 11 November local time, followed by a report of thermal anomalies detected from SVERT on 20 November. Strong thermal anomalies were reported by MODVOLC for 12 days during November and nine days during December 2012, after which they did not appear again until July 2013. However, SVERT reported thermal anomalies in satellite data almost weekly through 26 April 2013. They also observed steam-and-gas emissions in satellite data a number of times between 15 December 2012 and 5 March 2013.

Activity during July 2013-June 2014. After about a 10 week break between thermal anomaly observations, the MODVOLC pixels reappeared on 8 July 2013, and SVERT reported a thermal anomaly on 14 July 2013 suggesting a new period of lava effusion. The MODVOLC anomalies were intermittent with only three in July, one each in August and September, and two in October 2013; they then disappeared until March 2014. A single MODVOLC thermal anomaly was recorded on 10 March 2014, one appeared on 2 June and two appeared on 25 June 2014.

SVERT reported anomalies twice in July 2013, three times in August and once on 1 September before picking up again in November. SVERT reported thermal anomalies every week in November 2013, and most weeks through the first week in May 2014. After weak anomalies during 2-4 June 2014, SVERT inferred cooling lava flows and lowered the Alert Level from Yellow to Green.

Steam-and-gas emissions were reported by SVERT only between 23 July and 12 August 2013, and not again until late October. Gas-and-steam emissions were common between 22 October and 25 November 2013 when a plume was observed in satellite imagery drifting 90 km SE, after which plumes were not observed until 15 March 2014. Twice in late March (20 and 27) steam-and-gas plumes were detected drifting SE (150 and 50 km). After 13 April 2014, plumes were not detected again until September.

Activity during August 2014-October 2016. Although SVERT kept the Alert Level at Green until 4 September 2014 when they raised it back to Yellow, MODVOLC thermal alert pixels in late June (two on the 25th) and on 10 August, suggest possible continued activity during the summer. When skies were clear, SVERT again detected thermal anomalies in satellite data beginning on 1 September 2014 and continuing most weeks until 8 June 2015. MODVOLC recorded thermal anomalies on 2 and 22 September, and 22 October 2014, but then was quiet until a strong signal reappeared in April 2015 with six days of multiple anomalies recorded during the month, and five days with anomalies in May. During this interval from September 2014 to June 2015, steam-and-gas plumes were reported twice each in September 2014, February, March, and April 2015, and on 25 May 2015.

While no data is available from SVERT between 9 June and 11 November 2015, the Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow, and single MODVOLC thermal alert pixels were recorded on 28 June, 19 and 30 July, two on 7 September, and one each on 5 October, 3 November, and 19 November 2015, suggesting some type of continued heat source such as a lava flow. In addition, MIROVA records for 2015 provide the strongest evidence for ongoing low-to-moderate volcanic activity throughout 2015 (figure 2).

Figure (see Caption) Figure 2. Chirpoi thermal anomaly information from MIROVA for 2 Feb 2015 through 31 December 2016 showing Log Radiative Power measured from MODIS infrared satellite data. Continuous thermal anomalies throughout the period suggest an ongoing heat source such as a lava flows. Vertical axis VRP is Volcanic Radiative Power. Courtesy of MIROVA.

Visual confirmation of an effusive eruption at Chirpoi was made in October 2015. The website Volcano Discovery reported that "Passengers on board a Russian cruise ship (Ponant) documented the recent … eruption of Snow volcano. When passing the island in October 2015, lava flows were actively reaching the sea, creating spectacular littoral explosions." (figure 3). A video of the event from the cruise ship is also posted on the website.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 3. Explosion of steam and rock fragments as lava from Snow volcano on Chirpoi Island enters the sea. Taken by a passenger on the Russian cruise ship Ponant, 8 October 2015. See complete video for additional imagery. Courtesy of Volcano Discovery, 2015.

