Mount Damavand, Iran’s Mythical Mountain: Is the White Demon Awake? Comprehensive Volcanic Status Analysis

Mount Damavand, with an elevation of 5,610 meters, is not only the highest point in Iran and the Middle East but is also considered a magnificent geological phenomenon in the Alborz mountain range. Damavand stands tall as a majestic, conical Stratovolcano in the north of the country, towering 70 kilometers northeast of the capital (Tehran). It is not only the second most Prominent volcanic mountain in Asia after Mount Kunlun (in Tibet) and the twelfth most prominent peak in the world, but it has also been a symbol of resilience in Persian literature, where, according to mythology, the dragon-shouldered Zahhak was imprisoned within it. Yet, beyond its mythical and natural grandeur, a vital question remains: Will the White Demon, an active volcano, awaken?

Damavand’s Geological Status: Active, Dormant, or Extinct? Precise Classification

To determine Damavand’s activity, volcanoes must first be classified based on their eruption history:

Active Volcano: A volcano that has erupted recently (often within the last 100 years) or shows strong signs of an imminent eruption.

Dormant / Potentially Active Volcano: A volcano that has had at least one eruption within the last 10,000 years but is currently resting. These volcanoes retain evidence of subterranean thermal activity.

Extinct Volcano: A volcano whose magmatic activity has ceased permanently and is not expected to erupt again (typically one that has not erupted for over 25,000 years).

Damavand’s Classification: Based on its eruption history approximately 7,300 years ago, the scientific consensus is that Damavand is in a Dormant and Potentially Active state. This means it is not extinct; activity within the subterranean magma chamber continues, but it is not currently in an eruptive phase.

Damavand’s Volcanic Origin: A Rare Phenomenon in a Compressional Zone

Tectonically, the Alborz mountain range is the result of the collision between the Arabian and Eurasian plates, constituting a compressional zone. The occurrence of large volcanoes in such compressional regions is relatively uncommon. However, geological research suggests that Damavand’s activity is due to the presence of a Hot Spot or a local thermal zone, caused by complex processes in the Earth’s mantle, which leads to the ascent of magma. The magmatic activity of this mountain began approximately 1.78 million years ago during the Pleistocene epoch, but the current conical structure has been formed over the last 600,000 years.

7,300 Years of Silence and the Nature of Past Eruptions

The last known and confirmed eruption of Mount Damavand dates back approximately 7,300 years ago (around 5350 BCE). These recent activities produced lava flows that primarily covered the western slopes of the mountain.

Although the majority of Damavand’s activity in recent history has been Effusive (lava outpouring), petrographic evidence indicates that Damavand has also experienced large explosive eruptions in the past. The most significant of these was a major explosive eruption with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of about 4, which occurred 280,000 years ago, leaving behind extensive tephra deposits and pyroclastic flows. Prolonged periods of dormancy (like the current one) allow magma to accumulate more gas, which can increase the risk of future explosive eruptions.

Signs of Life: Subterranean Heat Exposed

Contrary to occasional rumors about Damavand’s sudden activation, the available evidence merely indicates natural geothermal activity deep within the earth, which is under precise monitoring:

Gas and Vapor Emission (Fumaroles): The clearest sign is the presence of active fumaroles near the summit (especially on the southern face and the main vent at an altitude of approximately 5,550 meters). These fumes are primarily water vapor ($H_2O$), mixed with toxic sulfur gases (such as sulfur dioxide, $SO_2$, and hydrogen sulfide, $H_2S$), which escape from the vents. The emission of these gases indicates thermal activity in the depths and the existence of an active thermal system. Large, pure sulfur blocks, resulting from the condensation of these gases, are also observed around the summit crater.

Hot Springs: The presence of numerous hot springs on the mountain’s slopes (such as Larijan Hot Spring in the south and Astrabakoo in the Haraz Valley) is undeniable evidence of an active thermal system and the presence of hot magma deep below. These springs are the result of groundwater being heated by the hot magma.

Presence of a Magma Chamber: Seismological research, conducted by analyzing earthquake wave patterns, confirms the existence of an active magma chamber at a depth of 2 to 5 kilometers beneath Damavand’s summit. This chamber is considered the beating heart of Damavand.

