Volcano Live

(Medvezhii, Srednii, Kudryavyi, Kudriavy and Men’shoi Brat)
Iturup Island, Kurile Islands, Russia

45.387 N, 148.843 E
summit elevation 1124 m
somma volcano

Medvezhia volcano is located in NE Iturup Island, Kurile Islands. The volcano contains two calderas, 14 x 18 and 10 x 12 km in diameter.

Medvezhia caldera consists of Medvezhy, Sredny, and Kudriavy, oriented along an
NE-SW-trending line, and Men’shoi Brat volcanoes.

2020 Earthquake
A major earthquake (magnitude 7.0) with an epicentre 28 km north of Medvezhia volcano occurred on 13 February 2020. Earthquakes of this magnitude can disrupt nearby volcanoes.

2013 Activity
Satellite images showed a hotspot at the volcano on 11th January 2013. Steam and gas plumes were observed visually.

1999 Eruption
A small phreatic eruption occurred at Kudriavy Volcano on 7th October 1999 creating a new crater 35 m deep and 30–40 m wide. The eruption produced periodic ash emissions to a height of up to 400 m, separated by intervals of 3-5 minutes. The phreatic eruption was caused by heavy rainfall after a long dry period. Rain penetrated into a hot part of the volcano, boiled, and fractured rocks, leading to an explosion. High temperature fumaroles are located on the top and flank of the dome in the eastern crater.

1883 Eruption
The 1883 eruption produced basaltic andesite lava flows in the western crater. High temperature degassing has occurred at the adjacent eastern crater in the 100 years following the eruption.