Jump to content

Porak: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
Line 23: Line 23:
}}
}}


'''Porak''' or '''Axarbaxar''' ("gutted belly" in Azerbaijani<ref name="BubnovLebedev2014">{{cite journal|last1=Bubnov|first1=S. N.|last2=Lebedev|first2=V. A.|last3=Chernyshev|first3=I. V.|last4=Sagatelyan|first4=A. K.|last5=Dokuchaev|first5=A. Ya.|last6=Gol’tsman|first6=Yu. V.|last7=Oleinikova|first7=T. I.|last8=Griboedova|first8=I. G.|title=The potentially active Porak neovolcanic center (Lesser Caucasus, Armenia): The composition of lavas and melt sources|journal=Doklady Earth Sciences|volume=459|issue=1|year=2014|pages=1365–1370|issn=1028-334X|doi=10.1134/S1028334X14110014}}</ref>) is a [[stratovolcano]] located in the [[Vardenis]] volcanic ridge. It lies about {{convert|20|km|0|abbr=on}} SE of [[Lake Sevan]] at the border of [[Armenia]] and [[Azerbaijan]].
'''Porak''' or '''Axarbaxar''' ("gutted belly" in Azerbaijani<ref name="BubnovLebedev2014">{{cite journal|last1=Bubnov|first1=S. N.|last2=Lebedev|first2=V. A.|last3=Chernyshev|first3=I. V.|last4=Sagatelyan|first4=A. K.|last5=Dokuchaev|first5=A. Ya.|last6=Gol’tsman|first6=Yu. V.|last7=Oleinikova|first7=T. I.|last8=Griboedova|first8=I. G.|title=The potentially active Porak neovolcanic center (Lesser Caucasus, Armenia): The composition of lavas and melt sources|journal=Doklady Earth Sciences|volume=459|issue=1|year=2014|pages=1365–1370|issn=1028-334X|doi=10.1134/S1028334X14110014}}</ref>) is a [[stratovolcano]] located in the [[Vardenis]] volcanic ridge. It lies about {{convert|20|km|0|abbr=on}} southeast of [[Lake Sevan]] and the [[volcanic field]] spans the border between [[Armenia]] and [[Azerbajian]] with [[lava flow]]s running into both countries. Ten [[satellite cone]]s and fissure vents lie on the flanks of the volcano.<ref>{{cite gvp|vn=214090|name=Porak|accessdate=20 July 2015}}</ref>


The Porak volcano itself and the third stage has been dated 15 ± 15 ka by K-Ar dating.<ref name="BubnovLebedev2014" /> Two long lava flows, one of which 21km long, stretch from the field north and northeastwards. There are thermal springs in the area, and the Middle Pleistocene [[Khonarassar]] volcano lies to the north of the Porak centre.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002" /> The complex is built on partly [[sedimentary rock]] and partly [[volcanogenic]] [[Late Cretaceous]] and [[Eocene]] series with [[Paleogene]] intrusions.<ref name="BubnovLebedev2014" />
==Location==
The [[volcanic field]] spans the border between Armenia and Azerbajian, with [[lava flow]]s running into both countries. Ten [[satellite cone]]s and fissure vents lie on the flanks of the volcano.<ref>{{cite gvp|vn=214090|name=Porak|accessdate=20 July 2015}}</ref> Two long lava flows, one of which 21km long, stretch from the field north and northeastwards. There are thermal springs in the area, and the Middle Pleistocene Khonarassar volcano lies to the north of the Porak centre.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002" /> The complex is built on partly sedimentary and partly volcanogenic Late Cretaceous and Eocene series with Paleogene intrusions.<ref name="BubnovLebedev2014" />


==Description==
==Description==
There are four stages of trachyandesitic lava flows, the oldest composing Porak volcano itself and the younger three derived from cones and fissures.<ref name="BubnovLebedev2014" /> Two lava flows overlying Sevan lake deposits and with thin soil cover form an early Holocene stage. The second stage forms lava flows entering Lake Alaghel and is devoid of a soil cover.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002" /> The Porak volcano itself and the third stage has been dated 15 ± 15 ka by K-Ar dating.<ref name="BubnovLebedev2014" />
There are four stages of [[trachyandesitic]] lava flows, the oldest composing the Porak volcano itself and the younger three derived from cones and fissures.<ref name="BubnovLebedev2014" /> Two lava flows overly Sevan Lake deposits and with thin soil cover form an early Holocene stage. The second stage forms lava flows entering [[Lake Alaghel]] and is devoid of soil cover.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002" />


