About Veer
Veer is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 520 meters (1,706 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 390 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Veer is located in Russia, within the Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 53.75° N, 158.45° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 520 meters above sea level, Veer 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 (basaltic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Veer 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 Veer, 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
Veer has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 390 CE to 390 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 390 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
GVP Reference Summary
Cinder cones along the Levaya Avacha River about 60 km N of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy erupted lavas over young river terraces. The basaltic Veer cone, located on the W side of the river, produced a lava flow with prominent ridges that descended into the valley. Although Krijanovsky (1934) listed an 1856 eruption, stratigraphic studies have shown that the eruption occurred sometime between the 1,500 years before present (BP) eruption from Barany Amphitheater of Opala volcano and a 1,630 BP eruption from Avachinsky (Dirksen, 1999 pers. comm.). Nearby andesitic Pravy volcano is also of postglacial age.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 390 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Veer
Is Veer an active volcano?+
Veer is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 390 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Veer last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Veer occurred in 390 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Veer has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Veer?+
Veer has a summit elevation of 520 meters (1,706 feet) above sea level. At 520 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Veer?+
Veer 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 Veer located?+
Veer is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 53.752° latitude, 158.448° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Veer?+
Veer 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.
