Mutnovsky (Russian: Мутновский) is a complex volcano located in the southern part of Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, approximately 75-80 km south of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.[2] The volcano is formed from several cones and lava flows from flank eruptions that have merged into a single massif.[3]

Mutnovsky
Mutnovsky in July 2006
Highest point
Elevation2,322 m (7,618 ft)[1]
Prominence1,750 m (5,740 ft)[1]
ListingUltra
Coordinates52°26′54″N 158°11′51″E / 52.44833°N 158.19750°E / 52.44833; 158.19750[1]
Geography
Mutnovsky is located in Kamchatka Krai
Mutnovsky
Mutnovsky
Location in Russia
Mutnovsky is located in Russia
Mutnovsky
Mutnovsky
Mutnovsky (Russia)
LocationKamchatka, Russia
Parent rangeEastern Range
Geology
Mountain typeComplex volcano
Last eruptionJune 2000

Geology and structure

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Mutnovsky is a complex volcanic edifice consisting of four merged cones.[2] The volcano has two main craters - southwestern and northeastern - each about 2 km in diameter and up to 400 meters deep. The southwestern crater is occupied by a glacier.[2] The main volcanic activity is concentrated in the northwestern part of the massif, where two overlapping craters form a figure-eight shape with a diameter of up to 2 km and a depth of 600 meters.[3]

Volcanic activity

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Mutnovsky is considered one of the active volcanoes in Kamchatka. In the 20th century, about 10 eruptions of varying intensity were observed. An eruption in 2000 resulted from underground explosions of hot gas, creating a crater 200 meters in diameter.[2]

The Active Funnel, located in the western crater, contains a large fumarole field. It emits a column of steam and gas emissions, sometimes rising to a height of one kilometer. The temperature of the fumaroles can reach 500°C.[3]

Geothermal features

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The volcano exhibits diverse geothermal activity:

  • Fumaroles: Cracks emitting volcanic gases, with temperatures recorded up to 540°C in 1983.[2]
  • Mud pots: Boiling mud pools of various colors, including the "Black Cauldron" with highly acidic water.[2]
  • Ice caves: Formed by the interaction of volcanic heat and glaciers on the volcano's slopes.[2]
  • Vulkannaya River: Originates from melting glaciers and snow fields, carrying dissolved minerals and acids.[2] It forms a canyon called Opasny (Dangerous), with an 80-meter waterfall.[3]

Access and research

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The volcano's proximity to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky facilitates scientific study. Access to the crater area is possible via off-road vehicles, with the journey taking several hours from the Opasny canyon area.[3]

At the northern foot of Mutnovsky volcano are the Dachny thermal springs, also referred to as the Lesser Valley of Geysers. This area features hot springs, boiling mud pots, and occasional geyser-like activity.[3]

Geothermal power

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The Mutnovsky Geothermal Power Plant operates near the volcano's northeastern part, harnessing geothermal energy. Its capacity is approximately 60 MW, contributing significantly to the region's power supply.[3]

 
Crater

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Russia: Kamchatka and the Russian Pacific Islands" Peaklist.org. Retrieved 2013-03-24.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Вулкан Мутновский на Камчатке: лед и пламя внутри кратера". KamchatkaLand (in Russian). Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Мутновский вулкан". Na Kamchatku (in Russian). Retrieved 2024-06-29.

Sources

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