Kizimen (Russia): Recorded Eruptions and Historical Activity

Kizimen is a stratovolcano rising 2,334 meters above sea level located in Russia, within a subduction zone and continental crust tectonic setting. According to the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, the volcano has a confirmed record of 11 eruptions spanning from deep antiquity through the modern era. The earliest recorded eruption in the dataset dates back to 8050 BCE, while the most recent structured eruption period began on November 11, 2010.

Overview of Recorded Eruptions

The historical record for Kizimen combines modern observational reporting with prehistoric estimates derived from scientific methods such as tephrochronology (the analysis of ash layers) and uncalibrated radiocarbon (14C) dating. Across the 11 confirmed eruptions, researchers have documented events spanning various centuries, utilizing specific evidence methods to date activity that occurred long before written records began.

The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) measures the relative size of explosive volcanic eruptions on a scale generally ranging from 0 to 8. Kizimen's recorded activity includes events of varying magnitudes, with the largest recorded VEI reaching 5.0. Out of the 11 total confirmed eruptions, 7 feature recorded VEI classifications.

Chronology of Historical Activity

The confirmed eruption record demonstrates long intervals of dormancy punctuated by explosive and magmatic episodes across multiple millennia:

• 81st Century BCE: An eruption beginning around 8050 BCE with a VEI of 5.0, identified via tephrochronology correlation.
• 64th Century BCE: An eruption starting around 6400 BCE (with a 50-year uncertainty margin) carrying a VEI of 5.0, determined through uncalibrated isotopic carbon dating.
• 58th Century BCE: An event starting around 5800 BCE (with a 50-year uncertainty margin) correlated via tephrochronology.
• 11th Century BCE: An event starting around 1010 BCE, identified via tephrochronology.
• 2010–2013 Activity: A confirmed eruption that began on November 11, 2010, originating from the southeast (SE) flank fissure and concluding on September 13, 2013, with a recorded VEI of 3.0 based on reported observations.

The profile's last-known eruption year is recorded as 2013, following the conclusion of the 2010–2013 flank fissure activity.