Alayta Volcano
Updated: Mar 31, 2025 07:51 GMT -
Shield volcano
Ethiopia, 12.88°N / 40.57°E 
Summit height: 1501 m / 4,924 ft
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
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Alayta volcano eruptions: 1915
Latest nearby earthquakes
| Date and Time | Mag / Depth | Distance / Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Background
The massive Alayta shield volcano covers an area of 2700 sq km in the western Danakil depression SW of Lake Afrera. A series of very recent craters is aligned along the NNW-trending axis of the basaltic-to-trachytic shield. The Alayta lava field, covered by very fresh lava flows, was erupted from N-S-trending fissures along the east side of the shield volcano and laps up against the western flank of Afderà volcano. Two historical eruptions that were formerly attributed to Afderà volcano actually originated from Alayta. One of those eruptions, in 1907, produced a large lava flow from a SE-flank vent. Fumarolic activity occurs at two locations in the southern part of the complex.---
Smithsonian / GVP volcano information
Significant volcanic eruptions: Alayta volcano
In the past 10,000 years, Alayta has had at least 2 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Alayta volcano in historic times and during the past 10,000 years. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Alayta can be found on the news page of Alayta volcano.
| Date | Note | VEI | Deaths | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| SE flank Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| 1907 Aug 4 (eruption | Historical obs./docs. | 2 | 1-50 (*) | Info | |
(*) Estimated numbers
Remark:
Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution
Alayta Volcano FAQ
+When was the last eruption of Alayta volcano?
The last confirmed eruption of Alayta occurred in 1915.
+How often does Alayta volcano erupt?
Since 1907, Alayta volcano has had at least 2 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 59 years.
+How active is Alayta volcano at present?
Alayta volcano is occasionally active: Since 1900, it has had 2 eruptions, and been active during 2 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Alayta has been in eruption one in 63 years on average. The last eruption was in 1915 and ended 110 years ago.
+When was the largest eruption of Alayta volcano?
The largest eruption of Alayta volcano in historic times occurred in 1915. It ranks as a strombolian to vulcanian eruption with a magnitude 2 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.
Latest satellite images
Alayta Volcano Maps
Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Alayta volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Alayta volcano (scale of few kilometers)
