A Remote Island with a Volcanic Mystery

An eye-catching satellite image reveals the hidden gem of Simushir, a little-known Russian island that houses four remarkable volcanoes, aligned in a perfect row. This island, once a secret Soviet military base, is home to a significant geological feature that played a crucial role in altering the Earth's climate over 200 years ago.

The Turbulent History of Simushir

Situated within the Kuril Islands—a remote archipelago made up of over 50 volcanic islands—Simushir has a tumultuous history of territorial disputes between Russia and Japan. Most recently, it served as a covert Soviet nuclear submarine base until its abandonment in 1994. Today, this uninhabited island stretches 5 miles long (8 kilometers) and features a striking lineup of volcanoes visible from space.

Meet the Giants: The Four Volcanoes of Simushir

From southeast to northwest, the four towering volcanoes are known as Milna, Zavaritski, Prevo, and Uratman. Milna stands the tallest at an impressive 5,050 feet (1,540 meters), having last erupted in 1914. Adjacent to it, Zavaritski towers at 2,047 feet (624 meters) and last erupted in 1957, resulting in a vast, hollowed-out crater.

Prevo reaches 4,460 feet (1,360 meters) and last erupted in 1825, while Uratman, standing at 2,224 feet (678 meters), has been dormant for over 12,000 years. Surrounding Uratman is Brouton Bay, a lagoon that once served as a storage hub for Soviet nuclear submarines.

A Veiled Fifth Volcano

Beneath the radar, Goriaschaia Sopka, a smaller fifth volcano on the island, sits invisibly along the northeast flank of Milna. Although overshadowed by its larger counterparts, it remains geologically connected to Milna.

The Volcanic Hotbed of the Ring of Fire

Simushir and its neighboring Kuril Islands belong to the renowned "Ring of Fire," a 25,000-mile (40,000 km) arc encircling the Pacific Ocean, home to roughly two-thirds of the world’s volcanoes and 90% of global earthquakes.

The Eruption that Changed Everything

In 1831, a significant climatic shift occurred, cooling the Northern Hemisphere by an average of 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius). Strange weather patterns were reported, including shifts in sunlight colors. For years, scientists linked this phenomenon to a colossal eruption, but the source remained a mystery.

Fast forward to December 2024, when groundbreaking research identified Zavaritski as the volcano responsible for this climatic upheaval, thanks to ash deposits found in polar ice cores. This revelation surprised researchers, as there had previously been little evidence of an eruption on Simushir during that time, mainly due to the island's isolated geography.

The Hidden Treasures Beneath the Surface

As the secrets of Simushir and its volcanoes become increasingly unveiled, this remote island stands not only as a geological marvel but also as a reminder of nature's powerful ability to affect our planet in ways we are just beginning to understand.