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Report on Epi (Vanuatu) — 31 March-6 April 2004


Epi

Smithsonian / US Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report,
31 March-6 April 2004
Managing Editor: Gari Mayberry

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2004. Report on Epi (Vanuatu). In: Mayberry, G (ed.), Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 31 March-6 April 2004. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (31 March-6 April 2004)

Epi

Vanuatu

16.68°S, 168.37°E; summit elev. 833 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


According to a report from John Seach, an eruption at East Epi caldera in early March marked the first reported activity at the largely undersea caldera since 1988.

Geological Summary. A large caldera, with submarine post-caldera cones active in historical time, lies off the eastern coast of Epi Island. Epi Island itself, located slightly west of the main New Hebrides volcanic arc, largely consists of two Quaternary volcanoes, Mount Allombei on the west and Pomare (Tavani Kutali) on the east. Tavani Ruro, which forms an elongated eastern extension of Epi Island across a narrow isthmus, is related to Kuwae caldera to the east. Pomare volcano is the highest point on the island and has three well-preserved subsidiary cones to the east with youthful summit craters. Pomare volcano is truncated on its eastern side by the largely submarine East Epi caldera, which has been the source of all historical eruptions. Three small submarine basaltic and dacitic cones, known as Epi A, Epi B, and Epi C, are located along the northern rim of the breached caldera. Ephemeral islands were formed during eruptions in 1920 and 1953, and the summit of the shallowest cone, Epi B, was at 34 m below sea level at the time of a 2001 survey.

Source: Volcano Live