About Barkhatnaya Sopka
Barkhatnaya Sopka is a volcanic field rising to 874 meters (2,868 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 3550 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Barkhatnaya Sopka is located in Russia, within the Kuril Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 52.80° N, 158.24° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 874 meters above sea level, Barkhatnaya Sopka 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
Barkhatnaya Sopka 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 Barkhatnaya Sopka, 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
Barkhatnaya Sopka has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 3550 BCE to 3550 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Barkhatnaya Sopka group of Pleistocene andesitic-to-rhyolitic lava domes and Holocene basaltic pyroclastic cones is located along the Paratunka River about 30 km NNW of Gorely volcano. The cinder cones are sitting on an uplifted block of eroded Miocene-Pliocene rocks. Most of the younger cones lie on the S and SE sides of the volcanic field. The Barkhatnaya cinder cone formed about 3,000-4,000 years ago (Ponomareva, 1992 p.c.).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Barkhatnaya Sopka
Is Barkhatnaya Sopka an active volcano?+
Barkhatnaya Sopka is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 3550 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Barkhatnaya Sopka last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Barkhatnaya Sopka occurred in 3550 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Barkhatnaya Sopka has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Barkhatnaya Sopka?+
Barkhatnaya Sopka has a summit elevation of 874 meters (2,868 feet) above sea level. At 874 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Barkhatnaya Sopka?+
Barkhatnaya Sopka is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Barkhatnaya Sopka located?+
Barkhatnaya Sopka is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kuril Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 52.802° latitude, 158.240° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Barkhatnaya Sopka?+
Barkhatnaya Sopka 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.
