Taftan Volcano in Iran Shows Signs of Reawakening After 710,000 Years

1. Summary of the Discovery

• Recent satellite data analysis has revealed that the Taftan volcano in southeastern Iran, previously classified as extinct, is showing clear signs of renewed activity. Ground deformation measurements indicate the summit area rose by  9 centimetres  between July 2023 and May 2024, prompting scientists to reclassify Taftan as a  dormant  volcano. This finding underscores the need for enhanced monitoring of volcanoes once considered inactive.

2. Geological Background

• Location and Type:  Taftan is a  3,940-meter-high stratovolcano  located in a remote, mountainous region of southeastern Iran.

• Tectonic Origin:  It was formed by the subduction of the Arabian tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian plate.

• Historical Activity:  The volcano has been dormant throughout human history, with its last known eruption occurring approximately 710,000 years ago. It has an active hydrothermal system with sulfurous fumaroles.

3. Key Evidence of Reactivation

• Ground Deformation:  Data from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellite mission confirmed the significant uplift of 9 cm in under a year, suggesting an accumulation of magma or gas in a subterranean chamber.

• Increased Emissions:  Prior to the satellite data, local reports and social media in 2023 noted strong gaseous emissions detectable as far as 50 kilometers away, corroborating the signs of awakening.

4. Scientific Implications and Risk Assessment

• Status Change:  The evidence has led to a formal reclassification from "extinct" to "dormant," meaning the volcano has the potential to erupt again.

• Current Threat:  While the uplift indicates increasing internal pressure,  no eruption is considered imminent . The situation requires careful monitoring to determine if the pressure will be released gradually or could lead to a future eruption.

5. Monitoring Challenges and Global Importance

• Logistical Hurdles:  Taftan is located in a remote area with regional security concerns, making the installation of ground-based GPS stations difficult. Currently,  satellite remote sensing is the primary monitoring tool .

• Broader Significance:  This case highlights that volcanoes long thought to be extinct can reactivate. It stresses the critical need for continuous geological assessment and monitoring to protect populations and infrastructure from unexpected volcanic hazards.