Logo link to homepage

Avachinsky

Photo of this volcano
  • Russia
  • Stratovolcano
  • 2001 CE
  •  
  • Country
  • Primary Volcano Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  •  
  • 53.256°N
  • 158.836°E

  • 2717 m
    8914 ft

  • 300100
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number
Most Recent Weekly Report: 7 May-13 May 2008 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption plume from Avachinsky rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S and E on 10 May. [Note: KVERT did not detect ash on satellite imagery nor by direct observation.]

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)


Most Recent Bulletin Report: August 2010 (BGVN 35:08) Citation IconCite this Report

Shallow earthquakes in 2005; plume in 2008

This report discusses Avachinsky in 2001-2010. Following lava flows emitted in 1991 (BGVN 16:12), Avachinsky generated near-daily fumarolic plumes and generally low (background) seismicity (figure 3). The escaping gases contained sufficient sulfur to construct an area of sulfurous deposits at a prominent NW-trending crack on the SW rim of the summit crater. In 2001 a series of minor earthquakes were sometimes accompanied by gas-and-steam plumes (some with ash) (BGVN 26:11). Weak fumarolic activity and small mudflows also were observed.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 3. View of Avachinsky volcano from the W on 24 March 2004. From Droznin and others (2004?).

By November 2001, seismic activity had declined to background levels where it apparently remained until 2005. On 8 November 2005, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that the number and energy of shallow earthquakes below Avachinsky had increased during the previous month. A weak thermal anomaly near the volcano's summit was visible on satellite imagery on 7 November. Seismicity increased significantly on 21 November, with very shallow earthquakes and several hybrid earthquakes. A weak thermal anomaly near the summit was visible on satellite imagery during 20-21 November.

During 2006 moderate fumarolic activity occurred, producing a steam plume about 700 m above crater. Seismicity was at background levels, with occasional weak seismic events at 500 m depth.

On 10 May 2008, a plume from Avachinsky rose to an altitude of 4.3 km and drifted S and E. KVERT did not detect ash by direct observation or on satellite imagery.

Cross-sectional view. A topographical profile of the volcano (figure 4) shows the inferred geothermal reservoir. The possible drill hole (dark line) and plant are only in proposal stages.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 4. Inferred boundaries of geothermal reservoirs (dashed line) in vertical cross-sections of the Avachinsky volcano. Circles depict earthquake hypocenters associated with a steam eruption in 2001 (data from four stations, Kamchatka EMSD GS RAS). From Droznin and others (2004?).

Droznin and others (2004?) note that "The heat discharge of the fumaroles may be estimated based on the geometrical characteristics of their clouds, taking into account local meteorological conditions.... The Avachinsky volcano fumaroles have been monitored since 2003 for the purpose of using the size of the fumaroles clouds to estimate the corresponding heat discharge. Its worth noting, that the real size of the thermo-clouds may be estimated only when there is 100% air saturation.

"The October 2001 eruption revealed an active steam-dominated reservoir below the lava plug of 1991. The swarm of the earthquakes hypocenters synchronized with the eruption 2001, showing the true geometrical size of the steam-dominated reservoir [figure 4]. This 1-km radius reservoir extends from the elevation of the lava plug at 2,750 m a.s.l. to -1,000 m a.s.l., where some north east trend shifting of the reservoir occurs. Similar earthquake distributions were detected in 2004."

Reference. Droznin, V.A., Dubrovskaya, I.K., Kiryukhin, A.V., Chernykh, E.V., Senyukov, S.L., and Ivanysko G.O., 2004(?), Avachinsky volcano geothermal reservoir based on fumaroles activity and seismological network data; (undated) Report of the Institute of Volcanology FEB RAS, Piip-9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, 683006.

Information Contacts: Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Far East Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, 9 Piip Blvd., Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia (URL: http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, Tokyo, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/); Kamchatkan Experimental and Methodical Seismological Department (KEMSD), Geophysical service, Russian Academy of Science (URL: http://www.emsd.iks.ru/index-e.php).

Weekly Reports - Index


2008: May
2005: November
2001: October


7 May-13 May 2008 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption plume from Avachinsky rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S and E on 10 May. [Note: KVERT did not detect ash on satellite imagery nor by direct observation.]

