Atakor volcanic field

The massive Atakor volcanic field covers an area of about 2150 Km2 in the heart of the Ahaggar massif in southern Algeria. Basaltic scoria cones and lava flows of Pleistocene and Holocene age lie near spectacular older trachytic and phonolitic lava domes and volcanic necks that form some of the most dramatic scenery of the Sahara. The latest stage of activity began around 1.95 million years ago and continued almost to the present. Lava flows cover Holocene lake sediments dated at about 10000 years ago and alluvial terraces in which Neolithic artifacts have been found. Historical pottery has been found within lava flows in the Tahifet area, and oral traditions of the touareg people also suggest that eruptions were witnessed. Sporadic fumaroles and persistent small-scale seismicity have been noted during historical times.

Mount Assekrem in Atakor