About Black Peak
Black Peak is a stratovolcano rising to 1,032 meters (3,386 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1900 BCE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 6.
Geography & Climate
Black Peak is located in United States, within the Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 56.55° N, 158.78° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,032 meters above sea level, Black Peak 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
Black Peak 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 Black Peak, 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
Black Peak has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1900 BCE to 1900 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was a colossal eruption capable of affecting global climate for years in 1900 BCE, reaching VEI 6 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
Significance
Black Peak has produced at least one eruption of VEI 6 or higher, placing it among the most powerful volcanic systems on Earth. Eruptions of this magnitude inject massive quantities of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, affecting global climate by lowering average temperatures for one to three years after the event.
GVP Reference Summary
The highly eroded stratovolcano and lava dome complex of Black Peak was constructed within an ice-free mid-Holocene caldera with two small caldera lakes on the N and E sides. The pre-caldera volcano consists of andesitic-dacitic lava domes, lava flows, and volcaniclastic rocks that were constructed over a basement of Pliocene volcanogenic sediments. Ash-flow tuffs and block-and-ash-flow deposits from the more than 10 km3 caldera-forming eruption, which occurred less than about 4000 years ago, fill the Ash Creek and Bluff Creek valleys to the west and north to depths of as much as 100 m. Most of the 3.5-km-wide caldera floor is occupied by a complex of nested dacitic lava domes and associated lava flows centered in the southern part of the caldera.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 BCE | 6 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Peak
Is Black Peak an active volcano?+
Black Peak is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1900 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Black Peak last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Black Peak occurred in 1900 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 6. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Black Peak has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Black Peak?+
Black Peak has a summit elevation of 1,032 meters (3,386 feet) above sea level. At 1,032 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Black Peak?+
Black Peak 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 Black Peak located?+
Black Peak is located in United States, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 56.552° latitude, -158.785° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Black Peak?+
Black Peak 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.
