About Kupreanof
Kupreanof is a stratovolcano rising to 1,895 meters (6,217 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. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Kupreanof is located in United States, within the Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 56.01° N, 159.80° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,895 meters above sea level, Kupreanof 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
Kupreanof 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 Kupreanof, 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
Kupreanof has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1987 CE to 1987 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1987 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. The most recent eruption in 1987 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Kupreanof is the largest and NE-most of a group of five relatively closely spaced Quaternary volcanic centers opposite Stepovak Bay. A debris flow or block-and-ash flow with possible juvenile fragments descended a late-Pleistocene valley south of the volcano. This stratovolcano displays vigorous fumarolic activity, and although a "grayish-brown ash horizon" extending 15 km was reported by a pilot in 1987 after emissions from a SSW-flank solfatara field, the cause of this event is uncertain.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 | Uncertain Eruption | SSW flank (1575 m) |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kupreanof
Is Kupreanof an active volcano?+
Kupreanof is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Kupreanof last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kupreanof occurred in 1987 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Kupreanof has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Kupreanof?+
Kupreanof has a summit elevation of 1,895 meters (6,217 feet) above sea level. At 1,895 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Kupreanof?+
Kupreanof 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 Kupreanof located?+
Kupreanof 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 56.011° latitude, -159.797° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kupreanof?+
Kupreanof 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.