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Eruption Probability and Potential Risk: Damavand’s Secondary Hazards

Imminent Eruption Probability: Scientifically, there are no imminent signs of a Damavand eruption in the short term. Stratovolcano eruptions, like Damavand’s, often have long periods of dormancy but can begin suddenly with a sharp increase in seismicity and volcanic gas emissions.

Risk and Secondary Hazards: Due to its viscous, gas-rich magma (Andesitic to Rhyolitic), Damavand is prone to explosive eruptions. Should an eruption occur, the primary danger is not limited to molten material; rather, the following secondary hazards threaten areas up to a 70 km radius (such as Tehran) and vital roadways:

Lahar (Volcanic Mudflow): Damavand’s most significant and serious danger is the occurrence of Lahar. An eruption, or even intense subterranean heat, can cause the rapid melting of the vast amount of snow and ice on the summit. This water mixes with ash and loose volcanic material on the mountain slopes, creating a torrent of hot, dense mud (Lahar). These mudflows pose a severe threat to villages on the mountain slopes and the vital Haraz road artery. An example of this phenomenon was the mudflow in the Gazanak valley in 2018 (1397 SH).

Ash Fall: The widespread dispersion of ash and tephra (volcanic gravel) can affect densely populated areas such as Tehran, Mazandaran, and Semnan, depending on wind direction. This ash can cause respiratory problems, contaminate water and air, paralyze air traffic, and damage urban infrastructure.

Impact on Seismogenic Faults: Damavand’s proximity to major faults like the Mosha Fault can also influence the region’s seismic activity. Scientists believe the presence of subterranean heat and magma pressure can increase pore pressure within the fault, ultimately facilitating fracture propagation and the occurrence of associated earthquakes. The $M_w$ 5.1 earthquake in 2020 (1399 SH) near Damavand emphasizes the necessity of paying attention to this connection.

Continuous Monitoring and Preparedness: Fortunately, Damavand has been accurately and continuously monitored 24 hours a day for years by the seismic networks and volcanic gas monitoring systems of the Geological Survey and the Seismological Research Center of the country. This ensures that any unusual changes in magmatic or seismic activity are quickly identified and announced.

Frequently Asked Questions for Foreign Tourists (FAQ)

This section answers the most common questions from tourists planning to visit Damavand:

1. Is climbing Mount Damavand currently safe?

Yes, climbing the peak is completely safe. Damavand is a dormant volcano and is continuously monitored by geological and seismological organizations. The main risks are related to weather conditions, altitude sickness, and general mountaineering hazards, not the risk of eruption.

2. If Damavand is a dormant volcano, are there any signs of an imminent eruption?

No. Scientists have not observed any unusual or imminent signs of an eruption. The gas activity seen at the summit is a natural part of the active subterranean thermal system that has been ongoing for years.

3. When did Damavand’s last eruption occur?

Damavand’s last major and confirmed eruption is estimated to have occurred around 7,300 years ago. No eruptions have been recorded in written history.

4. What is the “smoke” or “vapor” that comes out of the summit?

What is seen coming from the summit is mostly water vapor mixed with toxic sulfur gases (like $SO_2$) escaping from the vents (fumaroles). This is a natural phenomenon for potentially active volcanoes and indicates subterranean heat. Climbers should exercise caution near these fumaroles.

5. Is the Damavand region earthquake-prone?

The Alborz region and the area around Tehran are generally considered earthquake-prone due to the presence of active faults (such as the Mosha Fault). Scientists are constantly investigating the potential link between seismic activity and Damavand’s magmatic activity.

6. What is the best time for climbing and obtaining the necessary permits?

The best climbing season is from mid-June to mid-September (Khordad to Shahrivar). Foreign climbers are required to obtain necessary permits from the Mountaineering Federation of Iran, and it is best to arrange this through reputable agencies.

7. What type of equipment is recommended for the ascent?

As Damavand is a high peak with changeable weather, climbers should carry full high-altitude gear, including warm multi-layered clothing, crampons and an ice axe (depending on the season and route), and windproof/waterproof equipment.