What kind of volcano is Tolbachik?

Tolbachik is classified as a Shield volcano in Russia. Its tectonic setting is Subduction zone / Continental crust (> 25 km).

How is seismicity near Tolbachik 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.

Tolbachik volcanic plateau with basalt cinder cones and fissure vents

Photo:Oleg Volynetsvia Smithsonian GVP

Volcano Dossier•GVP #300240

55.83°N, 160.33°E

Erupted since 2000

Russia→

Volcano Tolbachik

A volcanic massif in Kamchatka known for fissure eruptions of fluid basalt. The Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption of 1975-76 was the largest basaltic eruption in the Kuril-Kamchatka arc in recorded history, and in 2012-13 new fissures poured out lava fields for about nine months.

Last eruption

2013

Erupted since 2000

Summit

3.6 km

Shield volcano · Basalt / Picro-Basalt

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

Shield volcano

Tolbachik is an active Shield volcano formed in an active Subduction zone / Continental crust (> 25 km). Dominant lithology: Basalt / Picro-Basalt.

Edifice TypeShield volcano

Major rockBasalt / Picro-Basalt

TectonicsSubduction zone

Volcanic ArcEastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

Volcano Dossier

VN #300240

Official catalogue parameters, coordinates, elevation and geotectonic classification.

CountryRussia

Crater Coordinates55.832°, 160.326°

Summit3.6 km

SubregionEastern Kamchatka Volcanic Arc

Catalog SourceSmithsonian GVP (#300240)

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

Kamchatka & Kuril-Kamchatka Trench

Explore live seismic monitoring, historical danger benchmarks, fault slip models and recurrence intervals for Kamchatka & Kuril-Kamchatka Trench.

Open Regional Hub

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Verified scientific, operational, and emergency protocols

The most recent eruption of Tolbachik recorded by the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program was in 2013.

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