(NEW YORK) — The Taftan volcano in eastern Iran, which has been dormant for approximately 700,000 years, may be on the verge of erupting, according to recent research. Scientists have detected signs of unrest at the volcano, located near the Afghanistan border, as detailed in a paper published this month in Geophysical Research Letters.

Between July 2023 and May 2024, researchers observed rapid uplift near Taftan's summit, which stands at 13,000 feet. An analysis aimed at filtering out atmospheric noise indicated that neither rainfall nor seismic activity triggered this unrest. As a result, the researchers suggest that an explosive eruption could be imminent.

The study points to changes in gas permeability within the volcano's shallow layers and possible undetected magma movement at greater depths as factors contributing to a buildup of hydrothermal pressure. While Taftan frequently exhibits fumarolic activity, which involves the venting of gas, geological evidence shows that it has not had a significant eruption in hundreds of thousands of years. The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program notes that uncertain eruptions may have occurred in January 1902 and April 1993.

Currently, Taftan is not monitored as closely as other volcanoes due to its remote location. The only data available for assessing its activity comes from space-based satellite sensing, which is crucial for identifying changes from dormancy to unrest in many unmonitored volcanoes.

The findings underscore the urgent need to reassess the volcanic risk associated with the Makran subduction volcanic arc, a 275-mile stretch along the Indian Ocean. The authors of the study emphasized, "Our findings reveal that Taftan is more active than previously recognized." Establishing monitoring networks in the region could provide better insights into potential volcanic activity.