SVERT reports were available again beginning in November 2015 and they reported that satellite images revealed thermal anomalies almost weekly from 11 November through 10 August 2016. They lowered the Alert Level to Green on 29 August 2016. MODVOLC thermal anomaly data was sparse in 2016 with only three reports of single anomalies on 5 February, 20 May, and 12 June 2016. Reports of steam-and-gas plumes observed in satellite imagery from SVERT were made on 12 and 14 November 2015, 24 March, and 20 and 23 April 2016. A plume that may have contained minor ash was observed by SVERT in satellite data drifting SW on 16 July, and one drifting 90 km N was noted during 22-24 July.

The Tokyo VAAC reported a possible eruption observed on satellite imagery at 1300 UTM on 6 March 2016 with a plume rising to 6.1 km altitude and drifting E. MIROVA data for 2016 again seems to confirm ongoing low to moderate thermally anomalous activity at Chirpoi until the middle of October when Radiative Power levels drop below 0.5 Watts VRP (figure 2).

Information Contacts: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT), Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Science, Nauki st., 1B, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia, 693022 (URL: http://www.imgg.ru/en/, http://www.imgg.ru/ru/svert/reports/); Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP), MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/, http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/cgi-bin/modisnew.cgi); MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity), a collaborative project between the Universities of Turin and Florence (Italy) supported by the Centre for Volcanic Risk of the Italian Civil Protection Department (URL: http://www.mirovaweb.it/); Volcano Discovery (URL: http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/chirpoi/news/55254/Chirpoi-volcano-Kurile-Islands-Russia-video-of-lava-entering-the-sea.html); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Tokyo, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/).

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 9 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

2012 Nov 11 - 2016 Oct 18 (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 0

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Snow
2012 Nov 11 - 2016 Oct 18 (?) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 103 Events for Episode 1 at Snow

