Global Volcanism Program

Avachinsky

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Russia
Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc
Composite | Stratovolcano
2001 CE

Country
Volcanic Region
Landform | Volc Type
Last Known Eruption

53.256°N
158.836°E
2,717 m
8,914 ft
300100

Latitude
Longitude
Summit
Elevation
Volcano
Number

Most Recent Weekly Report: 7 May-13 May 2008 Cite this Report

Based on information from KEMSD, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an eruption plume from Avachinsky rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S and E on 10 May. [Note: KVERT did not detect ash on satellite imagery nor by direct observation.]

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

Most Recent Bulletin Report: August 2010 (BGVN 35:08) Cite this Report

Shallow earthquakes in 2005; plume in 2008

This report discusses Avachinsky in 2001-2010. Following lava flows emitted in 1991 (BGVN 16:12), Avachinsky generated near-daily fumarolic plumes and generally low (background) seismicity (figure 3). The escaping gases contained sufficient sulfur to construct an area of sulfurous deposits at a prominent NW-trending crack on the SW rim of the summit crater. In 2001 a series of minor earthquakes were sometimes accompanied by gas-and-steam plumes (some with ash) (BGVN 26:11). Weak fumarolic activity and small mudflows also were observed.

Figure 3. View of Avachinsky volcano from the W on 24 March 2004. From Droznin and others (2004?).

By November 2001, seismic activity had declined to background levels where it apparently remained until 2005. On 8 November 2005, the Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that the number and energy of shallow earthquakes below Avachinsky had increased during the previous month. A weak thermal anomaly near the volcano's summit was visible on satellite imagery on 7 November. Seismicity increased significantly on 21 November, with very shallow earthquakes and several hybrid earthquakes. A weak thermal anomaly near the summit was visible on satellite imagery during 20-21 November.

During 2006 moderate fumarolic activity occurred, producing a steam plume about 700 m above crater. Seismicity was at background levels, with occasional weak seismic events at 500 m depth.

On 10 May 2008, a plume from Avachinsky rose to an altitude of 4.3 km and drifted S and E. KVERT did not detect ash by direct observation or on satellite imagery.

Cross-sectional view. A topographical profile of the volcano (figure 4) shows the inferred geothermal reservoir. The possible drill hole (dark line) and plant are only in proposal stages.

Figure 4. Inferred boundaries of geothermal reservoirs (dashed line) in vertical cross-sections of the Avachinsky volcano. Circles depict earthquake hypocenters associated with a steam eruption in 2001 (data from four stations, Kamchatka EMSD GS RAS). From Droznin and others (2004?).

Droznin and others (2004?) note that "The heat discharge of the fumaroles may be estimated based on the geometrical characteristics of their clouds, taking into account local meteorological conditions.... The Avachinsky volcano fumaroles have been monitored since 2003 for the purpose of using the size of the fumaroles clouds to estimate the corresponding heat discharge. Its worth noting, that the real size of the thermo-clouds may be estimated only when there is 100% air saturation.

"The October 2001 eruption revealed an active steam-dominated reservoir below the lava plug of 1991. The swarm of the earthquakes hypocenters synchronized with the eruption 2001, showing the true geometrical size of the steam-dominated reservoir [figure 4]. This 1-km radius reservoir extends from the elevation of the lava plug at 2,750 m a.s.l. to -1,000 m a.s.l., where some north east trend shifting of the reservoir occurs. Similar earthquake distributions were detected in 2004."

Reference. Droznin, V.A., Dubrovskaya, I.K., Kiryukhin, A.V., Chernykh, E.V., Senyukov, S.L., and Ivanysko G.O., 2004(?), Avachinsky volcano geothermal reservoir based on fumaroles activity and seismological network data; (undated) Report of the Institute of Volcanology FEB RAS, Piip-9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, 683006.

Information Contacts: Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Far East Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, 9 Piip Blvd., Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia (URL: http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, Tokyo, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/); Kamchatkan Experimental and Methodical Seismological Department (KEMSD), Geophysical service, Russian Academy of Science (URL: http://www.emsd.iks.ru/index-e.php).