Several archaeological sites (one of these dated by radiocarbon analysis on charcoal to be no younger than 3080±40 BP-3200±40 [[Before Present|BP]]) are constructed on the two oldest Holocene stages but not on the most recent stage. Third-stage lava flows run at the edge of one of these sites which was constructed on lavas from the previous two stages, suggesting that the site was affected by historical volcanic activity. There is also evidence of strong earthquake activity 6640±90 BP and between 782 and 773 BC.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002" />
Several archaeological sites (one of these dated by radiocarbon analysis on charcoal to be no younger than 3080±40 BP-3200±40 [[Before Present|BP]]) are constructed on the two oldest Holocene stages but not on the most recent stage. Third-stage lava flows run at the edge of one of these sites which was constructed on lavas from the previous two stages, suggesting that the site was affected by historical volcanic activity. There is also evidence of strong earthquake activity 6640±90 BP and between 782 and 773 BC.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002" />


==Khorkhor inscription==
The famous Khorkhor inscription, in which [[Argishti I]] of [[Urartu]] records the conquest of the city of Behoura, mentions that during the siege the town was destroyed by an earthquake and eruption of "Mount Bamni". Historians consider it likely that Porak volcano is identical with Mount Bamni and Behoura with one of the archeological sites in the area.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002" /> The location of Behoura and the identification of another inscription by Argishti's successor [[Sarduri II]] as evidence of another eruption of Porak is controversial however.<ref name="KarakhanianJrbashyan">{{cite journal|last1=Karakhanian|first1=A.|last2=Jrbashyan|first2=R.|last3=Trifonov|first3=V.|last4=Philip|first4=H.|last5=Arakelian|first5=S.|last6=Avagyan|first6=A.|last7=Baghdassaryan|first7=H.|last8=Davtian|first8=V.|title=Historical volcanoes of Armenia and adjacent areas: What is revisited?|journal=Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research|volume=155|issue=3-4|year=2006|pages=338–345|issn=03770273|doi=10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2006.04.008}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Haroutiunian|first1=Rouben A.|title=The historical volcanoes of Armenia and adjacent areas revisited|journal=Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research|volume=155|issue=3-4|year=2006|pages=334–337|issn=03770273|doi=10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2006.04.005}}</ref> Older evidence of volcanic activity, including lacustrine deposits indicating temporary disappearance of forests in the area before 6270BP, likely due to forest fires induced by volcanic activity, and petroglyphs dated about 5000BP which portray volcanic activity have also been found.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002">{{cite journal|last1=Karakhanian|first1=A.|last2=Djrbashian|first2=R.|last3=Trifonov|first3=V.|last4=Philip|first4=H.|last5=Arakelian|first5=S.|last6=Avagian|first6=A.|title=Holocene-historical volcanism and active faults as natural risk factors for Armenia and adjacent countries|journal=Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research|volume=113|issue=1-2|year=2002|pages=319–344|issn=03770273|doi=10.1016/S0377-0273(01)00264-5}}</ref><ref name="KarakhanianJrbashyan" />
The famous Khorkhor inscription, in which [[Argishti I]] of [[Urartu]] records the conquest of the city of [[Behoura]] and mentions that during the siege the town was destroyed by an earthquake and eruption of "Mount Bamni". Historians consider it likely that Porak volcano is Mount Bamni and that Behoura was one of the archeological sites in the area.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002" />

The location of Behoura is controversial, however, and the identification of another inscription by Argishti's successor, [[Sarduri II]], gives evidence of another eruption of Porak.<ref name="KarakhanianJrbashyan">{{cite journal|last1=Karakhanian|first1=A.|last2=Jrbashyan|first2=R.|last3=Trifonov|first3=V.|last4=Philip|first4=H.|last5=Arakelian|first5=S.|last6=Avagyan|first6=A.|last7=Baghdassaryan|first7=H.|last8=Davtian|first8=V.|title=Historical volcanoes of Armenia and adjacent areas: What is revisited?|journal=Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research|volume=155|issue=3-4|year=2006|pages=338–345|issn=03770273|doi=10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2006.04.008}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Haroutiunian|first1=Rouben A.|title=The historical volcanoes of Armenia and adjacent areas revisited|journal=Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research|volume=155|issue=3-4|year=2006|pages=334–337|issn=03770273|doi=10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2006.04.005}}</ref> Older evidence of volcanic activity, including [[lacustrine]] deposits, indicate temporary disappearance of forests in the area before 6,270BP, likely due to forest fires induced by volcanic activity. [[Petroglyph]]s dated about 5,000BP also portray volcanic activity.<ref name="KarakhanianDjrbashian2002">{{cite journal|last1=Karakhanian|first1=A.|last2=Djrbashian|first2=R.|last3=Trifonov|first3=V.|last4=Philip|first4=H.|last5=Arakelian|first5=S.|last6=Avagian|first6=A.|title=Holocene-historical volcanism and active faults as natural risk factors for Armenia and adjacent countries|journal=Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research|volume=113|issue=1-2|year=2002|pages=319–344|issn=03770273|doi=10.1016/S0377-0273(01)00264-5}}</ref><ref name="KarakhanianJrbashyan" />