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2012 Nov 11 2012 Nov 12 Thermal Anomaly Five MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2012 Nov 16    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2012 Nov 17 2012 Nov 28 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported thermal anomalies detected over Snow volcano in satellite data on 17, 20, 22, and 25-28 November 2012.
2012 Nov 19 2012 Nov 24 Thermal Anomaly Eleven MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2012 Nov 20
(in or after)
   - - - - Lava flow SVERT interpreted thermal anomalies at Snow volcano as a possible lava flow on the SE flank.
2012 Nov 20    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 0
2012 Nov 28 2013 Nov 29 Thermal Anomaly Three MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2012 Dec 3 2012 Dec 8 Thermal Anomaly Seven MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2012 Dec 3 2012 Dec 30 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported thermal anomalies detected over Snow volcano in satellite data on 3-4, 6, 8, 11, 13-15, 17, 19, 21-22, 24-25, 28, and 30 December 2012.
2012 Dec 12 2012 Dec 13 Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2012 Dec 15 2012 Dec 19 Degassing Steam-and-gas plumes were observed on 15 and 19 December 2012.
2012 Dec 17 2012 Dec 19 Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2012 Dec 24    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Jan 5 2013 Jan 25 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported thermal anomalies detected over Snow volcano in satellite data on 5-6, 8, 21, 23, and 25 January 2013.
2013 Jan 9 2013 Jan 11 Degassing SVERT reported that steam-and-gas plumes were detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 9 and 11 January 2013.
2013 Feb 1 2013 Feb 25 Degassing SVERT reported that steam-and-gas plumes were detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 1, 7, 10, 14-15, 19-22, and 25 February 2013.
2013 Feb 7 2013 Feb 28 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported thermal anomalies detected over Snow volcano in satellite data on 7, 10, 14-15, 19, 22-23 and 28 February 2013.
2013 Mar 1 2013 Mar 5 Degassing SVERT reported that steam-and-gas plumes were detected over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, on 1, 3, and 5 March 2013.
2013 Mar 3 2013 Mar 14 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported thermal anomalies detected over Snow volcano in satellite data on 3 and 14 March 2013.
2013 Apr 6 2013 Apr 26 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 6, 12-13, 24, and 26 April 2013.
2013 Jul 8    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Jul 13    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2013 Jul 14    - - - - Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 14 July 2013.
2013 Jul 23    - - - - Degassing SVERT reported that possible steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images on 23 July 2013.
2013 Aug 5 2013 Aug 12 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 5-7 and 9-12 August 2013.
2013 Aug 9 2013 Aug 12 Degassing SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images on 9 and 12 August 2013.
2013 Aug 23    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Sep 1    - - - - Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images.
2013 Sep 22    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Oct 12    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Oct 19    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Oct 22 2013 Oct 31 Degassing SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images during 22-23, 29, and 31 October 2013.
2013 Nov 2 2013 Nov 28 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected during 2, 3-6, 13-15, 21, 24, and 27-28 November 2013.
2013 Nov 4 2013 Nov 25 Degassing SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, were detected in satellite images during 4, 6, and 25 November 2013. They were detected in satellite images drifting 90 km SE on 25 November 2013.
2013 Dec 3 2013 Dec 26 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 3, 8, 12-13, 15, and 26 December 2013.
2014 Jan 15 2013 Jan 23 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 15-16 and 21-23 January 2014.
2014 Feb 6 2014 Feb 27 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 6, 8-9, 11-12, 19-20, 25 and 27 February 2014.
2014 Mar 3 2014 Mar 28 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 3, 10-12, and 27-28 March 2014.
2014 Mar 10    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Mar 15 2013 Mar 27 Degassing SVERT reported that siffuse steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 15 March, a steam-and-gas plume was detected in satellite images drifting 150 km SE on 20 March and a steam-and-gas plume drifted more than 50 km SE on 27 March 2014.
2014 Apr 13    - - - - Degassing SVERT reported that satellite images detected steam-and-gas emissions.
2014 Apr 14 2014 Apr 30 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly on 14, 16, 18, 21, 27, and 29-30 April 2014.
2014 May 7 2014 May 9 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly on 7 and 9 May 2014.
2014 Jun 2    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Jun 2 2013 Jun 4 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected weak thermal anomalies during 2-4 June 2014.
2014 Jun 25    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2014 Aug 10    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Sep 1 2014 Sep 16 Thermal Anomaly During 1 to 16 September 2014 thermal anomalies were detected in satellite images when clear conditions permitted.
2014 Sep 2    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Sep 11 2014 Sep 16 Degassing Gas-and-steam plumes were visible on 11 and 15-16 September 2014.
2014 Sep 22    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Oct 6 2014 Oct 16 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly on 6, 9, 12, and 15-16 October 2014.
2014 Oct 22    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Nov 16 2014 Nov 27 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images showed a weak thermal anomaly during 16-18 and 27 November 2014.
2014 Dec 2 2014 Dec 25 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly during 2-5, 8-14, 23, and 25 December 2014.
2015 Jan 4 2015 Jan 26 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly on 4, 10-11, 20-21 and 25-26 January 2015.
2015 Feb 2 2016 Oct 18 Thermal Anomaly Persistent MIROVA thermal anomalies are recorded.
2015 Feb 9 2015 Feb 25 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly on 9, 11, 21, 23, and 25 February 2015.
2015 Feb 19 2015 Feb 23 Degassing SVERT reported that satellite images showed gas-and-steam emissions on 19 and 23 February 2015.
2015 Mar 3 2015 Mar 27 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly during 3-5, 7-9, 14-15, 17-20, and 26-27 March 2015.
2015 Mar 16 2015 Mar 29 Degassing SVERT reported that satellite images showed faint stream-and-gas emissions on 16 and 29 March 2015.