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)


16 November-22 November 2005 Citation IconCite this Report

Seismic activity at Avachinsky began to increase significantly on 21 November, with very shallow earthquakes and several hybrid earthquakes recorded at the volcano during 0800-2400. A weak thermal anomaly near the volcano's summit was visible on satellite imagery during 20-21 November. KVERT reported that based on these changes, the possibility of sudden ash explosions had increased. The Concern Color Code remained at Yellow as it has since 8 November.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


2 November-8 November 2005 Citation IconCite this Report

KVERT reported on 8 November that the number and energy of shallow earthquakes below Avachinsky increased during the previous month. A weak thermal anomaly near the volcano's summit was visible on satellite imagery on 7 November. KVERT reported that based on these changes the possibility of sudden ash explosions at Avachinsky had increased, so the Concern Color Code was raised from Green to Yellow on 8 November.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


31 October-6 November 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

During 26 October to 2 November seismicity was at background levels, with only weak earthquakes detected (magnitudes less than or equal to 1.2). During 29 October to 1 November, when the volcano was visible, weak-to-powerful gas-and-steam emissions were observed extending to the SE and E. The Concern Color Code was reduced from Yellow to Green.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


24 October-30 October 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

During 19-26 October several gas-and-steam plumes rose above Avachinsky's crater, with the highest plume reaching 1 km and extending 20 km to the SE on 20 October. Seismic activity continued above background levels; ten earthquakes occurred with magnitudes of 1.3-2.1. The volcano remained at Concern Color Code Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


17 October-23 October 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

During 12-19 October gas-and-steam plumes rose above Avachinsky's crater and until 18 October seismicity was at background levels or was not registered. During 18 and 19 October a series of weak local earthquakes were detected ~700 m beneath the summit. On 17 October a fracture was observed in the lava dome that extended E-SE and W-NW, joining the hottest parts of the edifice. The fracture extended 100-150 m down the flanks of the cone.The volcano remained at Concern Color Code Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


10 October-16 October 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

Intense gas-and-steam plumes rose above the volcano several times during 6-11 October, with the highest plume climbing 500 m. During the report period, weak fumarolic activity occurred and seismicity was at background levels. Satellite imagery on 2 October showed a broad band of warm ground that appeared to follow the rim of the crater, with a small area of warm ground in the center of the crater. The volcano remained at Concern Color Code Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


3 October-9 October 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

During 25 August until at least 5 October several earthquakes, with magnitudes between 1.2 and 2.5, were detected near Avachinsky. On 5 October at 0759 an earthquake inside the volcano's edifice was accompanied by a small gas-and-steam explosion with small amounts of ash that rose less than 1 km above the crater. A thin layer of ash covered the SE sector of the volcano's edifice. The same day at 1000 larger gas-and-steam plumes were observed rising above the volcano. Mudflows traveled 50-100 m down Avachinsky's SE slope. KVERT personnel believe the mudflows were caused by intensive activity at a single fumarole on the SE side of the summit. On 5 October the Concern Color Code at Avachinsky was raised from Green to Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)


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.

12/1990 (BGVN 15:12) Explosions feed 4-5-km tephra clouds; lava in crater; flank mudflows

12/1991 (BGVN 16:12) Lava dome filled crater during January 1991 eruption

05/1992 (BGVN 17:05) Fumarolic activity around 1991 dome

04/1993 (BGVN 18:04) Fumarolic activity

08/1993 (BGVN 18:08) Intense fumarolic activity

10/1993 (BGVN 18:10) Usual fumarolic activity; seismicity low

01/1994 (BGVN 19:01) Fumarolic activity from central crater

03/1996 (BGVN 21:03) Increased seismicity and a higher steam plume

06/1996 (BGVN 21:06) Normal seismic activity and degassing

10/1996 (BGVN 21:10) Normal seismic and fumarolic activity

11/1997 (BGVN 22:11) Fumarolic plume on 22 December

11/1998 (BGVN 23:11) Distinct change in seismic activity

11/2001 (BGVN 26:11) Modest October steam plumes reach 10 km long; minor ash eruption 5 October

08/2010 (BGVN 35:08) Shallow earthquakes in 2005; plume in 2008




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


December 1990 (BGVN 15:12) Citation IconCite this Report

Explosions feed 4-5-km tephra clouds; lava in crater; flank mudflows

An eruption began on 13 January with explosions at 1158 and 1203 that ejected ash clouds to 4-5 km above the crater. Ash fell on Petropavlovsk, roughly 30 km SSW. Lava was observed in the crater and small mudflows moved down the flanks. No pre-eruption seismicity was recorded, but seismic activity associated with the eruption was increasing as of 17 January.

