Ichinskaya Sopka, or the Beauty of Kamchatka

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:48

This hill is actually one of the most dangerous and largest volcanoes in Kamchatka.

Its area is almost five hundred and sixty square meters. The volume of lava is also impressive, and can reach 450 cubic kilometers at a time.

But despite such an impressive size, Ichinskaya Sopka shows only weak volcanic activity. The last eruption dates back to 1740.

Surrounded by equals

Ichinskaya Sopka is located in the upper reaches of the Ichi River and is located in the Sredinny mountain range of the peninsula. Quite a few volcanoes are located in this segment of the mountains, except for Ichinsky. In total, geographers count 114 volcanoes surrounded by majestic and beautiful nature.

Once upon a time, all these volcanoes threw huge lava flows onto the Earth's surface, causing catastrophic eruptions. Many of them died out forever, but Ichinsky continues to rage. Partial destruction of some slopes has reduced in some places rises, the height is not more than 2800 meters, but despite the seeming humility, seismologists believe that the volcano can become active at any time.moment.

The volcano is considered one of the most beautiful and highest: at the peak, the height of the Ichinskaya Sopka is 3631 m. This is a peak that is covered with clouds and ice. It, towering two and a half kilometers above the adjacent mountain ranges, is clearly visible from the coastal regions of the Sea of Okhotsk.

How it all began…

Ichinskaya Sopka is made up of frozen lava flows like a layer cake stuffed with clastic materials, which is not quite common for volcanoes of this type. First, mobile lavas erupted, which formed an ellipsoid-elongated base or building, speaking in a special term, with a diameter of about 20 kilometers. It was a gentle volcano.

Then, as a result of violent eruptions, the upper part of the former volcano was demolished, leaving a depression - a crater. Over time, a volcanic cone grew in the northern part of this building.

And after a while, the peak rose, forming depressions in the southern part. Subsequently, the slopes of the cones were broken through by extrusions - thick and short lava flows, in the form of influxes and stratifications along a ring fault.

Today, the observer can see the remains of an ancient volcano consisting of two cones, extrusive petrified masses around and short lava flows with cinder cones at the base.

Ichinsky volcano formed, among other things, spectacular rocky ridges up to three kilometers high. They are located north of the summit cone.

Before you - Ichinskaya Sopka. The photo of the volcanic eruption isimpressive sight.

Young and dangerous

Ichinsky volcano is considered young compared to other geological formations. It was formed about fifteen thousand years ago, with one-time eruptions and outbreaks already at a later historical time.

Now fumarole or gas jets appear on the surface of the hill. One fumarole jet is located in a basin on the northeastern surface of the hill, and the other is in a gorge on the same side.

Their temperature is about 90 degrees, sulfur deposits are observed at the exit of gases. Despite the fact that the volcano is not active, it periodically "releases steam" and gases, forming clouds up to 250 meters high.

Now the vapors and gases are the only evidence of the life of the volcano, although in the recent past these vapors were more intense, which is the only manifestation of the life of the volcano.

Here is what the Kamchatka local historian, teacher P. T. Novograblenov writes:

"The side crater on the northwestern slope of the main cone is constantly hovering. In addition, a melted place sometimes appears on the main peak. Itelmens have a belief that from which side a melted place appears, a plague (epidemic) will come from that side ".

In the photo: a representative of the local fauna - a hare, sometimes you can meet gophers and partridges.

Let's go to the volcano along the mountain path

The harsh and fantastically beautiful land of Kamchatka volcanoes has always attracted travelers.

Loc althe tourist route usually starts from the village of Esso, but you can drive up to the Ichinskaya Sopka area along the highway from the village of Milkovo. In this case, after 3 hours you can be at the foot of the volcano.

The route covers the territory of the Bystrinsky Natural Park.

Coordinates of Ichinskaya Sopka: 55°41' north latitude and 157°44' east longitude.

You can get to the village of Milkovo by local regular buses or by car using the navigator.

You can also go to the volcano from the Ptichy stream, this route runs from Tymkygymgyn Lake to Arbunat Lake, with a stop on the western side of the lake. It will take 5 hours to climb to the top.

The first ascent of the Ichinskaya Sopka volcano was made 60 years ago. Mostly climbing is done in late spring or early summer. At this time, the snow "holds" well to the glacier, you can slide down it on snowboards.

However, all travel or climbing excursions must be made with an experienced instructor, parking should be done in the forest zone.

And in the summer you can fish (char) in the Angre lake of the Ketachana valley, feast on fragrant fish soup and admire the majestic nature of Kamchatka.