Karpinsky Group
Complex in Russia
Key Facts
Elevation
1,326 m (4,350 ft)
Type
Complex
Location
50.148°, 155.373°
Region
Kuril Volcanic Arc
Rock Type
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
Tectonic Setting
Subduction zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
The Karpinsky group on southern Paramushir Island consists of three Holocene andesitic volcanic centers at the southern end of the Karpinsky Ridge. A postulated caldera is thought to have been primarily excavated by glaciers (Gorshkov, 1970). The NE cone has a crater breached to the NW that contains a small horseshoe-shaped cone and a vigorous fumarole along the NE crater wall.
A lava flow originating from the cone traveled 7 km to the SE. The southern cone forms the high point of the Karpinsky massif and fed lava flows to the SE and W. The NW cone displays hot springs and sulfur cones containing liquid sulfur that is occasionally ejected outward.
A minor ash ejection following an earthquake in 1952 marked the only historical eruption.
Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment
Primary Hazards
Risk Level
Geological Composition & Structure
Rock Types
Tectonic Setting
Age & Formation
Eruption Statistics & Analysis
| Metric | Value | Global Ranking | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Recorded Eruptions | Unknown | Low | Moderately active volcano |
| Maximum VEI | VEI Unknown | Minor | Local impact potential |
| Recent Activity | 74 years ago | Historical | Recently active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 290350
- •Evidence: Eruption Observed
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
The Karpinsky Group, seen here from the south, consists of three Holocene volcanic centers at the southern end of the Karpinsky Ridge in the southern part of Paramushir Island. The southern cone forms the high point of the Karpinsky massif and produced lava flows to the SE and west. The NW cone has hot springs and sulfur cones containing boiling sulfur-rich waters.
Photo by Yoshihiro Ishizuka, 2000 (Hokkaido University).
Authority Sources
Related Volcanoes
Basic Information
This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.