About Yantarni
Yantarni is a stratovolcano rising to 1,345 meters (4,413 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 800 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5.
Geography & Climate
Yantarni is located in United States, within the Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 57.02° N, 157.19° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,345 meters above sea level, Yantarni 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
Yantarni 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 Yantarni, 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
Yantarni has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 800 BCE to 800 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was a paroxysmal eruption with devastating regional consequences in 800 BCE, reaching VEI 5 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 5, Yantarni has demonstrated the capacity for paroxysmal eruptions comparable to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Eruptions of this scale can devastate areas within 20-30 kilometers and produce ash fall that disrupts aviation and agriculture across hundreds of kilometers.
GVP Reference Summary
Yantarni is a small andesitic stratovolcano located between Aniakchak caldera and Chiginadak volcanoes that was not discovered until 1979. A large breached crater on the NE side, formed by collapse of the summit about 2000-3500 years ago, contains a lava dome that marks the summit. This eruption, which resembled that of Mount St. Helens in 1980, began with a debris avalanche produced by the edifice collapse that was accompanied by a possible lateral blast and followed by the emplacement of 1 km3 of pyroclastic flows related to growth of the summit lava dome.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 BCE | 5 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Yantarni
Is Yantarni an active volcano?+
Yantarni is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 800 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Yantarni last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Yantarni occurred in 800 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Yantarni has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Yantarni?+
Yantarni has a summit elevation of 1,345 meters (4,413 feet) above sea level. At 1,345 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Yantarni?+
Yantarni 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 Yantarni located?+
Yantarni 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 57.019° latitude, -157.185° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Yantarni?+
Yantarni 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.