Information Contacts: B. Ivanov, IV.


December 1991 (BGVN 16:12) Citation IconCite this Report

Lava dome filled crater during January 1991 eruption

The following supplements the preliminary report in 15:12. The eruption lasted until 30 January 1991, filling the summit crater (400-500 m in diameter) with ~21 x 106 metric tons of lava (figure 1). Circumferential and radial fissures 6 m deep covered the surface of the lava dome. Lava overflowed the S rim, feeding a flow that advanced 1.5 km down the SSE flank and short flows on the SW flank. Numerous fumaroles developed around the dome's margins.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. View looking NW at the summit of Avachinsky, 11 October 1991. The summit crater (400-500 m in diameter) is filled with lava from the January 1991 eruption. Small lava flows at right extend down the SW flank. Photo taken by A. Ovsyannikov.

Information Contacts: IVGG.


May 1992 (BGVN 17:05) Citation IconCite this Report

Fumarolic activity around 1991 dome

Fumarolic activity was occurring from numerous points around the margins of the January 1991 lava dome during a 13 May overflight. Numerous circumferential and radial fissures, previously observed in October 1991, covered the dome's surface, but the small lava flows that extended down the SSE and SW flanks were no longer visible.

Information Contacts: H. Gaudru, SVE, Switzerland; G. de St. Cyr, T. de St. Cyr, and I. de St. Cyr, Lyon, France; T. Vaudelin, Genève, Switzerland.


April 1993 (BGVN 18:04) Citation IconCite this Report

Fumarolic activity

Fumarolic activity observed in late April from the crater area resulted from normal condensation of steam and was not caused by eruptive activity.

Information Contacts: V. Kirianov, IVGG.


August 1993 (BGVN 18:08) Citation IconCite this Report

Intense fumarolic activity

Summit crater observations were made by SVE team members during an overflight on 24 August. Fumarolic activity was very intense on and around the crater, and a very active fumarole field, with many yellow sulfur deposits, occupied a large area just below the rim on the SW slope. No fresh lava was visible on the surface of the lava plug that filled the summit crater . . . during the January 1991 eruption.

Information Contacts: H. Gaudru, SVE, Switzerland.


October 1993 (BGVN 18:10) Citation IconCite this Report

Usual fumarolic activity; seismicity low

Helicopter observations on 12-13 September revealed only the usual fumarolic activity, which was continuing through 6 November. Seismicity also remained at background levels of ~2-3 earthquakes/day through 28 October, except for an increase to ~8-10 earthquakes/day at depths of 1-2 km during the week of 14-21 October.

Information Contacts: V. Kirianov, IVGG.


January 1994 (BGVN 19:01) Citation IconCite this Report

Fumarolic activity from central crater

Seismicity was at background levels from mid-December into early January. During 4-6 January, a slight increase in seismic activity (16 events) was recorded at the volcano, but seismicity had returned to background levels (2-3 events/day) by mid-month. Seismicity was again above background in late January through mid-February. Strong fumarolic activity continued from the summit lava flow in the central crater. Similar activity was noted in May 1992, and in April, August, September, and October 1993.

Information Contacts: V. Kirianov, IVGG.


March 1996 (BGVN 21:03) Citation IconCite this Report

Increased seismicity and a higher steam plume

On 7 March the Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry (IVGG) reported a noteworthy increase in seismicity beneath Avachinsky and an increase in the height of the steam plume to ~100 m above the volcano. The steam plume suggested a possible increase in heat flux. The IVGG reported that the possibility of an eruption within the next few weeks to months has increased significantly. Elevated seismicity was previously reported in late 1993 and early 1994 (BGVN 19:01).

Information Contacts: Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (URL: https://www.avo.alaska.edu/); Vladimir Kirianov, Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Piip Ave. 9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia.


June 1996 (BGVN 21:06) Citation IconCite this Report

Normal seismic activity and degassing

Seismicity remained slightly above or at normal levels in June and the first half of July. Normal fumarolic activity was seen above the crater. Regular reports from KVERT (via AVO) resumed in June after funding problems in Russia halted communications in December 1994 (BGVN 19:11).

Information Contacts: Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO); Vladimir Kirianov, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Russia.


