About Yavinsky
Yavinsky is a stratovolcano rising to 646 meters (2,120 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 4050 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Yavinsky is located in Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 51.53° N, 156.63° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 646 meters above sea level, Yavinsky 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
Yavinsky 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 Russia near Yavinsky, 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
Yavinsky has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 4050 BCE to 4050 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
Yavinsky is an early to mid-Pleistocene basaltic volcano that forms an arcuate ridge (Yavinsky Khrebet) along the SW coast of Kamchatka, overlooking the town of Ozernovsky and the mouth of the Ozernaya River. A Holocene basaltic cinder cone named Ukho (which means "Ear" in Russian), related to regional basaltic monogenetic volcanism, was constructed on the NW flank about 6,000 years ago, based on stratigraphic evidence. However, Yavinsky itself was not included by Ponomareva et al. (2007) in their review of Holocene volcanoes in Kamchatka.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | NW flank (Ukho) |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Yavinsky
Is Yavinsky an active volcano?+
Yavinsky is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 4050 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Yavinsky last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Yavinsky occurred in 4050 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Yavinsky has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Yavinsky?+
Yavinsky has a summit elevation of 646 meters (2,120 feet) above sea level. At 646 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Yavinsky?+
Yavinsky is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Yavinsky located?+
Yavinsky is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 51.533° latitude, 156.629° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Yavinsky?+
Yavinsky can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Russia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
