What kind of volcano is Ol Doinyo Lengai?

Ol Doinyo Lengai is classified as a Stratovolcano in Tanzania. Its tectonic setting is Rift zone / Continental crust (> 25 km).

How is seismicity near Ol Doinyo Lengai 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.

Natron carbonatite lava cone of Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania

Photo:Gordon Daviesvia Smithsonian GVP

Volcano Dossier•GVP #222120

2.76°S, 35.91°E

Erupted since 2000

Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai

The only active volcano on Earth that erupts natrocarbonatite lava, so low in silica that it flows like black oil at about 500 °C and turns white within days as it reacts with moisture. It rises above the East African Rift in northern Tanzania and is sacred to the Maasai as the 'Mountain of God'.

Last eruption

2026

Erupted since 2000

Summit

3.0 km

Stratovolcano · Foidite

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

Stratovolcano

Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active Stratovolcano formed in an active Rift zone / Continental crust (> 25 km). Dominant lithology: Foidite.

Edifice TypeStratovolcano

Major rockFoidite

TectonicsRift zone

Volcanic ArcKenyan Rift Volcanic Province

Volcano Dossier

VN #222120

Official catalogue parameters, coordinates, elevation and geotectonic classification.

CountryTanzania

Crater Coordinates-2.764°, 35.914°

Summit3.0 km

SubregionKenyan Rift Volcanic Province

Catalog SourceSmithsonian GVP (#222120)

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 Ol Doinyo Lengai recorded by the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program was in 2026.

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