About Fort Portal Volcanic Field
Fort Portal Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 1,615 meters (5,299 feet) in Uganda's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2120 BCE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Fort Portal Volcanic Field is located in Uganda, within the Albertine Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.70° N, 30.25° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,615 meters above sea level, Fort Portal Volcanic Field 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
Fort Portal Volcanic Field 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 Fort Portal Volcanic Field in Uganda 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 foidite, which influences the viscosity of the magma and, consequently, the style of eruptions this volcano produces. Rock chemistry is one of the most important factors in determining whether a volcano erupts explosively or effusively.
Eruption History Summary
Fort Portal Volcanic Field has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 2750 BCE to 2120 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 630 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The carbonatite lavas and tuffs of the Fort Portal Volcanic Field in Uganda, NE of Mount Ruwenzori between Lake Albert and Lake Edward, consists of a group of tuff cones and maars covering an area of about 145 km2. About 50 volcanic vents, some of which now contain crater lakes, were erupted through Precambrian gneiss in an WSW-ENE-trending area north of the town of Fort Portal. Several additional vents are located in the Kasekere (Rusekere) area to the NE. Radiocarbon dates of about 4,700-4,000 years ago were obtained from ash deposits in the volcanic field. Holmes (1950) noted that Kasensankaranga Crater in the Fort Portal area means "spewer of roasted material," implying observed activity.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2120 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 2750 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Portal Volcanic Field
Is Fort Portal Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Fort Portal Volcanic Field is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 2120 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Fort Portal Volcanic Field last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Fort Portal Volcanic Field occurred in 2120 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Fort Portal Volcanic Field has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Fort Portal Volcanic Field?+
Fort Portal Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 1,615 meters (5,299 feet) above sea level. At 1,615 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Fort Portal Volcanic Field?+
Fort Portal Volcanic Field is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Fort Portal Volcanic Field located?+
Fort Portal Volcanic Field is located in Uganda, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Albertine Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 0.700° latitude, 30.250° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Fort Portal Volcanic Field?+
Fort Portal Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Uganda may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
