Ukinrek Maars

Alaska - Alaska Peninsula


SUMMARY:

Type: maars
Activity: extinct
Last Eruption: April 1977
Rock Type: basalt
Eruptive Volume: ? cu km
Location Map from Xerox PARC
Latitude: 57.83 N
Longitude: 156.51 W


Geologic Background:

The Ukinrek Maars formed 30 March-10 April, 1977 as a result of magmatic intrusion into water-saturated glacial till 2 km S of Gas Rocks on the S shore of Lake Becharof. There were no major seismic events detected in association with the 1977 Ukinrek Maars eruptions, except for a number of small events detected by a portable seismic net which was deployed for several months following the 1977 eruptions. During a 10-day period, violent explosions produced steam and ash plumes as high as 6.5 km and light ash fall as far as 160 km to the N. Since the Ukinrek Maars formed, CO2 gas has been continuously emitted from the vicinity of the maars, the Gas Rocks, and from beneath Lake Becharof.

Historic Activity:

  • First activity was in 1977.

Recent Activity

  • Seismic swarm in area in May 1998.

Data Sources:

  • Global Volcanism Network (V. 23, No. 4 and 5)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


Last Update: 12/24/00