About Nazko
Nazko is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 1,238 meters (4,062 feet) in Canada's North America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 5220 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Nazko is located in Canada, within the Interior Western Canada Volcanic Province of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 52.93° N, 123.73° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,238 meters above sea level, Nazko is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor (basaltic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Nazko is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Nazko tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Canada more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is trachybasalt / tephrite basanite, 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
Nazko has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 5220 BCE to 5220 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
Nazko Cone, the easternmost and youngest volcano of the Anahim Volcanic Belt in the Chilcotin-Nechako Plateau, central British Columbia, rests on glacial till. It was formed in three episodes of activity, the first of which took place during a Pleistocene interglacial stage about 340,000 years ago (Souther et al., 1987). The second stage produced a large hyaloclastite scoria mound erupted beneath the Cordilleran ice sheet during the late Pleistocene. The final activity occurred about 7,200 years ago, forming a compound subaerial basanitic cinder cone that overtopped the hyaloclastite mound and produced two small lava flows that traveled about 1 km W. An airfall tephra deposit extends several kilometers to the N and E. Mining of the red cinder and scoria deposits began in the early 1990s.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5220 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Nazko
Is Nazko an active volcano?+
Nazko is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 5220 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Nazko last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Nazko occurred in 5220 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Nazko has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Nazko?+
Nazko has a summit elevation of 1,238 meters (4,062 feet) above sea level. At 1,238 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Nazko?+
Nazko is classified as a Pyroclastic cone(s). Pyroclastic cones (or cinder cones) are small, steep-sided volcanic cones built from fragments of lava blasted into the air. They are the simplest type of volcano and often form in groups.
Where is Nazko located?+
Nazko is located in Canada, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Interior Western Canada Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 52.928° latitude, -123.732° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Nazko?+
Nazko can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Canada may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
