Kula Volcanoes

The Kula Volcanoes are located within the boundaries of Manisa province in western Anatolia, Türkiye. This area, situated on a plateau approximately 600–700 meters in elevation, is notable for its Quaternary^【1】 young volcanic rocks, volcanic cones, basaltic lava flows, maars^【2】, hornitos^【3】, and lava tubes. The region is one of Türkiye’s most significant areas from both geoscientific and geoheritage perspectives and includes the Kula-Salihli Geopark, Türkiye’s first and only UNESCO-recognized geopark.

Kula Volcanic Hills (Anadolu Agency)

Geographical and Geological Setting

Geographically, the Kula Volcanic Area lies within the Selendi Basin, situated between the Gediz and Simav graben systems. The area extends over a plateau with an elevation of approximately 600–700 meters, bordered by the Gediz River to the north and the Alaşehir-Salihli (Gediz) Graben to the south. Volcanic formations are aligned parallel to the orientation of these grabens, particularly along a northwest-southeast direction.

Geologically, the region is under the influence of the extensional tectonic regime of the Aegean. The Kula Volcanic Area is located between the metamorphic basement rocks of the Menderes Massif and the İzmir-Ankara Zone. Volcanism is driven by alkali basaltic magmas originating from the mantle, generated as a result of crustal thinning. These magmas reached the surface through fracture systems, producing lava flows, volcanic cones, and maars.

The surfaces on which volcanic activity occurred are primarily underlain by Paleozoic metamorphics^【4】, ophiolitic melanges^【5】, and Neogene^【6】 sediments. The earliest volcanic deposits are represented by the Ahmetler and Ulubey formations, which consist of conglomerate,^【7】 sandstone, and lacustrine limestone units, with localized baked zones.

The tectonic structures influencing the development of Kula volcanism are associated with the northwest-southeast trending fault systems in the region. Volcanism along these faults allowed lavas to reach the surface, forming various volcanic structures. Surface features such as cinder cones, spatter cones, and maars emerged as a result of these processes. The lavas predominantly exhibit “a’a” flow characteristics, with secondary volcanic features such as hornitos and lava tubes observed in places.

The volcanic area spans approximately 30–35 kilometers in length and 10–15 kilometers in width, extending from the town center of Kula to the Demirköprü Dam. Volcanic activity in this region is divided into three distinct phases, each represented by lava and pyroclastic^【8】 deposits at different stratigraphic levels. The geological and geographical features of the Kula Volcanic Area directly reflect the relationship between regional volcanism and the tectonic regime.

Divlit Crater (Anadolu Agency)

Volcanic Features

The Kula Volcanic Area stands out as one of the youngest volcanic regions in Türkiye, active throughout the Quaternary period. It is characterized by numerous volcanic cones, basaltic lava flows, maars, and pyroclastic deposits formed during multiple phases of volcanic activity. The region holds a unique position in Türkiye due to its ability to represent distinct stages of volcanism geologically.

The volcanic process is divided into three main phases. The first phase, the Burgaz Phase, is dated between 1.94 and 0.99 million years ago and is represented by plateau basalts with well-developed columnar jointing, following weak explosive eruptions that produced cinder and ash layers. These lavas are dark-colored and massive, displaying well-preserved cooling columns at the surface. The second phase, the Elekçitepe Phase, occurred between approximately 300,000 and 50,000 years ago. During this period, monogenetic volcanism^【9】 produced cinder cones and large-volume basaltic lava flows. Additionally, phreatomagmatic^【10】 explosions formed maar-type volcanoes and surrounding “base surge” layered sedimentary structures. The third and youngest phase, the Divlittepe Phase, is dated between 25,000 and 4,000 years ago and is characterized by clearly distinguishable “a’a” type basaltic lava flows. These lavas are marked by a broken, blocky, and porous surface, and the visually well-preserved volcanic cones also belong to this phase.

Approximately 80 cinder cones, 8 spatter cones, 5 maars, and 6 tumuli have been identified in the Kula Volcanic Area. These structures are of cinder and spatter^【11】 type and exhibit varying morphological characteristics depending on their degree of erosion. Most cinder cones have gentle slopes, while some display double-crater structures on their flanks. Among the lava flows, surface features such as hornitos and lava tubes are widespread. Hornitos are small conical rises formed by gas escape through the lava surface, offering important insights into lava flow dynamics.

Petrographically, the basalts in the region are alkaline in character and primarily composed of clinopyroxene, olivine, hornblende, plagioclase, and feldspathoid phenocrysts. Volume calculations conducted in the area indicate that cinder cones have an average basal diameter of 556 meters and a height of 45 meters. The median volume of these cones is approximately 5.4 million cubic meters. The total volume of all volcanic products is estimated at about 5.9 km³, providing significant information on the size of eruption centers, eruption styles, and flow directions.

Kula volcanism is directly linked to the extensional tectonic movements in western Anatolia. The region lies between the Menderes Massif and the İzmir-Ankara Suture Zone, where mantle-derived magmas reached the surface through fracture systems, forming these volcanic areas. The sodium-rich composition of Kula basalts differs from the general potassium-dominated volcanic series of western Anatolia, a characteristic associated with the rapid movement of the Aegean microplate over the African Plate.

The geological and volcanological diversity of the Kula Volcanic Area is of great importance not only because it represents young volcanic activity, but also because it serves as a unique natural laboratory where petrographic, morphological, and tectonic features can be observed together.

Volcanic Hills in Kula (MTA)

Historical and Cultural Context

The region was known in antiquity as “Katakekaumene” (Burnt Land) by Strabo, indicating that volcanic activity was observed during historical periods. Additionally, prehistoric human footprints and handprints have been found on lava flows. Radiometric dating indicates these traces date to the Bronze Age (3000–1200 BCE).

Found Footprint (Anadolu Agency)

Found Footprint (Anadolu Agency)

UNESCO Global Geopark Status

In 2013, Kula became Türkiye’s first region to be designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. The Kula-Salihli Geopark, covering approximately 930 km², represents not only its geological heritage but also the historical, cultural, and economic values of local communities on an international level.

The UNESCO Global Geopark designation is awarded under a program aimed at conserving geologically significant areas, promoting their sustainable development, and raising awareness for scientific, educational, and cultural purposes. Initiated in 2004 and formally incorporated into UNESCO’s scientific programs in 2015, this status seeks to support not only natural richness but also local development visions.

The Kula-Salihli Geopark represents an important process in world history through its young volcanic structures, while presenting an exemplary model through management plans for their conservation and social, cultural, and economic projects developed in collaboration with local communities. The geopark area is not merely a nature conservation zone; it is also a site for scientific research, environmental education, and the sustainable promotion of nature-based tourism.

Kula Geopark Area (MTA)

Scientific and Cultural Significance

Kula is one of the few areas in the world to have continuously recorded volcanic activity since the Early Pleistocene. Its multi-layered geological structure, extending from Paleozoic metamorphics to prehistoric lava flows, serves as an important resource for both academic research and earth science education. Kula, where human-nature interactions have been observed since antiquity, sheds light on cultural continuity through its prehistoric footprints and historical descriptions.