About Ararat
Ararat is a stratovolcano rising to 5,165 meters (16,946 feet) in Turkiye's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1840 CE. The volcano has produced 5 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.
Geography & Climate
Ararat is located in Turkiye, within the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 39.70° N, 44.30° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 5,165 meters above sea level, Ararat reaches well into the permanent snow and ice zone. Glaciers and snowpack on the upper slopes create the potential for lahars — destructive volcanic mudflows — during eruptions, as heat rapidly melts ice and snow. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Ararat 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 Ararat tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Turkiye more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, 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
Ararat has 5 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 2450 BCE to 1840 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 1840 CE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Ararat 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. With 5 recorded eruptions on file, Ararat has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
Mount Ararat, also known as Agri Dagi, is Turkey's highest and largest volume volcano. The overall massif extends ~25 km NW-SE, and 18 km NE-SW, with another large volcano, Kucuk Ararat (or Lesser Ararat), ~11 km SE. Construction of the Greater and Lesser Ararat volcanoes was followed by a period of extensive flank eruptions, many erupted along N-S fissures. The initial stage of flank eruptions produced a cluster of cinder cones and dacitic-rhyolitic lava domes surrounding Greater Ararat and a series of pyroclastic cones and domes on the W flank of Lesser Ararat. There are also large pyroclastic cones lower on the flanks of the two volcanoes. A small cone ~8 km SW of Lesser Ararat appears to be the source of a dark lava-flow field covering ~80 km2 towards the S. Ararat appears to have been active during the 3rd millennium BCE; pyroclastic-flow deposits overlie early Bronze Age artifacts and human remains. Karakhanian et al. (2002) reported historical evidence for a phreatic eruption and pyroclastic flow at the time of a July 1840 earthquake and landslide.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
5 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 3 | Confirmed Eruption | Upper northern flank |
| 1783 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1450 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Summit (?) and north flank |
| 2450 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | NW flank |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ararat
Is Ararat an active volcano?+
Ararat is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1840 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Ararat last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Ararat occurred in 1840 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Ararat has 5 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Ararat?+
Ararat has a summit elevation of 5,165 meters (16,946 feet) above sea level. At 5,165 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Ararat?+
Ararat is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Ararat located?+
Ararat is located in Turkiye, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 39.700° latitude, 44.300° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ararat?+
Ararat can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Turkiye may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
