About Meidob Volcanic Field
Meidob Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) in Sudan's Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2950 BCE. The volcano has produced 6 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4.
Geography & Climate
Meidob Volcanic Field is located in Sudan, within the Southeast Sahara Volcanic Province of the broader Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 15.32° N, 26.47° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, Meidob 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
Meidob 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 Meidob Volcanic Field 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 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.
Eruption History Summary
Meidob Volcanic Field has 6 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 6050 BCE to 2950 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was a cataclysmic eruption with ash columns reaching the stratosphere in 3000 BCE, reaching VEI 4 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. Notable eruptions include 3000 BCE (VEI 4), 3050 BCE (VEI 4), 4150 BCE (VEI 4). This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 4, Meidob Volcanic Field 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. With 6 recorded eruptions on file, Meidob Volcanic Field has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
The alkaline Meidob volcanic field in western Sudan, at the NE end of the Darfur volcanic province, covers an area of 5,000 km2 with nearly 700 Pliocene-to-Holocene vents. The field was constructed over an uplifted Precambrian igneous and metamorphic basement and is elongated in an E-W direction. Basaltic scoria cones and associated lava flows dominate, but trachytic-phonolitic lava domes, tuff rings, and maars are among the youngest volcanic products. Basaltic scoria cones are scattered throughout the field; their lavas have produced a broad lava plateau. The central part of the field consists of younger phonolitic lava flows, trachytic pumice-fall deposits, ignimbrites, and maars. The youngest dated eruptions about 5,000 years ago produced a tuff ring and a lava flow.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
6 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2950 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Vent VF 214 |
| 3000 BCE | 4 | Confirmed Eruption | Central Meidob volcanic field |
| 3050 BCE | 4 | Confirmed Eruption | SW crater of vent VF 57 |
| 4150 BCE | 4 | Confirmed Eruption | Central Meidob volcanic field |
| 5250 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Central Meidob volcanic field |
| 6050 BCE | 4 | Confirmed Eruption | NE crater of vent VF 57 |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Meidob Volcanic Field
Is Meidob Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Meidob Volcanic Field is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 2950 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Meidob Volcanic Field last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Meidob Volcanic Field occurred in 2950 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Meidob Volcanic Field has 6 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Meidob Volcanic Field?+
Meidob Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level. At 2,000 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Meidob Volcanic Field?+
Meidob 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 Meidob Volcanic Field located?+
Meidob Volcanic Field is located in Sudan, in the Northern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southeast Sahara Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 15.320° latitude, 26.470° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Meidob Volcanic Field?+
Meidob Volcanic Field 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.
