Iran’s Taftan Volcano Shows Signs of Activity After 7,10,000 Years

In a surprising geological development, a volcano in southern Iran, long believed to be extinct for about 710,000 years, has shown signs of renewed activity.

Ground Uplift Detected

According to new research published on October 7 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, an area near the summit of the Taftan volcano rose by approximately 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) over a period of 10 months (July 2023 – May 2024).

• This ground uplift has not yet receded, indicating a possible buildup of gas pressure beneath the volcano’s surface.
• The observation raises questions about the volcano’s current classification.

From Extinct to Dormant

Volcanoes are considered extinct if they have not erupted during the Holocene epoch — the period that began about 11,700 years ago.
However, researchers, including González, suggest that given the recent deformation, Taftan might be more accurately described as dormant rather than extinct.

About Taftan Volcano

• Location: Southeastern Iran
• Type: Stratovolcano
• Height: 12,927 feet (3,940 meters)
• Geological Setting: Lies within a mountainous region formed by the subduction of the Arabian oceanic crust beneath the Eurasian continental plate.

Characteristics of Stratovolcanoes

• Structure: Steep-sided and cone-shaped, unlike broad shield volcanoes.
• Formation: Built up by viscous, sticky lava that flows slowly and hardens quickly.
• Eruption Style: Typically associated with explosive eruptions due to trapped gases and thick magma.