About Amak
Amak is a stratovolcano rising to 547 meters (1,795 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1796 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Amak is located in United States, within the Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 55.42° N, 163.15° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 547 meters above sea level, Amak 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
Amak 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 Amak, 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
Amak has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 2550 BCE to 1796 CE. These eruptions span roughly 4,346 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Amak, the easternmost of the Aleutian Islands, is a small island stratovolcano that lies north of the main Aleutian volcanic front, about 50 km NW of Frosty volcano on the western tip of the Alaska Peninsula. The summit of the small, roughly 1 km3 volcano is only 488 m above sea level. Blocky lava flows with prominent levees were emplaced during historical eruptions from 1700-1710 and in 1796 (Marsh, in Wood and Kienle 1990). The flows radiate from a well-defined central crater and cover much of the central part of the island. Earlier volcanism perhaps 4000-5000 years ago consisted of the emission of thin, platy andesitic lava flows. A flat alluvial plain on the S flank contains a flat-bottomed crater that may be a maar.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1700 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 2550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Amak
Is Amak an active volcano?+
Amak is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1796 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Amak last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Amak occurred in 1796 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Amak has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Amak?+
Amak has a summit elevation of 547 meters (1,795 feet) above sea level. At 547 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Amak?+
Amak 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 Amak located?+
Amak 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 55.418° latitude, -163.147° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Amak?+
Amak 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.
