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Chirinkotan

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Volcanic Region
  • Landform | Volc Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  • 48.98°N
  • 153.48°E

  • 724 m
    2,375 ft

  • 290260
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number

Most Recent Weekly Report: 12 October-18 October 2022 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT lowered the Aviation Color Code for Chirinkotan to Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale) on 10 October; ash plumes were last detected on 7 October.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


Most Recent Bulletin Report: November 2022 (BGVN 47:11) Citation IconCite this Report

Ash plume identified in satellite images on 7 October 2022

Chirinkotan is a 3-km-wide island volcano in the northern Kuril Islands about 320 km SW off the tip of Kamchatka, Russia (figure 9). Eruptions have been recorded since the 18th century and one confirmed eruption in the 19th century included lava flows. More recently, an eruption that began in late November 2016 consisted of intermittent ash plumes (BGVN 42:06), and activity during August-September 2021 was characterized by explosions and ash plumes. The volcano is monitored by the Sakhalin Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (SVERT) and by satellite data.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 9. Sentinel-2 satellite image of Chirinkotan on 8 August 2022. The island is about 3 km in diameter. Image using “Natural Color” rendering (bands 4, 3, 2). Courtesy of Sentinel Hub Playground. Courtesy of Sentinel Hub Playground.

SVERT reported that an ash plume was identified in satellite images at 1030 local time on 7 October 2022 rising to an altitude of 3.5-4 km (2.8-3.3 km above the summit) and drifting 80 km ESE. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale). Due to an absence of subsequent activity, SVERT lowered the Aviation Color Code back to Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale) on 10 October.

During the year ending in October 2022, Sentinel-2 satellite views of the volcano were usually obscured by weather clouds. When clear views were possible, white gas emissions were often visible, but no thermal anomalies were detected. The MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity) system recorded a few scattered hotspots during the year 2022, with more anomalies during July and August 2022 (figure 10). No thermal alerts were recorded by MODIS sensors aboard the Aqua and Terra satellites and processed using the MODVOLC algorithm during the reporting period.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 10. The MIROVA graph of thermal activity (Log Radiative Power) at Chirinkotan during 2022 shows scattered thermal anomalies of mostly low radiative power, with more hotspots during July and August. Courtesy of MIROVA.

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); 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/); Sentinel Hub Playground (URL: https://www.sentinel-hub.com/explore/sentinel-playground).

Weekly Reports - Index


2022: October
2021: August | September
2017: January | February | March | April
2016: November
2015: January | February | March | April | May | July | August | November | December
2014: January | February | March | April | May | June | November | December
2013: May | June | July | August | October | November | December


12 October-18 October 2022 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT lowered the Aviation Color Code for Chirinkotan to Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale) on 10 October; ash plumes were last detected on 7 October.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


5 October-11 October 2022 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that an ash plume from Chirinkotan was identified in satellite images at 1030 on 7 October rising 3.5-4 km (11,500-13,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 80 km ESE. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


15 September-21 September 2021 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT and KVERT reported that volcanic activity at Chirinkotan was last observed during 23-24 August. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green in mid to late September.

Sources: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT); Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


25 August-31 August 2021 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that during 23-26 August ash plumes from Chirinkotan were visible rising 2.5-3.5 km (8,200-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifting S and SW. KVERT maintained the Aviation Color Code at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Sources: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT); Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


18 August-24 August 2021 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT and KVERT reported that moderate eruptive activity continued at Chirinkotan during 14-23 August, characterized by explosions and ash plumes that rose to 2.5-4.5 km (4,900-9,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 125 km S, E, SE, and SW. At 1110 on 18 August an explosion produced an ash plume, 20 x 27 km in size, that rose to 2-3 km (6,600-9,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 7 km NE and as far as 100 km SE. An explosion at 0935 on 23 August rose to 1.5-2.5 km (4,900-8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 8 km SW and later, as far as 126 km W. The Tokyo VAAC reported ash plumes to 2.7-4.9 km (9,000-16,000 ft) a.s.l. that drifted S, NE, and SW during 18 and 23 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Sources: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT); Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


11 August-17 August 2021 Citation IconCite this Report

KVERT reported that the eruption at Chirinkotan continued during 11-17 August. An explosion at 1315 on 14 August produced a 15 x 17 km ash plume that rose 3-3.5 km (10,000-11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 13 km SSE. Ash plumes from an explosion at 0945 on 15 August rose 2.5-3 km (8,200-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 8 km S. KVERT and SVERT noted that another explosive event at 1010 on 16 August generated ash plumes that rose 3.5-5 km (11,500-16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 23 km E. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).

Sources: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT); Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


4 August-10 August 2021 Citation IconCite this Report

According to KVERT an explosion at Chirinkotan at 1745 on 8 August produced an ash plume that rose 2-2.7 km (6,600-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 86 km WSW and SW. KVERT raised the Aviation Color Code to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). KVERT, SVERT, and the VAAC reported continuing ash-producing events through 10 August. Notably at 1915 on 9 August an ash cloud, 10 x 13 km in size, possibly rose as high as 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 26-30 km SSE and S. An explosive event at 0855 on 10 August produced an ash plume 11 x 14 km in size that rose 2-2.5 km (6,600-8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 70 km W.

Sources: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT); Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)


5 April-11 April 2017 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on Tokyo VAAC data, SVERT reported that on 7 April an ash plume from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 5 km (16,400 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (on a four-color scale).

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


29 March-4 April 2017 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on Tokyo VAAC satellite data, SVERT reported that on 31 March an ash plume from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 165 km NE. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (on a four-color scale) on 2 April.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


22 March-28 March 2017 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT noted that no further activity at Chirinkotan was visible after the ash emission on 21 March. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green (on a four-color scale).

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


15 March-21 March 2017 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on satellite images, SVERT reported that on 21 March an ash plume from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 6 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 15 km E. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (the second lowest on a four-color scale).

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


8 March-14 March 2017 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT noted that no further activity at Chirinkotan was visible after the ash emission on 1 March. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green (on a four-color scale) on 5 March.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


1 March-7 March 2017 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on satellite images, SVERT reported that on 1 March an ash plume from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 165 km E. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (on a four-color scale).

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


1 February-7 February 2017 Citation IconCite this Report

On 6 February SVERT noted that the Aviation Color Code for Chirinkotan had been lowered to Green (lowest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


25 January-31 January 2017 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on satellite images, SVERT reported that on 26 and 29 January ash plumes from Chirinkotan rose to an altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted at most 105 km E and S. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (on a four-color scale).

