Raususan [Mendeleev]

Geography & Climate

Raususan [Mendeleev] is located in Japan - administered by Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 43.98° N, 145.73° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 882 meters above sea level, Raususan [Mendeleev] is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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

Raususan [Mendeleev] sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Japan - administered by Russia near Raususan [Mendeleev], this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. 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

Raususan [Mendeleev] has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 2270 BCE to 1900 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1900 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 4,170 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1900 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.

GVP Reference Summary

Raususan, also known as Mendeleev, is a low compound stratovolcano located in the southern part of Kunashir Island. The dominantly andesitic-dacitic volcano is cut by two nested calderas, the larger 6-7 km in diameter and the smaller 3-3.5 km. A central cone that formed inside the younger caldera was breached to the west by a large debris avalanche about 4200 years ago. A lava dome that grew inside the avalanche scarp forms the 888 m high point of the volcano. Additional lava domes in the northern part of the older caldera are considered to represent flank activity of the younger caldera. The only unambiguous historical eruption was a small phreatic explosion in 1880. Four solfatara fields lie at the eastern and northern flanks of the central cone, and a geothermal field is located outside the caldera along the eastern coast.

— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program