Mount Damavand

Short description: Highest volcano in Asia

"Damavand" redirects here. For other uses, see Damavand (disambiguation).

Damavand

Mount Damavand, the south side, Amol, Mazandaran province, Iran

Highest point
Elevation| 5,609 m (18,402 ft) [1][2][disputed - discuss][3]
Prominence| 4,751 m (15,587 ft) [2][4]
Ranked 12th
Parent peak| Mount Elbrus[5]
Listing|

* Volcanic Seven Summits
* Country high point
* Ultra

Coordinates|  [ ⚑ ] : 35°57′04″N 52°06′32″E﻿ / ﻿35.951°N 52.109°E﻿ / 35.951; 52.109 [6]
Naming
Native name| [دماوند] Error: {{Native name}}: missing language tag (help) (language?)
Geography

Damavand

Location in Iran

Country| Iran
Province| Māzandarān
County| Amol
Parent range| Alborz – Mazandaran
Geology
Mountain type| Stratovolcano
Last eruption| 5350 BC ± 200 years[6]
Climbing
First ascent| 905 by Abu Dolaf Kazraji[7]
Easiest route| Hike
Damavand from Polour Village Amol

Mount Damavand (Persian: دماوند fa) is a dormant stratovolcano in Iran. It is the highest peak in Iran and Western Asia, the highest volcano in Asia, and the 3rd highest volcano in the Eastern Hemisphere (after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus), at an elevation of 5,609 metres (18,402 ft).[8][9][lower-alpha 1] Damāvand has a special place in Persian mythology and folklore. It is in the middle of the Alborz range, adjacent to Varārū, Sesang, Gol-e Zard, and Mīānrūd. It is near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, in Amol County, Mazandaran Province, 66 km (41 mi) northeast of the city of Tehran.[10]

View of Damavand from Tehran View of Damavand from Babol near Caspian Sea View of Damavand from Lar river Damavand from Deir-e Gachin Caravansarai in Qom desert

Mount Damāvand is the 12th most prominent peak in the world and is part of the Volcanic Seven Summits mountaineering challenge.

## Contents

* 1 Symbolism and mythology
* 2 Geology
* 2.1 Setting and structure
* 2.2 Eruptive activity
* 2.3 Thermal springs
* 2.4 Glaciers
* 3 Routes to the summit
* 4 Geography
* 5 Wildlife
* 5.1 Fish
* 5.2 Mammals
* 5.3 Birds
* 5.4 Reptiles and amphibians
* 5.5 Flora
* 6 Festival
* 7 Gallery
* 8 See also
* 9 Explanatory notes
* 10 References
* 11 External links

## Symbolism and mythology

Damavand is a significant mountain in Persian mythology. It is the symbol of Iranian resistance against despotism and foreign rule in Persian poetry and literature. In Zoroastrian texts and mythology, the three-headed dragon Aži Dahāka was chained within Mount Damāvand, there to remain until the end of the world. In a later version of the same legend, the tyrant Zahhāk was also chained in a cave somewhere in Mount Damāvand after being defeated by Kāveh and Fereydūn.

The mountain is said to hold magical powers in the epic Shahnameh. Damāvand has also been named in the Iranian legend of Arash (as recounted by Bal'ami) as the location from which the hero shot his magical arrow to mark the border of Iran, during the border dispute between Iran and Turan. The poem Damāvand by Mohammad Taqī Bahār is also one example of the mountain's significance in Persian literature. The first verse of this poem reads:

> ای دیو سپید پای‌دربند
>  ای گنبد گیتی، ای دماوند

> ey div-e sepid-e pāy-dar-band,
> ey gonbad-e giti, ey Damāvand

> O white giant with feet in chains,
> O dome of the world, O Damāvand.

Mount Damavand is depicted on the reverse of the Iranian 10,000 rial banknote.[11]

The origins and meaning of the word "Damavand" are unclear, yet some prominent researchers[who?] have speculated that it probably means "The mountain from which smoke and ash arises", alluding to the volcanic nature of the mountain.