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


30 November-6 December 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that no additional activity at Chirinkotan was detected after the 29 November ash emission. The Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green (on a four-color scale) on 2 December.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


23 November-29 November 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that on 29 November an ash plume rose from Chirinkotan was visible in satellite images rising to an altitude of 8.8 km (29,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting 39 km N. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (on a four-color scale).

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


2 December-8 December 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

On 7 December SVERT reported that the Aviation Color Code for Chirinkotan had been lowered to Green.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


18 November-24 November 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that on 17 November gas-and-steam emissions from Chirinkotan were detected in satellite images. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano during 18-23 November. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


5 August-11 August 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

According to SVERT observers reported a weak eruption at Chirinkotan on 10 August, characterized by block flows and pyroclastic flows that reached the coast. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


22 July-28 July 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on satellite image observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that a possible eruption at Chirinkotan on 26 July may have produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. A subsequent notice the next day stated that ash was observed in images and then dissipated.

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)


15 July-21 July 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on satellite image observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that a possible eruption at Chirinkotan on 21 July may have produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE. A subsequent notice stated that ash was observed in images and then dissipated. SVERT reported that on 22 July a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images as well as steam-and-gas emissions. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow.

Sources: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)


6 May-12 May 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that on 10 May a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano on the 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 on 30 April a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano on the other days during 27 April-4 May. 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 during 17-18 April a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano on the 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 on 6 April a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images. Weak gas-and-steam emissions were noted on 8 April. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano on the 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 on 5 April a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano on the 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 on 27 March a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images. Cloud cover prevented views of the volcano on the 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 during 19-21 March a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow on 20 March.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


25 February-3 March 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

In a report from 4 March SVERT noted that weak steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were observed in January and February but that volcanic activity was not currently observed; the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


4 February-10 February 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that weak steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were detected in satellite images on 6 and 8 February. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 2-9 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 weak steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were detected in satellite images on 31 January. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 26 January-2 February. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


14 January-20 January 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that weak steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were detected in satellite images during 13-14 January. A thermal anomaly was visible on 13 and 15 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 steam-and-gas emissions detected in satellite images rose 3 km above Chirinkotan and drifted SE on 5 January. A thermal anomaly was visible during 8 and 10-11 January. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 6-12 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 a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images on 30 December. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 29 December-5 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


17 December-23 December 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images on 15 and 21 December. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 16-22 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 a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detecetd in satellite images during 10-11 and 13-14 December. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 8-15 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 of Chirinkotan showed a thermal anomaly during 2-5 and 7 December, and diffuse gas-and-steam emissions on 3 December. Cloud cover obscured views on the 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 since 21 November a thermal anomaly and increased gas-and-steam emissions at Chirinkotan were detected in satellite images. A thermal anomaly was detected on 25 November, and a diffuse steam-and-gas plume drifted 40 km SE on 27 November. Steam-and-gas emissions were again observed on 28 and 30 November. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


4 June-10 June 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that an eruption at Chirinkotan had begun on 24 May; thermal anomalies and gas emissions sometimes containing ash were detected in satellite images. On 5 June seldom and weak thermal anomalies suggested 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 of Chirinkotan showed gas-and-steam emissions on 7 May. Cloud cover obscured views on the 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 of Chirinkotan showed a thermal anomaly on 29 April. Cloud cover obscured views during 30 April-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 of Chirinkotan showed gas-and-steam emissions on 25 and 27 April. Cloud cover obscured views during 21-28 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 of Chirinkotan showed a thermal anomaly on 14, 15, and 17 April, and gas-and-steam emissions on 20 April. Cloud cover obscured views during 16, 18-19, and 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 satellite images of Chirinkotan showed gas-and-steam emissions on 9 April drifting more than 50 km SE. Cloud cover obscured views during 10-15 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 satellite images of Chirinkotan showed diffuse gas-and-steam emissions on 24 March and steam-and-gas plumes drifting 80-170 km SE during 26-27 March. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 25-31 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images drifting more than 80 km SE on 20 March. Diffuse steam-and-gas emissions were observed during 21-22 March. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 17-19 and 23-24 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 10 and 13 March. Steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 10 March and drifted more than 40 km SW on 12 March. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 11-17 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 4 March. Cloud cover obscured views during 5-10 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 25 February and gas-and-steam emissions were observed on 27 February. Cloud cover obscured views on 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 20 February. Cloud cover obscured views on 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 12 and 15 February, and steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 16 February. Cloud cover obscured views on other days during 11-17 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 8 February, and steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 21 January. Cloud cover obscured views during 22-27 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 15 and 17 January. Gas-and-steam emissions were also observed on 17 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)


8 January-14 January 2014 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 9 and 12 January. Cloud cover obscured views on the other days during 7-13 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 Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images during 25-26 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)


18 December-24 December 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 9, 12, 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)


11 December-17 December 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images on 9, 12, 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 weak thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was observed in satellite images during 2-4 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 Chirinkotan drifted more than 50 km on 25 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 on 22 November a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was observed. 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 during 13-15 November a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was observed, as well as steam-and-gas emissions during 14-15 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 during 4-6 November a thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was observed. Steam-and-gas emissions during 5-6 November drifted 55-100 km SE. 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 during 29-31 October, steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were detected in satellite images; thermal anomalies were also detected during this time. 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 during 21-25 October steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were detected in satellite images. A thermal anomaly was detected on 24 October. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


16 October-22 October 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that during 17-19 October a thermal anomaly from Chirinkotan was detected in satellite images along with gas-and-steam emissions drifting 30-60 km SE. Cloud cover prevented observations on the other days during 14-21 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 Chirinkotan 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

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that a possible thermal anomaly from Chirinkotan was observed on 12 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


7 August-13 August 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly and gas-and-steam emissions from Chirinkotan were observed on 5 and 9 August. A thermal anomaly was visible on 7 August, and possible gas-and-steam emissions were observed on 7 and 8 August. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


31 July-6 August 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Chirinkotan was observed during 29-31 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


24 July-30 July 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly from Chirinkotan was observed on 22 July. Weak steam-and-gas emissions and a weak thermal anomaly were observed on 25 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


17 July-23 July 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly and possible weak steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were observed on 16 and 18 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


10 July-16 July 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that weak steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were observed on 12 July and a thermal anomaly was detected during 12-13 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


3 July-9 July 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were observed on 3 July and a thermal anomaly was detected on 4 July. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


26 June-2 July 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that steam-and-gas emissions from Chirinkotan were detected on 25 and 26 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


19 June-25 June 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that a weak thermal anomaly over Chirinkotan was detected on 21 June. A thermal anomaly and steam-and-gas emissions were detected on 23 June.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


12 June-18 June 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that dense steam-and-gas emissions, possibly containing ash, rose from Chirinkotan on 11 June. A thermal anomaly was detected on 13 June, and diffuse steam-and-gas emissions were observed on 16 June.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


5 June-11 June 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that steam and gas activity at Chirinkotan was observed in satellite imagery on 5, 7, and 9 June.

