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Zavodovski

Stratovolcano in United Kingdom

Last Eruption: 2016

Key Facts

Elevation

551 m (1,808 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano

Location

-56.300°, -27.570°

Region

South Sandwich Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

The 5-km-wide Zavodovski Island, the northernmost of the South Sandwich Islands, consists of a single basaltic stratovolcano with two cones on the east side. Mount Curry, the island's summit, lies west of the center of the island, which is more eroded on that side. Two fissures extend NE from the summit towards the E-flank craters, and a lava platform is located along the eastern coast.

The volcano was producing abundant emissions when observed in 1819 by the explorer Bellingshausen. A landing party in 1830 also reported strong emissions along with a fresh lava field on the east side from which pumice was being eroded into the ocean.

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
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 Activity10 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 Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions

Regional Volcanic Activity
The Antarctic-Scotia 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: 390130
  • Evidence: Eruption Observed
  • Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

Steam clouds rise from fumaroles near the summit of Mount Curry, on Zavodovski Island, in this aerial view from the south. Icebergs lie off the shores of the approximately 4.5-km-wide island, the northernmost of the South Sandwich Islands. The eastern coast (right) comprises lava flows and is low-lying, contrasting with the cliffs of the west (left). Two young eruptive fissures extend NE from the summit toward craters on the east flank and were the source of a lava platform extending toward Pungent Point (right).

Photo by HMS Endurance (courtesy of John Smellie, British Antarctic Survey).

Basic Information

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