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Fonualei

Photo of this volcano
  • Tonga
  • Stratovolcano
  • 1957 CE
  •  
  • Country
  • Primary Volcano Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  •  
  • 18.023°S
  • 174.317°W

  • 188 m
    617 ft

  • 243100
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number
Most Recent Weekly Report: 3 October-9 October 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

The Laboratoire de Géophysique reported that explosive volcanic activity may have occurred at Fonualei volcano during late September. On 27, 28, and 30 September numerous short T waves were received by the French Polynesian Seismic Network. The preliminary location of the seismicity was determined to be near the Tonga archipelago at 18.18°S (well constrained) and 174°W (not as well constrained). The hydro-acoustic activity was interpreted to be volcanic and explosive and could not be related to seismic activity at the Tonga Trench. According to the Laboratoire de Géophysique, the hydro-acoustic source could be near Fonualei volcano.

Source: Laboratoire de Géophysique


Most Recent Bulletin Report: November 2001 (BGVN 26:11) Citation IconCite this Report

Typical steam emissions observed in August 2000

In February 1974 a ship's captain reported that Fonualei was "emitting small quantities of steam, foam, and rocks all around the crater" (CSLP Card 1802). Large fluctuations in fumarolic activity were observed by geologists in July 1979 (SEAN 04:12).

On 19 August 2000, Jeff and Raine Williams, aboard the S/Y Gryphon, passed Fonualei enroute from Tonga to Wallis Island. They noted that the lower part of the island was covered with lush tropical vegetation, but the upper parts were scarred brown and gray, and steam was venting from the top of the island. Along the coast were rugged volcanic cliffs and black sand beaches.

[Sections about seismicity and pumice rafts have been moved. Later investigations showed that they probably originated from an unnamed submarine volcano in the Tonga Islands.]

Information Contacts: Jeff and Raine Williams, P.O. Box 729, Funkstown, MD 21734, USA.

Weekly Reports - Index


2001: October


3 October-9 October 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

The Laboratoire de Géophysique reported that explosive volcanic activity may have occurred at Fonualei volcano during late September. On 27, 28, and 30 September numerous short T waves were received by the French Polynesian Seismic Network. The preliminary location of the seismicity was determined to be near the Tonga archipelago at 18.18°S (well constrained) and 174°W (not as well constrained). The hydro-acoustic activity was interpreted to be volcanic and explosive and could not be related to seismic activity at the Tonga Trench. According to the Laboratoire de Géophysique, the hydro-acoustic source could be near Fonualei volcano.

Source: Laboratoire de Géophysique


Bulletin Reports - Index

Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.

02/1974 (CSLP 25-74) Reported emission of steam, foam, and rocks

07/1979 (SEAN 04:07) Steam emissions observed

12/1979 (SEAN 04:12) Fumarolic activity noted during July

11/2001 (BGVN 26:11) Typical steam emissions observed in August 2000




Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


February 1974 (CSLP 25-74)

Reported emission of steam, foam, and rocks

Card 1802 (21 February 1974) Reported emission of steam, foam, and rocks

Captain J. Jenkins of the S.S. Union South Pacific reported by radio to Nuku`Alofa, Tonga, the following observation: "Fonualei Island, Tonga, position 18°01' S, 174°19' W (18.02°S, 174.32°W) was emitting small quantities of steam, foam, and rocks all around the crater at 1900 GMT, 15 February 1974."

Tom Simkin indicates that this activity could be a normal geothermal process, but the fact that rocks were being thrown out suggests that the activity is probably significant.

Information Contacts: J. Jenkins, S.S. Union South Pacific, Union Steamship Co. of New Zealand; T. Simkin, Smithsonian Institution.


July 1979 (SEAN 04:07) Citation IconCite this Report

Steam emissions observed

Geologists aboard the RV Bulikula inspected the volcanoes along the Tonga Arc between 3 and 21 July. . . . Fonualei . . . was emitting steam when viewed . . . in mid-July.

Information Contacts: R. Richmond, Mineral Resources Dept., Fiji.


December 1979 (SEAN 04:12) Citation IconCite this Report

Fumarolic activity noted during July

Most of the reported eruption sites were investigated during the 11-18 July cruise of the Fijian research vessel RV Bulikula.... Large fluctuations in the intensity of fumarolic activity were observed at both Fonualei and Tofua.

Information Contacts: D. Woodhall and R. Richmond, Mineral Resources Dept., Fiji; D. Tuni, Ministry of Natural Resources, Solomon Islands.


November 2001 (BGVN 26:11) Citation IconCite this Report

Typical steam emissions observed in August 2000

In February 1974 a ship's captain reported that Fonualei was "emitting small quantities of steam, foam, and rocks all around the crater" (CSLP Card 1802). Large fluctuations in fumarolic activity were observed by geologists in July 1979 (SEAN 04:12).

On 19 August 2000, Jeff and Raine Williams, aboard the S/Y Gryphon, passed Fonualei enroute from Tonga to Wallis Island. They noted that the lower part of the island was covered with lush tropical vegetation, but the upper parts were scarred brown and gray, and steam was venting from the top of the island. Along the coast were rugged volcanic cliffs and black sand beaches.

[Sections about seismicity and pumice rafts have been moved. Later investigations showed that they probably originated from an unnamed submarine volcano in the Tonga Islands.]

