About Cherpuk Group
Cherpuk Group is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 1,868 meters (6,129 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 4550 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Cherpuk Group is located in Russia, within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 55.55° N, 157.47° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,868 meters above sea level, Cherpuk Group is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Cherpuk Group 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 Cherpuk Group, 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 andesite / basaltic andesite, 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
Cherpuk Group has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 4550 BCE to 4550 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
Severny Cherpuk (South Cherpuk) and Yuzhny Cherpuk (North Cherpuk) are two cinder cones SW of Ichinsky volcano that comprise the largest monogenetic volcanoes of the Sredinny Range. Severny Cherpuk, 21 km SW of Ichinsky, is a double cone that fed 1.8 km3 lava flows down both sides of the range to the NW and SE. A narrow tongue of the SE flow diverted an additional 10 km S, for a total distance of 22 km. Yuzhny Cherpuk, 11 km SSW of Ichinsky, produced a 1.7 km3 lava flow that traveled 18 km S and then SE. The flow descended to 640 m elevation and dammed tributaries of the Ketachan River, producing three lakes. The two cones are sometimes considered to be satellitic cones to Ichinsky, but Pevzner et al. (2000) noted petrological distinctions that suggest an independent origin. Unpublished radiocarbon ages revise those in Pevzner et al. (2000) and indicate that both cones were formed about 6,500 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | North and South Cherpuk |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherpuk Group
Is Cherpuk Group an active volcano?+
Cherpuk Group is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 4550 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Cherpuk Group last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Cherpuk Group occurred in 4550 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Cherpuk Group has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Cherpuk Group?+
Cherpuk Group has a summit elevation of 1,868 meters (6,129 feet) above sea level. At 1,868 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Cherpuk Group?+
Cherpuk Group 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 Cherpuk Group located?+
Cherpuk Group is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 55.550° latitude, 157.470° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Cherpuk Group?+
Cherpuk Group 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.
