About Lake Turkana Central Island
Lake Turkana Central Island is a tuff cone(s) rising to 518 meters (1,700 feet) in Kenya's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Lake Turkana Central Island is located in Kenya, within the Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 3.50° N, 36.04° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 518 meters above sea level, Lake Turkana Central Island is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor (basaltic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Lake Turkana Central Island is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Lake Turkana Central Island in Kenya generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Lake Turkana Central Island has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1974 CE to 1974 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1974 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. The most recent eruption in 1974 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Central Island in the middle of Lake Turkana, also known as Crocodile Island, is composed of more than a dozen craters and cones, three of which are filled by small lakes. The two largest lakes partially fill craters up to 1 km wide and about 80 m deep. An E-W chain of small explosion craters cuts the E side of the 3-km-wide island. Several small islands to the SE represent partially submerged crater rims, and other cones and lava plugs lie beneath the lake surface near the island. The youngest tuffs and lavas may be as young as Holocene (Karson and Curtis, 1992). Fumarolic activity is concentrated along the NE-to-SE rim of the central crater, and sprays of sulfur from the fumaroles were observed by visitors in the 1930s. In 1974 intense emission of molten sulfur and steam clouds were seen from the mainland.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | 1 | Uncertain Eruption | East side of Central Island |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Turkana Central Island
Is Lake Turkana Central Island an active volcano?+
Lake Turkana Central Island is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Lake Turkana Central Island last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Lake Turkana Central Island occurred in 1974 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Lake Turkana Central Island has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Lake Turkana Central Island?+
Lake Turkana Central Island has a summit elevation of 518 meters (1,700 feet) above sea level. At 518 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Lake Turkana Central Island?+
Lake Turkana Central Island is classified as a Tuff cone(s). Tuff cone(s) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Lake Turkana Central Island located?+
Lake Turkana Central Island is located in Kenya, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 3.496° latitude, 36.036° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Lake Turkana Central Island?+
Lake Turkana Central Island can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Kenya may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