October 1996 (BGVN 21:10) Citation IconCite this Report

Normal seismic and fumarolic activity

Seismicity was about at background level during September, October, and November. Normal fumarolic emissions were observed above the crater.

Information Contacts: Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO); Vladimir Kirianov, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Russia.


November 1997 (BGVN 22:11) Citation IconCite this Report

Fumarolic plume on 22 December

Seismicity continued at normal background levels during November 1996-December 1997. On 22 December, a fumarolic plume rose ~200 m above the crater.

Information Contacts: Vladimir Kirianov, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Russia; Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO).


November 1998 (BGVN 23:11) Citation IconCite this Report

Distinct change in seismic activity

A distinct change in seismic activity began on 3 December. About 120 shallow events of very low magnitude were recorded during 3-6 December. The only days during the episode when observation was not obscured by cloud were 1 and 3-6 December, but no plumes were seen those days.

Information Contacts: Olga Chubarova, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Piip Ave. 9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia; Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of a) U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/), b) Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and c) Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.


November 2001 (BGVN 26:11) Citation IconCite this Report

Modest October steam plumes reach 10 km long; minor ash eruption 5 October

Seismic activity increased at Avachinsky during early December 1998 (BGVN 23:11). After that, seismicity stayed mostly at background levels until 25 August 2001, when it increased slightly, and was variable through at least October.

On 31 August, three earthquakes were registered, M 1.7, 2.2, and 2.6. On 20 September an M 1.7 earthquake occurred. On 21 September from 1705 until 1721, a series of earthquakes within the volcano's edifice was recorded, including an M 2.5 event at a depth of ~4 km. On 22 September at 0500 UTC, a 3-pixel thermal anomaly was clearly seen in an AVHRR image of Avachinsky.

At 0750 on 5 October, with an accompanying M 1.5 earthquake, a small explosion lofted ash to less than 1 km above the crater with minor ash falling on the SE flank. Around 19 October a series of weak local earthquakes (~ 50 events of M 0.5-1.5) was registered within 24 hours in the edifice at a depth of ~700 m beneath the summit.

Weak fumarolic activity was observed during 20, 23, 26, and 28 September, and 2-4, 10, 11, 16, and 17 October. In contrast, on 6 October fumarolic activity was observed over the entire crater. Small mudflows down the SE flank were visible in late September after every snowfall, presumably due to strong thermal activity of a fumarole on the SE crater rim. Gas-and-steam plumes were observed several times during September and October 2001 (figure 2 and table 1) when clouds did not obscure the volcano.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 2. Avachinsky (summit elevation, 2,741 m) and Koryaksky (3,456 m) stratovolcanoes as seen from the city of Petropavlovsk on 13 October 2001. They reside 35-40 km NE of the city and their summits are separated by 12 km. A white plume is extending E from Avachinsky. Courtesy of KVERT.

Table 1. Gas-and-steam plumes reported at Avachinsky during September and October 2001. Courtesy KVERT.

Date Time Plume height / location
19 Sep 2001 -- 30 m above crater.
06 Oct 2001 1250 Low over crater, extending 10 km SE.
07 Oct 2001 0850 Rising 50 m over the crater and extending SSE.
07 Oct 2001 1700 Rising 200 m above crater.
09 Oct 2001 -- Rising low above crater, extending 5 km E.
11 Oct 2001 0940 Rising 200 m and extending 5 km E.
12 Oct 2001 2000 Rising over the crater and extending 1 km E.
13 Oct 2001 1130 Extending 10 km E.
13 Oct 2001 2000 Extending 10 km E.
20 Oct 2001 1430-1930 Rising ~1 km above the crater; extending 20 km SE.
21-22 Oct 2001 -- Rising 50-200 m above the crater and extending SE, E, and NE.

A band-6 satellite image on 2 October showed a broad area of warm ground that appeared to follow the rim of the crater, with a small area in the center of the crater. Band-7 data on 2 October showed hotter areas in the SE and SW parts of the crater, and possibly on the N side. On 5 October, the Concern Color Code was increased from Green (volcano is dormant; normal seismicity and fumarolic activity) to Yellow (volcano is restless; eruption may occur). A large, elongate cloud was recorded extending to the SE from the volcano at 1830 on 8 October.

The last explosive eruption at Avachinsky occurred in 1991 and lasted 6 days. The eruption began with two ash explosions directed SW toward Petropavlovsk, and covered the town with an ash layer a few millimeters thick. Effusion of lava began 28 hours later. Further explosive activity occurred simultaneously with the lava emission. As a result of the eruption, a lava plug filled the entire crater.

