About Ashikule Volcanic Field
Ashikule Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 5,090 meters (16,700 feet) in China's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1951 CE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Ashikule Volcanic Field is located in China, within the Kunlun Fault Volcano Group of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 35.74° N, 81.65° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 5,090 meters above sea level, Ashikule Volcanic Field reaches well into the permanent snow and ice zone. Glaciers and snowpack on the upper slopes create the potential for lahars — destructive volcanic mudflows — during eruptions, as heat rapidly melts ice and snow. 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
Ashikule Volcanic Field is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Ashikule Volcanic Field tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in China more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is trachyte / trachydacite, an intermediate to silica-rich volcanic rock. This composition typically produces more viscous magma, leading to more explosive eruptions with ash columns and pyroclastic flows. Andesitic and dacitic magmas build pressure before erupting, which is why volcanoes with this rock chemistry are often associated with Plinian-style eruptions that can send ash tens of kilometers into the atmosphere and disrupt aviation across entire regions.
Eruption History Summary
Ashikule Volcanic Field has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1850 CE to 1951 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1951 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 101 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1951 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
The Ashikule Volcanic Field contains 10 Pliocene to Holocene pyroclastic cones at the western end of the Kunlun Mountains. Several young trachyandesitic cones lie in the area around Ashi (Aqqikkol) and Wuluke (Ulugkol) lakes. China's most recent eruption was observed by a road-building crew on 27 May 1951, at the Ashishan (also known as Ka-er-daxi or Vulkan) cone. The eruption began with a loud detonation and ejected large blocks, emitting "smoke" for a number of days. An unconfirmed eruption was reported in the 19th century.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Ashi Shan |
| 1850 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashikule Volcanic Field
Is Ashikule Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Yes, Ashikule Volcanic Field is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 1951 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Ashikule Volcanic Field last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Ashikule Volcanic Field occurred in 1951 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Ashikule Volcanic Field has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Ashikule Volcanic Field?+
Ashikule Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 5,090 meters (16,700 feet) above sea level. At 5,090 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Ashikule Volcanic Field?+
Ashikule Volcanic Field 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 Ashikule Volcanic Field located?+
Ashikule Volcanic Field is located in China, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kunlun Fault Volcano Group. Its exact coordinates are 35.742° latitude, 81.646° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ashikule Volcanic Field?+
Visiting Ashikule Volcanic Field requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 1951 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
