About Todra Volcanic Field
Todra Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 1,780 meters (5,840 feet) in Niger's Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Todra Volcanic Field is located in Niger, within the West Central Sahara Volcanic Province of the broader Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 17.68° N, 8.50° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,780 meters above sea level, Todra Volcanic Field 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
Todra Volcanic Field 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 Todra Volcanic Field tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Niger 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 Todra Volcanic Field covers about 1,000 km2 in the Tuareg shield in the southern Aïr region of Niger. Activity began with the eruption of about 30 trachytic and phonolitic volcanoes through Precambrian basement rocks. This was followed by the formation of about 130 basaltic cones that typically produced valley-filling lava flows. A series of NW-SE faults control cone locations. The date of the latest eruption is not known, but may have been as recent as a few centuries ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Todra Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Todra Volcanic Field
Is Todra Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Todra Volcanic Field 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 Todra Volcanic Field?+
Todra Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 1,780 meters (5,840 feet) above sea level. At 1,780 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Todra Volcanic Field?+
Todra Volcanic Field 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 Todra Volcanic Field located?+
Todra Volcanic Field is located in Niger, in the Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the West Central Sahara Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 17.680° latitude, 8.500° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Todra Volcanic Field?+
Todra Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Niger may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.