The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT) speculated that the recent activity at Avachinsky could indicate the occurrence of a scenario similar to the eruptions in the years 1737 and 1827. Present activity could lead to a large eruption accompanied by directed blasts with voluminous tephra, debris avalanches, and mudflows. Or, gradual damage of the plug might occur by various means, including earthquakes, small explosive discharges, mudflows, etc. Both scenarios could pose a potential hazard to nearby farm cottages (dachas), the Radyugina settlement, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city.

Information Contacts: Olga Girina and Lilia Bazanov, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Piip Ave. 9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia; John C. Eichelberger and Tom Murray, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of a) U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska. edu/), b) Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and c) Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.


August 2010 (BGVN 35:08) Citation IconCite this Report

Shallow earthquakes in 2005; plume in 2008

This report discusses Avachinsky in 2001-2010. Following lava flows emitted in 1991 (BGVN 16:12), Avachinsky generated near-daily fumarolic plumes and generally low (background) seismicity (figure 3). The escaping gases contained sufficient sulfur to construct an area of sulfurous deposits at a prominent NW-trending crack on the SW rim of the summit crater. In 2001 a series of minor earthquakes were sometimes accompanied by gas-and-steam plumes (some with ash) (BGVN 26:11). Weak fumarolic activity and small mudflows also were observed.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 3. View of Avachinsky volcano from the W on 24 March 2004. From Droznin and others (2004?).

By November 2001, seismic activity had declined to background levels where it apparently remained until 2005. On 8 November 2005, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that the number and energy of shallow earthquakes below Avachinsky had increased during the previous month. A weak thermal anomaly near the volcano's summit was visible on satellite imagery on 7 November. Seismicity increased significantly on 21 November, with very shallow earthquakes and several hybrid earthquakes. A weak thermal anomaly near the summit was visible on satellite imagery during 20-21 November.

During 2006 moderate fumarolic activity occurred, producing a steam plume about 700 m above crater. Seismicity was at background levels, with occasional weak seismic events at 500 m depth.

On 10 May 2008, a plume from Avachinsky rose to an altitude of 4.3 km and drifted S and E. KVERT did not detect ash by direct observation or on satellite imagery.

Cross-sectional view. A topographical profile of the volcano (figure 4) shows the inferred geothermal reservoir. The possible drill hole (dark line) and plant are only in proposal stages.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 4. Inferred boundaries of geothermal reservoirs (dashed line) in vertical cross-sections of the Avachinsky volcano. Circles depict earthquake hypocenters associated with a steam eruption in 2001 (data from four stations, Kamchatka EMSD GS RAS). From Droznin and others (2004?).

Droznin and others (2004?) note that "The heat discharge of the fumaroles may be estimated based on the geometrical characteristics of their clouds, taking into account local meteorological conditions.... The Avachinsky volcano fumaroles have been monitored since 2003 for the purpose of using the size of the fumaroles clouds to estimate the corresponding heat discharge. Its worth noting, that the real size of the thermo-clouds may be estimated only when there is 100% air saturation.

"The October 2001 eruption revealed an active steam-dominated reservoir below the lava plug of 1991. The swarm of the earthquakes hypocenters synchronized with the eruption 2001, showing the true geometrical size of the steam-dominated reservoir [figure 4]. This 1-km radius reservoir extends from the elevation of the lava plug at 2,750 m a.s.l. to -1,000 m a.s.l., where some north east trend shifting of the reservoir occurs. Similar earthquake distributions were detected in 2004."

Reference. Droznin, V.A., Dubrovskaya, I.K., Kiryukhin, A.V., Chernykh, E.V., Senyukov, S.L., and Ivanysko G.O., 2004(?), Avachinsky volcano geothermal reservoir based on fumaroles activity and seismological network data; (undated) Report of the Institute of Volcanology FEB RAS, Piip-9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, 683006.

Information Contacts: Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Far East Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, 9 Piip Blvd., Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia (URL: http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, Tokyo, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/); Kamchatkan Experimental and Methodical Seismological Department (KEMSD), Geophysical service, Russian Academy of Science (URL: http://www.emsd.iks.ru/index-e.php).

