About Taryatu-Chulutu
Taryatu-Chulutu is a volcanic field rising to 2,326 meters (7,632 feet) in Mongolia's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2980 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Taryatu-Chulutu is located in Mongolia, within the Baikal Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 48.13° N, 99.95° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,326 meters above sea level, Taryatu-Chulutu rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Taryatu-Chulutu is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Taryatu-Chulutu tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Mongolia more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is trachybasalt / tephrite basanite, 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
Taryatu-Chulutu has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 2980 BCE to 2980 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Taryatu-Chulutu volcanic field lies in north-central Mongolia about 250 km W of Ulaanbaatar. This area, also known as the Hangayn or Tariat volcanic field, is located in a broad region of Miocene-to-Holocene basaltic lavas in the Baikal Rift System SSW of Lake Baikal. Lava flows of four Miocene-to-Holocene age groups form terraces along the Chulutu (Chuloot) River; Pleistocene basalts form the 40-60 m terrace of the Taryatu basin. Six Holocene cinder cones, including Horgo and Dzan Tologai, are concentrated along the Sumein and Gichgeniyn river valleys at the western end of the volcanic field. The 180-m-wide crater of Horgo is breached to the south, in the direction of an associated lava flow. The Holocene cones produced thin, freshly preserved lava flows remarkable for their large numbers of ultramafic xenoliths. The lava flow from Horgo was radiocarbon dated at about 4,930 years ago and dammed the Chulutu River, forming Lake Terkhin-Tsagan-Nur.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2980 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Horgo cone |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Taryatu-Chulutu
Is Taryatu-Chulutu an active volcano?+
Taryatu-Chulutu is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 2980 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Taryatu-Chulutu last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Taryatu-Chulutu occurred in 2980 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Taryatu-Chulutu has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Taryatu-Chulutu?+
Taryatu-Chulutu has a summit elevation of 2,326 meters (7,632 feet) above sea level. At 2,326 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Taryatu-Chulutu?+
Taryatu-Chulutu 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 Taryatu-Chulutu located?+
Taryatu-Chulutu is located in Mongolia, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Baikal Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 48.133° latitude, 99.950° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Taryatu-Chulutu?+
Taryatu-Chulutu can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Mongolia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
