Chirinkotan Volcano
Updated: Apr 23, 2024 07:02 GMT -
stratovolcano 724 m / 2,375 ft
Northern Kuriles, Russia, 48.98°N / 153.48°E
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
Northern Kuriles, Russia, 48.98°N / 153.48°E
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
Last update: 19 Oct 2022 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)
Chirinkotan volcano is a large, mostly submerged stratovolcano forming a small largely unvegetated and 3 km wide island in the Kuril Island chain. It is located at the far end of an E-W-trending volcanic chain that extends nearly 50 km west of the central part of the main Kuril Islands arc.
The volcano is one of the Kurile's most active. Historical eruptions included lava flows on the SE flank during an eruption in the 1880s and were observed by the English fur trader Captain Snow.
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Chirinkotan volcano eruptions: 2021, 2017, 2016, 2013-15, 2004, 1986, 1979-80, 1955?, 1900, 1884, 1760 (?)
Latest nearby earthquakes
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Background
Chirinkotan rises 3000 m from the sea floor. It has a small 1-km-wide and 300-400 m deep caldera open to the SE. Lava flows from a cone within the breached crater reached the north shore of the island.(Source: GVP volcano information)
Eruptions of Chirinkotan volcano
1986 eruption
In October and November 1986 Chirinkotan volcano was observed erupting. On 11 October ash emissions reached a height of 800 m above the crater, and drifted 8 km from the volcano. (GVP monthly reports)
In October and November 1986 Chirinkotan volcano was observed erupting. On 11 October ash emissions reached a height of 800 m above the crater, and drifted 8 km from the volcano. (GVP monthly reports)
1979-80 eruptions
A new eruption started at Chirinkotan volcano in April 1979. In April and May 1979, blocky lava flowed down the SSW flank of the volcano. Ash explosions occurred regularly during the summer of 1979 and increased in October. In January and April 1980, moderate explosions occurred 1-2 times per hour. After April 1980, no reports of further activity are available.
A new eruption started at Chirinkotan volcano in April 1979. In April and May 1979, blocky lava flowed down the SSW flank of the volcano. Ash explosions occurred regularly during the summer of 1979 and increased in October. In January and April 1980, moderate explosions occurred 1-2 times per hour. After April 1980, no reports of further activity are available.