Raikoke Volcano
Updated: Apr 23, 2025 22:36 GMT -
stratovolcano
Central Kuriles (Kuril Islands), 48.29°N / 153.25°E 
Summit height: 551 m / 1,808 ft
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
Last update: 22 Dec 2021
Eruption plume of the 21 June 2019 eruption seen from satellite on 22 June
Raikoke (or Raikoki) volcano is mainly basaltic and has a 700 m wide and 200 m deep crater with steep walls. Raikoko has erupted lava flows all along the eastern side of the island.
A large eruption occurred in 1778 which destoryed the upper third of the island. Another strong eruption was in 1925, which reshaped the crater and altered the coastline of the island.
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Raikoke volcano eruptions: 2019 June - ongoing, 1924, 1778, 1765
Latest nearby earthquakes
Raikoke Volcano Photos
Looking back to Raikoke (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)
The characteristic purple haze often seen during the onset of the blue hour in the upper western sky during the summer of 2019 was likely caused by aerosols from the June...
We are approaching the island volcano Raikoke which has erupted with a devastating large explosion on 22 June 2019, which left a lush green island now completely covered ...
The next day in the evening, after Raikoke, we reach Kharimkotan, a large volcano, which forms a 8x12 km island. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)
Significant volcanic eruptions: Raikoke volcano
In the past 10,000 years, Raikoke has had at least 4 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Raikoke volcano in historic times and during the past 10,000 years. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Raikoke can be found on the news page of Raikoke volcano.
| Date | Note | VEI | Deaths | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Historical obs./docs. | 3 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 4 | ||||
| 1778 (eruption | Historical obs./docs. | 4 | 15 | Info | |
Historical obs./docs. | 4 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Remark:
Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution
Raikoke Volcano FAQ
+When was the last eruption of Raikoke volcano?
The last confirmed eruption of Raikoke occurred in 2019.
+How often does Raikoke volcano erupt?
Since 1765, Raikoke volcano has had at least 4 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 65 years.
+How active is Raikoke volcano at present?
Raikoke volcano is occasionally active: Since 1900, it has had 2 eruptions, and been active during 2 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Raikoke has been in eruption one in 63 years on average. The last eruption was in 2019 and ended 6 years ago.
+When was the largest eruption of Raikoke volcano?
The largest eruption of Raikoke volcano in historic times occurred in 1924. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.
Latest satellite images
Raikoke Volcano Maps
Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Raikoke volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Raikoke volcano (scale of few kilometers)
