About Barrier, The
Barrier, The is a shield rising to 1,032 meters (3,386 feet) in Kenya's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1921 CE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 12 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Barrier, The is located in Kenya, within the Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 2.32° N, 36.57° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,032 meters above sea level, Barrier, The is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Barrier, The 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 Barrier, The 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 trachyte / trachydacite, an intermediate to silica-rich volcanic rock. This composition typically produces more viscous magma, leading to more explosive eruptions with ash columns and pyroclastic flows. Andesitic and dacitic magmas build pressure before erupting, which is why volcanoes with this rock chemistry are often associated with Plinian-style eruptions that can send ash tens of kilometers into the atmosphere and disrupt aviation across entire regions.
Eruption History Summary
Barrier, The has 12 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 7710 BCE to 1921 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1921 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This level of eruptive frequency indicates a persistently active volcanic system that warrants ongoing monitoring. The most recent eruption in 1921 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
Significance
With 12 recorded eruptions, Barrier, The has a substantial eruptive history that provides valuable data for understanding volcanic behavior and assessing future hazards in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions region.
GVP Reference Summary
The Barrier volcanic complex separates Lake Turkana from the broad Suguta Trough to the S, the site of a former lake. The volcano is comprised of four overlapping shield volcanoes, with the youngest, Kakorinya, located over the axis of the East African Rift. Kalolenyang volcano lies W of Kakorinya, and Likaiu West and Likaiu East are located to the ENE. A 3.8-km-wide summit caldera was formed at Kakorinya about 92,000 years ago. Youthful-looking trachytic and phonolitic lava domes and flows erupted within the caldera and along its ring fracture fill much of the caldera floor. Early Holocene fissure-related scoria cones and lava flows dot the S and N flanks. Solfataric fields are located within the caldera and on the W and S flanks. Historical eruptions from Teleki's and Andrew's cones on the N and S flanks, respectively, have produced basaltic explosive activity and lava flows during the 19th and 20th centuries.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
12 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | North flank (Teleki) |
| 1920 | — | Uncertain Eruption | South flank (Andrew's Volcano) |
| 1917 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Andrew's or Teleki's Volcanoes |
| 1906 | — | Uncertain Eruption | Andrew's or Teleki's Cones |
| 1897 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | North flank (Teleki) and Likaiu |
| 1895 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | North flank (Teleki's Cone) |
| 1888 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | North flank (Teleki's Cone) |
| 1871 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | North flank (Teleki's Cone) |
| 1090 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | North flank |
| 1050 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | North flank |
| 1030 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | North flank |
| 7710 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | North (Abili Agituk) and south flanks |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Barrier, The
Is Barrier, The an active volcano?+
Yes, Barrier, The is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 1921 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Barrier, The last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Barrier, The occurred in 1921 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Barrier, The has 12 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Barrier, The?+
Barrier, The has a summit elevation of 1,032 meters (3,386 feet) above sea level. At 1,032 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Barrier, The?+
Barrier, The is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Barrier, The located?+
Barrier, The is located in Kenya, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 2.320° latitude, 36.570° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Barrier, The?+
Visiting Barrier, The requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 1921 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