Source: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT)


22 May-28 May 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

SVERT reported that steam and gas activity at Chirinkotan was observed in satellite imagery during 24-25 May.

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.

06/1980 (SEAN 05:06) Lava flows and ash explosions

04/1987 (SEAN 12:04) Ash and gas columns observed

12/2013 (BGVN 38:12) Gas-and-steam emissions and occasional thermal anomalies, beginning May 2013

12/2014 (BGVN 39:12) Through April 2015, thermal anomalies & gas-steam plumes continue

06/2017 (BGVN 42:06) Intermittent ash plumes and thermal anomalies June 2013-April 2017, site visit by Russian scientists, August 2015

10/2021 (BGVN 46:10) Explosions and intermittent ash plumes during August 2021

11/2022 (BGVN 47:11) Ash plume identified in satellite images on 7 October 2022




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


June 1980 (SEAN 05:06) Citation IconCite this Report

Lava flows and ash explosions

In April 1979, an eruption began from Chirinkotan volcano, which forms an isolated, uninhabited island about 3 km in diameter. Block lava flowed down the SSW flank in April and May. Ash explosions occurred regularly during the summer of 1979 and explosive activity increased in October. In January and April 1980, moderate explosions occurred 1-2 times per hour.

Information Contacts: G. Steinberg, Sakhalin Complex Institute.


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

Ash and gas columns observed

Chirinkotan was observed from the air 11, 12, and 31 October, and 2 November. A thick gas and ash column reached 700-800 m above the crater, and drifted 6-8 km downwind on 11 October. Intense gas emission occurred throughout the crater. On 12 October gas emission was less intense but a gas cloud reached 400-600 km high and was 3-4 km long despite a strong wind. By 31 October fumarolic activity had diminished significantly. On the E crater slope a few groups of large fumaroles were observed. A gas plume 200 m in diameter was 250 m high and 800-900 m long. Flank ashfall had been covered by snow that fell 12-13 October. Activity was similar on 2 November.

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


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

Gas-and-steam emissions and occasional thermal anomalies, beginning May 2013

In 1979-1980, an eruption at Chirinkotan included a series of ash explosions and a lava flow (SEAN 05:06). In October and November 1986, airborne observers saw a column of thick gas and ash, and then fumarolic activity (SEAN 12:04). This report discusses events during 2013 through April 2014. The location of Chirinkotan in the Kuril Islands is shown in figure 1.

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

According to the Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT), gas-and-steam emissions occurred frequently in 2013-2014 (table 1). The Aviation Color Code was Green on 24-25 May 2013, when emissions were first reported, but raised to Yellow during early June 2013, where it has remained through April 2014, the end of this report. The volcano was often obscured by clouds.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an M 8.3 earthquake occurred on 24 May 2013 beneath the Sea of Okhotsk, at a point is 656 km N of the volcano. The focal depth of the earthquake was ~ 600 km. The first reported gas-and-steam emission from Chirinkotan, which is in the Sea of Okhotsk, was on 24-25 May, suggesting a possible link between the two events.

Table 1. SVERT-reported dates on which gas-and-steam emissions were observed from 24 May 2013 through 30 April 2014, based on analysis of satellite images. Thermal alerts detected by SVERT and the MODVOLC satellite thermal alert system are also noted.

Date Comments
24-25 May 2013 Gas-and-steam emissions
05, 07, 09 Jun Gas-and-steam emissions
11 Jun Strong gas-and-steam emission, possibly with ash
13 Jun SVERT-reported thermal alert
16 Jun Gas-and-steam emissions
21 Jun SVERT-reported thermal alert
23 Jun Gas-and-steam emissions
03 Jul Gas-and-steam emissions
04 Jul SVERT-reported thermal alert
12 Jul Gas-and-steam emissions and SVERT-reported thermal alert on 12-13 Jul
16, 18 Jul Gas-and-steam emissions and SVERT-reported thermal alert
22 Jul MODVOLC thermal alert and SVERT-reported thermal alert
25 Jul Gas-and-steam emissions
29-31 Jul SVERT-reported thermal alert
02 Aug MODVOLC thermal alert
05-09 Aug Gas-and-steam emissions and SVERT-reported thermal alerts on 5, 7, and 9 Aug
12 Aug SVERT-reported thermal alert
01 Sep MODVOLC thermal alert (twice) and SVERT-reported thermal alert
28 Sep MODVOLC thermal alert
04 Oct MODVOLC thermal alert (3 pixels)
17-19 Oct Gas-and-steam emissions drifted 30-60 km SE and SVERT-reported thermal alert
21-25 Oct Gas-and-steam emissions and SVERT-reported thermal alert on 24 Oct
29-31 Oct Gas-and-steam emissions and SVERT-reported thermal alert
04 Nov MODVOLC thermal alert (2 pixels) and SVERT-reported thermal alert
05-06 Nov Gas-and-steam emissions drifted 55-100 km SE and  SVERT-reported thermal alerts
11 Nov MODVOLC thermal alert (2 pixels)
13 Nov MODVOLC thermal alert (2 times) and SVERT-reported thermal alert
14-15 Nov Gas-and-steam emissions and SVERT-reported thermal alert
22 Nov SVERT-reported thermal alert
25 Nov Gas-and-steam emissions drifted more than 50 km SE
27 Nov MODVOLC thermal alert
01 Dec MODVOLC thermal alert (4 pixels)
02-04, 9 Dec SVERT-reported thermal alerts
11 Dec MODVOLC thermal alert
12, 15 Dec SVERT-reported thermal alerts
18 Dec Gas-and-steam emissions
25-26 Dec SVERT-reported thermal alert
09, 12, 15 Jan 2014 SVERT-reported thermal alert
17 Jan Gas-and-steam emissions and SVERT-reported thermal alert
21 Jan SVERT-reported thermal alert
08 Feb MODVOLC thermal alert and SVERT-reported thermal alert
09 Feb Gas-and-steam emissions
12, 15 Feb SVERT-reported thermal alerts
16 Feb Gas-and-steam emissions
20, 25 Feb SVERT-reported thermal alert
27 Feb Gas-and-steam emissions
04 Mar SVERT-reported thermal alert
07 Mar MODVOLC thermal alert
08 Mar MODVOLC thermal alert (2 times, 3 pixels on Terra satellite)
12 Mar Gas-and-steam emissions drifted 80 km SE and MODVOLC thermal alert
17 Mar MODVOLC thermal alert
20 Mar Gas-and-steam emissions drifted 80 km SE
21-24 Mar Gas-and-steam emissions
26 Mar Gas-and-steam emissions drifted 80 km SE
27 Mar Gas-and-steam emissions drifted 170 km SE
09 Apr Gas-and-steam emissions drifted 170 km SE
14, 15, 17 Apr SVERT-reported thermal alert
20, 25, 27 Apr Gas-and-steam emissions
29 Apr SVERT-reported thermal alert

