What kind of volcano is Elbrus?

Elbrus is classified as a Stratovolcano in Russia. Its tectonic setting is Intraplate / Continental crust (> 25 km).

How is seismicity near Elbrus monitored here?

Earthquakes within 50 km of the crater are aggregated from 18 seismic networks and checked against a swarm rule that compares the current rate with this volcano's own 30-day background. Ash advisories come from the VAAC centres that are connected.

Twin glaciated volcanic peaks of Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus

Photo:Aleksandr Markin

Volcano Dossier•GVP #214010

43.35°N, 42.44°E

Historical eruption

Russia→

Volcano Elbrus

Europe's highest mountain at 5,642 m is a dormant stratovolcano in the Caucasus. Its last eruption is dated to around 50 AD, but fumaroles and hot springs show the magma system is still alive, and renewed activity would melt its glaciers into mudflows down the valleys below.

Last eruption

Historical eruption

Summit

5.6 km

Stratovolcano · Dacite

Activity

Normal Baseline

0 events (1.0x rate)

Interactive Volcano & Seismicity Map

Seismicity within 50 km radius, active VAAC ash plumes, and tectonic plate boundaries.

Recent seismicity within 50 km

0 events in the last 12 h within 25 km of the crater.

No catalogued earthquakes within 50 km in the last 90 days.

Geological & Tectonic Profile

Stratovolcano

Elbrus is an active Stratovolcano formed in an active Intraplate / Continental crust (> 25 km). Dominant lithology: Dacite.

Edifice TypeStratovolcano

Major rockDacite

TectonicsIntraplate

Volcanic ArcCaucasus Volcanic Province

Volcano Dossier

VN #214010

Official catalogue parameters, coordinates, elevation and geotectonic classification.

CountryRussia

Crater Coordinates43.351°, 42.442°

Summit5.6 km

SubregionCaucasus Volcanic Province

Catalog SourceSmithsonian GVP (#214010)

Authoritative Monitoring Infrastructure

All 18 Networks & VAAC →

Seismic ObservatoryKVERT / GSRAS

Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team / GSRAS

Official Portal

ICAO Aviation Ash Center

Tokyo VAAC (JMA)

Tokyo, Japan

VAAC Advisory Desk

Swarm telemetry correlated across 18 networks against a 30-day baseline.Read Science & Physics →

Regional Seismic Profile

Caucasus Seismic Belt

Explore live seismic monitoring, historical danger benchmarks, fault slip models and recurrence intervals for Caucasus Seismic Belt.

Open Regional Hub

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Verified scientific, operational, and emergency protocols

The most recent eruption of Elbrus recorded by the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program was in 50.

Catalogue: Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program.Smithsonian GVP profile