About Ekarma
Ekarma is a stratovolcano rising to 1,170 meters (3,839 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. It has been active in recent decades, with its last eruption in 2010 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Ekarma is located in Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 48.96° N, 153.93° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,170 meters above sea level, Ekarma 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
Ekarma 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 Russia near Ekarma, 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
Ekarma has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1767 CE to 2010 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 2010 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 243 years of volcanic history. With eruptive activity as recently as 2010 CE, Ekarma remains an actively monitored volcano.
GVP Reference Summary
The small 5 x 7.5 km island of Ekarma lies 8.5 km N of Shiashkotan Island along an E-W-trending volcanic chain extending westward from the central part of the main Kuril Island arc. It is composed of two overlapping basaltic andesite to andesitic volcanoes, the western of which has been historically active. Lava flows radiate 3 km in all directions from the summit of the younger cone to the sea, forming a lobate shoreline. A lava dome that was emplaced during the first historical eruption, in 1776-79, forms the peaked summit of the island.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Upper SW flank |
| 1980 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1767 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Summit dome |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ekarma
Is Ekarma an active volcano?+
Yes, Ekarma is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2010 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Ekarma last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Ekarma occurred in 2010 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Ekarma has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Ekarma?+
Ekarma has a summit elevation of 1,170 meters (3,839 feet) above sea level. At 1,170 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Ekarma?+
Ekarma 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 Ekarma located?+
Ekarma is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 48.958° latitude, 153.930° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ekarma?+
Visiting Ekarma requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2010 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
