Dallol
Explosion crater(s) in Ethiopia
Key Facts
Elevation
-48 m (-157 ft)
Type
Explosion crater(s)
Location
14.242°, 40.300°
Region
Afar Rift Volcanic Province
Rock Type
No Data (checked)
Tectonic Setting
Rift zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
Numerous phreatic explosion craters are present across the Salt Plain NNE of the Erta Ale Range in one of the lowest areas of the desolate Danakil depression. The most recent of these craters, Dallol, lies 48 m below sea level and was formed during an eruption in 1926. Colorful hot brine springs are found in the Dallol area.
Another phreatic explosion was observed in January 2011.
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 | 15 years ago | Recent | Recently active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 221041
- •Evidence: Eruption Observed
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
Colorful hot brine pools up to about a meter in diameter with terraces at hot springs at Dallol. Numerous phreatic explosion craters dot the Salt Plain NNE of the Erta Ale Range in one of the lowest areas of the Danakil depression. These craters mark Earth's lowest known subaerial volcanic vents. The most recent of these craters, Dallol, lies 48 m below sea level and was formed during an eruption in 1926.
Copyrighted photo by Marco Fulle, 2002 (Stromboli On-Line, http://stromboli.net).
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.