About Arxan-Chaihe
Arxan-Chaihe is a volcanic field rising to 1,677 meters (5,502 feet) in China's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 0 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Arxan-Chaihe is located in China, within the Central East Asia Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 47.45° N, 120.80° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,677 meters above sea level, Arxan-Chaihe 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
Arxan-Chaihe 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 Arxan-Chaihe tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in China 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.
Eruption History Summary
Arxan-Chaihe has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 0 CE to 0 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Arxan-Chaihe Volcanic Field, in the central Da Hinggan Mountains of Inner Mongolia in NE China, contains at least 27 volcanic features. The youngest cones, including Yanshan and Gaoshan, produced basaltic lava flows that blocked drainages of the Halahale River and created six lava-dammed lakes. Radiocarbon dates from scoria deposits document eruptions about 2,000-1,900 years ago. The area has been designated as a National Geopark.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Arxan-Chaihe
Is Arxan-Chaihe an active volcano?+
Arxan-Chaihe is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 0 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Arxan-Chaihe last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Arxan-Chaihe occurred in 0 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Arxan-Chaihe has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Arxan-Chaihe?+
Arxan-Chaihe has a summit elevation of 1,677 meters (5,502 feet) above sea level. At 1,677 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Arxan-Chaihe?+
Arxan-Chaihe 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 Arxan-Chaihe located?+
Arxan-Chaihe is located in China, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central East Asia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 47.450° latitude, 120.800° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Arxan-Chaihe?+
Arxan-Chaihe can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. China may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
