About Kazbek
Kazbek is a stratovolcano rising to 5,004 meters (16,418 feet) in Georgia's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 750 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Kazbek is located in Georgia, within the Caucasus Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 42.70° N, 44.52° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 5,004 meters above sea level, Kazbek 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 composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Kazbek 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 Kazbek tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Georgia more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, 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
Kazbek has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 4000 BCE to 750 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 3,250 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The glacier-covered Kazbek stratovolcano in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, just south of the border with Russia, has produced long lava flows down flank valleys. The summit cone and the latest lava flows are of post-glacial age, and the latest andesitic-dacitic lava flow was radiocarbon dated at about 6,000 years ago. Gushchenko (1979) listed an 800-700 BCE eruption.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 4000 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kazbek
Is Kazbek an active volcano?+
Kazbek is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 750 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Kazbek last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kazbek occurred in 750 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Kazbek has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Kazbek?+
Kazbek has a summit elevation of 5,004 meters (16,418 feet) above sea level. At 5,004 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Kazbek?+
Kazbek is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Kazbek located?+
Kazbek is located in Georgia, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Caucasus Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 42.697° latitude, 44.518° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kazbek?+
Kazbek can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Georgia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
