About Severny
Severny is a shield rising to 1,936 meters (6,352 feet) in Russia's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 1550 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Severny is located in Russia, within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 58.28° N, 160.87° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,936 meters above sea level, Severny 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
Severny 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 Severny, 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
Severny has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1550 BCE to 1550 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
Severny is a late Quaternary shield volcano located at the NW end of a major NE-trending graben along the crest of the northern Sredinny Range. It is capped by a small stratovolcano, a small shield volcano was constructed on its SW flank, and an even smaller shield grew on the NE flank. The basaltic Tobeltsen cinder cone on the WSW flank and associated lava flows were erupted about 3,500 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | WSW flank (Tobeltsen) |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Severny
Is Severny an active volcano?+
Severny is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1550 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Severny last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Severny occurred in 1550 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Severny has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Severny?+
Severny has a summit elevation of 1,936 meters (6,352 feet) above sea level. At 1,936 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Severny?+
Severny is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Severny located?+
Severny is located in Russia, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 58.280° latitude, 160.870° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Severny?+
Severny 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.