Weekly Reports - Index

2008: May
2005: November
2001: October

7 May-13 May 2008 Cite this Report

Source: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)

16 November-22 November 2005 Cite this Report

Seismic activity at Avachinsky began to increase significantly on 21 November, with very shallow earthquakes and several hybrid earthquakes recorded at the volcano during 0800-2400. A weak thermal anomaly near the volcano's summit was visible on satellite imagery during 20-21 November. KVERT reported that based on these changes, the possibility of sudden ash explosions had increased. The Concern Color Code remained at Yellow as it has since 8 November.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

2 November-8 November 2005 Cite this Report

KVERT reported on 8 November that the number and energy of shallow earthquakes below Avachinsky increased during the previous month. A weak thermal anomaly near the volcano's summit was visible on satellite imagery on 7 November. KVERT reported that based on these changes the possibility of sudden ash explosions at Avachinsky had increased, so the Concern Color Code was raised from Green to Yellow on 8 November.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

31 October-6 November 2001 Cite this Report

During 26 October to 2 November seismicity was at background levels, with only weak earthquakes detected (magnitudes less than or equal to 1.2). During 29 October to 1 November, when the volcano was visible, weak-to-powerful gas-and-steam emissions were observed extending to the SE and E. The Concern Color Code was reduced from Yellow to Green.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

24 October-30 October 2001 Cite this Report

During 19-26 October several gas-and-steam plumes rose above Avachinsky's crater, with the highest plume reaching 1 km and extending 20 km to the SE on 20 October. Seismic activity continued above background levels; ten earthquakes occurred with magnitudes of 1.3-2.1. The volcano remained at Concern Color Code Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

17 October-23 October 2001 Cite this Report

During 12-19 October gas-and-steam plumes rose above Avachinsky's crater and until 18 October seismicity was at background levels or was not registered. During 18 and 19 October a series of weak local earthquakes were detected ~700 m beneath the summit. On 17 October a fracture was observed in the lava dome that extended E-SE and W-NW, joining the hottest parts of the edifice. The fracture extended 100-150 m down the flanks of the cone.The volcano remained at Concern Color Code Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

10 October-16 October 2001 Cite this Report

Intense gas-and-steam plumes rose above the volcano several times during 6-11 October, with the highest plume climbing 500 m. During the report period, weak fumarolic activity occurred and seismicity was at background levels. Satellite imagery on 2 October showed a broad band of warm ground that appeared to follow the rim of the crater, with a small area of warm ground in the center of the crater. The volcano remained at Concern Color Code Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

3 October-9 October 2001 Cite this Report

During 25 August until at least 5 October several earthquakes, with magnitudes between 1.2 and 2.5, were detected near Avachinsky. On 5 October at 0759 an earthquake inside the volcano's edifice was accompanied by a small gas-and-steam explosion with small amounts of ash that rose less than 1 km above the crater. A thin layer of ash covered the SE sector of the volcano's edifice. The same day at 1000 larger gas-and-steam plumes were observed rising above the volcano. Mudflows traveled 50-100 m down Avachinsky's SE slope. KVERT personnel believe the mudflows were caused by intensive activity at a single fumarole on the SE side of the summit. On 5 October the Concern Color Code at Avachinsky was raised from Green to Yellow.

Source: Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT)

Bulletin Reports - Index

Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.

12/1990 (BGVN 15:12) Explosions feed 4-5-km tephra clouds; lava in crater; flank mudflows

12/1991 (BGVN 16:12) Lava dome filled crater during January 1991 eruption

05/1992 (BGVN 17:05) Fumarolic activity around 1991 dome

04/1993 (BGVN 18:04) Fumarolic activity

08/1993 (BGVN 18:08) Intense fumarolic activity

10/1993 (BGVN 18:10) Usual fumarolic activity; seismicity low

01/1994 (BGVN 19:01) Fumarolic activity from central crater

03/1996 (BGVN 21:03) Increased seismicity and a higher steam plume

06/1996 (BGVN 21:06) Normal seismic activity and degassing

10/1996 (BGVN 21:10) Normal seismic and fumarolic activity

11/1997 (BGVN 22:11) Fumarolic plume on 22 December

11/1998 (BGVN 23:11) Distinct change in seismic activity

11/2001 (BGVN 26:11) Modest October steam plumes reach 10 km long; minor ash eruption 5 October

08/2010 (BGVN 35:08) Shallow earthquakes in 2005; plume in 2008

Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

December 1990 (BGVN 15:12) Cite this Report

Explosions feed 4-5-km tephra clouds; lava in crater; flank mudflows

An eruption began on 13 January with explosions at 1158 and 1203 that ejected ash clouds to 4-5 km above the crater. Ash fell on Petropavlovsk, roughly 30 km SSW. Lava was observed in the crater and small mudflows moved down the flanks. No pre-eruption seismicity was recorded, but seismic activity associated with the eruption was increasing as of 17 January.