2015 Apr 2    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Apr 2 2015 Apr 30 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly during 2 and 4-5, 8-11, 14, 17, 28 and 30 April 2015.
2015 Apr 9    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 Apr 16    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 Apr 17 2015 Apr 20 Degassing SVERT reported that weak steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 17 and 20 April 2015.
2015 Apr 23 2015 Apr 25 Thermal Anomaly Five MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 Apr 28    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 May 1 2015 May 30 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images showed a thermal anomaly on 1, 6-8, 11-12, 16, 25, 28, and 30 May 2015.
2015 May 7    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 May 11    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 May 20    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 May 25    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 May 25    - - - - Degassing SVERT reported that satellite images detected weak steam-and-gas emissions.
2015 May 29    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Jun 1 2015 Jun 2 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly.
2015 Jun 28    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Jul 19    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Jul 30    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Sep 7    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 Oct 5    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Oct 8    - - - - Explosion Explosion of steam and rock fragments was photographed by a passenger on the Russian cruise ship Ponant as lava from Snow volcano enters the sea.
2015 Oct 8    - - - - Lava flow Explosion of steam and rock fragments was photographed by a passenger on the Russian cruise ship Ponant as lava from Snow volcano enters the sea.
2015 Nov 3    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Nov 11 2015 Nov 19 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, detected a thermal anomaly during 11-12, 15, 17, and 19 November 2015.
2015 Nov 12 2015 Nov 14 Degassing Steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 12 and 14 November 2015.
2015 Nov 19    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Dec 1 2015 Dec 29 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, revealed a thermal anomaly during 1-3, 6, 21-23, and 27-29 December 2015.
2016 Jan 2 2016 Jan 31 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly on 2, 9, 12-13, 17-18, 23, 25, 27-28, and 30-31 January 2016.
2016 Feb 5    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2016 Feb 8 2016 Feb 19 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly on 8, 11, and 16-19 February 2016.
2016 Mar 6    - - - - Ash Plume Based on satellite images, the Tokyo VAAC reported that a possible eruption may have produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 6.1 km and drifted E. A subsequent image the next day showed that any ash had dissipated.
2016 Mar 14 2016 Mar 30 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly during 14, 17, 19, 21-25, 27, and 29-30 March 2016.
2016 Mar 24    - - - - Degassing Steam-and-gas emissions were observed.
2016 Apr 1 2016 Apr 20 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images detected a thermal anomaly during 1, 4-5, 7, and 20 April 2016.
2016 Apr 20 2016 Apr 23 Degassing Gas-and-steam plumes were visible in images on 20 and 23 April 2016.
2016 May 2 2016 May 28 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images on 2, 5, 9-11, 14, 23-25, and 28 May 2016.
2016 May 20    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2016 Jun 7 2016 Jun 30 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Snow, a volcano of Chirpoi, was detected in satellite images during 7-8, 12, 19-20, 22-23 and 29-30 June 2016.
2016 Jun 12    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2016 Jul 1 2016 Jul 31 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images during 1, 5-7, 13, 18, 20-24, 27-28, and 31 July 2016.
2016 Jul 16 2016 Jul 24 Degassing Steam-and-gas emissions were visible drifting SW on 16 July and may have contained minor amounts of ash. Steam-and-gas emissions during 22-24 July drifted as far as 90 km N.
2016 Aug 6 2016 Aug 10 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images during 6-7 and 10 August 2016.

1982 Nov 22 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Snow
1982 Nov 22 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Snow

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion Uncertain
   - - - -    - - - - Volcanic "smoke"
1982 Nov 22    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1960 Oct 20 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Snow
1960 Oct 20 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Snow

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1960 Oct 20    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1879 May - 1879 Jun Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Snow
1879 May - 1879 Jun Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Snow

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
1879 May    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1857 Jul Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Cherny
1857 Jul - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Cherny

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1857 Jul    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1854 Jun 24 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Snow (or Cherny)
1854 Jun 24 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Snow (or Cherny)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1854 Jun 24    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1811 Jun 11 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Snow
1811 Jun 11 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Snow

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1811 Jun 11    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1790 ± 20 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Snow
1790 ± 20 years - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Snow

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow

1712 Dec 31 ± 365 days Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Cherny
1712 Dec 31 ± 365 days - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Cherny

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion extremely violent or catastrophic
1712 Dec 31 ± 365 days    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Chirpoi.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Chirpoi.

GVP Map Holdings

The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included. The maps database originated over 30 years ago, but was only recently updated and connected to our main database. We welcome users to tell us if they see incorrect information or other problems with the maps; please use the Contact GVP link at the bottom of the page to send us email.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

There are no samples for Chirpoi in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.

External Sites