A Tale of Two Summits
Mount Elbrus is a stratovolcano, built by layers of lava and ash over millions of years. It has two distinct volcanic cones, a feature that gives it a dual-peaked summit. The western summit is the higher of the two, reaching an altitude of 5,642 meters (18,510 feet). The eastern summit is slightly lower at 5,621 meters (18,442 feet). A saddle at an elevation of 5,416 meters connects the two peaks.
The volcano began to form over 2.5 million years ago. Its geological history includes massive eruptions that shaped the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. One of its longest lava flows extends 24 kilometers (15 miles) down the northeast side, a relic of a significant past eruption. The last known eruption occurred around 50 AD. Despite this long period of quiet, Elbrus is not extinct. Evidence for an active magma chamber, located several kilometers below the surface, classifies it as a dormant but living volcano. This ongoing geothermal activity shows on the surface through hot springs and solfataras—vents that release sulfurous gases. These fumaroles are concentrated on the eastern slopes and near the eastern summit, showing that this part of the volcano is more active.
An Engine of Ice and Water
The high altitude of Elbrus supports a massive, permanent ice cap. This ice cap feeds 22 main glaciers and dozens of smaller ones, covering a total area of about 138 square kilometers (53 square miles). Two of the largest glaciers are the Bolshoi Azaou, with an area of 23 square kilometers, and the Irik, which is over 9 kilometers long. These immense rivers of ice are in constant, slow motion. The fastest, the Kukurtlu glacier, moves about 140 centimeters per day.
The meltwater from this extensive glacier system is a critical water source for the region. It forms the headwaters for three major rivers: the Baksan, Malka, and Kuban. The Kuban River travels almost 900 kilometers from the slopes of Elbrus to the Sea of Azov. The mountain's ice provides a natural reservoir that sustains these river basins. Like many glaciers worldwide, those on Elbrus have been receding over the last century, losing a significant percentage of their total area. The interaction between the volcanic heat from below and the ice cap above creates a dynamic environment, with ongoing geothermal activity subtly influencing the glacial system.