Information Contacts: B. Ivanov, IV.

December 1991 (BGVN 16:12) Cite this Report

Lava dome filled crater during January 1991 eruption

The following supplements the preliminary report in 15:12. The eruption lasted until 30 January 1991, filling the summit crater (400-500 m in diameter) with ~21 x 10⁶ metric tons of lava (figure 1). Circumferential and radial fissures 6 m deep covered the surface of the lava dome. Lava overflowed the S rim, feeding a flow that advanced 1.5 km down the SSE flank and short flows on the SW flank. Numerous fumaroles developed around the dome's margins.

Figure 1. View looking NW at the summit of Avachinsky, 11 October 1991. The summit crater (400-500 m in diameter) is filled with lava from the January 1991 eruption. Small lava flows at right extend down the SW flank. Photo taken by A. Ovsyannikov.

Information Contacts: IVGG.

May 1992 (BGVN 17:05) Cite this Report

Fumarolic activity around 1991 dome

Fumarolic activity was occurring from numerous points around the margins of the January 1991 lava dome during a 13 May overflight. Numerous circumferential and radial fissures, previously observed in October 1991, covered the dome's surface, but the small lava flows that extended down the SSE and SW flanks were no longer visible.

Information Contacts: H. Gaudru, SVE, Switzerland; G. de St. Cyr, T. de St. Cyr, and I. de St. Cyr, Lyon, France; T. Vaudelin, Genève, Switzerland.

April 1993 (BGVN 18:04) Cite this Report

Fumarolic activity

Fumarolic activity observed in late April from the crater area resulted from normal condensation of steam and was not caused by eruptive activity.

Information Contacts: V. Kirianov, IVGG.

August 1993 (BGVN 18:08) Cite this Report

Intense fumarolic activity

Summit crater observations were made by SVE team members during an overflight on 24 August. Fumarolic activity was very intense on and around the crater, and a very active fumarole field, with many yellow sulfur deposits, occupied a large area just below the rim on the SW slope. No fresh lava was visible on the surface of the lava plug that filled the summit crater . . . during the January 1991 eruption.

Information Contacts: H. Gaudru, SVE, Switzerland.

October 1993 (BGVN 18:10) Cite this Report

Usual fumarolic activity; seismicity low

Helicopter observations on 12-13 September revealed only the usual fumarolic activity, which was continuing through 6 November. Seismicity also remained at background levels of ~2-3 earthquakes/day through 28 October, except for an increase to ~8-10 earthquakes/day at depths of 1-2 km during the week of 14-21 October.

Information Contacts: V. Kirianov, IVGG.

January 1994 (BGVN 19:01) Cite this Report

Fumarolic activity from central crater

Seismicity was at background levels from mid-December into early January. During 4-6 January, a slight increase in seismic activity (16 events) was recorded at the volcano, but seismicity had returned to background levels (2-3 events/day) by mid-month. Seismicity was again above background in late January through mid-February. Strong fumarolic activity continued from the summit lava flow in the central crater. Similar activity was noted in May 1992, and in April, August, September, and October 1993.

Information Contacts: V. Kirianov, IVGG.

March 1996 (BGVN 21:03) Cite this Report

Increased seismicity and a higher steam plume

On 7 March the Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry (IVGG) reported a noteworthy increase in seismicity beneath Avachinsky and an increase in the height of the steam plume to ~100 m above the volcano. The steam plume suggested a possible increase in heat flux. The IVGG reported that the possibility of an eruption within the next few weeks to months has increased significantly. Elevated seismicity was previously reported in late 1993 and early 1994 (BGVN 19:01).

Information Contacts: Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (URL: https://www.avo.alaska.edu/); Vladimir Kirianov, Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Piip Ave. 9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia.

