About Moffett
Moffett is a stratovolcano rising to 1,196 meters (3,924 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 1600 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Moffett is located in United States, within the Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 51.94° N, 176.75° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,196 meters above sea level, Moffett 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
Moffett 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 Moffett, 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
Moffett has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 7850 BCE to 1600 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 6,250 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Rising above Adak, the largest town of the Aleutians, Mount Moffett is a modest-sized, eroded stratovolcano with several flank lava domes. The summit cone has been largely destroyed by glacial erosion, and has been filled by an andesitic plug dome. Five other lava domes are scattered over the flanks of the volcano. The south flank lava dome is one of the youngest features of the northern Adak Island volcanoes. The Heart Lake lava flow west of Sweeper Cove on the SE side of the volcano is another young volcanic feature. Several Holocene ash layers on Adak Island have been attributed to Moffett volcano. Its proximity to Adak Naval Air Station makes this one of the most accessible of the Aleutian volcanoes. Kiguga Warm Springs are located at Cape Kiguga, west of Mount Moffet, and the northern part of Adak Island has been investigated for geothermal power production.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1600 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 3750 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 7850 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Moffett
Is Moffett an active volcano?+
Moffett is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1600 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Moffett last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Moffett occurred in 1600 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Moffett has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Moffett?+
Moffett has a summit elevation of 1,196 meters (3,924 feet) above sea level. At 1,196 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Moffett?+
Moffett 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 Moffett located?+
Moffett 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 51.944° latitude, -176.747° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Moffett?+
Moffett 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.
