About Vaiyots-Sar
Vaiyots-Sar is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 2,575 meters (8,449 feet) in Armenia's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. It has been active in recent decades, with its last eruption in 2000 BCE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Vaiyots-Sar is located in Armenia, within the Caucasus Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 39.80° N, 45.50° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,575 meters above sea level, Vaiyots-Sar rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Vaiyots-Sar 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 Vaiyots-Sar 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
Vaiyots-Sar has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 2000 BCE to 753 CE. These eruptions span roughly 2,753 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Vaiyots-Sar pyroclastic cone is located in the southern Armenia province of Vayots Dzor in the western Vardenis Volcanic Highland south of Lake Sevan (Karakhanian et al., 2002); previous names such as Dar-Alages or Daly-Tapa are of Russian origin. Near the north end of the approximately 5 x 8 km flow field the 1.5-km-diameter cone rises about 300 m above the surrounding lavas, identified by Sviatlovsky (1959) as post-glacial. Oswald (1906) noted that steep escarpments of Nummulitic limestones were ~6 km NE of the cone across an lava-flow field. At the southern end of the flow field a fissure-fed lava flow several thousand years ago dammed the Arpah River near the town of Vyke and then flowed NW for 6 km; the flows overlie a late Pleistocene terrace and have little soil development (Karakhanian et al., 2002). The youthful-looking Smbatassar cinder cone, 17 km NW of Vaiyots-Sar, appears to be the source vent for Holocene lava flows that traveled 11 km N and 17 km S down two valleys (Karakhanian et al., 2002).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 753 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 2000 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Vaiyots-Sar |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaiyots-Sar
Is Vaiyots-Sar an active volcano?+
Vaiyots-Sar is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 2000 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Vaiyots-Sar last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Vaiyots-Sar occurred in 753 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Vaiyots-Sar has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Vaiyots-Sar?+
Vaiyots-Sar has a summit elevation of 2,575 meters (8,449 feet) above sea level. At 2,575 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Vaiyots-Sar?+
Vaiyots-Sar 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 Vaiyots-Sar located?+
Vaiyots-Sar is located in Armenia, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Caucasus Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 39.797° latitude, 45.497° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Vaiyots-Sar?+
Vaiyots-Sar 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.