June 1996 (BGVN 21:06) Cite this Report

Normal seismic activity and degassing

Seismicity remained slightly above or at normal levels in June and the first half of July. Normal fumarolic activity was seen above the crater. Regular reports from KVERT (via AVO) resumed in June after funding problems in Russia halted communications in December 1994 (BGVN 19:11).

Information Contacts: Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO); Vladimir Kirianov, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Russia.

October 1996 (BGVN 21:10) Cite this Report

Normal seismic and fumarolic activity

Seismicity was about at background level during September, October, and November. Normal fumarolic emissions were observed above the crater.

Information Contacts: Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO); Vladimir Kirianov, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Russia.

November 1997 (BGVN 22:11) Cite this Report

Fumarolic plume on 22 December

Seismicity continued at normal background levels during November 1996-December 1997. On 22 December, a fumarolic plume rose ~200 m above the crater.

Information Contacts: Vladimir Kirianov, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Russia; Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO).

November 1998 (BGVN 23:11) Cite this Report

Distinct change in seismic activity

A distinct change in seismic activity began on 3 December. About 120 shallow events of very low magnitude were recorded during 3-6 December. The only days during the episode when observation was not obscured by cloud were 1 and 3-6 December, but no plumes were seen those days.

Information Contacts: Olga Chubarova, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Piip Ave. 9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia; Tom Miller, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of a) U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/), b) Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and c) Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.

November 2001 (BGVN 26:11) Cite this Report

Modest October steam plumes reach 10 km long; minor ash eruption 5 October

Seismic activity increased at Avachinsky during early December 1998 (BGVN 23:11). After that, seismicity stayed mostly at background levels until 25 August 2001, when it increased slightly, and was variable through at least October.

On 31 August, three earthquakes were registered, M 1.7, 2.2, and 2.6. On 20 September an M 1.7 earthquake occurred. On 21 September from 1705 until 1721, a series of earthquakes within the volcano's edifice was recorded, including an M 2.5 event at a depth of ~4 km. On 22 September at 0500 UTC, a 3-pixel thermal anomaly was clearly seen in an AVHRR image of Avachinsky.

At 0750 on 5 October, with an accompanying M 1.5 earthquake, a small explosion lofted ash to less than 1 km above the crater with minor ash falling on the SE flank. Around 19 October a series of weak local earthquakes (~ 50 events of M 0.5-1.5) was registered within 24 hours in the edifice at a depth of ~700 m beneath the summit.

Weak fumarolic activity was observed during 20, 23, 26, and 28 September, and 2-4, 10, 11, 16, and 17 October. In contrast, on 6 October fumarolic activity was observed over the entire crater. Small mudflows down the SE flank were visible in late September after every snowfall, presumably due to strong thermal activity of a fumarole on the SE crater rim. Gas-and-steam plumes were observed several times during September and October 2001 (figure 2 and table 1) when clouds did not obscure the volcano.

Figure 2. Avachinsky (summit elevation, 2,741 m) and Koryaksky (3,456 m) stratovolcanoes as seen from the city of Petropavlovsk on 13 October 2001. They reside 35-40 km NE of the city and their summits are separated by 12 km. A white plume is extending E from Avachinsky. Courtesy of KVERT.

Table 1. Gas-and-steam plumes reported at Avachinsky during September and October 2001. Courtesy KVERT.

Date	Time	Plume height / location
19 Sep 2001	--	30 m above crater.
06 Oct 2001	1250	Low over crater, extending 10 km SE.
07 Oct 2001	0850	Rising 50 m over the crater and extending SSE.
07 Oct 2001	1700	Rising 200 m above crater.
09 Oct 2001	--	Rising low above crater, extending 5 km E.
11 Oct 2001	0940	Rising 200 m and extending 5 km E.
12 Oct 2001	2000	Rising over the crater and extending 1 km E.
13 Oct 2001	1130	Extending 10 km E.
13 Oct 2001	2000	Extending 10 km E.
20 Oct 2001	1430-1930	Rising ~1 km above the crater; extending 20 km SE.
21-22 Oct 2001	--	Rising 50-200 m above the crater and extending SE, E, and NE.

A band-6 satellite image on 2 October showed a broad area of warm ground that appeared to follow the rim of the crater, with a small area in the center of the crater. Band-7 data on 2 October showed hotter areas in the SE and SW parts of the crater, and possibly on the N side. On 5 October, the Concern Color Code was increased from Green (volcano is dormant; normal seismicity and fumarolic activity) to Yellow (volcano is restless; eruption may occur). A large, elongate cloud was recorded extending to the SE from the volcano at 1830 on 8 October.

