Medvezhya

Located at the northern end of Iturup Island, Medvezhya rises to an elevation of 1,125 meters above sea level in the Kuril Islands chain.

The volcano experienced its final recorded activity in October 1999, marking the end of its active geological phase in the Russian Far East region.

The name Medvezhya originates from the Russian word for bear, reflecting the local wildlife populations that inhabit the surrounding mountain forests.

Scientists conduct research at the mountain's fumaroles, where the mineral rheniite was first discovered within the geological formations in 1994.

The volcanic complex contains rare mineral deposits, including rheniite, a rhenium sulfide compound found exclusively in its active fumaroles.

Location: Kurilsky District

Location: Nemuro Subprefecture

Elevation above the sea: 1,125 m

GPS coordinates: 45.38700,148.84300

Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:03