About Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky is a shield(s) rising to 1,401 meters (4,597 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 5310 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.
Geography & Climate
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky is located in Russia, within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 56.48° N, 157.92° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,401 meters above sea level, Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky 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 Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky, 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
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 5310 BCE to 5310 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 5310 BCE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky has produced eruptions capable of generating pyroclastic flows and significant ash fall in the surrounding area. While not among the largest eruptions globally, VEI 3 events pose serious hazards to local populations and can disrupt regional air travel.
GVP Reference Summary
Bolshoi (Bolshoy) and Kekuknaysky are two large, partially overlapping basaltic shield volcanoes located NW and NNW, respectively, of Uksichan volcano. The massive Pleistocene shield volcanoes were constructed west of the axis of the Sredinny Range. Hawaiian-type calderas are located at the summits, and their flanks have numerous youthful cinder cones. The summit caldera of Bolshoi is breached by four radial valleys, whereas the 6-km-wide caldera of Kekuknaysky (also known as Leningradets volcano) is breached to the north. Young cinder cones and lava flows are particularly abundant on the NE flank of Kekuknaysky. Kekuk crater on the lower N flank erupted about 7,200 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5310 BCE | 3 | Confirmed Eruption | N flank of Kekuknaysky (Kekuk Crater) |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky
Is Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky an active volcano?+
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 5310 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky occurred in 5310 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky?+
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky has a summit elevation of 1,401 meters (4,597 feet) above sea level. At 1,401 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky?+
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky is classified as a Shield(s). Shield volcanoes are broad, gently sloping volcanoes built by fluid lava flows. They produce less explosive eruptions compared to stratovolcanoes and tend to have effusive lava rather than violent blasts.
Where is Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky located?+
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 56.483° latitude, 157.917° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky?+
Bolshoi-Kekuknaysky 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.
