About Terpuk
Terpuk is a shield rising to 765 meters (2,510 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 800 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Terpuk is located in Russia, within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 57.20° N, 159.83° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 765 meters above sea level, Terpuk 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.
Geological Context
Terpuk 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 Terpuk, 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
Terpuk has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 800 BCE to 800 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
Terpuk is a small basaltic shield volcano west of the crest of the Sredinny Range, south of Leutongey volcano, and NW of Kebeney volcano. The shield is topped by small cinder cones aligned NE-SW. Sparsely vegetated lava flows that radiate from the summit vents blocked local drainages, forming several small lakes. Topography constrains the flows to be longer toward the west, away from the crest of the range. The flows are among the youngest in the Sedankinsky Dol region and were erupted about 2,500-3,000 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Terpuk
Is Terpuk an active volcano?+
Terpuk is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 800 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Terpuk last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Terpuk occurred in 800 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Terpuk has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Terpuk?+
Terpuk has a summit elevation of 765 meters (2,510 feet) above sea level. At 765 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Terpuk?+
Terpuk is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Terpuk located?+
Terpuk is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 57.200° latitude, 159.830° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Terpuk?+
Terpuk 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.
