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Little Sitkin

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Volcanic Region
  • Landform | Volc Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  • 51.95°N
  • 178.543°E

  • 1,174 m
    3,852 ft

  • 311050
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number

Most Recent Weekly Report: 13 July-19 July 2022 Citation IconCite this Report

On 14 July AVO moved the Aviation Color Code for Little Sitkin to Green and the Volcano Alert Level from Unassigned to Normal because an upgraded communication link to installed instruments allowed better monitoring of unrest. The volcano is monitored using local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and remote infrasound and lightning networks.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)

Weekly Reports - Index


2022: July
2013: January
2012: August | September | October


13 July-19 July 2022 Citation IconCite this Report

On 14 July AVO moved the Aviation Color Code for Little Sitkin to Green and the Volcano Alert Level from Unassigned to Normal because an upgraded communication link to installed instruments allowed better monitoring of unrest. The volcano is monitored using local seismic and infrasound sensors, satellite data, web cameras, and remote infrasound and lightning networks.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)


9 January-15 January 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

On 9 January, AVO reported that unrest at Little Sitkin had decreased over the past several months, reaching background levels. The Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Normal and the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Green.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)


17 October-23 October 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

AVO reported that during 17-23 October seismic activity at Little Sitkin remained elevated and satellite views were mostly obscured by clouds. AVO noted that there were no other reports of unusual activity. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)


19 September-25 September 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

AVO reported that during 19-24 September seismic activity at Little Sitkin remained elevated and satellite views were mostly obscured by clouds. On 21 September AVO noted that the frequency of earthquakes had declined during the previous week. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)


12 September-18 September 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

AVO reported that during 11-18 September seismic activity at Little Sitkin remained elevated and satellite views were obscured by clouds. Two earthquake swarms were detected on 11 and 13 September. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)


5 September-11 September 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

AVO reported that during 5-11 September seismic activity at Little Sitkin was much lower than the peak of activity during 29-30 August, but continued to remain elevated. Satellite views were obscured by clouds during 5 and 8-11 September. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)


29 August-4 September 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

AVO reported that at approximately 1915 on 29 August a swarm of high-frequency earthquakes was detected at Little Sitkin. The anomalous seismic activity continued through the night, prompting AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. The rate of anomalous seismicity varied during 30-31 August; the two most active periods were during the morning of 30 August and at about 0400 on 31 August. The rate of earthquakes started to decline at around 0600 on 31 August, but remained elevated through 3 September. Little Sitkin is monitored by a four-station seismic network as well as satellite imagery.

Source: US Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO)


The Global Volcanism Program has no Bulletin Reports available for Little Sitkin.

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 2 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

1828 - 1830 Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Summit and west flank
1828 - 1830 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Summit and west flank

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow Entered water.
   - - - -    - - - - Volcanic "smoke"

1776 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption
1776 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion weak or small
   - - - -    - - - - Flames
1776    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Little Sitkin.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Little Sitkin.

GVP Map Holdings

The Global Volcanism Program has no maps available for Little Sitkin.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 5 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 118208-1 Scoriaceous tephra -- 9 Sep 2015
NMNH 118208-2 Scoriaceous tephra -- 9 Sep 2015
NMNH 118208-3 Basaltic Andesite -- 9 Sep 2015
NMNH 118208-4 Scoriaceous tephra -- 9 Sep 2015
NMNH 118208-5 Scoriaceous tephra -- 9 Sep 2015
External Sites