About Visokiy
Visokiy is a stratovolcano rising to 1,227 meters (4,026 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
Visokiy is located in Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 52.44° N, 157.93° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,227 meters above sea level, Visokiy is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Visokiy 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 Visokiy, 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 basaltic Visokiy cone is the largest and central feature of a 10-km-long line of basaltic cinder cones between Asacha to the SW and Gorely to the NE. The small Golyi shield volcano lies immediately to the WSW (Masurenkov, 1980; Kozhemyaka et al., 1984).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Visokiy.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Visokiy
Is Visokiy an active volcano?+
Visokiy 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 Visokiy?+
Visokiy has a summit elevation of 1,227 meters (4,026 feet) above sea level. At 1,227 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Visokiy?+
Visokiy 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 Visokiy located?+
Visokiy is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 52.435° latitude, 157.933° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Visokiy?+
Visokiy 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.
