About Oku Volcanic Field
Oku Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 3,011 meters (9,879 feet) in Cameroon's Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.
Geography & Climate
Oku Volcanic Field is located in Cameroon, within the Western Africa Volcanic Province of the broader Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 6.25° N, 10.50° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 3,011 meters above sea level, Oku 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
Oku 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 Oku Volcanic Field tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Cameroon 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
Oku Volcanic Field has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1550 CE to 1986 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 1550 CE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 436 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1986 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Oku Volcanic Field has produced eruptions capable of generating pyroclastic flows and significant ash fall in the surrounding area. While not among the largest eruptions globally, VEI 3 events pose serious hazards to local populations and can disrupt regional air travel. Given its recent activity, Oku Volcanic Field is closely monitored by geological survey organizations to provide early warning of future unrest.
GVP Reference Summary
Numerous maars and basaltic cinder cones lie on or near the deeply dissected rhyolitic and trachytic Mount Oku massif along the Cameroon volcanic line. The Mount Oku stratovolcano is cut by a large caldera. The Oku volcanic field is noted for two crater lakes, Lake Nyos to the N and Lake Monoun to the S, that have produced catastrophic carbon-dioxide gas release events. The 15 August 1984 gas release at Lake Monoun was attributed to overturn of stratified lake water, triggered by an earthquake and landslide. The Lake Nyos event on 21 August 1986 caused at least 1,700 fatalities. The emission of ~1 km3 of magmatic carbon dioxide has been attributed either to overturn of stratified lake waters as a result of a non-volcanic process, or to phreatic explosions or injection of hot gas into the lake.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | — | Uncertain Eruption | Lake Nyos |
| 1550 | 3 | Uncertain Eruption | Lake Nyos |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Oku Volcanic Field
Is Oku Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Oku Volcanic Field is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Oku Volcanic Field last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Oku Volcanic Field occurred in 1986 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Oku Volcanic Field has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Oku Volcanic Field?+
Oku Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 3,011 meters (9,879 feet) above sea level. At 3,011 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Oku Volcanic Field?+
Oku 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 Oku Volcanic Field located?+
Oku Volcanic Field is located in Cameroon, in the Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Western Africa Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 6.250° latitude, 10.500° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Oku Volcanic Field?+
Oku Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Cameroon may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
