About Herbert
Herbert is a stratovolcano rising to 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Herbert is located in United States, within the Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 52.74° N, 170.11° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,280 meters above sea level, Herbert 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
Herbert 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 Herbert, 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.
GVP Reference Summary
The 10-km-wide Herbert Island, the SW-most of the Islands of the Four Mountains group, lies across a strait SW of Mount Cleveland. This symmetrical stratovolcano has a summit truncated by a 2-km-wide caldera breached to NW. No historical eruptions have been recorded, and no geological studies have been published.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Herbert.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Herbert
Is Herbert an active volcano?+
Herbert is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Herbert?+
Herbert has a summit elevation of 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) above sea level. At 1,280 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Herbert?+
Herbert 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 Herbert located?+
Herbert 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 52.742° latitude, -170.111° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Herbert?+
Herbert 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.
