About Melkassa
Melkassa is a volcanic field rising to 1,765 meters (5,791 feet) in Ethiopia's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Melkassa is located in Ethiopia, within the Main Ethiopian Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 8.43° N, 39.35° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,765 meters above sea level, Melkassa 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
Melkassa 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 Melkassa tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Ethiopia more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, 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.
GVP Reference Summary
The Melkassa (or Sodore) volcanic field is an extensive 15 x 25 km group of about 30 Pleistocene and Holocene pyroclastic cones and lava flows that covers the floor of the E side of the Ethiopian Rift Valley, around the town of Melkassa, between the Boset volcanic complex and Gedamsa caldera.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Melkassa.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Melkassa
Is Melkassa an active volcano?+
Melkassa is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Melkassa?+
Melkassa has a summit elevation of 1,765 meters (5,791 feet) above sea level. At 1,765 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Melkassa?+
Melkassa 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 Melkassa located?+
Melkassa is located in Ethiopia, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Main Ethiopian Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 8.430° latitude, 39.350° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Melkassa?+
Melkassa can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Ethiopia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
