This summit has two main branches, the northern one is the highest and called 'Ziarat', whereas the southern one is known as 'Madar Kooh'. From the northeastern direction this peak is known as 'Sobh Kooh' and in the west is called 'Lor Kooh'.

This is an inactive volcano, however sulphurous gases are emitted from fumaroles at its summit. The peak is usually ascended from west side where a well-equipped shelter has been built. There are very strong winds on this mountain. It is difficult to climb it during winters because of extreme cold and the winds which also cause the snow covering the peak to become frozen and very hard.

GEOLOGIC HISTORY

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Taftan is located 99 km SSE of Zahedan and 45 km NNW of Khash, Beluchistan. Taftan is a complexly eroded stratovolcano with two prominent summits. The volcano was constructed along a volcanic zone in Beluchistan, SE Iran, that extends into northern Pakistan. The higher SE summit cone is well preserved and has been the source of very fresh-looking lava flows. Highly active, sulfur-encrusted fumaroles occur at the summit. The deeply dissected NW cone is of Pleistocene age.

Historic Activity: No confirmed historical eruptions are known and no eruptions have been dated by other techniques.

Recent Activity: An eruption that sent a lava flow about 60 m downslope was reported on April 25, 1993.

Data Sources

Global Volcanism Network (V. 18, No. 4 and V. 24, No. 10).