A volcano in southeastern Iran, long considered extinct, may be awakening after more than 700,000 years of dormancy, according to a new study. The Taftan volcano, located near the Iran-Pakistan border, has exhibited ground uplift and gas emissions, prompting scientists to call for increased monitoring.
Research published in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that the volcano's summit rose by 3.5 inches between July 2023 and May 2024, with no subsequent deflation. Lead author Pablo Gonzalez, a volcanologist, stated that this indicates significant gas pressure building beneath the surface, which will eventually need to be released, either violently or quietly.
While there is no imminent eruption risk, Gonzalez emphasised the need for vigilance. "This study doesn’t aim to produce panic in people. It’s a wake-up call to the authorities in the region in Iran to designate some resources to look at this," he told Live Science. Local reports of gaseous emissions and a sulphur smell from up to 30 miles away date back to 2023.
The 12,927-foot volcano is the largest in southeastern Iran, towering over smaller peaks formed by the Arabian oceanic crust. Its remote location makes monitoring challenging, but researchers used satellite imagery to detect the uplift. The cause is likely related to changes in hydrothermal plumbing, leading to gas or magma accumulation.
Scientists continue to monitor Taftan, collaborating with other experts to better understand its behaviour. The study serves as a reminder that even long-dormant volcanoes can become active, requiring ongoing observation to mitigate potential hazards.