Information Contacts: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT) (URL in English: http://www.imgg.ru/?id_d=659); 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/); and Earthquake Hazards Program, US Geological Survey (URL: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/).


December 2014 (BGVN 39:12) Citation IconCite this Report

Through April 2015, thermal anomalies & gas-steam plumes continue

This Bulletin report discusses activity at Chirinkotan from May 2014 to late-April 2015. The information presented here was primarily sourced from the Sakhalin Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (SVERT). SVERT is in charge of monitoring volcanic activity within the Kuril Islands from Onekotan in the N to Kunashir in the S (figure 2). The volcano also forms an island of the same name. Figure 1 in BGVN 38:12 provides a view of Chirinkotan's location within the Kuril Islands.

Our last Bulletin report (BGVN 38:12) recorded Chirinkotan activity that occurred from May 2013 to April 2014. During that interval, gas-and-steam emissions and thermal alerts were frequently observed and reported (table 1 in BGVN 38:12).

Figure (see Caption) Figure 2. Maps highlighting the location of Chirinkotan, within the Kuril Islands. On the larger map, Chirinkotan is represented by a red dot directly above the label "Chirinkotan." The map also shows the other islands of the Kuril archipelago, which are located between the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia, top center) and Hokkaido (Japan, lower left). Also marked on this map are appoximate seafloor convergence rates (arrows) and the location of the trench's E margin (heavy dashed line). The index map, in the top left corner, shows the general area in which the Kuril Islands are located. 'KC' represents the Kamchatka Current and 'SWC' represents the Soya warm current. Image taken from Belousov and others (2009).

May 2014 to late-April 2015. Due to similarities between Chirinkotan's activity from May 2014 through late-April 2015 and May 2013-April 2014 (BGVN 38:12), we once again use a table to summarize Chirinkotan's activity.

Due to their inaccessibility, SVERT relies on satellite monitoring to monitor volcanic activity within the Kuril Islands. On the basis of those observations, SVERT often reported thermal anomalies and gas-and-steam emissions at Chirinkotan during this reporting interval (May 2014 to late April 2015). SVERT frequently reported that clouds obscured views of Chirinkotan, which halted collection of satellite data.

SVERT also reports Chirinkotan's Aviation Color Code (ACC). The ACC is a four color scale used by some volcano observatories and the aviation community to communicate volcanic-ash hazards of a volcano. The colors in order of increasing volcanic activity are Green, Yellow, Orange and Red.

In an overview, the ACC stood at Yellow during the following periods: May 2014 to the beginning of June 2014; late November 2014 to late February 2015; and from mid-March to late April 2015. SVERT reported Chirinkotan's ACC as Green during June to late November 2014 and early March 2015.

Table 2 summarizes available SVERT data on Chirinkotan's activity. The table is divided into two columns labeled Date and Comments. The Date column refers to the week during which Chirinkotan activity was observed or reported by SVERT. The Comments column details Chirinkotan's ACC and what activity occurred at Chirinkotan on a particular day or during a particular week.

Table 2. Table condensing Chirinkotan's activity and cases where cloud cover hindered observations between May 2014 and late April 2015. The information in the table was observed in satellite data by SVERT personnel. Bulletin editors gathered this information from available SVERT material (generally published on the end date of the date ranges in the left column).

Date Comments
29 Apr-5 May 2014

ACC: Yellow

29 April: Weak thermal anomaly

Cloud cover often obscured view of Chirinkotan

06-12 May 2014

ACC: Yellow

7 May: Gas-and-steam emission

Cloud cover often obscured view

13-19 May 2014 ACC: Yellow

Chirinkotan covered by clouds during this entire week

03-09 Jun 2014

ACC: Green (according to 6 June 2014 SVERT report)

24 May: Eruption began. Clear thermal anomalies and gas-and-steam emissions. Ash sometimes observed in gas-and-steam emissions

4-5 June: Weak thermal anomalies

5 June: Thermal anomalies possibly due to lava flow

Cloud cover not mentioned in available SVERT material

25 Nov-01 Dec 2014

ACC: Yellow (according to 27 November 2014 SVERT report)

Since 21 November: Thermal anomaly and increased steam-gas

25 November: Thermal anomaly

27 November: Gas-and-steam emission extended 40 km SE

28 and 30 November: Weak gas-and-steam emissions

On other days, obscured by clouds

02-08 Dec 2014

ACC: Yellow

2-5 and 7 December: Thermal anomaly

3 December: Weak gas-and-steam emission

Chirinkotan sometimes hidden by clouds

09-15 Dec 2014 ACC: Yellow

10-11 and 13-14 December: Thermal anomaly

On other days, Chirinkotan hidden by clouds

16-22 Dec 2014

ACC: Yellow

15 and 21 December: Thermal anomaly

Clouds often obscured views of Chirinkotan

30 Dec 2014-

05 Jan 2015

ACC: Yellow

30 December 2014: Thermal anomaly

5 January 2015: Gas-and-steam emissions to an altitude of 3 km drifting SE

Clouds often obscured views

06-12 Jan 2015 ACC: Yellow

8 and 10-11 January: Thermal anomaly

Clouds obscured Chirinkotan on other days

13-19 Jan 2015

ACC: Yellow

13-14 January: Weak gas-and-steam emissions

13 and 15 January: Thermal anomaly

Clouds obscured Chirinkotan on other days

27 Jan-02 Feb 2015

ACC: Yellow

31 January: Weak gas-and-steam emissions

Clouds obscured Chirinkotan on other days

03-09 Feb 2015 ACC: Yellow

6 and 8 February: Weak gas-and-steam emissions

Chirinkotan obscured by clouds on other days

04 Mar 2015 ACC: Green (according to 4 March 2015 SVERT report)
17-23 Mar 2015

ACC: Yellow (according to 20 March 2015 issued SVERT report)

