This volcanism occurs in a setting where the collision between the Eurasian Plate and the Tisza-Dacia microplate took place, preceded by a stage of subduction involving a narrow ocean. This is part of the collision between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate; subduction may still be underway in the area of the Carpathians. The Vrancea zone, which is away from Ciomadul, features ongoing earthquake activity; deep earthquakes suggest that a remnant of a slab exists beneath the Vrancea zone. This tectonic setting may also be responsible for volcanism at Ciomadul and the Persani volcanic field, south of Ciomadul. Other theories on Ciomadul's volcanic activity imply delamination of the lithosphere or roll-back of the subduction zone.