About Asavyo
Asavyo is a shield rising to 1,338 meters (4,390 feet) in Ethiopia'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
Asavyo is located in Ethiopia, within the Afar Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 13.10° N, 41.60° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,338 meters above sea level, Asavyo 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
Asavyo 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 Asavyo in Ethiopia 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
Asavyo, also known as Bara’Ale, is the SW-most of three large silicic stratovolcanoes (along with Mallahle and Nabro) constructed along a NE-SW-trending line in the Danakil horst. A large 12-km-wide caldera truncates the summit. Basaltic lava flows cover the flanks, which merge into the Mogorros plains to the south. Although the age of the volcano is not known precisely, Asavyo was considered to have erupted during last 2,000 years (IAVCEI, 1973). A large post-caldera cone was constructed near the center of the caldera, and smaller pyroclastic cones occur within the caldera and on its flanks.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Asavyo.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Asavyo
Is Asavyo an active volcano?+
Asavyo 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 Asavyo?+
Asavyo has a summit elevation of 1,338 meters (4,390 feet) above sea level. At 1,338 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Asavyo?+
Asavyo is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Asavyo located?+
Asavyo is located in Ethiopia, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Afar Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 13.098° latitude, 41.599° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Asavyo?+
Asavyo can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Ethiopia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