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 55 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

2001 Oct 5 - 2001 Oct 5 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
2001 Oct 5 - 2001 Oct 5 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 6 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) Before.
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) After.
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow weak or small
2001 Oct 5    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1991 Jan 13 - 1991 Jan 30 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1991 Jan 13 - 1991 Jan 30 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 8 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava dome
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow weak or small
   - - - -    - - - - Fauna Kill Aquatic.
1991 Jan 13    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1945 Feb 25 - 1945 Feb 25 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1945 Feb 25 - 1945 Feb 25 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 10 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Flames
   - - - -    - - - - Lightning
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) Before.
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
   - - - -    - - - - Fauna Kill Terrestrial.
1945 Feb 25    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1938 Mar 6 - 1938 Dec 1 (in or after) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1938 Mar 6 - 1938 Dec 1 (in or after) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
1938 Mar 6    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1926 Mar 27 - 1927 Mar 14 (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1926 Mar 27 - 1927 Mar 14 (?) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 11 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) Before.
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
   - - - -    - - - - Fauna Kill Aquatic.
1926 Mar 27    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
1926 Apr 5    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1910 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1910 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

1909 Aug Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1909 Aug - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 6 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash Incandescent
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
1909 Aug    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1901 Jul 7 - 1901 Jul 13 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1901 Jul 7 - 1901 Jul 13 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1901 Jul 7    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1894 Oct - 1895 Feb Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1894 Oct - 1895 Feb Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
1894 Oct    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1881 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1881 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1881    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1878 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1878 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1878    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1855 May 28 - 1855 Sep 4 ± 4 days Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1855 May 28 - 1855 Sep 4 ± 4 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Audible Sounds
1855 May 28    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1854 Aug 13 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1854 Aug 13 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Flames
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
1854 Aug 13    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1853 Dec 21 - 1854 Mar 14 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1853 Dec 21 - 1854 Mar 14 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Flames
1853 Dec 21    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1851 Nov 26 - 1852 Feb 14 ± 4 days Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1851 Nov 26 - 1852 Feb 14 ± 4 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Ash Incandescent
1851 Nov 26    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1837 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1837 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

1828 Apr 17 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1828 Apr 17 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1828 Apr 17    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1827 Jun 27 - 1827 Jun 29 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1827 Jun 27 - 1827 Jun 29 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 7 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
1827 Jun 27    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1789 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1789 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

1779 Jun 15 - 1779 Jun 16 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1779 Jun 15 - 1779 Jun 16 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Lightning
1779 Jun 15    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1772 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1772 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1772    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1737 Aug - 1737 Aug Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1737 Aug - 1737 Aug Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 8 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow Uncertain
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Scoria
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) After.
   - - - -    - - - - Tsunami
1737 Aug    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1550 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1550 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

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

1400 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1400 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

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

1200 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1200 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

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

1100 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1100 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

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

0900 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
0900 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

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

0700 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
0700 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

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

0400 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
0400 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

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

0100 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
0100 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

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

1350 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IIAV3
1350 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IIAV3

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
1350 BCE
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer AV1
1500 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer AV1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
1500 BCE
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1700 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1700 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

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

2100 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv27
2100 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv27

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

2300 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv26
2300 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv26

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

2500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv25
2500 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv25

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

2530 BCE ± 300 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv24; AV2
2530 BCE ± 300 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 9 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv24; AV2

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Scoria
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
2530 BCE ± 300 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

2650 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv23
2650 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv23

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

2900 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv22
2900 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv22

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

2950 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv21
2950 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv21

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

3200 BCE ± 150 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv20; AV3
3200 BCE ± 150 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv20; AV3

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
3200 BCE ± 150 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

3400 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv19
3400 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv19

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

3500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv18
3500 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv18

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

3700 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv17
3700 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv17

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

3790 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv16
3790 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv16

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
3790 BCE ± 100 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

4050 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv15
4050 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv15

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

4200 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv14
4200 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv14

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

4250 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv13
4250 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv13

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

4340 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv12; AV4
4340 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 9 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv12; AV4

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow Uncertain
4340 BCE ± 75 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

4400 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv11
4400 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv11

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

4460 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv10; AV5
4460 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv10; AV5

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
4460 BCE ± 100 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

4550 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv7
4550 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv7

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
4550 BCE ± 200 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

5450 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv6
5450 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv6

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

5500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv5
5500 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv5

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

5600 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv4
5600 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv4

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

5700 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv3
5700 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv3

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

5980 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv2
5980 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv2

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
5980 BCE ± 100 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

6100 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Tephra layer IAv1
6100 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Avachinsky.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Avachinsky.

