Tskhouk-Karckar
Pyroclastic cone(s) · 3,139m · Armenia-Azerbaijan
About Tskhouk-Karckar
Tskhouk-Karckar is a pyroclastic cone(s) rising to 3,139 meters (10,299 feet) in Armenia-Azerbaijan's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 3000 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Tskhouk-Karckar is located in Armenia-Azerbaijan, within the Caucasus Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 39.74° N, 45.99° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 3,139 meters above sea level, Tskhouk-Karckar 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
Tskhouk-Karckar 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 Tskhouk-Karckar 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
Tskhouk-Karckar has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 3000 BCE to 3000 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
A group of pyroclastic cones is located in the central part of the Siunik volcanic ridge along the Armenia/Azerbaijan border about 60 km SE of Lake Sevan. The Tskhouk-Karckar volcano group was constructed within offset segments of the major Pambak-Sevan strike-slip fault trending SE from Lake Sevan. Eight pyroclastic cones produced three generations of Holocene lava flows (Karakhanian et al., 2002). Abundant petroglyphs, burial kurgans, and masonry walls were found on flows of the older two age groups, but not on the youngest. Lava flows from cinder cones of the Tskhouk-Karckar volcano group overlie petroglyphs dated to the end of the 4th millennium and beginning of the 3rd millennium BCE and are themselves used in gravesites dated at 4,720 +/- 140 years ago. Following these eruptions, the area was not repopulated until the Middle Ages.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tskhouk-Karckar
Is Tskhouk-Karckar an active volcano?+
Tskhouk-Karckar is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 3000 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Tskhouk-Karckar last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Tskhouk-Karckar occurred in 3000 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Tskhouk-Karckar has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Tskhouk-Karckar?+
Tskhouk-Karckar has a summit elevation of 3,139 meters (10,299 feet) above sea level. At 3,139 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Tskhouk-Karckar?+
Tskhouk-Karckar 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 Tskhouk-Karckar located?+
Tskhouk-Karckar 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 39.742° latitude, 45.992° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tskhouk-Karckar?+
Tskhouk-Karckar 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.
