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Seguam

Stratovolcano(es) in United States

Last Eruption: 1993

Key Facts

Elevation

1,054 m (3,458 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

52.315°, -172.510°

Region

Aleutian Ridge Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

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Overview

The 11. 5 x 24 km island of Seguam, between Amlia and Amukta Islands in the central Aleutians, contains two calderas with Holocene post-caldera cones. Growth of the basaltic-to-rhyolitic Wilcox volcano on the east side of the island during the late Pleistocene was followed by edifice collapse and an associated ignimbrite eruption about 9,000 years ago, leaving a caldera open to the west, inside which a rhyolitic cone was constructed.

The 3 x 4 km westernmost caldera has a central scoria cone, Pyre Peak, which rises above the caldera rim and is the source of most of the reported eruptions. A very young basaltic field surrounds Pyre Peak, and lava flows partially fill the caldera and reach the southern coast. Older Holocene lava flows were erupted from vents within the eastern caldera, and a monogenetic Holocene cone forms Moundhill volcano on the eastern tip of the island.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

    Risk Level

    Population at RiskModerate
    Infrastructure RiskHigh
    Aviation RiskSignificant

    Geological Composition & Structure

    Rock Types

    Primary
    Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
    Silica Content
    Intermediate (57-63% 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 Activity33 years agoRecentRecently active

    Monitoring & Alert Status

    Monitoring Networks

    Global Volcanism Program
    International eruption database

    Current Status

    Watch
    Dormant but monitored. Capable of renewed activity.

    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: 311180
    • Evidence: Eruption Observed
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    Pyre Peak was constructed within a 3-km-wide caldera and is seen from near the western tip of Seguam Island. The 11.5 x 24 km island contains two calderas, each with a Holocene cone. A third Holocene cone is at the eastern end of the island. The cone rises 1 km above the caldera floor and has been the source of many of the historical eruptions.

    Photo by Steve Ebbert, 1996 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

    Basic Information

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