With variable heights reported, all around 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) above sea level, it is the highest mountain in south-eastern Iran.

Reports of historical volcanic activity are unclear and the youngest radiometric dates are 6,950 ± 20 years before present.

Currently, the volcano features vigorous fumarolic activity that is visible from a great distance and involves numerous vents on Materkuh.

Taftan appears to be part of a geothermal area; there are a number of hot springs around the volcano.

This volcanic arc has formed on Cretaceous-Eocene sedimentary layers and has resulted from the subduction of the oceanic Arabian Plate beneath Iran at the Makran trench.

[12] During the Eocene and Oligocene epochs, volcanic activity reached its maximum, with thick pyroclastic layers being deposited in central Iran and the Alborz mountains.

[19] From some of these faults it has been inferred that the mass load from the Taftan edifice has measurable effects on tectonic stress within the region.

[25] The main edifice is constructed on top of the Eocene flysch,[14][26] although some Cretaceous sediments are also part of the basement.

[31] Taftan is a volcano with several summits; the highest two are separated by a saddle and are named Narkuh or Narkooh and Materkuh or Madekooh,[3] which are 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) apart.

[32] Alternatively, an explosive eruption removed the eastern side and generated a steep ravine.

The northern crater has been the source of lava flows, some of which are well preserved and reach lengths of 12 kilometres (7.5 mi).

[39] In 1893 and 1914, Percy Sykes described a summit plateau with a surface of 370 metres (400 yd), at the side of which lay the two summits Ziaret Kuh ("Hill of Sacrifice", where pilgrims sacrificed goats) and Madar Kuh ("Mother Hill", containing fumaroles according to the 1893 report).

[2][5] Fumarolic alteration of the summit area has generated sulfur and clay deposits which resemble snowcap.

[34] One report in 1893 indicated that the summit area of the volcano was covered with ash from 3,400 metres (11,000 ft) upwards.

[5] The bulk of the volcano is formed by lava flows, along with volcaniclastic rocks,[9] with dacites and pyroclastics lying on top of the Cretaceous-Eocene basement.

[40] These loose rocks formed by erosion, explosive activity and hot avalanches and are deposited in a large apron at the base of the volcano that extends over 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from the central vents.

[27] There is also evidence of southeastern migration of the craters of Taftan, with Anjerk and Sardarya being more westerly vents.

[45] Grey andesites form the youngest rocks on the main summit and contain chlorite schist and biotite gneiss inclusions.

[10] The magma of Taftan volcano is very oxidized, as can be inferred from the composition of the surrounding ignimbrite and fumarole gases.

[49] Minerals formed by alteration processes include alunite, calcite, cristobalite, illite, jarosite, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, quartz, smectite, sulfur and tridymite.

[5] That the name "Taftan" may be derived from an ancient Iranian word "taft" for "semi solid liquid material" could indicate that effusive activity was witnessed by the people of that time period around the volcano.

[58] Taftan displays vigorous fumarolic activity, with high temperature vents found around the crater.

[38] These gas exhalations are known as "Dood" by local peoples and they appear as yellow-white clouds with a strong smell.

[5] One report mentioned in a magazine of 1899 indicated the presence of seven steam vents at an altitude of 3,700 metres (12,000 ft), produced audible noise.

[59] A fumarole field was described on the west side of the southeast cone, the venting clearly visible from a refuge farther down the mountain and covering a surface area of c. 10 square metres (110 sq ft).

[46] The fumaroles have altered rocks, forming highly colourful exposures especially on Taftan's eastern flank.

Sulfur and sulfate deposits are also found lower on the volcano, from hot springs around Gooshe, at Sangān and Torshāb.

[31] A report in 2002 indicated that Taftan may be a feasible place to install a binary cycle power plant.