North Matsuwa

North of Matsuwa, the sea washes a volcanic island in the central Kurils. Sarychev Peak rises at its northwestern end, its cone standing within an older caldera. The volcano was reported active in the 1760s. Fog frequently covers the waters and lower slopes of the northern Kurils during summer, although the higher summits may remain visible; in winter snow and gales make the passage more arduous.