About Atakor Volcanic Field
Atakor Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 2,918 meters (9,574 feet) in Algeria'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
Atakor Volcanic Field is located in Algeria, within the West Central Sahara Volcanic Province of the broader Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 23.33° N, 5.83° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,918 meters above sea level, Atakor Volcanic Field 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
Atakor 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 Atakor Volcanic Field tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Algeria more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is trachybasalt / tephrite basanite, 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 massive Atakor volcanic field is the largest in the Hoggar (or Ahaggar) volcanic province of southern Algeria and covers an area of 2,150 km2. Quaternary basaltic (mostly basanitic) scoria cones and lava flows lie near older trachytic and phonolitic lava domes and volcanic necks that form some of the most dramatic scenery of northern Africa. The latest stage of activity began around 1.95 million years and continued almost to the present. Lava flows cover Holocene lake sediments dated at about 10,000 BP and alluvial terraces in which Neolithic artifacts have been found. Pottery has been found within lava flows in the Tahifet area, and oral traditions of the Tuareg people suggest that eruptions were witnessed. Sporadic fumaroles and persistent small-scale seismicity have been reported.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Atakor Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Atakor Volcanic Field
Is Atakor Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Atakor 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 Atakor Volcanic Field?+
Atakor Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 2,918 meters (9,574 feet) above sea level. At 2,918 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Atakor Volcanic Field?+
Atakor 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 Atakor Volcanic Field located?+
Atakor Volcanic Field is located in Algeria, in the Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the West Central Sahara Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 23.330° latitude, 5.830° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Atakor Volcanic Field?+
Atakor Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Algeria may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