Fumarole at 5,550 metres (18,210 ft) elevation on the volcano's slope

## Geology

### Setting and structure

Mount Damavand rises within the Alborz range in northern Iran, separating the Iranian plateau to the south from the Caspian Sea in the north. This range rises as a result of the collision between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision is similar to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates to the east (causing the Himalaya to rise) and does not usually create volcanic activity. Despite this, recent research suggests that a hot region created by the collision is what caused the volcano to rise.[12]

Seismic wave patterns from earthquakes around the volcano indicate that a magma chamber is present between 2 and 5 kilometres (1.2 and 3.1 mi) below the surface. This is separated into two areas - an inner region of hot, likely molten, magma between 3 and 4.5 kilometres (1.9 and 2.8 mi) depth that is surrounded by an area of dense cooled magma. The top of the chamber is believed to lie to the south of the summit, trending somewhat to the west with depth.[13]

Most volcanic activity originates from the summit area. A few flank vents have been noted, but these are largely on the upper slopes to the southwest and northeast of the summit. A secondary crater, termed Haji Dela, has some young lava flows 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) northeast of the summit.[12][14]

### Eruptive activity

Volcanic activity in the Mount Damavand region first occurred in the Pleistocene almost 1.78 million years ago, but the current edifice began to be built around 600,000 years ago.[12]

Its last eruption was around 5300 BCE in the Holocene. Its steep cone is formed of ash and lava flows mainly of trachyte, andesite, and basalt. Most eruptive activity appears to be lava flows, though some small pyroclastic flow deposits have been noted in drainages radiating from the mountain. One major explosive event is known to have erupted about 280,000 years ago.[6]

Quaternary lavas are directly on the Jurassic sediments.[15] The volcano is crowned by a small crater with sulfuric deposits. Despite the lack of historical eruptions, ongoing thermal activity at Mount Damavand suggests the volcano is not extinct.[6] Subsidence at a rate of 5 millimetres (0.20 in) per year and horizontal expansion at 6 millimetres (0.24 in) per year was observed there between 2003 and 2008, but was gravity driven rather than a result of magmatic activity.[16]

### Thermal springs

File:TopOfMountDamavand.ogv Mineral hot springs are mainly located on the volcano's flanks and at the base, giving evidence of volcanic heat comparatively near the surface of the earth. Hot springs at the base and on the flanks and fumaroles near the summit indicate a hot or cooling magma body still present beneath the volcano.[6][17] The area around the volcano is the most thermally active in Iran and the springs are being monitored to see if fluctuations in water volume and mineral content are useful in crude prediction of large regional earthquakes.[18]

The most important of these hot springs is Larijan Hot Spring in a village by the name of Larijan in the district of Larijan Amol in Lar Valley. The water from this spring is believed to be useful in the treatment of chronic wounds and skin diseases and is bottled for distribution throughout Iran. Near these springs there are public baths with small pools for public use.[17]

### Glaciers

A few glaciers are present on the upper slopes of Damavand, the largest of which is Yakhar Glacier.[19] During the Last Glacial Maximum, the area covered by glaciation was much larger and the climatic snow line was between 600 and 1,100 metres (2,000 and 3,600 ft) below what is seen in the present day.[20] The glaciers on Damavand as well as a few other isolated locations are the source of the few permanently flowing rivers in Iran.[21]

## Routes to the summit

Damavand volcanic crater in August 2009

A major settlement for mountain climbers is the new Iranian Mountain Federation Camp in the village of Polour, located on the southern side of the mountain.

There are at least 16 known routes to the summit,[22] with varying levels of difficulty. Some of them are dangerous and require ice climbing. The most popular route is the southern route which has steps and a camp midway called Bargah Sevom Camp/Shelter[23] at 4,220 m (13,850 ft). The Northeastern route is the longest and requires two days to reach the summit starting from the downhill village of Nāndal and a night stay at Takht-e Fereydoun (elevation 4,300 m (14,100 ft), a two-story shelter. The western route is noted for its sunset view. Simurgh (Sīmorgh/Sīmurgh) shelter in this route at 4,100 m (13,500 ft) is a newly constructed two-story shelter. There is a frozen waterfall/icefall[24] (Persian name Ābshār Yakhī) about 12 m (39 ft) tall.[25]

## Geography

Map of Māzandarān province showing the location of mount Damāvand in the south

Template:Central Alborz

A view of Damavand peak from Tehran

## Wildlife

### Fish

Damavand's rivers have brown trout (Salmo trutta).[26][27]

### Mammals

Armenian mouflon (Ovis orientalis) and wild goat (Capra aegagrus) live in the region of Damavand Mts. Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) and Syrian brown bear (Ursus arctos syriacus) also inhabit in this region. Smaller mammals include the snow vole (Chionomys nivalis), mouse-like hamster (Calomyscus bailwardi) and Afghan pika (Ochoton rufescens).[28][29][30]

### Birds

The Caspian snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius) lives at high altitudes. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) breeds in this area. Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) are common. Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) has a high population and nests between stone and shrubs. Red-fronted serin (Serinus pusillus), linnet (Carduelis cannabina), snow finch (Montifringilla nivalis), rock sparrow (Petronia petronia), rock bunting (Emberiza cia) and horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) are native; in winter they come to the lower hillsides. In spring northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), rock thrush (Monticola saxatilis), and nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) come from Africa for breeding. Grey-necked bunting (Emberiza buchanani), black-headed bunting (Emberiza melanocephala) and common rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) come from India.[31]