The last explosive eruption at Avachinsky occurred in 1991 and lasted 6 days. The eruption began with two ash explosions directed SW toward Petropavlovsk, and covered the town with an ash layer a few millimeters thick. Effusion of lava began 28 hours later. Further explosive activity occurred simultaneously with the lava emission. As a result of the eruption, a lava plug filled the entire crater.

The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT) speculated that the recent activity at Avachinsky could indicate the occurrence of a scenario similar to the eruptions in the years 1737 and 1827. Present activity could lead to a large eruption accompanied by directed blasts with voluminous tephra, debris avalanches, and mudflows. Or, gradual damage of the plug might occur by various means, including earthquakes, small explosive discharges, mudflows, etc. Both scenarios could pose a potential hazard to nearby farm cottages (dachas), the Radyugina settlement, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city.

Information Contacts: Olga Girina and Lilia Bazanov, Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (KVERT), Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Piip Ave. 9, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, 683006, Russia; John C. Eichelberger and Tom Murray, Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), a cooperative program of a) U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, USA (URL: http://www.avo.alaska. edu/), b) Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7320, USA, and c) Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, 794 University Ave., Suite 200, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA.

August 2010 (BGVN 35:08) Cite this Report

Shallow earthquakes in 2005; plume in 2008

Figure 3. View of Avachinsky volcano from the W on 24 March 2004. From Droznin and others (2004?).

During 2006 moderate fumarolic activity occurred, producing a steam plume about 700 m above crater. Seismicity was at background levels, with occasional weak seismic events at 500 m depth.

On 10 May 2008, a plume from Avachinsky rose to an altitude of 4.3 km and drifted S and E. KVERT did not detect ash by direct observation or on satellite imagery.

Cross-sectional view. A topographical profile of the volcano (figure 4) shows the inferred geothermal reservoir. The possible drill hole (dark line) and plant are only in proposal stages.

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Synonyms

Cones

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Avachi

Cone

Kozelskiy
Kozel

Stratovolcano

2189 m

53° 14' 0" N

158° 54' 0" E

Monastyr

Cone

1600 m

Domes

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Bulka

Dome

Odinokaia

Dome

Basic Data

Volcano Number

Last Known Eruption

Elevation

Latitude
Longitude

300100

2001 CE

2,717 m / 8,914 ft

53.256°N
158.836°E

Morphology

Volcano Landform
Composite

Volcano Types
Stratovolcano
Lava dome(s)

Rock Types

Major
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Minor
Dacite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone
Continental crust (> 25 km)

Population

Within 5 km
Within 10 km
Within 30 km
Within 100 km

0
0
180,016
270,205

Geological Summary

Avachinsky, one of Kamchatka's most active volcanoes, rises above Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka's largest city. It began to form during the middle or late Pleistocene, and is flanked to the SE by Kozelsky volcano, which has a large crater breached to the NE. A large collapse scarp open to the SW was created when a major debris avalanche about 30,000-40,000 years ago buried an area of about 500 km² to the south, underlying the city of Petropavlovsk. Reconstruction of the volcano took place in two stages, the first of which began about 18,000 years before present (BP), and the second 7,000 years BP. Most eruptions have been explosive, with pyroclastic flows and hot lahars being directed primarily to the SW by the collapse scarp, although there have also been relatively short lava flows. The frequent historical eruptions have been similar in style and magnitude to previous Holocene eruptions.

This volcano is located within the Volcanoes of Kamchatka, a UNESCO World Heritage property.

References

The following references have all been used during the compilation of data for this volcano, it is not a comprehensive bibliography.

Braitseva O A, Bazanova L I, Melekestsev I V, Sulerzhitskiy L D, 1998. Large Holocene eruptions of Avacha volcano, Kamchatka (7250- 3700 years B. P.). Volc Seism, 20:1-27 (English translation).

Braitseva O A, Melekestsev I V, Ponomareva V V, Sulerzhitsky L D, 1995. Ages of calderas, large explosive craters and active volcanoes in the Kuril-Kamchatka region, Russia. Bull Volcanol, 57: 383-402.

