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Bogoslof

Stratovolcano in United States

Last Eruption: 2017

Key Facts

Elevation

150 m (492 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano

Location

53.930°, -168.030°

Region

Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Trachyandesite / Basaltic Trachyandesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Bogoslof is the emergent summit of a submarine volcano that lies 40 km N of the main Aleutian arc. It rises 1,500 m above the Bering Sea floor. Repeated construction and destruction of lava domes at different locations during historical time has greatly modified the appearance of this "Jack-in-the-Box" volcano and has introduced a confusing nomenclature applied during frequent visits by exploring expeditions.

The present triangular-shaped, 0. 75 x 2 km island consists of remnants of lava domes emplaced from 1796 to 1992. Castle Rock (Old Bogoslof) is a steep-sided pinnacle that is a remnant of a spine from the 1796 eruption.

The small Fire Island (New Bogoslof), about 600 m NW of Bogoslof Island, is a remnant of a lava dome formed in 1883.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

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

Risk Level

Population at RiskModerate
Infrastructure RiskHigh
Aviation RiskSignificant

Geological Composition & Structure

Rock Types

Primary
Trachyandesite / Basaltic Trachyandesite
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 Activity9 years agoVery RecentCurrently active

Monitoring & Alert Status

Monitoring Networks

Global Volcanism Program
International eruption database

Current Status

Active
Recent volcanic activity detected. Continuous monitoring in place.

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: 311300
  • Evidence: Eruption Observed
  • Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

Bogoslof is the summit of a largely submarine volcano located in the Bering Sea, 50 km behind the main Aleutian arc. The island is about 1.5 x 0.6 km wide and due to its frequent eruptive activity and energetic wave action, has changed shape dramatically since it was first mapped in the late 1700s. The rounded lava dome and offshore spire at the northern tip of the island (bottom-center) formed in 1992. The circular, flat area at the right is a remnant of the 1927 lava dome, and the steep pinnacle is Castle Rock, a 1796 dome remnant.

Photo by Terry Keith, 1994 (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.