About Zavaritsky
Zavaritsky is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 1,567 meters (5,141 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 800 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4.
Geography & Climate
Zavaritsky is located in Russia, within the Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 53.91° N, 158.38° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,567 meters above sea level, Zavaritsky 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, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Zavaritsky 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 Zavaritsky, 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
Zavaritsky has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 850 BCE to 800 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was a cataclysmic eruption with ash columns reaching the stratosphere in 850 BCE, reaching VEI 4 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 50 years of volcanic history.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 4, Zavaritsky has demonstrated the capacity for significant explosive eruptions that can impact regional aviation, agriculture, and communities tens of kilometers from the summit. VEI 4 eruptions produce ash columns reaching 15-25 kilometers into the atmosphere.
GVP Reference Summary
Zavaritsky volcano consists of a complex of six NW-SE-trending cinder cones and an explosion crater located near the headwaters of the Levaya Avacha River west of the Eastern volcanic zone of Kamchatka. The highest cone, 1567-m-high Mount Peschanaya, lies near the southern end of the cone group. The six cones of Zavaritsky were formed during an eruption about 2800 years ago during which associated lava flows blocked the Levaya Avacha and Ozernaya rivers, forming Lake Vulkanischeskoe along the Ozernaya drainage. Other monogenetic cinder cones are located NW and NE of Zavaritsky volcano. Berezovy cinder cone to the NW erupted about 11,000 to 10,000 radiocarbon years ago. An unnamed cone near the crest of a range dividing the Srednaya Avacha and Kavicha river drainages about 14 km WNW of Zavaritsky volcano erupted about 3000-2500 years ago. The cone is slightly closer to Bakening volcano, but the chemistry of its products are related to those of Zavaritsky.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 BCE | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | 14 km WNW of Zavaritsky |
| 850 BCE | 4 | Confirmed Eruption | Mt. Peschanaya and adjacent cones |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Zavaritsky
Is Zavaritsky an active volcano?+
Zavaritsky is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 800 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Zavaritsky last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Zavaritsky occurred in 800 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Zavaritsky has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Zavaritsky?+
Zavaritsky has a summit elevation of 1,567 meters (5,141 feet) above sea level. At 1,567 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Zavaritsky?+
Zavaritsky 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 Zavaritsky located?+
Zavaritsky is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 53.905° latitude, 158.385° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Zavaritsky?+
Zavaritsky 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.
