The massive, eroded stratovolcano Erciyes Dagi (once called
Mt. Argeus) in central Anatolia covers an area of about 1300 sq km.
Growth of the modern volcano began about 0.9 million years
ago, following Pliocene caldera collapse of the Kocdag complex.
Numerous parasitic cones and lava domes are found mostly on
the north flank of the modern edifice, many along radial fissures.
There is a 83,000-year-old dacitic lava flow.
Undated younger flows of rhyodacite and lava dome growth occurred
later at the Perikartin dome.
The most recent event was a large debris avalanche that extends
to the east.
Obsidian from the volcano has been employed since the Neolithic
era.
Soft tuffs in the area surrounding the volcano have led to
a preponderance of man-made caves.
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