About Shisheika
Shisheika is a lava dome rising to 355 meters (1,165 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2240 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Shisheika is located in Russia, within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 57.15° N, 161.09° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. At just 355 meters above sea level, Shisheika is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor (basaltic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Shisheika 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 Shisheika, 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
Shisheika has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 2240 BCE to 2240 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The andesitic Shisheika lava dome lies far to the west of the crest of the Sredinny Range, near the mouth of the Shishei River. The dome and associated lava flows were erupted about 4,200 years ago during one of several Holocene eruptions on the lower flanks of the Sredinny Range.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2240 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Shisheika
Is Shisheika an active volcano?+
Shisheika is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 2240 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Shisheika last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Shisheika occurred in 2240 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Shisheika has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Shisheika?+
Shisheika has a summit elevation of 355 meters (1,165 feet) above sea level. At 355 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Shisheika?+
Shisheika is classified as a Lava dome. Lava dome volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Shisheika located?+
Shisheika is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 57.153° latitude, 161.090° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Shisheika?+
Shisheika 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.