19-20 March: Thermal anomaly

20 March 2015 SVERT report noted activation due to observed thermal anomalies

Chirinkotan often obscured by clouds

24-30 Mar 2015

ACC: Yellow

27 March: Thermal anomaly

Clouds obscured Chirinkotan on other days

31 Mar-06 Apr 2015

ACC: Yellow

5 April: Thermal anomaly

Chirinkotan often obscured by clouds

07-13 Apr 2015

ACC: Yellow

6 April: Thermal anomaly

8 April: Weak gas-and-steam emissions

11 April: Satellite observations indicated volcanic activity was occurring

Chirinkotan often obscured by clouds

14-20 Apr 2015

ACC: Yellow

17-18 April: Thermal anomaly

Clouds obscured Chirinkotan on other days

21-27 Apr 2015

ACC: Yellow

During 20-26 April, obscured by clouds

References. Belousov, A., Belousova, M., and Miller, T., 2009, Kurile Islands, pp 520-525 in: Encyclopedia of Islands, Gillespie, R. and Clague D., eds., University of California Press, 1111 pp., accessed on 29 April 2015, (URL: http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/lavdi/staff/belousov/kuriles-2009.pdf).

Information Contacts: Sakhalin Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (SVERT), Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics (IMG&G) Far East Division Russian Academy of Sciences (FED RAS), 1B Science St., Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 693022, Russia (URL: http://www.imgg.ru/).


June 2017 (BGVN 42:06) Citation IconCite this Report

Intermittent ash plumes and thermal anomalies June 2013-April 2017, site visit by Russian scientists, August 2015

The remote island of Chirinkotan is in the Northern Kuril Islands at the southern end of the Sea of Okhotsk, about 320 km SW of the tip of Kamchatka, Russia. It is an outlier about 40 km NW of the main Kuril Islands Arc. There have been very few historical observations of activity at Chirinkotan, although there is at least one confirmed 19th century observation of lava flows. A short-lived event that resulted in a small, low-level ash plume-and-gas plume was seen in satellite imagery on 20 July 2004 (Neal et al., 2005). Volcanic activity resumed in mid-2013, with intermittent ash plumes, thermal anomalies, and block lava flows reported through April 2017. The volcano is monitored by the Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT) of the Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics (Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Science), and aviation alerts are issued by the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC).

A new eruptive phase began with a likely ash emission on 11 June 2013. Intermittent thermal anomalies and gas-and-steam emissions were reported for the next 12 months, sometimes drifting up to 100 km, usually SE. Renewed thermal anomalies and gas emissions were recorded during clear weather beginning on 21 November 2014. Two ash plumes observed in late July 2015 were the likely sources of fresh ashfall and block lava flows sampled during a visit by Russian geoscientists on 9 August 2015. A gas-and-steam plume on 17 November 2015 was the last activity observed, except for low-level thermal anomalies, until a substantial ash plume was captured in satellite data at 8.8 km altitude over a year later on 29 November 2016. Additional ash plumes were observed in satellite data once in late January, and twice each in March and April 2017.

Activity during May 2013-June 2014. After no reports of activity since July 2004, SVERT observed gas-and-steam emissions in satellite imagery beginning in late May 2013. They raised the Alert Level from Green to Yellow (on the four level Green-Yellow-Orange-Red scale) sometime between 27 May and 10 June. The first likely ash emission was reported on 11 June, followed by a thermal anomaly detected on 13 June. Thermal anomalies continued to be detected by SVERT during June and July 2013. The first MODVOLC thermal alert was reported on 22 July; they were reported monthly after that through 11 December 2013, with several days of multiple-pixel alerts. SVERT also noted thermal anomalies and gas-and-steam emissions during August through December, including plumes drifting 30-60 km SE during 17-19 October, 55-100 km SE during 5-6 November, and more than 50 km SE on 25 November.

From the beginning of January 2014 through early June, persistent thermal anomalies were observed in clear imagery nearly every week by SVERT, along with intermittent steam-and-gas emissions. Several times during March, plumes were observed drifting 80-170 km SE. MODVOLC thermal alerts were reported on 8 February, 4 days in March (four pixels on 8 March), and twice on 27 May. SVERT reported that beginning on 24 May, gas emissions containing ash were detected in satellite images. A decrease in thermal anomalies observed by SVERT led them to lower the Alert Level to Green on 5 June 2014.

Activity during November 2014-July 2015. SVERT raised the Alert Level back to Yellow in late November 2014, citing new thermal anomalies beginning on 21 November followed by intermittent steam-and-gas emissions. A plume was observed drifting 40 km SE on 27 November. A new MODVOLC thermal alert appeared on 4 December. SVERT reported thermal anomalies and diffuse gas-and-steam plumes during December 2014 and January-February 2015. Emissions were detected 3 km above Chirinkotan drifting SE on 5 January 2015. MODVOLC reported two thermal alert pixels on 7 January and one on 10 January.

SVERT briefly lowered the Alert Level to Green between 4 and 20 March when no activity was detected. Thermal anomalies were reported again beginning on 19 March; they were noted weekly along with intermittent gas-and-steam emissions through mid-May when the Alert Level was lowered back to Green again on 19 May.

MODVOLC reported a three-pixel thermal alert on 20 July 2015 (local time). The Tokyo VAAC reported an eruption on 21 July (local time) with an ash plume rising to 3.7 km altitude drifting SE. The plume was observed in satellite imagery for about 2 hours before dissipating. SVERT reported a thermal anomaly and steam-and-gas emissions on 22 July, and the Alert Level was raised to Yellow. Another ash plume was reported by the Tokyo VAAC on 26 July rising to an altitude of 4.6 km and drifting NW for several hours before dissipating.

