Kikhpinych
Stratovolcano(es) in Russia
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
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 | 476 years ago | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions
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).
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.