What kind of volcano is Erta Ale?

Erta Ale is classified as a Shield volcano in Ethiopia. Its tectonic setting is Rift zone / Intermediate crust (15-25 km).

How is seismicity near Erta Ale monitored here?

Earthquakes within 50 km of the crater are aggregated from 18 seismic networks and checked against a swarm rule that compares the current rate with this volcano's own 30-day background. Ash advisories come from the VAAC centres that are connected.

Continuous basaltic lava lake of Erta Ale volcano in the Danakil Depression

Photo:Jürg Aleanvia Smithsonian GVP

Volcano Dossier•GVP #221080

13.60°N, 40.67°E

Erupted since 2000

Volcano Erta Ale

A shield volcano in Ethiopia's Afar Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, famous for one of the longest-lived lava lakes on the planet, active since at least the early 20th century. In 2017 a flank fissure opened and drained the lake, and activity in its craters has shifted repeatedly since.

Last eruption

2025

Erupted since 2000

Summit

0.6 km

Shield volcano · Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Activity

Normal Baseline

0 events (1.0x rate)

Interactive Volcano & Seismicity Map

Seismicity within 50 km radius, active VAAC ash plumes, and tectonic plate boundaries.

Recent seismicity within 50 km

0 events in the last 12 h within 25 km of the crater.

No catalogued earthquakes within 50 km in the last 90 days.

Geological & Tectonic Profile

Shield volcano

Erta Ale is an active Shield volcano formed in an active Rift zone / Intermediate crust (15-25 km). Dominant lithology: Basalt / Picro-Basalt.

Edifice TypeShield volcano

Major rockBasalt / Picro-Basalt

TectonicsRift zone

Volcanic ArcAfar Rift Volcanic Province

Volcano Dossier

VN #221080

Official catalogue parameters, coordinates, elevation and geotectonic classification.

CountryEthiopia

Crater Coordinates13.601°, 40.666°

Summit0.6 km

SubregionAfar Rift Volcanic Province

Catalog SourceSmithsonian GVP (#221080)

Authoritative Monitoring Infrastructure

All 18 Networks & VAAC →

Seismic ObservatoryGSN / FDSN

Global Seismographic Network & Regional Centers

Official Portal

ICAO Aviation Ash Center

ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Network

International Civil Aviation Organization

VAAC Advisory Desk

Swarm telemetry correlated across 18 networks against a 30-day baseline.Read Science & Physics →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Verified scientific, operational, and emergency protocols

The most recent eruption of Erta Ale recorded by the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program was in 2025.

Catalogue: Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program.Smithsonian GVP profile