About Olot Volcanic Field
Olot Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 893 meters (2,930 feet) in Spain's European Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Olot Volcanic Field is located in Spain, within the Western European Volcanic Province of the broader European Volcanic Regions. Situated at 42.17° N, 2.53° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 893 meters above sea level, Olot 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
Olot 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 Olot Volcanic Field tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Spain 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 Olot volcanic field (also known as the Garrotxa volcanic field) occupies the NE corner of Spain south of the Pyrenees Mountains about 90 km NNE of Barcelona. The field consists of a large number of Strombolian pyroclastic cones and associated alkali basaltic lava flows, and is part of the NE Volcanic Province, which includes the Ampurdán and Selva areas to the SE. The pyroclastic cones are preferentially located at the intersection of E-W and NW-SE faults that cut sedimentary and metamorphic basement rocks. The latest dated eruption occurred during the early Holocene, and stratigraphic evidence suggests that more recent eruptions have occurred.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Olot Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Olot Volcanic Field
Is Olot Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Olot 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 Olot Volcanic Field?+
Olot Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 893 meters (2,930 feet) above sea level. At 893 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Olot Volcanic Field?+
Olot 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 Olot Volcanic Field located?+
Olot Volcanic Field is located in Spain, in the European Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Western European Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 42.170° latitude, 2.530° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Olot Volcanic Field?+
Olot Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Spain may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
