Geologic Background:
Alaid, the highest and northernmost volcano of
the Kurile Islands, is a symmetrical stratovolcano with a
summit crater that is breached to the south. Numerous
pyroclastic cones dot its lower flanks, including an
offshore cone formed during the 1933-34 eruption.
Historic Activity:
- During the period from 1790 to 1973, seven eruptions
occurred. Strong explosive eruption occurred from summit
crater.
Recent Activity:
- A scoria cone formed within the summit crater during
the large 1981 eruption.
- A brief eruption on March 2, 1982 was detected by
satellite.
- On Dec. 3, 1996, satellite imagery indicated a plume
rising to a height of 5-6 km from Alaid.
- On Aug. 23, 1997, satellite imagery revealed a hot
spot at Alaid and ashfalls were reported on the southern
part of the Kamchatka Peninsula
Data Sources:
- Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 6, No. 4 to V. 12,
No. 4)
- Global Volcanism Network (V. 21, No. 12 and V. 22,
No. 9).
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