About Porak
Porak is a volcanic field rising to 3,029 meters (9,938 feet) in Armenia-Azerbaijan's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 778 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Porak is located in Armenia-Azerbaijan, within the Caucasus Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 40.03° N, 45.74° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 3,029 meters above sea level, Porak 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 cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Porak 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 Porak tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Armenia-Azerbaijan 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
Porak has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 4510 BCE to 740 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 3,770 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The mid-Pleistocene Porak volcano lies in the Vardenis volcanic highland about 20 km SE of Lake Sevan. The volcanic field straddles the Armenia/Azerbaijan border, and lava flows extend into both countries. The flanks contain 10 satellitic cones and fissure vents. It was constructed along the active Pambak-Sevan strike-slip fault, which has bisected the mid-Pleistocene Khonarassar volcano, separating its two halves by about 800 m. Two large lava flows traveled up to 21 km north and NW, and fresh-looking lava flows form peninsulas extending into Lake Alagyol. Fifth century BCE petroglyphs were interpreted to depict volcanic eruptions (Karakhanian et al., 2002). Porak is referred to in a cuneiform inscription as Mount Bamni, and stratigraphic and archeological evidence indicates that an explosive eruption also producing a lava flow occurred at the time of a military battle dated to 782-773 BCE.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 740 BCE | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 778 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | SW flank |
| 4510 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Porak
Is Porak an active volcano?+
Porak is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 778 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Porak last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Porak occurred in 740 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Porak has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Porak?+
Porak has a summit elevation of 3,029 meters (9,938 feet) above sea level. At 3,029 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Porak?+
Porak 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 Porak located?+
Porak is located in Armenia-Azerbaijan, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Caucasus Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 40.028° latitude, 45.740° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Porak?+
Porak can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Armenia-Azerbaijan may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
