Zavodovski

Geography & Climate

Zavodovski is located in United Kingdom, within the South Sandwich Volcanic Arc of the broader Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 56.30° S, 27.57° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 551 meters above sea level, Zavodovski is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.

Geological Context

Zavodovski sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in United Kingdom near Zavodovski, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. 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

Zavodovski has 5 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1819 CE to 2016 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1819 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings. With eruptive activity as recently as 2016 CE, Zavodovski remains an actively monitored volcano.

Significance

With 5 recorded eruptions on file, Zavodovski has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior. Given its recent activity, Zavodovski is closely monitored by geological survey organizations to provide early warning of future unrest.

GVP Reference Summary

The 5-km-wide Zavodovski Island, the northernmost of the South Sandwich Islands, consists of a single basaltic stratovolcano with two cones on the east side. Mount Curry, the island's summit, lies west of the center of the island, which is more eroded on that side. Two fissures extend NE from the summit towards the E-flank craters, and a lava platform is located along the eastern coast. The volcano was producing abundant emissions when observed in 1819 by the explorer Bellingshausen. A landing party in 1830 also reported strong emissions along with a fresh lava field on the east side from which pumice was being eroded into the ocean.

— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program