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Kuwae

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Primary Volcano Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  •  
  • 16.8304°S
  • 168.5227°E

  • -2 m
    -7 ft

  • 257070
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number

Most Recent Bulletin Report: July 1991 (BGVN 16:07) Citation IconCite this Report

Summit at 2-3 m depth; no visible fumarolic activity; sulfur odor

"Kuwae is a mainly submarine caldera (~10 x 5 km) that, according to 14C ages, Tongan folklore, and reconnaissance fieldwork (Garanger, 1972; Crawford, 1988), is probably very young (~1,500 A.D.). The caldera is located between Epi, Laika, and Tongoa islands in the central part of Vanuatu. During the ORSTOM-CALIS cruise in May 1991, detailed bathymetric and magnetic surveys of the collapse structure were made, and data are presently under analysis. August fieldwork was carried out on Tongoa and Laika Islands in order to study caldera eruption products, their composition, and their age. Several ignimbrite units, including non-welded ash and pumice flow deposits, and thick, complex sequences of poorly-welded to densely-welded tuffs, have been discovered. C14 ages will be determined for charcoal samples from these deposits.

"During the last century, the caldera's active Karua volcanic cone has emerged at least six times, in 1897, [1901], . . . 1948, [1949], 1959, and 1971. Each period of activity was accompanied by explosions. The ephemeral island reached a maximum size of 100 m tall and 1.5 km in diameter in 1949. On 6 August, during a visit by speedboat, the submerged summit area was 50-70 m large at 2-3 m depth. No fumarolic activity was observed despite a strong sulfur smell." [Turbulence and discolored sea water were observed in 1971-74 and 1977.]

References. Crawford, A.J., 1988, Circum-Pacific Council for Energy and Mineral Resources: Earth Science Series, v. 8.

Garanger, J., 1972, Publication de la Société Océanistes, no. 30.

Information Contacts: C. Robin and M. Monzier, ORSTOM, New Caledonia; M. Lardy and C. Douglas, ORSTOM,Vanuatu; C. Mortimer, Dept of Geology, Mines, and Rural Water Supply, Vanuatu; J. Eissen, ORSTOM, France.

The Global Volcanism Program has no Weekly Reports available for Kuwae.

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.

02/1971 (CSLP 23-71) Explosive eruption on 22 February builds island

03/1971 (CSLP 23-71) Eruption ends quickly; felt seismicity

07/1971 (CSLP 23-71) Report of island visit 10 days after 22 February eruption

02/1977 (BVE 17) Bubbling and water discoloration

07/1991 (BGVN 16:07) Summit at 2-3 m depth; no visible fumarolic activity; sulfur odor




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


February 1971 (CSLP 23-71)

Explosive eruption on 22 February builds island

Card 1137 (24 February 1971) Explosive eruption on 22 February builds island

The following cable was received . . . on 23 February. "Submarine volcano Karua . . . erupted strongly 22 February 1971. Eruption commenced with explosions at about 0730 local time. Activity increased throughout afternoon. Eruption occurring from three closely spaced vents from which a mushrooming ash cloud rose strongly through the cloud base at about 1,000 m. Some large blocks of rock thrown up by explosions occurring several times each minute. Activity still strong at 1740 local time, but no visible sign of activity from village 5 km away at 1800. By 1030 23 February no activity at all except very minor water turbulence. Island of cinders about 200 x 70 m built to about 1 m above high tide mark. Surface of island studded with angular blocks up to 6 m3."

Information Contacts: D.I.J. Mallick, New Hebrides Geological Survey, Port Vila, New Hebrides.


March 1971 (CSLP 23-71)

Eruption ends quickly; felt seismicity

Card 1142 (01 March 1971) Eruption ends quickly; felt seismicity

"Although activity of . . . 22 February was reported to be much stronger than the last time an island was formed in 1959, eruption ceased quickly after only 1.5 hours. No recurrence of volcanic activity to 1000 local time 26 February, but series of earthquakes felt on Tongoa 5 km S of Karua. First shock about 2100 local time 24 February, intensity MM 6-7, duration half-minute. Some damage to older native houses, cracking of at least one sunken concrete water tank and collapse of section of coastal cliff. No casualities reported. Second shock about 2115 duration 10 seconds. Series of smaller shocks during night 24/25 February. Aerial reconnaissance 23 February regrettably made after all activity ceased."

