Mount Taftan in Iran shows signs of activity after 710,000 years of dormancy

Mount Taftan in southeastern Iran, long considered extinct for 710,000 years, has begun to show signs of awakening. According to new research, the volcano has risen by 9 centimetres between July 2023 and May 2024 and has not yet returned to its previous state. Scientists link this phenomenon to increased gas pressure beneath the surface, reports IRNA, a TV BRICS partner.

Lead author and volcanologist Pablo Gonzalez has suggested changing Taftan’s classification from “extinct” to “dormant”. He noted that the gas pressure beneath the volcano will eventually be released – either through a major eruption or gradually over time.

The scientist emphasised that there are currently no signs of an imminent eruption, but the volcano requires close monitoring.

The Iranian Geophysical Society is currently verifying the findings. Representatives of the organisation noted that continuous seismic observation and modelling are necessary to fully study the volcano and assess potential risks to the region.

Photo: ArefBarahuie / iStock