About Ghegham Volcanic Ridge
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge is a volcanic field rising to 3,597 meters (11,802 feet) in Armenia's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1900 BCE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge is located in Armenia, within the Caucasus Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 40.28° N, 45.00° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. Standing at 3,597 meters above sea level, Ghegham Volcanic Ridge towers above the alpine zone, where vegetation gives way to bare rock, snow, and ice for much of the year. The high elevation means the upper slopes experience significantly colder temperatures than surrounding lowlands. 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
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Ghegham Volcanic Ridge tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Armenia more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, 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
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1900 BCE to 1900 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Ghegham Volcanic Ridge, located in west-central Armenia between the capital city of Yerevan and Lake Sevan, contains as many as 127 volcanic centers, lava domes and pyroclastic cones, of Pleistocene-to-Holocene age. The volcanoes and associated lava flows cover a 65-km-long, 35-km-wide area west of Lake Sevan and south of the Hrazdan River and are concentrated along three NNW-SSE-trending alignments. Lava flows from the central and eastern clusters flowed into Lake Sevan. Initial explosive eruptions in the volcanic field were followed by the extrusion of rhyolitic obsidian lava domes and flows. The latest activity produced a series of andesitic and basaltic andesite cinder cones and lava flows. The central and eastern portions of the field contain large areas of Holocene eruptions with morphologically fresh lava flows devoid of vegetation.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | North part of eastern cone cluster |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ghegham Volcanic Ridge
Is Ghegham Volcanic Ridge an active volcano?+
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1900 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Ghegham Volcanic Ridge last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Ghegham Volcanic Ridge occurred in 1900 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Ghegham Volcanic Ridge has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Ghegham Volcanic Ridge?+
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge has a summit elevation of 3,597 meters (11,802 feet) above sea level. At 3,597 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Ghegham Volcanic Ridge?+
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge 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 Ghegham Volcanic Ridge located?+
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge is located in Armenia, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Caucasus Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 40.283° latitude, 45.000° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ghegham Volcanic Ridge?+
Ghegham Volcanic Ridge can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Armenia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
