About Wudalianchi
Wudalianchi is a volcanic field rising to 597 meters (1,959 feet) in China's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1776 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.
Geography & Climate
Wudalianchi is located in China, within the Central East Asia Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 48.72° N, 126.15° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 597 meters above sea level, Wudalianchi is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Wudalianchi is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Wudalianchi tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in China more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is trachybasalt / tephrite basanite, 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
Wudalianchi has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1720 CE to 1776 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 1720 CE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 56 years of volcanic history.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Wudalianchi 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
The Wudalianchi volcanic field, named for a string of five scenic lava-dammed lakes, consists of 14 cinder cones capping a 500 km2 shield-like lava plateau in NE China. The volcanic field, whose name means "Five Connected Pools" was formed during five eruptive cycles from the early Pleistocene to historical time. Its ancient name was "Nine Hills," which after the historical eruptions now number 14 hills. The cinder cones were erupted through basement sedimentary and granitic rocks and show a preferred alignment along three chains at the intersection of NE- and NW-trending lineaments. In addition to the historical cinder cones of Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan, Xilongmenshan and Donglongmenshan are Holocene in age. The freshly preserved cones of Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan were formed during eruptions in 1720-21. Fissures at the base of the two new cinder cones fed glassy pahoehoe and aa lava flows that covered 65 km2 and formed the five lakes of Wudalianchi at their eastern and northern margins. Renewed eruptions took place in 1776.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1776 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Laoheishan |
| 1720 | 3 | Confirmed Eruption | Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Wudalianchi
Is Wudalianchi an active volcano?+
Wudalianchi is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1776 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Wudalianchi last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Wudalianchi occurred in 1776 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Wudalianchi has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Wudalianchi?+
Wudalianchi has a summit elevation of 597 meters (1,959 feet) above sea level. At 597 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Wudalianchi?+
Wudalianchi is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Wudalianchi located?+
Wudalianchi is located in China, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central East Asia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 48.722° latitude, 126.150° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Wudalianchi?+
Wudalianchi can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. China may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.