About Zukur
Zukur is a shield rising to 624 meters (2,047 feet) in Yemen's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Zukur is located in Yemen, within the Red Sea Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 14.02° N, 42.75° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 624 meters above sea level, Zukur is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Zukur is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Zukur in Yemen generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. 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.
GVP Reference Summary
Zukur (Zugar), the northernmost large island of the Zukur-Hanish island group in the southern Red Sea, is formed of Holocene basaltic pyroclastic cones and spatter cones that issued youthful-looking pahoehoe lava flows. This island group lies in shallow waters S of the Red Sea median trough. Products of phreatic eruptions form small islands and coastal cones. Late-stage trachytic lava domes produced viscous lava flows. Vents on Zukur are aligned along a NE-SW trend.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Zukur.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Zukur
Is Zukur an active volcano?+
Zukur 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 Zukur?+
Zukur has a summit elevation of 624 meters (2,047 feet) above sea level. At 624 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Zukur?+
Zukur is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Zukur located?+
Zukur is located in Yemen, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Red Sea Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 14.020° latitude, 42.750° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Zukur?+
Zukur can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Yemen may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