Information Contacts: D.I.J. Mallick, New Hebrides Geological Survey, Port Vila, New Hebrides.


July 1971 (CSLP 23-71)

Report of island visit 10 days after 22 February eruption

Card 1247 (02 July 1971) Report of island visit 10 days after 22 February eruption

"On 22 February 1971, at about 0800, a known area of crustal instability began to erupt [at Karua], giving off clouds of steam and shooting black masses of cinder, ash, and pre-solidified crust up to 600 feet into the air. The activity intensified during the day with increasingly frequent explosions and clouds of dust being formed. At the height of the activity the eruption covered an area over one mile in diameter. Accompanying the volcanic explosions was tremendous thunder and lightning, precipitated by the intense heat of the eruption which led to condensation and great atmospheric instability. Then, very suddenly, at about 1800, the activity died away.

"Ten days after the eruption, I went to the newly-formed land mass and found an almost moon-like terrain. The islet was flat with large boulders strewn about the surface. A few hot water pools were in evidence and there was a distinct smell of sulphur in the air. Underfoot the ground was still warm and when kicked smoke appeared from the ash and cinders of which the island was composed. On one side the sea was shallow for some distance but too hot to touch. This is the actual crater and the nucleus of all the activity. I estimate the island to be over half a mile wide and in the opinion of local pilots is easily large enough to land a light plane upon.

Information Contacts: Richard J. Ellis, c/o B.D.A. Lakatoro, Lakatoro, New Hebrides.


February 1977 (BVE 17)

Bubbling and water discoloration

"Increased activity at this submarine was reported on 1 February when the sea above was apparently bubbling and a yellow discoloration was evident. However, when visited on 25 February only a greenish stain on the surface of the sea and a faint sulphurous odour were noted."

Reference. Volcanological Society of Japan, 1979, Bulletin of volcanic eruptions no. 17: Annual report of the world volcanic eruptions in 1977: International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, IUGG, p. 27.

Information Contacts: A. MacFarlane, Geological Survey Department, Vila, New Hebrides.


July 1991 (BGVN 16:07) Citation IconCite this Report

Summit at 2-3 m depth; no visible fumarolic activity; sulfur odor

"Kuwae is a mainly submarine caldera (~10 x 5 km) that, according to 14C ages, Tongan folklore, and reconnaissance fieldwork (Garanger, 1972; Crawford, 1988), is probably very young (~1,500 A.D.). The caldera is located between Epi, Laika, and Tongoa islands in the central part of Vanuatu. During the ORSTOM-CALIS cruise in May 1991, detailed bathymetric and magnetic surveys of the collapse structure were made, and data are presently under analysis. August fieldwork was carried out on Tongoa and Laika Islands in order to study caldera eruption products, their composition, and their age. Several ignimbrite units, including non-welded ash and pumice flow deposits, and thick, complex sequences of poorly-welded to densely-welded tuffs, have been discovered. C14 ages will be determined for charcoal samples from these deposits.

"During the last century, the caldera's active Karua volcanic cone has emerged at least six times, in 1897, [1901], . . . 1948, [1949], 1959, and 1971. Each period of activity was accompanied by explosions. The ephemeral island reached a maximum size of 100 m tall and 1.5 km in diameter in 1949. On 6 August, during a visit by speedboat, the submerged summit area was 50-70 m large at 2-3 m depth. No fumarolic activity was observed despite a strong sulfur smell." [Turbulence and discolored sea water were observed in 1971-74 and 1977.]

References. Crawford, A.J., 1988, Circum-Pacific Council for Energy and Mineral Resources: Earth Science Series, v. 8.

Garanger, J., 1972, Publication de la Société Océanistes, no. 30.

Information Contacts: C. Robin and M. Monzier, ORSTOM, New Caledonia; M. Lardy and C. Douglas, ORSTOM,Vanuatu; C. Mortimer, Dept of Geology, Mines, and Rural Water Supply, Vanuatu; J. Eissen, ORSTOM, France.

