About Ela
Ela is a stratovolcano rising to 934 meters (3,064 feet) in Ethiopia's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Ela is located in Ethiopia, within the Afar Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 12.52° N, 41.19° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 934 meters above sea level, Ela is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
The Ela silicic central volcano along the southern end of the Dadar graben was constructed by rhyolitic and trachtyic lavas capped by minor basaltic volcanism. The silicic stage was dated at about 0.52 million years (Lahitte et al., 2003a, 2003b).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Ela.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ela
Is Ela an active volcano?+
Ela is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Ela?+
Ela has a summit elevation of 934 meters (3,064 feet) above sea level. At 934 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Ela?+
Ela is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Ela located?+
Ela is located in Ethiopia, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Afar Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 12.519° latitude, 41.190° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ela?+
Ela can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Ethiopia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
