About Marra, Jebel
Marra, Jebel is a volcanic field rising to 3,042 meters (9,981 feet) in Sudan's Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. It has been active in recent decades, with its last eruption in 2000 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4.
Geography & Climate
Marra, Jebel is located in Sudan, within the Southeast Sahara Volcanic Province of the broader Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 12.95° N, 24.27° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 3,042 meters above sea level, Marra, Jebel 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
Marra, Jebel 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 Marra, Jebel tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Sudan 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
Marra, Jebel has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 2000 BCE to 2000 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was a cataclysmic eruption with ash columns reaching the stratosphere in 2000 BCE, reaching VEI 4 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 4, Marra, Jebel has demonstrated the capacity for significant explosive eruptions that can impact regional aviation, agriculture, and communities tens of kilometers from the summit. VEI 4 eruptions produce ash columns reaching 15-25 kilometers into the atmosphere.
GVP Reference Summary
The most prominent feature of the vast Jebel Marra volcanic field, located in the Darfur province of western Sudan, is the youthful Deriba caldera. The 5-km-wide, steep-walled caldera, located at the southern end of the field, was formed about 3,500 years ago at the time of the eruption of voluminous airfall pumice and pyroclastic flows that traveled more than 30 km from the volcano. The Jebel Marra volcanic field covers a broad area of the Marra Mountains and contains early basaltic lava flows overlain by thick sequences of pyroclastic-flow deposits. The northern part of the field displays trachytic lava plugs and spines forming residual inselbergs and young basaltic scoria cones and lava flows. Ash eruptions at Deriba caldera may have continued into early historical time (Burton and Wickers, 1966), and fumarolic activity has been observed on the flanks of a small pyroclastic cone within the caldera.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 BCE | 4 | Confirmed Eruption | Deriba caldera |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Marra, Jebel
Is Marra, Jebel an active volcano?+
Marra, Jebel is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 2000 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Marra, Jebel last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Marra, Jebel occurred in 2000 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Marra, Jebel has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Marra, Jebel?+
Marra, Jebel has a summit elevation of 3,042 meters (9,981 feet) above sea level. At 3,042 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Marra, Jebel?+
Marra, Jebel 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 Marra, Jebel located?+
Marra, Jebel is located in Sudan, in the Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southeast Sahara Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 12.950° latitude, 24.270° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Marra, Jebel?+
Marra, Jebel can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Sudan may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