Expedition during August 2015. Scientists from the Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics (IMGiG) of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences visited Chirinkotan on 9 August 2015. While there, they observed steaming from a recent blocky lava flow near the coast (figure 3), hiked to the summit, and collected data about volcanic and biological activity on the island. A group of researchers climbed to the edge of the summit crater at 600 m elevation, where clouds prevented clear views of the crater (figure 4), however the strong odor of sulfur and noise from fumarolic activity was noted. The scientists sampled the fresh pyroclastic rocks. When the visibility improved, the depth of the crater was observed to be about 150 m; an extrusive dome in the center had a vent on the top emitting gas.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 3. Steam rising from recent lava flow at Chirinkotan that reached the coastline, 9 August 2015. Courtesy of IMGiG (Diary of the Kurils 2015 Expedition, 7-9 August 2015, http://imgg.ru/ru/news/111 ).
Figure (see Caption) Figure 4. Fieldwork at the summit crater rim of Chirinkotan, 9 August 2015. Courtesy of IMGiG. (Diary of the Kurils 2015 Expedition, 7-9 August 2015, http://imgg.ru/ru/news/111 ).

The upper flank of the volcano was strewn with ash and bombs (from 2-3 cm to several meters in diameter). Scientists observed recently buried and charred living vegetation, and nesting birds freshly killed by volcanic ash and bombs, indicating a very recent event (figure 5). The botanists in the research group noted that all of the vegetation on the upper and middle flanks had been killed 2-3 years ago in a major event, likely during the start of the 2013 eruptive cycle. Ash deposits ranged in thickness from a few centimeters near the coast to 8-15 cm near the summit. During a survey of a pyroclastic flow on the SW coast, scientists noted that it was still hot on the surface (40-60°?) and consisted of block lava, bombs, and volcanic ash (figure 6).

Figure (see Caption) Figure 5. Evidence of recent explosive activity at Chirinkotan. Top: recently burned vegetation from a volcanic bomb on the flank. Bottom: living vegetation buried in recent volcanic ash, 9 August 2015. Courtesy of IMGiG (Diary of the Kurils 2015 Expedition, 7-9 August 2015, http://imgg.ru/ru/news/111 ).
Figure (see Caption) Figure 6. Still-hot debris from a block lava flow on Chirinkotan, 9 August 2015. Courtesy of IMGiG (Diary of the Kurils 2015 Expedition, 7-9 August 2015, http://imgg.ru/ru/news/111 ).

Activity during November 2015-April 2017. As a result of the direct observations of the recent eruption on the island, SVERT raised the Alert Level to Orange on 11 August 2015. There were no further reports available from SVERT until 17 November when gas-and-steam emissions were detected, and the Aviation Color Code was reported as Yellow. SVERT reported on 7 December 2015 that the ACC had been lowered to Green. Although SVERT did not report renewed activity from Chirinkotan until it issued a VONA on 29 November 2016 and raised the Alert Level to Yellow, the MIROVA thermal anomaly detection system indicated intermittent low-level anomalies between late May and early October 2016 (figure 7), indicating a heat source on the island.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 7. MIROVA data of Log Radiative Power at Chirinkotan for the year ending on 31 January 2017 showing a weak but persistent thermal anomaly between late May and early October 2016. Courtesy of MIROVA.

The Tokyo VAAC issued a report of a volcanic ash plume from an eruption on 29 November (local time) 2016. The plume rose to 8.8 km altitude and drifted N. It was observed in satellite imagery for about 9 hours before dissipating. SVERT briefly raised the ACC to Yellow between 29 November and 2 December. They noted that the ash plume was observed drifting 39 km N. A new report of ash emissions came from the Tokyo VAAC on 26 January 2017, with an ash plume at 3.7 km drifting SE observed in the Himawari-8 satellite imagery. SVERT raised the alert level to Yellow on 27 January (UTM) 2017 and also noted ash emissions on 29 January drifting SE to a maximum distance of 105 km. They lowered the Alert Level to Green on 1 February 2017.

A new ash plume was observed by the Tokyo VAAC on 1 March (local time) 2017 at an altitude of 5.5 km. When SVERT raised the Aviation Color Code to Yellow on 2 March, they noted that the plume had drifted 165 km E. They lowered the ACC back to Green on 6 March. The Tokyo VAAC reported a new ash plume at 6.1 km extending SE early on 21 March 2017. SVERT reported the emission at 15 km E of the volcano when they raised the ACC to Yellow a short while later. They noted on 24 March, when they lowered the ACC to Green, that the maximum extent of the ash cloud had been about 50 km SE.

On 31 March 2017, the Tokyo VAAC issued an advisory for an ash plume at 6.7 km altitude drifting E, and SVERT raised the Alert Level to Yellow the next day. They reported the ash plume drifting 165 km NE before dissipating. Another plume on 7 April was observed by the Tokyo VAAC at 3.7 km altitude drifting SE. SVERT reported the plume at 5 km altitude drifting NE. SVERT lowered the ACC to Green on 24 April 2017.

Reference: Neal C A, McGimsey R G, Dixon J, Melnikov D, 2005. 2004 volcanic activity in Alaska and Kamchatka: summary of events and response of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. U S Geol Surv, Open-File Rpt, 2005-1308: 1-67.

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); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), 1-3-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/); Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, (FEB RAS IMGiG), 693 022 Russia, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, ul. Science 1B (URL: http://imgg.ru/ru); 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/); 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/).


October 2021 (BGVN 46:10) Citation IconCite this Report

Explosions and intermittent ash plumes during August 2021

Chirinkotan is a small 3-km-wide remote island located in the Northern Kuril Islands at the southern end of the Sea of Okhotsk, about 320 km SW of the tip of Kamchatka, Russia. Historical eruptions have been recorded since the 18th century and one confirmed eruption in the 19th century reported lava flows. More recently, an eruption that began in late November 2016 consisted of intermittent ash plumes (BGVN 42:06). This report covers brief activity during August-September 2021 characterized by explosions and ash plumes, according to information from daily, weekly, and special reports from the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), the Sakhalin Volcanic Eruption Response Team (SVERT), the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), and satellite data.