Information Contacts: Jeff and Raine Williams, P.O. Box 729, Funkstown, MD 21734, USA.

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 6 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

[ 1974 Feb 16 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1974 Feb 16 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown
 A Union Steamship Co. of New Zealand ship captain reported the emission of "small quantities of steam, foam, and rocks all around the crater" at 1900 GMT on 15 February 1974 (0800 local time on 16 February) (Smithsonian CSLP Event Card 25-74).

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity Uncertain
   - - - -    - - - - Blocks
   - - - -    - - - - Fumarolic or Solfataric weak or small
1974 Feb 16    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1957 Jun 16 ± 15 days Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1957 Jun 16 ± 15 days - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported
 An eruption was reported by the New Zealand Press Association (Suva, Fiji) on 20 June 1957 (Kear and Wood, 1959).

1951 Aug 21 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode North-central part of the island
1951 Aug 21 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported
 The Volcano Letter (1951) reported that a Pan American World Airways pilot described an eruption on 21 August 1951 as "...located in the north-central portion of the island, with considerable smoke and a little flame. Large lava flows were evident, some of which were entering the sea. The smoke column rose to about 5,000 feet [1,500 m] and was carried to the northwest by a southeasterly wind."

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at North-central part of the island

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow Entered water.
   - - - -    - - - - Flames
1951 Aug 21    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1939 Jun Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Summit, W and SE sides
1939 Jun - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported
 Eruptions took place from the summit, W side, and SE side. Water spouts were observed ~600 m SE of the island, and five separate eruptions were reported from two different sources. A fresh lava flow that reached the ocean through the breach on the SW side of the crater may have formed during this eruption (Brodie, 1970).

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Summit, W and SE sides

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
1939 Jun    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1906 Mar Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1906 Mar - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported
 Fonualei was reported to be in eruption (no details) at the time of an eruption of Ruapehu volcano about 22 March 1906 (Jensen, 1906).

[ 1847 Jun 1 - 1847 Jul 31 ] Discredited Eruption

Accounts of eruptions in 1846 and 1847 contain similarities and likely refer to the same event. Reports of a major explosive eruption in June or July 1847 (CAVW; Sapper, 1917) that were published in October 1847 in a Honolulu-based newspaper were actually reprints of a March 1847 article in the "Samoan Reporter" of an eruption in June 1846 (Spennemann, 2003).

1846 Jun 11 (?) - 1846 Oct 10 (in or after) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1846 Jun 11 (?) - 1846 Oct 10 (in or after) Evidence from Observations: Reported
 Severe earthquakes were felt at Vavau beginning on 9 June 1846. On the night of the 11th bright flashes of light were observed in the direction of Fonualei; the next morning the ground was covered with ash, and crop damage occurred. A ship captain that day reported sailing through an ash cloud dark enough to require use of candles during daylight. Fonualei was also seen in eruption from a passing vessel on 22 June. On 10 October ejections of smoke and stones were seen, with incandescent ejecta at night. Pumice rafts were noted nearby (Sapper, 1917) and ships sailed through ash clouds for about 60 km (Brodie, 1970). CAVW (Richard, 1962) also recorded a lava flow. Following the eruption the population of Toku (13 km SSE) were evacuated to Vavau.

List of 8 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash violent, strong, or large
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) Before.
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
   - - - -    - - - - Evacuations
1846 Jun 11
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1791 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1791 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported
 Explosive activity reported in 1791 (Richards, 1962, citing Sapper, 1927, and von Wolff, 1929).

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1791    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1780 (in or before) ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1780 (in or before) - Unknown Evidence from Unknown
 When Francisco Antonio Maurelle sighted the island on 26 February 1780 it was reported to be completely barren, suggesting an eruption not long before, perhaps in the 1770s (Spennemann, 2003). The island contains vegetation during non-eruptive periods, and prior to the 1846 eruption inhabitants of Toku Island had gardens on Fonualei.

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion Uncertain
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Fonualei.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Fonualei.

GVP Map Holdings

The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included. The maps database originated over 30 years ago, but was only recently updated and connected to our main database. We welcome users to tell us if they see incorrect information or other problems with the maps; please use the Contact GVP link at the bottom of the page to send us email.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 46 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number Sample Description Lava Source Collection Date
NMNH 111548-10 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-11 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-12 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-13 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-14 Pumice -- --
NMNH 111548-15 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-16 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-17 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-18 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-2 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-20 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-21 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-22 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-24 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-24A Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-25 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-26 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-27 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-28 Andesite -- --
NMNH 111548-29 Andesite -- --
NMNH 111548-3 Unidentified -- --
NMNH 111548-30 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-31 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-32 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-33 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-34 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-35 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-36 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-36A Andesite -- --
NMNH 111548-37 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-37A Andesite -- --
NMNH 111548-38 Pumice -- --
NMNH 111548-39 Volcanic Bomb -- --
NMNH 111548-39 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-4 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-40 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-41 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-42 Volcanic Bomb -- --
NMNH 111548-43 Volcanic Bomb -- --
NMNH 111548-44 Volcanic Bomb -- --
NMNH 111548-45 Pumice -- --
NMNH 111548-5 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-6 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-7 Volcanic Rock -- --
NMNH 111548-8 Dacite -- --
NMNH 111548-9 Volcanic Rock -- --
External Sites