About Steller
Steller is a stratovolcano rising to 2,279 meters (7,477 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
Steller is located in United States, within the Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 58.43° N, 154.39° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. At 2,279 meters above sea level, Steller 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
Steller 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 Steller, 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 Steller is part of a chain of closely spaced volcanic peaks oriented NE-SW in Katmai National Park and lies between Mount Denision and Kukak volcanoes. Uncertainty surrounds the number and location of vents in this heavily glaciated area. The precise age of the most recent activity at Steller is not known, but the volcano was considered to have been active during the Holocene by Nye et al. (1998).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Steller.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Steller
Is Steller an active volcano?+
Steller is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Steller?+
Steller has a summit elevation of 2,279 meters (7,477 feet) above sea level. At 2,279 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Steller?+
Steller 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 Steller located?+
Steller 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 58.430° latitude, -154.389° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Steller?+
Steller 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.