There were no reports of significant activity during May 2017 through July 2021. Few low-power thermal anomalies were recorded by the MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity) system during March through September 2021, with periods of no thermal activity (figure 8). No anomalies were detected December 2020-February 2021, May, and August. Three thermal anomalies were detected during March, two during April, four during June, four during July, and four during the end of September.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 8. MIROVA (Log Radiative Power) thermal data for Chirinkotan during March-September 2021 showing low-power thermal activity. Three thermal anomalies were detected during March, two during April, four during June, four during July, and four during the end of September. No anomalies were detected during December 2020-February 2021, May, and August. Courtesy of MIROVA.

A new eruptive phase began with an explosion at 1745 on 8 August that produced an ash plume that rose to 2-2.7 km altitude and drifted 86 km WSW and SW. As a result, KVERT raised the Aviation Color Code (ACC) to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). KVERT, SVERT, and 33 ash advisories from the Tokyo VAAC reported continuing ash events through 23 August. Notable events were recorded in the KVERT VONAs (Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation), including an ash cloud that grew to 13 km by 10 km and rose as high as 3.7 km altitude and drifted 26-30 km SSE and S at 1915 on 9 August. A thermal anomaly was observed on 8-9 August. An explosive event at 0855 on 10 August generated an ash plume that grew to 14 km by 11 km that rose to 2-2.5 km altitude and drifted 70 km W. A thermal anomaly was also visible. Three explosive events were reported on 14 August, one of which occurred at 1315, generating an ash cloud that grew to 17 km by 15 km that rose to 3-3.9 km altitude and drifted 13 km SSE. Another explosion on 15 August at 0945 produced an ash plume that rose to 2.5-3 km altitude and drifted 8 km S. On 16 August at 1010 an explosion and its accompanying ash plume rose to 3.5-5 km altitude and drifted 23 km E. On 18 August an explosion at 1110 produced an ash plume that grew to 20 km by 27 km and rose to 2-3 km altitude and drifted 7 km NE and as far as 100 km SE. Satellite data showed a thermal anomaly on 20 and 23 August. Ash plumes continued to be reported rising to 1.2-4.5 km altitude and drifting as far as 125 km S, E, SE, and SW through 23 August; on 23 August ash from an explosion at 0935 rose to 1.5-2.5 km altitude and extended 8 km SW, and later to a maximum distance of 126 km W. According to the Tokyo VAAC, ash plumes rose to 2.7-4.9 km altitude that drifted S, NE, and SW during 18 and 23 August. SVERT reported that ash plumes were detected at 2.5-3.5 km altitude and drifted S and SW during 23-26 August.

On 10 September KVERT reported that the activity had decreased with no further ash plumes reported, prompting the ACC to lower to Yellow. Moderate gas-and-steam emissions continued to be detected, however, and by 16 September the ACC was lowered again to Green (the lowest on a four-color scale).

Information Contacts: Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 9 Piip Blvd., Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia (URL: http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert/); 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); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), 1-3-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8122, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/); 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/).


November 2022 (BGVN 47:11) Citation IconCite this Report

Ash plume identified in satellite images on 7 October 2022

Chirinkotan is a 3-km-wide island volcano in the northern Kuril Islands about 320 km SW off the tip of Kamchatka, Russia (figure 9). Eruptions have been recorded since the 18th century and one confirmed eruption in the 19th century included lava flows. More recently, an eruption that began in late November 2016 consisted of intermittent ash plumes (BGVN 42:06), and activity during August-September 2021 was characterized by explosions and ash plumes. The volcano is monitored by the Sakhalin Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (SVERT) and by satellite data.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 9. Sentinel-2 satellite image of Chirinkotan on 8 August 2022. The island is about 3 km in diameter. Image using “Natural Color” rendering (bands 4, 3, 2). Courtesy of Sentinel Hub Playground. Courtesy of Sentinel Hub Playground.

SVERT reported that an ash plume was identified in satellite images at 1030 local time on 7 October 2022 rising to an altitude of 3.5-4 km (2.8-3.3 km above the summit) and drifting 80 km ESE. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale). Due to an absence of subsequent activity, SVERT lowered the Aviation Color Code back to Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale) on 10 October.

During the year ending in October 2022, Sentinel-2 satellite views of the volcano were usually obscured by weather clouds. When clear views were possible, white gas emissions were often visible, but no thermal anomalies were detected. The MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity) system recorded a few scattered hotspots during the year 2022, with more anomalies during July and August 2022 (figure 10). No thermal alerts were recorded by MODIS sensors aboard the Aqua and Terra satellites and processed using the MODVOLC algorithm during the reporting period.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 10. The MIROVA graph of thermal activity (Log Radiative Power) at Chirinkotan during 2022 shows scattered thermal anomalies of mostly low radiative power, with more hotspots during July and August. Courtesy of MIROVA.

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); 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/); Sentinel Hub Playground (URL: https://www.sentinel-hub.com/explore/sentinel-playground).

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 11 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

2022 Oct 7 - 2022 Oct 7 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
2022 Oct 7 - 2022 Oct 7 Evidence from Observations: Reported
 An ash plume was identified in satellite images at 1030 on 7 October 2022 rising to 3.5-4 km (2.8-3.3 km above the summit) and drifting 80 km ESE.

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2022 Oct 7    - - - - Ash Plume Ash plume was identified in satellite images at 1030 local time on 7 October 2022 rising to an altitude of 3.5-4 km (2.8-3.3 km above the summit) and drifting 80 km ESE.
2022 Oct 7    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 2

2021 Aug 8 - 2021 Aug 26 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
2021 Aug 8 - 2021 Aug 26 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2021 Aug 8    - - - - Explosion
2021 Aug 8    - - - - Ash Plume
2021 Aug 16    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 2

2016 Nov 29 - 2017 Apr 7 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Summit crater
2016 Nov 29 - 2017 Apr 7 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 10 Events for Episode 1 at Summit crater

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2016 Nov 29    - - - - Ash Plume SVERT reported that an ash plume was visible in satellite images rising to an altitude of 8.8 km and drifting 39 km N. It was observed in satellite imagery for about 9 hours before dissipating.
2016 Nov 29    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 3
2017 Jan 26    - - - - Ash Plume Based on satellite images, the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3.7 km and drifted SE.
2017 Jan 29    - - - - Ash Plume SVERT noted ash emissions drifting SE to a maximum distance of 105 km.
2017 Mar 1    - - - - Ash Plume Based on satellite images, SVERT reported that on an ash plume rose to an altitude of 5.5 km and drifted 165 km E.
2017 Mar 21    - - - - Ash Plume Based on satellite images, SVERT reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 6.1 km and drifted 15 km E. SVERT reported that the maximum extent of the ash cloud had been about 50 km SE.
2017 Mar 21    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 3
2017 Mar 31    - - - - Ash Plume The Tokyo VAAC issued an advisory for an ash plume at 6.7 km altitude drifting E. SVERT reported that the plume drifted 165 km NE.
2017 Mar 31    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 3
2017 Apr 7    - - - - Ash Plume An ash plume was observed by the Tokyo VAAC at 3.7 km altitude drifting SE. SVERT reported the plume at 5 km altitude drifting NE.

