Iskut-Unuk River Cones
Pyroclastic cone(s) · 1,880m · Canada
About Iskut-Unuk River Cones
Iskut-Unuk River Cones is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 1,880 meters (6,168 feet) in Canada's North America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1800 CE. The volcano has produced 8 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Iskut-Unuk River Cones is located in Canada, within the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 56.57° N, 130.75° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,880 meters above sea level, Iskut-Unuk River Cones is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Iskut-Unuk River Cones is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Iskut-Unuk River Cones tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Canada more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Iskut-Unuk River Cones has 8 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 6830 BCE to 1904 CE. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings. The most recent eruption in 1904 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
Significance
With 8 recorded eruptions on file, Iskut-Unuk River Cones has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
Eight small basaltic centers at the southern end of the Stikine volcanic belt near the Alaska border comprise the Iskut-Unuk River Cones group. Lava flows date back 70,000 years, but the subaerial vents produced cinder cones and lava flows that were probably all active between about 9,000 and a few hundred years ago. Five of the centers produced lava flows that traveled up to ~20 km down the Iskut and Unuk River valleys and their tributaries. The three remaining centers are products of ice-contact volcanism that formed pillow lava, hyaloclastite breccias, and scoria. The flows are similar in mineralogy and contain abundant crustal xenoliths. Vents in the Iskut River Canyon area produced at least 10 lava flows, and the Lava Fork vents at least three lava flows, the latest of which erupted within the past few hundred years.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
8 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1904 | — | Uncertain Eruption | Lava Fork |
| 1800 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Lava Fork |
| 1590 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Lava Fork |
| 620 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Iskut River |
| 1830 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Iskut River |
| 3450 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Iskut River |
| 4700 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Iskut River |
| 6830 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Iskut River |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Iskut-Unuk River Cones
Is Iskut-Unuk River Cones an active volcano?+
Iskut-Unuk River Cones is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1800 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Iskut-Unuk River Cones last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Iskut-Unuk River Cones occurred in 1904 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Iskut-Unuk River Cones has 8 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Iskut-Unuk River Cones?+
Iskut-Unuk River Cones has a summit elevation of 1,880 meters (6,168 feet) above sea level. At 1,880 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Iskut-Unuk River Cones?+
Iskut-Unuk River Cones is classified as a Pyroclastic cone(s). Pyroclastic cones (or cinder cones) are small, steep-sided volcanic cones built from fragments of lava blasted into the air. They are the simplest type of volcano and often form in groups.
Where is Iskut-Unuk River Cones located?+
Iskut-Unuk River Cones is located in Canada, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 56.567° latitude, -130.750° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Iskut-Unuk River Cones?+
Iskut-Unuk River Cones can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Canada may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