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 12 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

[ 1980 Aug 20 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1980 Aug 20 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1980 Aug 20    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1979 Sep 16 ± 15 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1979 Sep 16 ± 15 days - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1979 Sep    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1977 Feb 1 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1977 Feb 1 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1977 Feb 1    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1974 Feb 4 ± 4 days - 1974 Sep 16 (?) ± 15 days Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 0

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1974 Feb 4 ± 4 days - 1974 Sep 16 (?) ± 15 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Island
1974 Feb 4 ± 4 days    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1973 May 5 ± 4 days - 1973 Oct 16 ± 15 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1973 May 5 ± 4 days - 1973 Oct 16 ± 15 days Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1973 May 5 ± 4 days    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1972 Mar 5 ± 5 days - 1972 May 15 ± 5 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1972 Mar 5 ± 5 days - 1972 May 15 ± 5 days Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1972 Mar 5 ± 5 days    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1971 Feb 22 - 1971 Feb 22 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1971 Feb 22 - 1971 Feb 22 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Blocks
   - - - -    - - - - Lightning
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) After.
   - - - -    - - - - Island ephemeral
1971 Feb 22    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1970 Sep 12 - 1970 Sep 20 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1970 Sep 12 - 1970 Sep 20 Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1970 Sep 12    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1959 Sep 18 (?) - 1959 Sep 20 (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1959 Sep 18 (?) - 1959 Sep 20 (?) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Island ephemeral
1959 Sep 18
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1958 Oct 7 (?) - 1958 Dec 18 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1958 Oct 7 (?) - 1958 Dec 18 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1958 Oct 7
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
1958 Dec 18    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1953 Feb 12 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1953 Feb 12 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 1 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
1953 Feb 12    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1952 Oct 3 - 1952 Oct 3 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Submarine Episode Karua
1952 Oct 3 - 1952 Oct 3 Evidence from Observations: Reported
 Light explosions were reported on 3 October 1952, but a new island was not formed.

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion weak or small
1952 Oct 3    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1949 Oct - 1949 Dec Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1949 Oct - 1949 Dec Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Island ephemeral
1949 Oct    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1949 Apr Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1949 Apr - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1949 Apr    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1948 Sep 22 - 1948 Sep 29 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1948 Sep 22 - 1948 Sep 29 Evidence from Observations: Reported
 Eruptive activity began on 22 September 1948 and lasted one week (CAVW).

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Island ephemeral
1948 Sep 22    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1923 - 1925 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Karua
1923 - 1925 Evidence from Observations: Reported
 Older residents reported that an island similar to that of 1901 was formed from 1923-1925, when it remained visible for some time before disappearing (Eissen et al., 1991).

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Island ephemeral
1923    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1897 May 25 (?) - 1901 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Submarine Episode Karua
1897 May 25 (?) - 1901 Evidence from Observations: Reported
 A submarine eruption beginning in 1897 had by 1901 constructed an island 1 km long and 15 m high. After six months the island gradually disappeared. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald on 1 June 1897 noted observations of detonations and the ejection of columns of black muddy water to heights of about 10 m.

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Karua

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Island ephemeral
1897 May 25
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1425 ± 5 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Submarine Episode
1425 ± 5 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)
 Radiocarbon dates of 430 ± 50, 430 ± 40, 560 ± 50 years BP were obtained by Monzier et al. (1994) from pumice-flow deposits. When combined with earlier dates of 630 ± 40, 490 ± 37, and 475 ± 85 years BP from Garanger (1972), Monzier et al. (1994) assigned a calibrated age of 1420-1430 CE. In conjunction with legends of a major eruption, these deposits have been considered to result from a caldera-forming eruption that later workers correlated with a 1452 CE ice-core peak. Nemeth et al. (2007) considered the deposits to be the product of more localized eruptions not related to caldera collapse, and noted that local legends pertained to collapse south of Tongoa rather than between Tongoa and Epi Islands.

List of 8 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
   - - - -    - - - - Evacuations
1425
(?)
   - - - - Fatalities
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Kuwae.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Kuwae.

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

There are no samples for Kuwae in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.

External Sites