A volcano once thought to be extinct for over 710,000 years is now exhibiting signs of renewed geological activity.
Researchers studying Mount Taftan in southeastern Iran have discovered that its summit has risen by approximately 3.5 inches between 2023 and 2024 — and the uplift has yet to stabilize.
Scientists suggest the deformation could be due to hot gases and fluids accumulating beneath the summit or magma intrusion roughly three miles below the surface, which may be putting pressure on the volcano’s hydrothermal system.
Reports from 2024 also described heightened volcanic activity, including visible smoke and ash emissions from Taftan’s crater. While volcanoes are deemed extinct if they haven’t erupted since the Holocene Epoch (which began 11,700 years ago), this new evidence challenges Taftan’s classification.
Lead researcher and volcanologist Pablo González told Live Science that Taftan is “better described as dormant rather than extinct.” He explained that the volcano isn’t erupting now, but the internal pressure buildup could lead to future activity — whether gradual or explosive.
“Our findings reveal that Taftan is more active than previously recognized,” the study noted.
The researchers also emphasized the importance of reassessing the Makran subduction volcanic arc — a chain of volcanoes spanning southern Iran and Pakistan — as Taftan’s reawakening suggests that current hazard assessments may be outdated.
Over a 10-month observation period, scientists detected the release of several gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen fluoride, with sulfur dioxide emissions averaging about 20 tons per day.
As heat and pressure build up underground, these gases escape through cracks and vents at the surface. Two major gas events recorded on May 16 and May 28, 2024, indicated temporary spikes in subsurface pressure.
Using a cutting-edge satellite imaging technique called the common-mode filter, the team eliminated atmospheric interference to produce precise ground movement data. Their analysis showed that the deformation source lies between 1,540 and 2,070 feet below the summit.
Although both the western and eastern slopes of Taftan shifted slightly, the movement patterns didn’t align with rainfall or seismic activity — reinforcing the conclusion that internal volcanic processes are responsible.
“The absence of post-unrest subsidence indicates sustained pressurization beneath the summit, suggesting that Taftan remains a potentially hazardous area,” the researchers concluded.
Despite the concerning findings, González reassured Live Science that an eruption is not imminent, though continuous monitoring is essential.
“This study isn’t meant to cause panic,” he said. “It’s a call to action for regional authorities in Iran to allocate resources for closer observation.”
Located in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, near the Pakistan border, Taftan rises nearly 13,000 feet above sea level, making it the tallest peak in the region. The nearest Iranian city, Khash, lies about 81 miles northwest, while Zahedan, the provincial capital with over 500,000 residents, is roughly 100 miles away. Across the border, the Pakistani town of Taftan sits approximately 62 miles northeast, with a population near 18,500.
An eruption could pose serious hazards to nearby communities — from ashfall disrupting air travel and contaminating water sources to toxic gas emissions leading to acid rain and respiratory issues. Lava and pyroclastic flows could also devastate infrastructure and agriculture in the surrounding areas.
