About Little Sitkin
Little Sitkin is a stratovolcano rising to 1,174 meters (3,852 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1830 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Little Sitkin is located in United States, within the Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 51.95° N, 178.54° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,174 meters above sea level, Little Sitkin is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Little Sitkin 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 United States near Little Sitkin, 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
Little Sitkin has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1776 CE to 1828 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1776 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 52 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Diamond-shaped Little Sitkin Island is bounded by steep cliffs on the east, north, and NE sides. Little Sitkin volcano contains two nested calderas. The older, nearly circular Pleistocene caldera is 4.8 km wide, may have once contained a caldera lake, and was partially filled by a younger cone formed mostly of andesitic and dacitic lava flows. The elliptical younger caldera is 2.7 x 4 km wide; it lies within the eastern part of the older caldera and shares its eastern and southern rim. The younger caldera partially destroyed the lava cone within the first caldera and is of possible early Holocene age. Young-looking dacitic lava flows, erupted in 1828 (Kay, in Wood and Kienle 1990), issued from the central cone within the younger caldera and from a vent on the west flank outside the older caldera. Fumarolic areas are found near the western coast, along the NW margin of the older caldera, and from the summit crater down the southern flank for a 1 km distance.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1828 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Summit and west flank |
| 1776 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Sitkin
Is Little Sitkin an active volcano?+
Little Sitkin is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1830 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Little Sitkin last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Little Sitkin occurred in 1828 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Little Sitkin has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Little Sitkin?+
Little Sitkin has a summit elevation of 1,174 meters (3,852 feet) above sea level. At 1,174 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Little Sitkin?+
Little Sitkin is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Little Sitkin located?+
Little Sitkin is located in United States, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 51.950° latitude, 178.543° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Little Sitkin?+
Little Sitkin can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. United States may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
