Ruruidake [Smirnov]

Geography & Climate

Ruruidake [Smirnov] is located in Japan - administered by Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 44.45° N, 146.14° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,447 meters above sea level, Ruruidake [Smirnov] 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

Ruruidake [Smirnov] 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 Ruruidake [Smirnov], 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.

GVP Reference Summary

Ruruidake is a late-Pleistocene andesitic-to-dacitic volcanic complex on the NW tip of Kunashir Island in the southern Kuriles, NW of Chachadake [Tiatia} volcano. About 2.5 km SSW of the Ruruidake peak, the gently sloping Smirnov edifice partially retains a constructional form, but the southern side has been heavily eroded by glaciers, exposing its Tertiary basement. A wide glacial trough on the SE flank of Smirnov contains a pyroclastic cone at its head that fed a 4 km lava flow. Another pyroclastic cone is located at the base of the trough near the terminus of the lava flow. Two fresh-looking lava domes of Holocene age also lie within the glacial valley to the north.

— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program