Methana
Lava dome(s) in Greece
Key Facts
Elevation
380 m (1,247 ft)
Type
Lava dome(s)
Location
37.619°, 23.333°
Region
Hellenic Volcanic Arc
Rock Type
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
Tectonic Setting
Subduction zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
Methana volcano consists of a basaltic andesite to rhyodacitic lava dome complex forming the Methana Peninsula in the Sarronian Gulf on the NE side of Peloponnesus. Potassium-Argon ages for the older part of the complex range from 900,000 to 550,000 years, although activity may have begun during the late Pliocene. A younger phase of activity took place from about 380,000-290,000 years ago, forming a series of lava domes and flows.
The youngest dome, Kameno Vouno, on the NW side of the peninsula, was formed in the 3rd century BCE and produced a lava flow that traveled 500 m beyond the coastline. Hot springs are found at several locations along the coast of the peninsula.
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 | 2284 years ago | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in European Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 212020
- •Evidence: Eruption Observed
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
Malja Khoriou lava dome, seen here from the SE, lies on the eastern side of the Methana Peninsula and is one of several lava domes forming the Methana volcanic complex. The peninsula extends into the Sarronian Gulf on the NE side of the Peloponnesus Peninsula. Kameno Vouno is the youngest dome, located on the NW side of the Peninsula where it formed in the 3rd century BCE and produced a lava flow that traveled 500 m beyond the coastline.
Photo by Ichio Moriya (Kanazawa University).
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.