Avachinsky, Active volcano in Kamchatka Krai, Russia
Avachinsky is a volcano in Kamchatka Krai, Russia, rising about 30 km (19 miles) north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The summit reaches 2,741 m (8,993 feet) and displays a conical silhouette with a horseshoe-shaped caldera at the top.
Records of eruptions date back to 1737, with the volcano producing several outbursts over the centuries. In 1945, the mountain expelled large amounts of magma and permanently changed the shape of the crater.
The name comes from the Itelmen language, spoken by people who have lived on the peninsula for centuries and view the mountains as living beings. Hikers often see smoke rising from the crater, a sign that the mountain remains active today.
Hiking trails lead from the nearest town to the summit, with routes open during summer from June through September. Guided tours help with orientation and offer advice on safety near active fumaroles.
Scientists monitor numerous fumaroles near the summit, which release gases at very high temperatures. The hot vapors sometimes melt the snow around the openings, creating circular patches free of ice.
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