About Adwa
Adwa is a stratovolcano rising to 1,670 meters (5,479 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. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Adwa is located in Ethiopia, within the Main Ethiopian Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 10.06° N, 40.83° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,670 meters above sea level, Adwa is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Adwa 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 Adwa 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 rhyolite, a silica-rich volcanic rock associated with highly viscous magma. Rhyolitic eruptions can be extremely explosive and are responsible for some of the largest volcanic events in Earth's history, including supervolcanic caldera-forming eruptions. The high silica content traps dissolved gases, building enormous pressure that can lead to catastrophic explosive releases.
Eruption History Summary
Adwa has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1828 CE to 1928 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1928 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 100 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1928 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Adwa (also known as Aabida, Amoissa, or Dabita), is a broad stratovolcano in the southern Afar area immediately east of the younger vegetated Ayelu volcano. It has a roughly 3 x 4 km caldera that originated following eruption of voluminous ignimbrites, with a trachytic dome extruded in the eastern part of the caldera. Scoria cones are located on the floor of the caldera and on its NW and SW flanks. Extensive young basaltic lava flows cover the flanks and overlap a sedimentary plain to the SE. Many fumaroles occur within the caldera. Satellitic pyroclastic cones and lava domes were considered to be only a few hundred years old (Mohr 1980, pers. comm.). Dark lava flows originating from cones about 4 km from the caldera rim on the SW flank cover more than 50 km2.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | 2 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1828 | 2 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Adwa
Is Adwa an active volcano?+
Adwa 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.
When did Adwa last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Adwa occurred in 1928 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Adwa has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Adwa?+
Adwa has a summit elevation of 1,670 meters (5,479 feet) above sea level. At 1,670 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Adwa?+
Adwa is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Adwa located?+
Adwa is located in Ethiopia, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Main Ethiopian Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 10.063° latitude, 40.831° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Adwa?+
Adwa 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.