Braitseva O, Ponomareva V, Melekestsev I, Sulerzhitsky L, Pevzner M, 2002-. Holocene Kamchatka volcanoes. http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/volcanoes/holocene/main/main.htm.

Erlich E N, 1986. Geology of the calderas of Kamchatka and Kurile Islands with comparison to calderas of Japan and the Aleutians, Alaska. U S Geological Survey Open-File Report, 86-291: 1-300. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr86291

IAVCEI, 1973-80. Post-Miocene Volcanoes of the World. IAVCEI Data Sheets, Rome: Internatl Assoc Volc Chemistry Earth's Interior.

Kozhemyaka N N, 1995. Active volcanoes of Kamchatka: types and growth time of cones, total volumes of erupted material, productivity, and composition of rocks. Volc Seism, 16: 581-594 (English translation).

Krijanovsky N, 1934. Volcanoes of Kamchatka. Geol Soc Amer Bull, 45: 529-549.

Melekestsev I V, Braitseva O A, Dvigalo V N, Bazanova L I, 1994. Historical eruptions of Avacha volcano, Kamchatka: Attempt of modern interpretation and classification for long-term prediction of the types and parameters of future eruptions. Part 1 (1737-1909). Volc Seism, 15: 649-666 (English translation).

Melekestsev I V, Braitseva O A, Dvigalo V N, Bazanova L I, 1994. Historical eruptions of Avacha volcano, Kamchatka: Attempt of modern interpretation and classification for long-term prediction of the types and parameters of future eruptions. Part 2 (1926-1991). Volc Seism, 16: 93-114 (English translation).

Melekestsev I V, Braitseva O A, Ponomareva V V, 1989. Prediction of volcanic hazards on the basis of the study of dynamics of volcanic activity, Kamchatka. In: Latter J H (ed), Volcanic Hazards - Assessment and Monitoring, Berlin: Springer-Verlag, p 10-35.

Melekestsev I V, Kiryanov V Y, 1984. When will Avacha volcano in Kamchatka erupt?. Volc Seism, 1984(6): 107-110 (English translation 1988, 6: 943-951).

Melekestsev I V, Sulerzhitskiy L D, Bazanova L I, Braitseva O A, Florenskaya N I, 1995. Holocene catastrophic lahars at Avacha and Koriakskiy volcanoes in Kamchatka. Volc Seism, 17: 561-570 (English translation).

Ponomareva V V, Melekestsev I V, Dirksen O V, 2006. Sector collapses and large landslides on late Pleistocene-Holocene volcanoes in Kamchatka, Russia. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 158: 117-138.

Vlasov G M, 1967. Kamchatka, Kuril, and Komandorskiye Islands: geological description. In: Geol of the USSR, Moscow, 31: 1-827.

Vlodavetz V I, Piip B I, 1959. Kamchatka and Continental Areas of Asia. Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World and Solfatara Fields, Rome: IAVCEI, 8: 1-110.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 55 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

2001 Oct 5 - 2001 Oct 5 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption

2001 Oct 5 - 2001 Oct 5

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 6 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)	Before.
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)	After.
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow	weak or small
2001 Oct 5	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1991 Jan 13 - 1991 Jan 30 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1991 Jan 13 - 1991 Jan 30

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 8 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow	weak or small
- - - -	- - - -	Fauna Kill	Aquatic.
1991 Jan 13	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1945 Feb 25 - 1945 Feb 25 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption

1945 Feb 25 - 1945 Feb 25

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 10 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Flames
- - - -	- - - -	Lightning
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)	Before.
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow
- - - -	- - - -	Fauna Kill	Terrestrial.
1945 Feb 25	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1938 Mar 6 - 1938 Dec 1 (in or after) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption

1938 Mar 6 - 1938 Dec 1 (in or after)

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow
1938 Mar 6	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1926 Mar 27 - 1927 Mar 14 (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption

1926 Mar 27 - 1927 Mar 14 (?)

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 11 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)	Before.
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow
- - - -	- - - -	Fauna Kill	Aquatic.
1926 Mar 27	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)
1926 Apr 5	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1910 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 \| Eruption
1910 - Unknown				Evidence from Unknown

