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Kialagvik

Stratovolcano in United States

Key Facts

Elevation

1,677 m (5,502 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano

Location

57.203°, -156.745°

Region

Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Kialagvik is a small, poorly known glacier-mantled stratovolcano NE of Chiginagak volcano with a Holocene central lava dome and associated pyroclastic-flow deposits (Riehle, in Wood and Kienle 1990). The central dome rises 350 m above an ice field that mantles the upper part of the volcano. Andesitic lava flows and overlying dacitic block-and-ash-flow deposits are exposed broadly on the SW flank and in a small area on the NE flank.

No historical activity is known.

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
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
Silica Content
Intermediate (57-63% SiO₂)

Tectonic Setting

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

Age & Formation

Epoch
Holocene
Evidence
Evidence Credible

Eruption Statistics & Analysis

MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
Recent ActivityUnknownHistoricalHistorically active

Monitoring & Alert Status

Monitoring Networks

Global Volcanism Program
International eruption database

Current Status

Normal
No recent activity. Routine monitoring continues.

Nearby Volcanoes in North America Volcanic Regions

Regional Volcanic Activity
The North America 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: 312120
  • Evidence: Evidence Credible
  • Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

The SE side of a Holocene dome at Kialagvik rises 350 m above a surrounding glacier. It lies at the NE end of a segment of the Alaska Peninsula that includes neighboring Chiginagak and Yantarni volcanoes. Lava flows and overlying block-and-ash-flow deposits are exposed on the SW flank and in a small area on the NE flank.

Photo courtesy of Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey.

Basic Information

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