About Peter I Island
Peter I Island is a shield rising to 1,640 meters (5,381 feet) in Antarctica's Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Peter I Island is located in Antarctica, within the Western Antarctica Volcanic Province of the broader Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 68.85° S, 90.58° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a polar climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,640 meters above sea level, Peter I Island is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
The 11 x 19 km Peter I Island in the Bellingshausen Sea opposite Ellsworth Land is a shield-like volcano with a 100-m-wide circular crater at its summit.The island was discovered by the Russian explorer Bellingshausen in 1821; extensive summer pack ice and its isolated location far from regular shipping lanes have restricted visits. Dated samples range from 350,000 to 100,000 years old (Prestvik et al. 1990).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Peter I Island.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Peter I Island
Is Peter I Island an active volcano?+
Peter I Island is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Peter I Island?+
Peter I Island has a summit elevation of 1,640 meters (5,381 feet) above sea level. At 1,640 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Peter I Island?+
Peter I Island is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Peter I Island located?+
Peter I Island is located in Antarctica, in the Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Western Antarctica Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -68.850° latitude, -90.580° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Peter I Island?+
Peter I Island can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Antarctica may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.