1909 Aug Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1909 Aug - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 6 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash	Incandescent
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)
1909 Aug	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1901 Jul 7 - 1901 Jul 13 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1901 Jul 7 - 1901 Jul 13

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
1901 Jul 7	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1894 Oct - 1895 Feb Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1894 Oct - 1895 Feb

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)
1894 Oct	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1881 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1881 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	1881	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1878 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1878 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	1878	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1855 May 28 - 1855 Sep 4 ± 4 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1855 May 28 - 1855 Sep 4 ± 4 days

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Audible Sounds
1855 May 28	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1854 Aug 13 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1854 Aug 13 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Flames
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)
1854 Aug 13	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1853 Dec 21 - 1854 Mar 14 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1853 Dec 21 - 1854 Mar 14

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Flames
1853 Dec 21	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1851 Nov 26 - 1852 Feb 14 ± 4 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1851 Nov 26 - 1852 Feb 14 ± 4 days

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Ash	Incandescent
1851 Nov 26	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1837 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 \| Eruption
1837 - Unknown				Evidence from Unknown

1828 Apr 17 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1828 Apr 17 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
1828 Apr 17	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1827 Jun 27 - 1827 Jun 29 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption

1827 Jun 27 - 1827 Jun 29

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 7 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow
1827 Jun 27	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1789 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 \| Eruption
1789 - Unknown				Evidence from Unknown

1779 Jun 15 - 1779 Jun 16 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption

1779 Jun 15 - 1779 Jun 16

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Lightning
1779 Jun 15	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1772 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1772 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	1772	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1737 Aug - 1737 Aug Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption

1737 Aug - 1737 Aug

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 8 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)
- - - -	- - - -	Earthquakes (undefined)	After.
- - - -	- - - -	Tsunami
1737 Aug	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1550 (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

1550 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion

1400 (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

1400 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion

1200 (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

1200 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

1100 (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

1100 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

0900 (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

0900 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

0700 (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

0700 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

0400 (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

0400 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

0100 (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

0100 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

1350 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IIAV3

1350 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IIAV3

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
1350 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer AV1

1500 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer AV1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow
1500 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1700 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

1700 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Pumice

2100 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv27

2100 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv27

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

2300 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv26

2300 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv26

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

2500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv25

2500 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv25

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

2530 BCE ± 300 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv24; AV2

2530 BCE ± 300 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 9 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv24; AV2

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
2530 BCE ± 300 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2650 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv23

2650 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv23

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

2900 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv22

2900 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv22

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

2950 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv21

2950 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv21

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

3200 BCE ± 150 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv20; AV3

3200 BCE ± 150 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv20; AV3

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
3200 BCE ± 150 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

3400 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv19

3400 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv19

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion

3500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv18

3500 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv18

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

3700 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv17

3700 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv17

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

3790 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv16

3790 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv16

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
3790 BCE ± 100 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

4050 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv15

4050 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv15

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

4200 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv14

4200 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv14

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

4250 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv13

4250 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv13

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

4340 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv12; AV4

4340 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 9 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv12; AV4

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow	Uncertain
4340 BCE ± 75 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

4400 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv11

4400 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv11

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

4460 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv10; AV5

4460 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv10; AV5

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
4460 BCE ± 100 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

4550 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv7

4550 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv7

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
4550 BCE ± 200 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

5450 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv6

5450 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv6

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

5500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv5

5500 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv5

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

5600 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv4

5600 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv4

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

5700 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv3

5700 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv3

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Tephra

5980 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv2

5980 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv2

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Bombs
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
5980 BCE ± 100 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

6100 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

Tephra layer IAv1

6100 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Tephra layer IAv1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice

Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Avachinsky.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Avachinsky.

Photo Gallery

The two historically active volcanoes Koryaksky (left) and Avachinsky (right) volcanoes at dusk beyond the city of Petropavlovsk and Avachinsky bay.

Photo by Kamchatka Volcanic Eruptions Response Team (courtesy of Dan Miller, U.S. Geological Survey).

An ash plume rises from the summit crater of Avachinsky on 16 January 1991. An explosive eruption began on 13 January 1991 and produced ash plumes 4-5 km above the crater, resulting in ashfall on Petropavlovsk. During the eruption, lava filled the 260-m-wide summit crater. Small lava flows spilled over the crater rim and advanced 1.5 km down the SSE flank and a short distance down the SW flank. The lava flows melted snow to form small lahars down the S flank.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1991 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).

