Bolshaya Ipelka (Russian: Большая Ипелька) is a massive shield volcano at the southern end of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East region.[1] It represents the largest volcanic structure of southern Kamchatka Krai, covering an area measuring 32 km (20 mi) long and 42 km (26 mi) wide.[1][2] Bolshaya Ipelka is of Pleistocene age and formed west of the main volcanic zone in southern Kamchatka. The shield volcano is now inactive, having last erupted during the Pleistocene epoch.[1]

Bolshaya Ipelka
Satellite image of Bolshaya Ipelka, with Opala being the small conical mountain to the right.
Highest point
Elevation1,155 m (3,789 ft)
Coordinates52°38′N 156°58′E / 52.63°N 156.97°E / 52.63; 156.97
Geography
Bolshaya Ipelka is located in Kamchatka Krai
Bolshaya Ipelka
Bolshaya Ipelka
Location in Kamchatka Krai, Russia
LocationKamchatka, Russia
Parent rangeEastern Range
Geology
Mountain typeShield volcano
Last eruptionPleistocene

Bolshaya Ipelka is extensively eroded, having been dissected by deep valleys along its flanks that were formed as a result of glaciers flowing out from the summit during past glacial periods. The summit is the most severely eroded part of the original cone, which originally had a much higher elevation than its present 1,155 m (3,789 ft). By contrast, the neighbouring Opala stratovolcano has an uneroded form and is still volcanically active, having last erupted about 300 years ago.[2]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Bolshaya Ipelka". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution.
  2. ^ a b "Bolshaya Ipelka and Opala". NASA Earth Observatory. Retrieved 2020-10-29.