Photo Gallery

The two historically active volcanoes Koryaksky (left) and Avachinsky (right) volcanoes at dusk beyond the city of Petropavlovsk and Avachinsky bay.

Photo by Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (courtesy of Dan Miller, U.S. Geological Survey).
An ash plume rises from the summit crater of Avachinsky on 16 January 1991. An explosive eruption began on 13 January 1991 and produced ash plumes 4-5 km above the crater, resulting in ashfall on Petropavlovsk. During the eruption, lava filled the 260-m-wide summit crater. Small lava flows spilled over the crater rim and advanced 1.5 km down the SSE flank and a short distance down the SW flank. The lava flows melted snow to form small lahars down the S flank.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1991 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).
During an eruption in January 1991, lava filled the summit crater of Avachinsky and produced these dark lava flows that overtopped the S rim and traveled 1.5 km down the SSE flank. The modern cone of Avachinsky was constructed within a large horseshoe-shaped crater, with the rim visible to the right and to the left of the cone in this view. The crater formed during flank collapse during the Pleistocene. Zhupanovsky is visible to the NE.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1991 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).
Lava from a 13-30 January 1991 eruption fills the summit crater of Avachinsky in this spring 1991 aerial photo from the south. Prior to the eruption the 400-500 m wide crater was about 250 m deep.

Photo by V.N. Nechaev, 1991 (courtesy of Oleg Volynets, Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).
Steaming lava flows descended the SSE and SW flanks of Avachinsky in January 1991 and melted snow to form the dark lahars that traveled down the flank. The 1991 eruption began with explosive eruptions on 13 January and ended on the 30th.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1991 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).
The Avachinsky cone was constructed during the late Pleistocene and Holocene within a horseshoe-shaped crater formed by late-Pleistocene flank collapse. The 250-m-deep summit crater seen in this view was completely filled with a lava during an eruption in 1991.

Photo by Yuri Doubik (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).
This is a view of the pre-1991 eruption crater at the summit of Avachinsky. During the 1991 eruption lava filled the crater and overtopped the rim to form lava flows on the SSE and SW flanks.

Photo by Yuri Doubik (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).
This October 1991 photo looks NW across the lava that filled the summit crater of Avachinsky during an eruption in January 1991. The eruption began on 13 January and produced ash plumes to 4-5 km above the crater. By the time the eruption ended on 30 January, the crater was 400-500 m wide, 250 m deep, and filled with lava to its rim. Lava spilled over the southern rim of the crater, producing lava flows that traveled 1.5 km down the SSE flank and short distances down the SW flank.

Photo by A. Obsyannikov, 1991 (Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Petropavlovsk).
Avachinsky rises above Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka's largest city. The peak to the right is the rim of a large horseshoe-shaped crater that formed during flank collapse about 30,000-40,000 years ago and produced a major debris avalanche buried an area of about 500 km2 to the south, underlying the city of Petropavlovsk. The modern cone was constructed inside this crater. Frequent historical eruptions have been recorded since 1737.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1985 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).
The Avachinskaya volcano group consists of a NW-SE-trending group of cones N of Petropavlovsk. Seen here from the western outskirts of the city with Koryaksky on the left, Avachinsky to the right-center, and Kozelskiy cone to the far right.

Photo by Vera Ponomareva, 1996 (Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Petropavlovsk).
A white plume is visible blowing E from the summit Avachinsky on 7 October 2001. View is from the SW with the city of Elizovo in the foreground.

Photo by Nikolay Seliverstov, 2001 (IV FED RAS; courtesy of Olga Girina, KVERT).
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

The following 14 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number Sample Description Lava Source Collection Date
NMNH 116556-1 Olivine Rock -- --
NMNH 116556-2 Pumice -- --
NMNH 116556-3 Basalt -- --
NMNH 116556-4 Andesitic Basalt -- --
NMNH 116556-5 Andesitic Basalt -- --
NMNH 116556-62 Volcanic Ash -- --
NMNH 116556-71 Pumice -- --
NMNH 116556-72 Andesite -- --
NMNH 116556-73 Andesite -- --
NMNH 116556-74 Basaltic Andesite -- --
NMNH 116556-75 Andesite -- --
NMNH 116556-76 Andesite -- --
NMNH 116556-77 Andesite -- --
NMNH 116556-78 Andesite -- --
External Sites