Alaska Volcano Observatory

Aerial view, looking east, of Aniakchak caldera, one of the most spectacular volcanoes on the Alaska Peninsula. Formed during a catastrophic ash-flow producing eruption about 3,400 years ago, Aniakchak caldera is about 10 km (6 mi) across and averages 500 m (1,640 ft) in depth. Voluminous postcaldera eruptive activity has produced a wide variety of volcanic landforms and deposits within the caldera. The volcano is located in Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alaska, which is administered by the National Park Service. Photograph by M. Williams, National Park Service, 1977.