Karthala Volcano

Updated: 15 mai 2024 15:37 GMT - refresh

Shield volcano 2361 m (7,746 ft)
Comores, western Indian Ocean, -11.77°S / 43.36°E
Condition actuelle: en vigilance - niveau agité (2 sur 5)

Last update: 5 oct. 2022 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)

Karthala with the lava lake in the summit crater (2006 eruption)

Karthala is a large shield volcano with a summit caldera on La Grande Island of the Comores in the western Indian Ocean. It erupts every few years and often produces voluminous lava flows and sometimes has a lava lake in the crater of the caldera.

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Style éruptif tipique: Effusive. Temporary lava lakes.
Eruptions du volcan Karthala: 1808, 1814, 1821, 1828, 1830, 1833, 1848, 1850, 1855, 1857, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1862(?), 1872, 1876, 1880, 1883-84, 1904, 1910, 1918, 1928, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1965, 1972, 1977, 1991, 2005, 2005, 2006

Derniers séismes proches

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Introduction

Karthala, a typical and very active shield volcano, forms the southern part of the Comores island La Grande Comore (also known as Ngazidja Island). It erupted twice in 2005 and caused major problems due to extensive ash fall and contamination of drinking water.

Karthala has an elongated 3 x 4 km summit caldera created by repeated collapse, and has elongated rift zones extend to the NNW and SE from the summit. Historical eruptions both from summit and flank vents have repeatedly modified the shape of the caldera. Many lava flows have reached the sea on both sides of the island. A lava flow during the euption in 1860 traveled from the summit caldera about 13 km to the NW, reached the sea at the western coast north of the capital city of Moroni.