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Kikhpinych

Stratovolcano(es) in Russia

Last Eruption: 1550

Key Facts

Elevation

1,515 m (4,970 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

54.489°, 160.251°

Region

Eastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Kikhpinych, the youngest stratovolcano of the Eastern Volcanic Zone of Kamchatka, contains three summits constructed along a roughly E-W line above the eroded Pleistocene Pik volcano, NE of the Uzon caldera. Growth of the modern volcano began during the mid-Holocene about 4,800 years ago with construction of the Zapadny cone. After a long quiescence, the younger Savich cone was built about 1,400 years ago, which included strong explosive activity that destroyed part of the Zapadny and Pik cones.

Numerous young lava flows mantle the flanks of Savich; it was last active about 400 years ago, when the Krab lava dome grew on its E flank. Numerous thermal fields are found throughout the complex, including two geysers (now the site of vigorous fumaroles) that were active in the summit crater of Stary Kikhpinych prior to burial by a rockfall avalanche that occurred sometime between September 1981 and July 1982.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

    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 Dated

    Eruption Statistics & Analysis

    MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
    Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
    Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
    Recent Activity476 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: 300180
    • Evidence: Eruption Dated
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    Three Holocene cones of Kikhpinych are seen in this view from the west with the Pacific Ocean in the background. The distinct brown feature in the center is the Krab lava dome that grew on the E flank of Savich (back center), the youngest cone of the complex at about 1,400 years old. The peak at right is the mid-Holocene Zapadny cone. In the foreground is the Duga cone, which erupted about 3,200 years ago and produced lava flows up to 10 km long.

    Copyrighted photo by Vera Ponomareva (Holocene Kamchataka volcanoes; http://www.kscnet.ru/ivs/volcanoes/holocene/main/main.htm).

    Basic Information

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