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 16:49, 21 July 2015

Porak, Axarbaxar
A pyroclastic cone of the Porak volcanic field.
Highest point
Elevation2,800 m (9,200 ft)
Geography
Porak, Axarbaxar is located in Armenia
Porak, Axarbaxar
Porak, Axarbaxar
Location on Armenia–Azerbaijan border
LocationArmeniaAzerbaijan border
Parent rangeVardenis
Geology
Mountain typeStratovolcano
Last eruption778 BCE ± 5 years

Porak or Axarbaxar ("gutted belly" in Azerbaijani[1]) is a stratovolcano located in the Vardenis volcanic ridge. It lies about 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Lake Sevan and the volcanic field spans the border between Armenia and Azerbajian with lava flows running into both countries. Ten satellite cones and fissure vents lie on the flanks of the volcano.[2]

The Porak volcano itself and the third stage has been dated 15 ± 15 ka by K-Ar dating.[1] Two long lava flows, one of which 21km long, stretch from the field north and northeastwards. There are thermal springs in the area, and the Middle Pleistocene Khonarassar volcano lies to the north of the Porak centre.[3] The complex is built on partly sedimentary rock and partly volcanogenic Late Cretaceous and Eocene series with Paleogene intrusions.[1]

Description

There are four stages of trachyandesitic lava flows, the oldest composing the Porak volcano itself and the younger three derived from cones and fissures.[1] Two lava flows overly Sevan Lake deposits and with thin soil cover form an early Holocene stage. The second stage forms lava flows entering Lake Alaghel and is devoid of soil cover.[3]

Several archaeological sites (one of these dated by radiocarbon analysis on charcoal to be no younger than 3080±40 BP-3200±40 BP) are constructed on the two oldest Holocene stages but not on the most recent stage. Third-stage lava flows run at the edge of one of these sites which was constructed on lavas from the previous two stages, suggesting that the site was affected by historical volcanic activity. There is also evidence of strong earthquake activity 6640±90 BP and between 782 and 773 BC.[3]

Khorkhor inscription

The famous Khorkhor inscription, in which Argishti I of Urartu records the conquest of the city of Behoura and mentions that during the siege the town was destroyed by an earthquake and eruption of "Mount Bamni". Historians consider it likely that Porak volcano is Mount Bamni and that Behoura was one of the archeological sites in the area.[3]

The location of Behoura is controversial, however, and the identification of another inscription by Argishti's successor, Sarduri II, gives evidence of another eruption of Porak.[4][5] Older evidence of volcanic activity, including lacustrine deposits, indicate temporary disappearance of forests in the area before 6,270BP, likely due to forest fires induced by volcanic activity. Petroglyphs dated about 5,000BP also portray volcanic activity.[3][4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Bubnov, S. N.; Lebedev, V. A.; Chernyshev, I. V.; Sagatelyan, A. K.; Dokuchaev, A. Ya.; Gol’tsman, Yu. V.; Oleinikova, T. I.; Griboedova, I. G. (2014). "The potentially active Porak neovolcanic center (Lesser Caucasus, Armenia): The composition of lavas and melt sources". Doklady Earth Sciences. 459 (1): 1365–1370. doi:10.1134/S1028334X14110014. ISSN 1028-334X.
  2. ^ "Porak". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e Karakhanian, A.; Djrbashian, R.; Trifonov, V.; Philip, H.; Arakelian, S.; Avagian, A. (2002). "Holocene-historical volcanism and active faults as natural risk factors for Armenia and adjacent countries". Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 113 (1–2): 319–344. doi:10.1016/S0377-0273(01)00264-5. ISSN 0377-0273.
  4. ^ a b Karakhanian, A.; Jrbashyan, R.; Trifonov, V.; Philip, H.; Arakelian, S.; Avagyan, A.; Baghdassaryan, H.; Davtian, V. (2006). "Historical volcanoes of Armenia and adjacent areas: What is revisited?". Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 155 (3–4): 338–345. doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2006.04.008. ISSN 0377-0273.
  5. ^ Haroutiunian, Rouben A. (2006). "The historical volcanoes of Armenia and adjacent areas revisited". Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 155 (3–4): 334–337. doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2006.04.005. ISSN 0377-0273.