About Asacha
Asacha is a complex rising to 1,910 meters (6,267 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
Asacha is located in Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 52.35° N, 157.83° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,910 meters above sea level, Asacha 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
Asacha 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 Asacha, 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 basalt / picro-basalt, 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 Asacha group is a complex massif of Pleistocene-to-Holocene volcanoes located within a distinctly fault-bounded crustal block WSW of Mutnovsky volcano. An older Asacha shield volcano, Zheltyi stratovolcano to the east, a younger Asacha stratovolcano, and the small Tumanov lava cone (the best-preserved major cone of the group) were constructed during the late Pleistocene. Most of the ten lava domes on the flanks of the Asacha volcanoes were formed during the Pleistocene, but some may be early Holocene. Holocene basaltic cinder cones and lava flows related to regional volcanism were erupted along the western and southern flanks of the complex. A major volcano-tectonic earthquake swarm occurred near Zheltyi volcano in 1983, suggesting that the complex remains volcanically active.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Asacha.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Asacha
Is Asacha an active volcano?+
Asacha 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 Asacha?+
Asacha has a summit elevation of 1,910 meters (6,267 feet) above sea level. At 1,910 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Asacha?+
Asacha is classified as a Complex. Complex volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Asacha located?+
Asacha is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 52.355° latitude, 157.827° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Asacha?+
Asacha 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.
