It sits more than 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) down, so the current push likely comes from gases above it rather than fresh magma reaching the surface.

The pattern looks like a slow squeeze. First the ground rose, then it steadied as new cracks opened and some gas found exit paths.

Taftan volcano is a 12,927 foot (3,940 meter) stratovolcano, a steep volcano that is built of layers of lava and ash. It vents through summit fumaroles – volcanic vents that emit gas – which shows the system still moves.