About Vernadskii Ridge
Vernadskii Ridge is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 1,183 meters (3,881 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Vernadskii Ridge is located in Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 50.55° N, 155.97° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,183 meters above sea level, Vernadskii Ridge is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Vernadskii Ridge 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 Vernadskii Ridge, 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
The Vernadskii and Bogdanovich volcano groups on northern Paramushir island in the northern Kuriles comprise the two southernmost of three volcano groups on the Vernadskii Ridge, immediately south of the historically active Ebeko volcano group. The Vernadskii group, at the southern end of the volcanic complex, contains three centers, one of which is topped by a lava dome. The Bogdanovich group, 4-5 km to the north, is composed of five eruptive centers that have produced small cones and lava flows. Gorshkov (1970) considered that eruptive activity at both the Vernadskii and Bogdanovich volcano groups continued into the Holocene.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Vernadskii Ridge.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Vernadskii Ridge
Is Vernadskii Ridge an active volcano?+
Vernadskii Ridge 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.
How high is Vernadskii Ridge?+
Vernadskii Ridge has a summit elevation of 1,183 meters (3,881 feet) above sea level. At 1,183 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Vernadskii Ridge?+
Vernadskii Ridge 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 Vernadskii Ridge located?+
Vernadskii Ridge is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 50.550° latitude, 155.970° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Vernadskii Ridge?+
Vernadskii Ridge can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Russia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
