damavand-activity

Volcanic Activity
Volcanic Activity od Volcano Damavand Iran
Located in middle of Alborz Mountains in northern Iran, this young dormant volcano is approximately 400 km3 and is formed mostly during the Holocene geological time, no historical eruption is recorded, the geologists believe that the last eruption goes back to about 10,000 years ago and the the youngest lava flows date back to approx 7000 years ago and no evidence of eruption in the past 1000 year.

This composite cone stratovolcano started some sign of new activty in spring 2007, the hot springs located on the volcano's south flanks become warmer and a big new vent is formed near the summit crater with high fumarolic activity, it releases a great amount of smoke and hot sulphuric gases.

Damavand Volcano Iran
New activity, the red substance are visible
Photo by Ardeshir Soltani

On 19 June 2007, we saw this new changes for the first time, besides sulphur gas and steam, some red material is coming out of the new vent, we are not certain about this red substance, it does not look like lava but it coud be melted sulphur. We believe this new activity worth some study and research.

Climbing Tip
There is no problem for climbing when the wind is in favuor, but if the wind blows against you, it may cause some problem, either on the south or the east route, so when arriving in this smoke zone, modify your track somehow to avoid the sulphur gas.
If you smell and feel too much gas, you can make a simple gas mask by spreading a little vinegar to a handkerchief, it will help you to pass the area, oxygen mask is not compulsory, it is optional.

To pass the volcanic zone of Damavand you may use a vinegar mask!

This Video Clips showes the new activity of the volcano on 19 June 2007.

Warning
Without sufficient equipment and oxygen mask, it is not safe to go close to the new vent for photography or any other reason, becouse if the wind direction changes, you get caught in the poison gas.

Location and Elevation of South Face Summit
Altitude 5671m - by my personal GPS measurement 5645m
Latitude 35-57-19 N
Longitude 52-06-36 E

Volcano Damavand Iran

More in MDG
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Flanks, fumaroles, steam vents, summit crater, cooling magma body, continuing activity, dormant, extinct volcano, summit lake, top pool, young lava flow, summit and flank vents, historical eruptions, volcano's flanks, fumaroles, narrow summit, iran nature and eco 2010, popular hiking, climbing, and skiing destinations, nature, ecosystem and iran mountains, gps waypoint, route and trail map, damavand volcano, the natural beauty of iran volcanos.

Volcanic Activity MDG31JAN10B
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