DEMAVEND, MOUNT

Persian Qolleh-ye Damavand, extinct volcanic peak of the Elburz Mountains, Iran, about 42 miles (68 km) northeast of Tehran. Estimates of its height vary from about 18,400 feet (5,600 m) to more than 19,000 feet (5,800 m), and it dominates the surrounding ranges by 3,000 to 8,000 feet (900 to 2,450 m). Its steep, snowcapped cone is formed of lava flows and ash and is crowned by a small crater with sulfuric deposits. Below the crater are two small glaciers; there are also fumaroles (holes for escaping fumes and gases), hot springs, and mineral deposits of travertine. Mount Demavend is mentioned in several Persian legends, one of which gives it as the resting place of Noah's ark.