About Uzon
Uzon is a caldera(s) rising to 1,617 meters (5,305 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 200 CE. The volcano has produced 4 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Uzon is located in Russia, within the Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 54.49° N, 159.97° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,617 meters above sea level, Uzon is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a caldera, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Uzon 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 Uzon, 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 andesite / basaltic andesite, 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
Uzon has 4 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 5750 BCE to 200 CE. These eruptions span roughly 5,950 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Uzon and Geysernaya calderas, containing Kamchatka's largest geothermal area, form a 7 x 18 km depression that originated during multiple mid-Pleistocene eruptions. Widespread ignimbrite deposits associated with caldera formation have a volume of 20-25 km3 (exclusive of airfall deposits) and cover an area of 1,700 km2. Post-caldera activity was largely Pleistocene in age and consisted of the extrusion of small silicic lava domes and flows and maar formation in the Geysernaya caldera. The Lake Dal'ny maar in the NE part of the 9 x 12 km western Uzon caldera is early Holocene in age, and several Holocene phreatic eruptions have been documented in the Geysernaya caldera. The extensive high-temperature hydrothermal system includes the many hot springs, mudpots, and geysers of the Valley of Geysers, a 4-km-long canyon on the SE margin of the depression. Hydrothermal explosions took place in the caldera in 1986 and 1989.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
4 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Khloridnoe Lake |
| 1550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Bannoe Lake |
| 5700 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | N part of caldera (Lake Dal'ny maar) |
| 5750 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Uzon
Is Uzon an active volcano?+
Uzon is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 200 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Uzon last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Uzon occurred in 200 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Uzon has 4 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Uzon?+
Uzon has a summit elevation of 1,617 meters (5,305 feet) above sea level. At 1,617 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Uzon?+
Uzon is classified as a Caldera(s). Caldera(s) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Uzon located?+
Uzon is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 54.489° latitude, 159.974° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Uzon?+
Uzon 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.
