About Iraya
Iraya is a stratovolcano rising to 1,009 meters (3,311 feet) in Philippines's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1454 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Iraya is located in Philippines, within the Luzon Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 20.47° N, 122.01° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,009 meters above sea level, Iraya is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Iraya sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Philippines near Iraya, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. 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
Iraya has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 250 CE to 1454 CE. These eruptions span roughly 1,204 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The morphologically youthful Iraya stratovolcano is the northernmost active volcano in the Philippines. It is the most prominent feature of the 20-km-long Batan Island, located in the Luzon Strait between Luzon and Taiwan. The 1.5-km-wide summit crater is largely filled by a younger cone that forms the summit. Observed late-Pleistocene and Holocene products are exclusively explosive. The youngest dated unit is a pyroclastic-flow deposit 14C dated at about 1,500 years ago (Richard et al., 1986). The Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (2004-) listed an eruption in 1454 CE of unspecified character.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1454 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 470 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 250 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Iraya
Is Iraya an active volcano?+
Iraya is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1454 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Iraya last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Iraya occurred in 1454 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Iraya has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Iraya?+
Iraya has a summit elevation of 1,009 meters (3,311 feet) above sea level. At 1,009 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Iraya?+
Iraya 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 Iraya located?+
Iraya is located in Philippines, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Luzon Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 20.469° latitude, 122.010° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Iraya?+
Iraya can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Philippines may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
