About Udokan Plateau
Udokan Plateau is a volcanic field rising to 2,180 meters (7,153 feet) in Russia's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 220 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 5 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Udokan Plateau is located in Russia, within the Baikal Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 56.28° N, 117.77° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. At 2,180 meters above sea level, Udokan Plateau rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Udokan Plateau is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Udokan Plateau in Russia generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is trachybasalt / tephrite basanite, 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
Udokan Plateau has 5 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 7290 BCE to 220 BCE. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings.
Significance
With 5 recorded eruptions on file, Udokan Plateau has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
The Udokan Plateau volcanic field occupies a broad area about 400 km ENE of the northern tip of Lake Baikal. Quaternary volcanism here represents the latest manifestation of activity dating back to the Miocene covering an area of 3,000 km2 at the eastern margin of the Baikal Rift System. Late Pleistocene to Holocene volcanic centers are concentrated along three major lineaments, and many eruptions were localized along fissures trending NW-SE and NE-SW. Dated Holocene volcanic centers are located on a 20-km-long line at the SW side of the field, but Holocene cinder cones also occur in the NE Udokan Plateau. Seismic activity has been recorded at depths of 15-20 km beneath some of the cones. Basaltic cinder cones dominate the field, but basal trachytic ignimbrites are also overlain by lava domes and flows, and trachytic maars were formed during the final stages of activity. The latest dated eruption took place at Chepe volcano about 2,200 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
5 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Chepe |
| 2670 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Aku |
| 5990 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Dolinnyi |
| 6210 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Khangura |
| 7290 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Sini |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Udokan Plateau
Is Udokan Plateau an active volcano?+
Udokan Plateau is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 220 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Udokan Plateau last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Udokan Plateau occurred in 220 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Udokan Plateau has 5 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Udokan Plateau?+
Udokan Plateau has a summit elevation of 2,180 meters (7,153 feet) above sea level. At 2,180 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Udokan Plateau?+
Udokan Plateau is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Udokan Plateau located?+
Udokan Plateau is located in Russia, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Baikal Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 56.280° latitude, 117.770° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Udokan Plateau?+
Udokan Plateau 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.
