About Colli Albani
Colli Albani is a caldera rising to 949 meters (3,114 feet) in Italy's European Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Colli Albani is located in Italy, within the Italian Peninsula Volcanic Provinces of the broader European Volcanic Regions. Situated at 41.76° N, 12.73° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 949 meters above sea level, Colli Albani is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a caldera, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Colli Albani 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 Italy near Colli Albani, 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 foidite, which influences the viscosity of the magma and, consequently, the style of eruptions this volcano produces. Rock chemistry is one of the most important factors in determining whether a volcano erupts explosively or effusively.
Eruption History Summary
Colli Albani has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 600 BCE to 600 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Colli Albani (Alban Hills) complex immediately SE of Rome contains a large Pleistocene stratovolcano with a 10 x 12 km caldera formed during an eruptive period with six major explosions that produced at least 280 km3 of ejecta between about 560,000 and 350,000 years ago. Subsequent eruptions occurred from a new 5-km-wide central cone and from many phreatomagmatic craters and cones within the Artemisio-Tuscolana caldera and on its outer flanks. The post-caldera eruptions have buried the western side of the caldera rim. The largest of the post-caldera craters is Lake Albano, a 2.5 x 4 km compound maar constructed at the WSW margin of the caldera in multiple stages dating back to about 69,000 years ago. The age of the most recent eruptions from the Albano maar is not known precisely; variable dates range from about 36,000 years ago to perhaps the Holocene, when several possibly non-volcanic lake overflow lahars occurred. Reported eruptions during the Roman period are uncertain, but subsequent seismic swarms lasting up to two years have been recorded.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 BCE | — | Uncertain Eruption | Ariccia crater |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Colli Albani
Is Colli Albani an active volcano?+
Colli Albani is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Colli Albani last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Colli Albani occurred in 600 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Colli Albani has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Colli Albani?+
Colli Albani has a summit elevation of 949 meters (3,114 feet) above sea level. At 949 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Colli Albani?+
Colli Albani is classified as a Caldera. Calderas are large volcanic depressions formed when a volcano erupts so powerfully that its magma chamber collapses, creating a basin that can be kilometers wide. They are often sites of some of Earth's largest eruptions.
Where is Colli Albani located?+
Colli Albani is located in Italy, in the European Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Italian Peninsula Volcanic Provinces. Its exact coordinates are 41.757° latitude, 12.725° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Colli Albani?+
Colli Albani can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Italy may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
