About Kurub
Kurub is a shield rising to 625 meters (2,051 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
Kurub is located in Ethiopia, within the Afar Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 11.88° N, 41.21° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 625 meters above sea level, Kurub 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
Kurub 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 Kurub 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
The small Holocene shield volcano, also known as Kurub Koma, Kurub Koba, or Curub, lies in the Saha Plain, SE of the Manda Hararo complex in the South Danakil region. The easternmost lava flow was potassium-argon dated at about 0.3 million years. Wind-blown sand fills the summit crater of the very recent basaltic volcano. Initial subaqueous activity occurred along NNW-trending fissures. Fumarolic activity observed in the 1930s was not seen during field work in the 1970s.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Kurub.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kurub
Is Kurub an active volcano?+
Kurub 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 Kurub?+
Kurub has a summit elevation of 625 meters (2,051 feet) above sea level. At 625 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Kurub?+
Kurub is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Kurub located?+
Kurub is located in Ethiopia, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Afar Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 11.880° latitude, 41.208° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kurub?+
Kurub 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.
