The Gour de Tazanet maar is the northernmost volcano of the Chaîne des Puys volcanic field in central France. The lake-filled explosion crater, one of many maars in the volcanic field, was formed when magma came in contact with groundwater. Rhythmic ejection of fragments of nonvolcanic rock produced bedded ash deposits and formed a low-rimmed crater, 700-m wide and 66-m deep.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Chaîne des Puys