About Assab Volcanic Field
Assab Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 987 meters (3,238 feet) in Eritrea'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
Assab Volcanic Field is located in Eritrea, within the Afar Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 12.95° N, 42.43° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 987 meters above sea level, Assab Volcanic Field 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
Assab Volcanic Field 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 Assab Volcanic Field in Eritrea 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 Assab volcanic field near the Red Sea coast in southern Eritrea forms a spectacular range of basaltic cinder cones and associated lava flows. The massive lava field covers a 55 x 90 km area, and flows reached the Red Sea along a broad front. The vents of the Assab volcanic field, also known as Ado Ale or Ud'ale, were constructed along a broad E-W line that extends to the coastal city of Assab.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Assab Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Assab Volcanic Field
Is Assab Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Assab Volcanic Field 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 Assab Volcanic Field?+
Assab Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 987 meters (3,238 feet) above sea level. At 987 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Assab Volcanic Field?+
Assab Volcanic Field is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Assab Volcanic Field located?+
Assab Volcanic Field is located in Eritrea, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Afar Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 12.950° latitude, 42.430° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Assab Volcanic Field?+
Assab Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Eritrea may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
