Mount Alayta

Coordinates: 12°53′N 40°34′E / 12.883°N 40.567°E / 12.883; 40.567
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Mount Alayta
Highest point
Elevation1,501 m (4,925 ft)[1]
ListingList of volcanoes in Ethiopia
Coordinates12°53′N 40°34′E / 12.883°N 40.567°E / 12.883; 40.567
Geography
Geology
Mountain typeShield volcano
Last eruption1915

Mount Alayta is an active shield volcano in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. It is part of the Afar Triangle (Afar Depression), a highly active volcanic region which includes the adjacent Mount Afdera. Mount Alayta covers an area of 2,700 square kilometers southwest of Lake Afrera. A chain of younger craters are aligned along a north-northwest axis in the basaltic-to-trachytic shield along the east side of the shield volcano, which extends to the western flank of Mount Afdera. The Alayta Lavafeld was formed from a series of north-south fissures. In two areas on the southern side of the volcanic complex, fumaroles can be observed.[1]

Two historical eruptions that were formerly attributed to Mount Afdera are believed to have originated from Alayta. One of those eruptions, between June and August 1907, produced a large lava flow from a vent on its southeastern flank. Its most recent eruption was in 1915.[1]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Alayta". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2010-03-23.