About Jingpohu
Jingpohu is a volcanic field rising to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in China's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 520 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Jingpohu is located in China, within the Central East Asia Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 44.08° N, 128.83° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level, Jingpohu is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Jingpohu 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 Jingpohu 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 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
Jingpohu has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 3550 BCE to 520 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 3,030 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Jingpohu is a Pliocene-to-Holocene volcanic field in the Jingpo Lake area of Heilongjiang Province, NE China. The lake formed when lava flows blocked the Mudan River (Mudanjiang). The NE-striking Dunhua-Mishan fault controls the location of many vents. One alkali basaltic lava flow traveled 100 km down a canyon NW of the lake. Many Holocene trachybasaltic or basantic cones and lava flows lie on plateaus along the Mudan River, which also contain basanitic and tephriphonolitic rocks. Mantle xenoliths are common. A period of major activity about 5,500-5,200 years ago produced extensive lava flows that covered an area of about 500 km2.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1540 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 3550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Jingpohu
Is Jingpohu an active volcano?+
Jingpohu is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 520 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Jingpohu last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Jingpohu occurred in 520 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Jingpohu has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Jingpohu?+
Jingpohu has a summit elevation of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) above sea level. At 1,000 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Jingpohu?+
Jingpohu 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 Jingpohu located?+
Jingpohu is located in China, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central East Asia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 44.080° latitude, 128.830° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Jingpohu?+
Jingpohu can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. China may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
