About Segererua Plateau
Segererua Plateau is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 699 meters (2,293 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.
Geography & Climate
Segererua Plateau is located in Kenya, within the Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 1.57° N, 37.90° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 699 meters above sea level, Segererua Plateau is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Segererua Plateau 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 Segererua Plateau 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.
GVP Reference Summary
A large number of late-Pleistocene to Holocene basaltic cones, lava flows, and maars occur along a roughly 50-km-long NE-SW trend on the Segererua and Rusarus Plateaus and areas to the SW. This volcanic region is located well E of the East African Rift, S of the massive Marsabit shield volcano. The two plateaus host most of the vents and are bounded by the Milgis River to the N and the Merille River to the S. Other vents lie to the SW, east of the Kauro River, and another large area of basaltic lava flows lies to the W.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Segererua Plateau.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Segererua Plateau
Is Segererua Plateau an active volcano?+
Segererua Plateau 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.
How high is Segererua Plateau?+
Segererua Plateau has a summit elevation of 699 meters (2,293 feet) above sea level. At 699 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Segererua Plateau?+
Segererua Plateau is classified as a Pyroclastic cone(s). Pyroclastic cones (or cinder cones) are small, steep-sided volcanic cones built from fragments of lava blasted into the air. They are the simplest type of volcano and often form in groups.
Where is Segererua Plateau located?+
Segererua Plateau is located in Kenya, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Kenyan Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 1.570° latitude, 37.900° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Segererua Plateau?+
Segererua Plateau 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.
