The Kiska volcano was first sighted in 1741 by the explorer Vtius Bering. Kiska and the Aleutian Islands were later used as a fur outpost for the Russian-American Company. In 1867, Kiska, along with Alaska, was purchased by the U.S. Secretary of State from the Russians.
The Kiska volcano is categorized as a stratovolcano. This is a steep-sided volcano, built of lava flows and deposits from previous eruptions. As with many other stratovolcanoes, Kiska is conical in shape.
Kiska is an active volcano which has erupted on several occasions. Its most famous eruption occurred on January 24, 1962, when the eruption created a new cinder point known as Sirius Point, measuring 30 meters in height. Further observed eruptions happened in 1964, 1969 and 1990.
During World War II, the Japanese landed on and captured Kiska Island, prompting a rescue effort by the allied forces. Aware of their impending arrival, the Japanese fled the island under the cover of fog, without being seen by the allied forces. Although the enemy had evacuated, there were almost 200 casualties in the rescue effort, mainly due to friendly fire and disease.
