Geologic Background:
The conical Kiska volcano is the westernmost
historically active volcano of the Aleutian arc. An
elliptical crater, breached to the north, caps the 1220-m
stratovolcano, which occupies the northern tip of the
island. The southern part of the island has been
glaciated, but all lava flows on Kiska volcano post-date
the last major glaciation. Young, steep-sided lava flows
have originated from vents at locations ranging from the
summit to near sea level.
Historic Activity:
- Limited evidence for activity in 1907 and 1927.
- First documented eruption occurred in 1962-1964,
produced a flank cinder cone.
- Ash emission and a small lava flow were reported in
1969.
Recent Activity:
- Satellite image on April 15, 1987 showed a narrow, 60
km plume. Early June 1990 reports of steam and ash
emissions.
Data Sources:
- Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Network (V. 15, No.
5).
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