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Koshelev

Stratovolcano in Russia

Last Eruption: 1690

Key Facts

Elevation

1,822 m (5,978 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano

Location

51.356°, 156.753°

Region

Kuril Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Koshelev is at the southern end of the Kamchatka Peninsula, SW of the Pauzhetka volcano-tectonic depression and NW of Kambalny volcano. It is a complex group of four stratovolcanoes constructed along an E-W line over a Pleistocene shield volcano. Central Koshelev stratovolcano, the highest peak of the volcanic massif, is Holocene in age; N- and SE-flank craters have also been active during the Holocene.

Gorely, a Holocene cinder cone related to regional basaltic monogenetic volcanicm, is located about 12 km NW. The largest Holocene eruption took place from the eastern cone about 6,500 years ago. An explosive eruption was reported at the end of the 17th century.

Major thermal fields are located in the summit crater of Valentin volcano and on the western flanks of west Koshelev volcano.

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
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 Observed

Eruption Statistics & Analysis

MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
Recent Activity336 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: 300020
  • Evidence: Eruption Observed
  • Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

Koshelev (upper right) is one of the southernmost active volcanoes on the Kamchatka Peninsula, seen here SW of the Kurile Lake caldera. It contains four main cones constructed along an E-W line over a Pleistocene edifice with the central and highest peak being the youngest. An explosive eruption occurred at the end of the 17th century. Alaid, the northernmost volcano of the Kuril Islands, is the peak on the left horizon.

Photo by Nikolai Smelov, 1996 (courtesy of Vera Ponomareva, Inst. Volcanic Geology & Geochemistry, Petropavlovsk).

Basic Information

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