About Denison
Denison is a stratovolcano rising to 2,287 meters (7,504 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
Denison is located in United States, within the Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 58.42° N, 154.45° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. At 2,287 meters above sea level, Denison rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Denison 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 Denison, 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
Mount Denison lies near the head of the Serpent Tongue, Hook, and Hallo glaciers NE of Snowy volcano. This poorly known section of Katmai National Park contains a line of four closely spaced and mostly ice-covered volcanic peaks. Denison lies at the SW end of this chain, which also includes Steller, Kukak, and Devils Desk volcanoes. Orientation of lava flows and a thick cross-bedded tephra deposit suggest that a vent is located near Mount Denison (Swanson, in Wood and Kienle 1990). The precise age of the most recent activity at Denison is not known.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Denison.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Denison
Is Denison an active volcano?+
Denison 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.
How high is Denison?+
Denison has a summit elevation of 2,287 meters (7,504 feet) above sea level. At 2,287 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Denison?+
Denison 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 Denison located?+
Denison 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 58.418° latitude, -154.449° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Denison?+
Denison 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.