During an eruption in January 1991, lava filled the summit crater of Avachinsky and produced these dark lava flows that overtopped the S rim and traveled 1.5 km down the SSE flank. The modern cone of Avachinsky was constructed within a large horseshoe-shaped crater, with the rim visible to the right and to the left of the cone in this view. The crater formed during flank collapse during the Pleistocene. Zhupanovsky is visible to the NE.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1991 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).

Lava from a 13-30 January 1991 eruption fills the summit crater of Avachinsky in this spring 1991 aerial photo from the south. Prior to the eruption the 400-500 m wide crater was about 250 m deep.

Photo by V.N. Nechaev, 1991 (courtesy of Oleg Volynets, Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).

Steaming lava flows descended the SSE and SW flanks of Avachinsky in January 1991 and melted snow to form the dark lahars that traveled down the flank. The 1991 eruption began with explosive eruptions on 13 January and ended on the 30th.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1991 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).

The Avachinsky cone was constructed during the late Pleistocene and Holocene within a horseshoe-shaped crater formed by late-Pleistocene flank collapse. The 250-m-deep summit crater seen in this view was completely filled with a lava during an eruption in 1991.

Photo by Yuri Doubik (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).

This is a view of the pre-1991 eruption crater at the summit of Avachinsky. During the 1991 eruption lava filled the crater and overtopped the rim to form lava flows on the SSE and SW flanks.

Photo by Yuri Doubik (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).

This October 1991 photo looks NW across the lava that filled the summit crater of Avachinsky during an eruption in January 1991. The eruption began on 13 January and produced ash plumes to 4-5 km above the crater. By the time the eruption ended on 30 January, the crater was 400-500 m wide, 250 m deep, and filled with lava to its rim. Lava spilled over the southern rim of the crater, producing lava flows that traveled 1.5 km down the SSE flank and short distances down the SW flank.

Photo by A. Obsyannikov, 1991 (Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Petropavlovsk).

Avachinsky rises above Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka's largest city. The peak to the right is the rim of a large horseshoe-shaped crater that formed during flank collapse about 30,000-40,000 years ago and produced a major debris avalanche buried an area of about 500 km² to the south, underlying the city of Petropavlovsk. The modern cone was constructed inside this crater. Frequent historical eruptions have been recorded since 1737.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1985 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).

The Avachinskaya volcano group consists of a NW-SE-trending group of cones N of Petropavlovsk. Seen here from the western outskirts of the city with Koryaksky on the left, Avachinsky to the right-center, and Kozelskiy cone to the far right.

Photo by Vera Ponomareva, 1996 (Institute of Volcanic Geology and Geochemistry, Petropavlovsk).

A white plume is visible blowing E from the summit Avachinsky on 7 October 2001. View is from the SW with the city of Elizovo in the foreground.

Photo by Nikolay Seliverstov, 2001 (IV FED RAS; courtesy of Olga Girina, KVERT).

GVP Map Holdings

Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 14 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number	Sample Description	Lava Source	Collection Date
NMNH 116556-1	Olivine Rock	--	--
NMNH 116556-2	Pumice	--	--
NMNH 116556-3	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116556-4	Andesitic Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116556-5	Andesitic Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116556-62	Volcanic Ash	--	--
NMNH 116556-71	Pumice	--	--
NMNH 116556-72	Andesite	--	--
NMNH 116556-73	Andesite	--	--
NMNH 116556-74	Basaltic Andesite	--	--
NMNH 116556-75	Andesite	--	--
NMNH 116556-76	Andesite	--	--
NMNH 116556-77	Andesite	--	--
NMNH 116556-78	Andesite	--	--

External Sites

Copernicus Browser

The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions.

MIROVA

Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity.

MODVOLC Thermal Alerts

Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales.

WOVOdat
   Single Volcano View
   Temporal Evolution of Unrest
   Side by Side Volcanoes

WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments.

Volcanic Hazard Maps

The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter.

IRIS seismic stations/networks

Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Avachinsky. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice.

UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations

Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Avachinsky. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player.

DECADE Data

The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO₂ to the atmosphere, but installing CO₂ monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere.

Large Eruptions of Avachinsky

Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA).

EarthChem

EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS).