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Ichinsky

Stratovolcano in Russia

Last Eruption: 1740

Key Facts

Elevation

3,596 m (11,798 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano

Location

55.678°, 157.718°

Region

Central Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Ichinsky, by far the highest peak in the Sredinny Range, is a massive, 450 km3 edifice. The andesitic Pleistocene-to-Holocene stratovolcano, also known as Icha, contains a 3 x 5 km-wide glacier-covered summit caldera filled by a large post-caldera edifice. Two glacier-capped lava domes form the highest peaks.

A dozen late-Pleistocene to Holocene dacitic and rhyodacitic lava domes circle the peak below the caldera rim. Fresh-looking basaltic-to-dacitic lava flows, some with prominent flow ridges, were erupted from flank vents and traveled up to 10-15 km. The largest Holocene eruption took place about 6500 years ago, producing block-and-ash flows that traveled up to 15 km.

Fumarolic activity occurs within the caldera and on the lower N flank. In 1956 steam jets rose 250 m above the caldera fumarole field.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

  • Pyroclastic flows
  • Lava flows
  • Volcanic bombs and ballistics
  • Lahars and mudflows

Risk Level

Population at RiskModerate
Infrastructure RiskModerate
Aviation RiskSignificant

Geological Composition & Structure

Rock Types

Primary
Basalt / Picro-Basalt
Silica Content
Low (45-52% SiO₂)

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone
Formed by oceanic plate subduction, typically producing explosive eruptions due to water-rich magmas.

Age & Formation

Epoch
Holocene
Evidence
Eruption Observed

Eruption Statistics & Analysis

MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
Recent Activity286 years agoHistoricalHistorically active

Monitoring & Alert Status

Monitoring Networks

Global Volcanism Program
International eruption database

Current Status

Normal
No recent activity. Routine monitoring continues.

Nearby Volcanoes in Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions

Regional Volcanic Activity
The Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions contains multiple active volcanic systems. Cross-regional magma interactions and tectonic stresses can influence eruption patterns across the entire arc. Monitor regional seismic activity and volcanic alerts.

Quick Info

  • Smithsonian ID: 300280
  • Evidence: Eruption Observed
  • Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

Ichinsky is the highest peak in Kamchatka's Sredinny Range, which extends along the western side of the peninsula. The summit cone of the massive stratovolcano, seen here from the south, was constructed within a 3 x 5 km-wide glacier-covered caldera. A dozen late-Pleistocene to Holocene dacitic and rhyodacitic lava domes circle the peak below the caldera rim, at elevations of 1,800-3,000 m. Fumarolic activity occurs within the caldera and on the lower N flank.

Photo by Oleg Volynets, 1977 (Institute of Volcanology, Petropavlovsk).

Basic Information

This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.