Atakor
| Atakor | ||
|---|---|---|
| Highest peak | Tahat ( 2908 m ) | |
| location | Algeria | |
| part of | Ahaggar | |
|
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| Coordinates | 23 ° 20 ′ N , 5 ° 50 ′ E | |
| Type | Volcanic field made of cinder cones | |
| surface | 2,150 km² | |
The vegetation-free Atakor - volcanic field is located in the Hoggar -Gebirge in the south of Algeria and covers an area of 2,150 square kilometers with dark-colored basaltic rock in the middle of the Sahara . Cinder cones , lava flows and some lava domes form one of the most impressive landscapes in North Africa . The last phase of volcanic activity began around 1.95 million years ago and lasted until around 10,000 years ago. Oral traditions of the Tuareg people tell of observed volcanic eruptions in the area. Isolated fumaroles and seismic activities show that the volcanic area is not yet extinct. The highest point is the Tahat in the west of the volcanic field, with 2908 meters the highest mountain in Algeria.
The Tahat in the morning light
Web links
- Atakor in the Global Volcanism Program of the Smithsonian Institution (English)
- Atakor at Geonames