Atlin Volcanic Field
Pyroclastic cone(s) · 1,880m · Canada
About Atlin Volcanic Field
Atlin Volcanic Field is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 1,880 meters (6,168 feet) in Canada's North America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Atlin Volcanic Field is located in Canada, within the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 59.71° N, 133.36° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,880 meters above sea level, Atlin Volcanic Field 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
Atlin 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 Atlin Volcanic Field tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Canada 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
Atlin Volcanic Field has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1898 CE to 1898 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Surprise Lake volcanic field in the Atlin volcanic district is a group of late-Pleistocene to Holocene cinder cones on the Teslin Plateau in NW-most British Columbia, between Atlin Lake on the W and Surprise Lake on the E. The largest volcanic feature is Ruby Mountain (named for the brilliantly colored tephra deposits on the summit and flanks), which has been partially dissected by Pleistocene and post-Wisconsin glaciation. Two basaltic cinder cones at the heads of Cracker and Volcanic Creeks lie within glacially dissected U-shaped valleys and were considered to be post-glacial (Edwards et al., 1996). Placer miners working in the region at the end of the 19th century reported an eruption from the Ruby Mountain area about 80 km S of Gladys Lake (Hickson et al., 1994; Edwards et al., 1996) during which ash fell for several days and the miners were able to work at night due to incandescent glow. However, no field evidence has been found to support any activity from that time, and the report is considered uncertain.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1898 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlin Volcanic Field
Is Atlin Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Atlin Volcanic Field is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Atlin Volcanic Field last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Atlin Volcanic Field occurred in 1898 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Atlin Volcanic Field has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Atlin Volcanic Field?+
Atlin Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 1,880 meters (6,168 feet) above sea level. At 1,880 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Atlin Volcanic Field?+
Atlin Volcanic Field is classified as a Pyroclastic cone(s). Pyroclastic cones (or cinder cones) are small, steep-sided volcanic cones built from fragments of lava blasted into the air. They are the simplest type of volcano and often form in groups.
Where is Atlin Volcanic Field located?+
Atlin Volcanic Field is located in Canada, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 59.708° latitude, -133.358° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Atlin Volcanic Field?+
Atlin Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Canada may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
