About Tatun Volcanic Group
Tatun Volcanic Group is a lava dome(s) rising to 1,120 meters (3,675 feet) in Taiwan's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 648 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Tatun Volcanic Group is located in Taiwan, within the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 25.18° N, 121.55° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,120 meters above sea level, Tatun Volcanic Group 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
Tatun Volcanic Group 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 Taiwan near Tatun Volcanic Group, 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
Tatun Volcanic Group has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 4095 BCE to 648 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 4095 BCE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 4,743 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Tatun (Datun) group consists predominately of a series of andesitic lava domes in the northernmost part of Taiwan. About 20 volcanoes, the southernmost of which is only 15 km N of the capital city of Taipei, are included in the Tatun group, which was constructed along E-W and NE-SW trending ridges. The highest and youngest volcano is the Cising (Chisingshan) lava dome. Several magmatic eruptions took place in the group about 23,000 to 13,000 years ago, and a phreatic eruption associated with collapse of the lava dome, possibly closely following lava effusion, took place about 6000 years ago. Hot springs, fumaroles, and solfataras are found over wide areas along a zone parallel to the SW-NE-trending Chinshan fault and extending to the NE coast of Taiwan, and extensive geothermal exploration has occurred at the Daiton geothermal area.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 648 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Shamao |
| 4095 BCE | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | Cisingshan |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Tatun Volcanic Group
Is Tatun Volcanic Group an active volcano?+
Tatun Volcanic Group is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 648 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Tatun Volcanic Group last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Tatun Volcanic Group occurred in 648 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Tatun Volcanic Group has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Tatun Volcanic Group?+
Tatun Volcanic Group has a summit elevation of 1,120 meters (3,675 feet) above sea level. At 1,120 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Tatun Volcanic Group?+
Tatun Volcanic Group is classified as a Lava dome(s). Lava domes are mounds of viscous lava that pile up around a volcanic vent. They grow by expansion from within and can collapse to produce dangerous pyroclastic flows.
Where is Tatun Volcanic Group located?+
Tatun Volcanic Group is located in Taiwan, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 25.178° latitude, 121.553° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tatun Volcanic Group?+
Tatun Volcanic Group can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Taiwan may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
