Atakor Volcanic Field
Volcanic field in Algeria
Key Facts
Elevation
2,918 m (9,573 ft)
Type
Volcanic field
Location
23.330°, 5.830°
Region
West Central Sahara Volcanic Province
Rock Type
Trachybasalt / Tephrite Basanite
Tectonic Setting
Intraplate
Location
Loading map...
Overview
The massive Atakor volcanic field is the largest in the Hoggar (or Ahaggar) volcanic province of southern Algeria and covers an area of 2,150 km2. Quaternary basaltic (mostly basanitic) scoria cones and lava flows lie near older trachytic and phonolitic lava domes and volcanic necks that form some of the most dramatic scenery of northern Africa. The latest stage of activity began around 1.
95 million years and continued almost to the present. Lava flows cover Holocene lake sediments dated at about 10,000 BP and alluvial terraces in which Neolithic artifacts have been found. Pottery has been found within lava flows in the Tahifet area, and oral traditions of the Tuareg people suggest that eruptions were witnessed.
Sporadic fumaroles and persistent small-scale seismicity have been reported.
Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment
Primary Hazards
Risk Level
Geological Composition & Structure
Rock Types
Tectonic Setting
Age & Formation
Eruption Statistics & Analysis
| Metric | Value | Global Ranking | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Recorded Eruptions | Unknown | Low | Moderately active volcano |
| Maximum VEI | VEI Unknown | Minor | Local impact potential |
| Recent Activity | Unknown | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in Northern Africa Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 225005
- •Evidence: Evidence Credible
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
The bluish-gray area at the center of this NASA Landsat image and areas at the upper right are part of the massive Atakor volcanic field. These volcanics cover an area of 2,150 km2 and includes lava domes and abundant basaltic scoria cones and lava flows. Historical pottery has been found within lava flows in the Tahifet area, and oral traditions of the Tuareg people also suggest that eruptions were witnessed. The prominent lineament at the far left is the Inter-terrane Pan-African shear zone.
NASA Landsat 7 image (worldwind.arc.nasa.gov)
Authority Sources
Related Volcanoes
Basic Information
This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.