About Manzaz Volcanic Field
Manzaz Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 1,672 meters (5,486 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
Manzaz Volcanic Field is located in Algeria, within the West Central Sahara Volcanic Province of the broader Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 23.92° N, 5.83° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,672 meters above sea level, Manzaz 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
Manzaz 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 Manzaz 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 Manzaz volcanic field, north of the Atakor volcanic field in the Hoggar (Ahaggar) volcanic province of Algeria, consists of a large number of scoria cones and associated lava flows. The field covers an area of 1,500 km2, overlying Precambrian metamorphic and plutonic rocks of the Tuareg shield. Many cones are breached, and the dominantly basaltic and basanitic volcanic products are rich in peridotite and pyroxenite xenoliths and megacrysts. The youngest volcanoes rest on Neolithic terraces and are of Holocene age.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Manzaz Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Manzaz Volcanic Field
Is Manzaz Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Manzaz 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 Manzaz Volcanic Field?+
Manzaz Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 1,672 meters (5,486 feet) above sea level. At 1,672 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Manzaz Volcanic Field?+
Manzaz 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 Manzaz Volcanic Field located?+
Manzaz 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 23.920° latitude, 5.830° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Manzaz Volcanic Field?+
Manzaz 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.