2014 Nov 21 - 2015 Aug 10 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Summit crater
2014 Nov 21 - 2015 Aug 10 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 21 Events for Episode 1 at Summit crater

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2014 Nov 21 2014 Nov 25 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported thermal anomalies and increased gas-and-steam emissions on 21 and 25 November.
2014 Dec 2 2014 Dec 30 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images showed thermal anomalies during 2-5, 7, 10-11, 13-15, 21 and 30 December.
2014 Dec 4    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal anomaly was issued.
2015 Jan 7    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 Jan 8 2015 Jan 15 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was visible during 8, 10-11, 13, and 15 January 2015.
2015 Jan 10    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2015 Mar 19 2015 Mar 27 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that during 19-21 and 27 March a thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images.
2015 Apr 5 2015 Apr 30 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that on 5-6, 17-18, and 30 April a thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images.
2015 May 10    - - - - Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images.
2015 Jul 19    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Three MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 Jul 21    - - - - Ash Plume Based on satellite image observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that a possible eruption may have produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 3.7 km and drifted SE.
2015 Jul 21    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 2
2015 Jul 22    - - - - Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was detected in satellite images.
2015 Jul 26    - - - - Ash Plume Based on satellite image observations, the Tokyo VAAC reported that a possible eruption may have produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 4.6 km and drifted NW.
2015 Aug 9
(in or before)
   - - - - Pyroclastic flow During a survey of a pyroclastic flow on the SW coast, scientists noted that it was still hot on the surface (40-60°?) and consisted of block lava, bombs, and volcanic ash.
2015 Aug 9
(in or before)
   - - - - Ashfall The upper flank of the volcano was strewn with ash and bombs (from 2-3 cm to several meters in diameter). Ash deposits ranged in thickness from a few centimeters near the coast to 8-15 cm near the summit.
2015 Aug 9
(in or before)
   - - - - Lava flow Scientists from the Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics (IMGiG) of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences visited Chirinkotan on 9 August 2015. While there, they observed steaming from a recent blocky lava flow near the coast.
2015 Aug 9
(in or before)
   - - - - Lava dome The depth of the crater was observed to be about 150 m; an extrusive dome in the center had a vent on the top emitting gas.
2015 Aug 9
(in or before)
   - - - - Bombs The upper flank of the volcano was strewn with ash and bombs (from 2-3 cm to several meters in diameter).
2015 Aug 9    - - - - Fumarolic or Solfataric A group of researchers climbed to the edge of the summit crater at 600 m elevation, where the strong odor of sulfur and noise from fumarolic activity was noted.
2015 Aug 9
(in or before)
   - - - - Fauna Kill Scientists observed recently buried and charred living vegetation, and nesting birds freshly killed by volcanic ash and bombs, indicating a very recent event.

2013 Jun 11 - 2014 Jun 1 ± 4 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Summit crater
2013 Jun 11 - 2014 Jun 1 ± 4 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 24 Events for Episode 1 at Summit crater

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2013 Jun 11    - - - - Ash Plume Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that dense steam-and-gas emissions, possibly containing ash, rose from Chirinkotan.
2013 Jun 13 2013 Sep 1 Thermal Anomaly A thermal anomaly was first detected by SVERT on 13 June 2013. Based on analysis of satellite images, SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly and possible weak steam-and-gas emissions were observed weekly through 1 September.
2013 Jul 22    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Aug 2    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Sep 1    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2013 Sep 19    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Sep 28    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2013 Oct 17 2014 Mar 13 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that a thermal anomaly was observed in satellite images multiple days most weeks.
2013 Nov 4    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2013 Nov 11 2013 Nov 13 Thermal Anomaly Four MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2013 Nov 27    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2013 Dec 1    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Four MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2013 Dec 11    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Feb 8    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Mar 7 2014 Mar 8 Thermal Anomaly Five MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2014 Mar 12    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Mar 17    - - - - Thermal Anomaly A MODVOLC thermal alert was issued.
2014 Apr 14 2014 Apr 29 Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported that satellite images of Chirinkotan showed a thermal anomaly on 14, 15, 17 and 29 April 2014.
2014 May 24    - - - - Ash Plume SVERT reported that an eruption at Chirinkotan had begun; thermal anomalies and gas emissions sometimes containing ash were detected in satellite images.
2014 May 24 2014 Jun 5 Lava flow SVERT interpreted thermal anomalies as a lava flow, cooling on 4-5 June.
2014 May 24    - - - - Thermal Anomaly SVERT reported clear thermal anomalies and gas and steam emissions.
2014 May 24    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 1
2014 May 27    - - - - Thermal Anomaly Two MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2014 Jun 4 2014 Jun 5 Thermal Anomaly Infrequent and weak thermal anomalies suggested cooling lava flows to SVERT.

2004 Jul 20 - 2004 Jul 20 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
2004 Jul 20 - 2004 Jul 20 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
2004 Jul 20    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1986 Oct 11 - 1986 Oct 12 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption
1986 Oct 11 - 1986 Oct 12 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity weak or small
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1986 Oct 11    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1979 Apr 16 ± 15 days - 1980 Oct 10 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
1979 Apr 16 ± 15 days - 1980 Oct 10 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow Entered water.
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1979 Apr    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1955 Jul 2 (?) ± 182 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Floor of summit explosion crater
1955 Jul 2 (?) ± 182 days - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Floor of summit explosion crater

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Cinder Cone
   - - - -    - - - - Scoria
1955
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1900 ± 10 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
1900 ± 10 years - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

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

1884 ± 6 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 0

Episode 1 | Eruption North foot of inner summit cone
1884 ± 6 years - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at North foot of inner summit cone

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow Entered water.
1884 ± 6 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1760 (?) ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1760 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion Uncertain
1760
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Chirinkotan.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Chirinkotan.

GVP Map Holdings

Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.

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.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

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

External Sites