### Reptiles and amphibians

Marsh frogs (Rana ridibunda) live in Lar riversides. Meadow viper (Vipera ursinii), blunt-nosed viper (Macrovipera lebetina), Iranian valley viper (Vipera latifii) and Caucasian agama (Laudakia caucasia) are among the reptiles of this mountainous region.[32][33]

### Flora

From mid-May to mid-June the foothills of Damavand are covered in red poppies

On the southern slope of Damavand, there are remnants of wild pistachio trees (Pistacia atlantica). Along its riversides different kinds of Salix trees like willow (Salix acomphylla) and oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia) are found. Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa) is common in the higher altitudes. On northern slopes, because of higher humidity, there are wild oak, beech, hornbeam and hazel trees like: Persian oak (Quercus macranthera), Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), Eastern hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), and Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna).[34] There are also many wild flowers such as mountain tulip (Tulipa montana) and Persian stone cress (Aethionema grandiflorum). At higher altitudes, shrubs tend to be sphere and cushion like, examples are : Astragalus species (Astragalus microcephalus), mountain sainfoin (Onobrychis cornuta) and prickly (Acantholimon erinaceum). Different kinds of grasses complete this alpine scene.[35] Iris barnumiae demawendica (formerly Iris demawendica), is found and named after the mountain.[36][37]

## Festival

Since 2008, Tir 13th (July 2nd, 3rd or 4th), the day of Tirgan festival, has been named "Damavand National Day" by Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization .On that day, Damavand was chosen as the first natural registered site of Iran. [38]

## Gallery

* Damavand, Polour, December 2024

* Damavand, Polour, December 2024

* Mount Damavand

* Mount Damavand, January

* Damavand Summit

* Damavand Summit, Lar Lake

* Yaledagh, Mount Damavand

* Damavand west side, view from Tochal summit

* Aerial view of Tehran and Damavand

## See also

* Tirgan
* List of mountains in Iran
* List of peaks by prominence
* List of Ultras of West Asia
* List of volcanoes in Iran
* Lists of volcanoes
* Maranak
* Volcanic Seven Summits

## Explanatory notes

1. ↑ The Kunlun Volcanic Group in Tibet, higher than Damāvand, are not considered to be volcanic mountains.[citation needed]

