About Opala
Opala is a caldera rising to 2,439 meters (8,002 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1776 CE. The volcano has produced 6 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5.
Geography & Climate
Opala is located in Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 52.54° N, 157.34° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,439 meters above sea level, Opala rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Opala 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 Opala, 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.
Eruption History Summary
Opala has 6 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 3500 BCE to 1854 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a paroxysmal eruption with devastating regional consequences in 610 CE, reaching VEI 5 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 5, Opala has demonstrated the capacity for paroxysmal eruptions comparable to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Eruptions of this scale can devastate areas within 20-30 kilometers and produce ash fall that disrupts aviation and agriculture across hundreds of kilometers. With 6 recorded eruptions on file, Opala has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
The steep-sided conical Opala stratovolcano was constructed during the late-Pleistocene to Holocene at the northern end of the 12 x 14 km, 40,000-year-old Opala caldera. The volcano has produced andesitic-dacitic lavas and tephras through most of the Holocene. The latest major explosive eruption formed the prominent Barany Amphitheater on the SE flank about 1,500 years ago, producing a voluminous 9-10 km3 regional rhyolitic tephra layer. The 2 x 2.5 km crater is filled by a lava dome 1 km wide. Mild explosive eruptions have been reported from summit and flank vents, although no associated tephra deposits have been found. Tephrochronology work has revealed evidence for a large explosive eruption from the summit crater about 300 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
6 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1854 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1827 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1776 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 610 | 5 | Confirmed Eruption | SE flank (Barany Amphitheater) |
| 1550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 3500 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Opala
Is Opala an active volcano?+
Opala is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1776 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Opala last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Opala occurred in 1854 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Opala has 6 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Opala?+
Opala has a summit elevation of 2,439 meters (8,002 feet) above sea level. At 2,439 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Opala?+
Opala is classified as a Caldera. Calderas are large volcanic depressions formed when a volcano erupts so powerfully that its magma chamber collapses, creating a basin that can be kilometers wide. They are often sites of some of Earth's largest eruptions.
Where is Opala located?+
Opala is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 52.543° latitude, 157.339° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Opala?+
Opala 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.
