Moffett
Stratovolcano in United States
Key Facts
Elevation
1,196 m (3,924 ft)
Type
Stratovolcano
Location
51.944°, -176.747°
Region
Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc
Rock Type
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
Tectonic Setting
Subduction zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
Rising above Adak, the largest town of the Aleutians, Mount Moffett is a modest-sized, eroded stratovolcano with several flank lava domes. The summit cone has been largely destroyed by glacial erosion, and has been filled by an andesitic plug dome. Five other lava domes are scattered over the flanks of the volcano.
The south flank lava dome is one of the youngest features of the northern Adak Island volcanoes. The Heart Lake lava flow west of Sweeper Cove on the SE side of the volcano is another young volcanic feature. Several Holocene ash layers on Adak Island have been attributed to Moffett volcano.
Its proximity to Adak Naval Air Station makes this one of the most accessible of the Aleutian volcanoes. Kiguga Warm Springs are located at Cape Kiguga, west of Mount Moffet, and the northern part of Adak Island has been investigated for geothermal power production.
Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment
Primary Hazards
- Pyroclastic flows
- Lava flows
- Volcanic bombs and ballistics
- Lahars and mudflows
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 | 3626 years ago | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in North America Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 311111
- •Evidence: Eruption Dated
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
Mount Moffett has several flank lava domes and is seen here across Andrew Bay to the SW from Mount Adagdak. Andrew Bay volcano is the oldest of three volcanic centers on northern Adak Island. Mount Moffett rises above Adak (out of view to the left), the largest town of the Aleutians.
Photo courtesy of Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey.
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.