## References

1. ↑ Geography of Iran
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Kuh-e Damavand – Iran Ultra Prominence". http://www.peaklist.org/WWlists/ultras/iran.html.
3. ↑ 2009 U.S. military topographic mapping gives 18,365 feet (5,598 meters) but states in the margin that all elevations are derived from SRTM. A summitpost map is based on the Persian language 1999 Iranian government 1:50,000 mapping which plots two 5620 contour circles, with a 5628 m spot height for the highest spot on the crater rim (WNW side) and 5626 m for the highest point on the southeast side (and a 5610 m spot height in the due north position.) This is supported by GPS evidence and SRTM data.
4. ↑ Template:Cite pb
5. ↑ Pona, Georgia – Key col for Damavand peakbagger.com. Retrieved 29 January 2016
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Damavand". Smithsonian Institution. https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vnum=232010.
7. ↑ "SummitPost: Damavand". http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150400/damavand.html.
8. ↑ "Home". http://iranclimbingguide.com/.
9. ↑ "Mountain Damavand". http://persiaport.com/en/attractions/mountain-damavand.
10. ↑ Microsoft Encarta World Atlas, 2001, Microsoft Corporation
11. ↑ Central Bank of Iran. Banknotes & Coins: 10000 Rials. – Retrieved on 24 March 2009.
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Davidson, Jon; Hassanzadeh, Jamshid; Berzins, Reinis; Stockli, Daniel F.; Bashukooh, Behrooz; Turrin, Brent; Pandamouz, Ali (January 1, 2004). "The geology of Damavand volcano, Alborz Mountains, northern Iran". Geological Society of America Bulletin 116 (1): 16. doi:10.1130/b25344.1. Bibcode: 2004GSAB..116...16D. https://doi.org/10.1130/B25344.1. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
13. ↑ Shomali, Z. Hossein; Shirzad, Taghi (January 2015). "Crustal structure of Damavand volcano, Iran, from ambient noise and earthquake tomography". Journal of Seismology 19 (1): 191–200. doi:10.1007/s10950-014-9458-8. Bibcode: 2015JSeis..19..191S.
14. ↑ Ghorbani, Mansour (2021). "Young Volcanoes of Iran". The Geology of Iran: Tectonic, Magmatism and Metamorphism. Earth and Environmental Sciences Library. pp. 277–319. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-71109-2_6. ISBN 978-3-030-71108-5.
15. ↑ Geological Map of Iran, National Geoscience Database of Iran, www.ngdir.ir
16. ↑ Shirzaei, M.; Walter, T.R.; Nankali, H.R.; Holohan, E.P. (March 2011). "Gravity-driven deformation of Damavand volcano, Iran, detected through InSAR time series". Geology 39 (3): 251–254. doi:10.1130/G31779.1. Bibcode: 2011Geo....39..251S.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "ĀB-E GARM". Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation. https://iranicaonline.org/articles/ab-e-garm-warm-water.
18. ↑ Mokhtari, Mohammad (February 2010). "Earthquake prediction activities and Damavand earthquake precursor test site in Iran". Natural Hazards 52 (2): 351–368. doi:10.1007/s11069-009-9375-2. Bibcode: 2010NatHa..52..351M.
19. ↑ Moradi, Anvar; Maghsoudi, Mehran; Moghimi, Ebrahim; Yamani, Mojtaba; Rezaei, Nasser (June 2021). "A Comprehensive Assessment of Geomorphodiversity and Geomorphological Heritage for Damavand Volcano Management, Iran". Geoheritage 13 (2): 39. doi:10.1007/s12371-021-00551-1. Bibcode: 2021Geohe..13...39M.
20. ↑ Noroozi, Jalil; Talebi, Amir; Doostmohammadi, Moslem (2020). "The Alborz Mountain Range". Plant Biogeography and Vegetation of High Mountains of Central and South-West Asia. Plant and Vegetation. 17. pp. 117–149. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-45212-4_4. ISBN 978-3-030-45211-7.
21. ↑ Ghorbani, Mansour (2013). "Nature of Iran and Its Climate". The Economic Geology of Iran. Springer Geology. pp. 1–44. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-5625-0_1. ISBN 978-94-007-5624-3.
22. ↑ "Map of Damavand". http://www.sogol.com/WHP/IINFO/Ready INT/DAMAVAND MAP2.jpg.
23. ↑ "Damavand Camps". 17 August 2024. https://damavandmt.blogspot.com/2024/08/Damavand-camps.html.
24. ↑ "Mount Damavand Guides". https://damavandmt.blogspot.com/search/label/Icefall. [failed verification]
25. ↑ "Damavand Icefall - Damavand Info". https://www.damawand.de/Info/Icefall.html.
26. ↑ Mohammadian, H. Freshwater Fishes of Iran. Sepehr Publishing Center. Iran. 2000.
27. ↑ Yazdani, A. Lar the Paradise I Knew. Payam Resan Publishing Institute. 2010.
28. ↑ Lay, D.M. A Study of the Mammals of Iran (Resulting From the Street Expedition ). Field Museum of Natural History. Chicago .1967.
29. ↑ Mohammadian, H. The Life of Alborz Red Sheep. Shabpareh Publishing Institute. 2008. ISBN 978-600-5038-00-2.
30. ↑ Mohammadian, H. Mammals of Iran. Shabpareh Publishing Institute. 2005. ISBN 964-94487-9-9.
31. ↑ Mohammadian, H. Mountain birds of Tehran. Shabpareh Publishing Institute. 2008. ISBN 964-96358-9-0.
32. ↑ Shahbazi, Y. Lar National Park Management Program. Natural Environment Department Library. 2004.
33. ↑ Mohammadian, H. Reptiles and Amphibians of Iran. Shabpareh Publishing Institute. 2004. ISBN 964-94487-2-1.
34. ↑ Mozaffarian, V. Trees and Shrubs of Iran. Farhang Moaser Publishers. 2005. ISBN 964-8637-03-2.
35. ↑ Mozaffarian, V. Lar National Park Management Program. Natural Environment Department Library. 2004.
36. ↑ Richard Lynch The Book of the Iris (1904), p. 115, at Google Books
37. ↑ Wallis, Dr; Wallis, Mrs. "Newsletter October 2009, Iran Caspian to Kopet Dag". agscentralsussex.plus.com (The Alpine Garden Society). http://www.agscentralsussex.plus.com/2009-10.pdf.
38. ↑ "KhabarOnline" (in fa). https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/1647565/روز-ملی-دماوند-تیرگان-کوه-و-آب.

## External links

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* U.S. Geological Survey
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* "Topographic map of Mount Damavand". https://opentopomap.org/#marker=14/35.95366/52.10974.
* "Damāvand". Encyclopædia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/damavand.

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