Volcanoes of Javakheti: Didi-Abuli, Samsar and Tavkvetila Cones

Javakheti volcanic Plateau It is located in Southern Georgia. It is formed from lava flows that spilled along the meridian direction from the Samsar ridge. There are many volcanic cones on this ridge, among which Didi-Abuli, Samsar and Tavkvetila differ in scale and beauty.

Didi Abuli is located at an altitude of 3305 m. above sea level, in the southern part of the Samsara range. This volcano underwent glaciation in the Quaternary period, as evidenced by the preserved moraines, mountain circuses and small lakes. There are several views about the volcanic actions of Didi-Abuli. Some scientists believe that it should be given the status of an active volcano. This position is associated with the name of the volcano and folk aphorisms. It is assumed that smoke was rising from the mountain, so the local population called it the "smoking mountain" "abolebuli". But despite this version, Didi-Abuli is currently considered an extinct volcano, as it is assumed that the last time eruptions occurred 10-12 thousand years ago.

The Samsara volcanic cone is located in the central part of the ridge, at an altitude of 3285 meters above sea level. The diameter of its crater reaches 3 km., at the bottom of which there are several small lakes.

Tavkvetula is located at an altitude of 2583 m above sea level, in the northern part of the Samsar ridge. The name of this crater ("headless") is associated with its shape, as the volcanic cone is well pronounced. To the west of it is the lake of volcanic origin Tabatskuri - one of the most full-flowing lakes in Georgia.