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Dofan

Dofen

Shield volcano · Ethiopia · 1151m

Lava flows form the southern flank of the Dofan volcanic massif, NW of a bend in the Hauash River, in the center of this December 2019 Planet Labs satellite image monthly mosaic (N is at the top, this image is approximately 20 km across). An undated darker lava flow above the center of this image erupted from a vent on the N flank.
Lava flows form the southern flank of the Dofan volcanic massif, NW of a bend in the Hauash River, in the center of this December 2019 Planet Labs satellite image monthly mosaic (N is at the top, this image is approximately 20 km across). An undated darker lava flow above the center of this image erupted from a vent on the N flank. · Photo: Satellite image courtesy of Planet Labs Inc., 2019 (https://www.planet.com/).
Type
Shield volcano
Country
Ethiopia
Region
Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions / Main Ethiopian Rift Volcanic Province
Elevation
1151m
Coordinates
9.350, 40.130
Last eruption
Unknown
Tectonic setting
Rift zone / Continental crust (> 25 km)
Landform
Shield
Major rock type
Rhyolite
Geological summary

The Dofen shield volcano rises 450 m above the Awash plain in the northern Main Ethiopian Rift. Numerous cinder cones, constructed along a 10-km-long, N-S-trending line, occur on the flanks of the dominantly rhyolitic volcano. The northern cones are younger, have well-preserved morphologies, and display strong fumarolic activity. A major fumarole in a wide S-flank crater has precipitated large amounts of sulfur. The latest eruptions occurred during the Holocene (WoldeGabriel 1987, pers. comm.), and it is known as the "smoking mountain".

From Wikipedia

Dofan or Dofen is a 1,151 m (3,776 ft) high rhyolitic shield volcano in Ethiopia's Awash National Park. The volcano rises 450 m (1,480 ft) above the valley floor. A north–south zone of cinder cones extending 10 km (6.2 mi); the cones in the north show intense fumarolic activity. Along the southern flank crater, a fumarole produced significant sulfur. The volcano's last eruptions were during the Holocene. On 2 January 2025, smoke emitted from the volcano, prompting tens of thousands of residents living in the area to evacuate. The Ethiopian Geological Institute reported steam and debris expelled from the volcano. However, the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission did not confirm the eruption. The activity comes amid an earthquake swarm that lasted several weeks.

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Eruption history

Detailed timeline

No eruption records available.

External links

⚠ For reference only. Not for emergency response.