Fonualei
- Tonga
- New Zealand to Fiji
- Stratovolcano
- 1957 CE
- Country
- Volcanic Region
- Primary Volcano Type
- Last Known Eruption
- 18.023°S
- 174.317°W
- 188 m
617 ft - 243100
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Summit
Elevation - Volcano
Number
- Latest Activity Reports
- Weekly Reports
- Bulletin Reports
- Synonyms & Subfeatures
- General Information
- Eruptive History
- Deformation History
- Emission History
- Photo Gallery
- Map Holdings
- Sample Collection
- Affiliated Sites
Most Recent Weekly Report: 3 October-9 October 2001 
Cite 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) Cite 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 Cite 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.
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) Cite 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) Cite 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) Cite 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.
Synonyms |
| Fanua Lai | Amargura | Gardners Island |
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Eruptive History
There is data available for 8 Holocene eruptive periods.
| Start Date | Stop Date | Eruption Certainty | VEI | Evidence | Activity Area or Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [ 1974 Feb 16 ] | [ Unknown ] | Uncertain | 1 | ||
| 1957 Jun 16 ± 15 days | Unknown | Confirmed | Historical Observations | ||
| 1951 Aug 21 | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | North-central part of the island |
| 1939 Jun | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | Summit, west and SE sides |
| 1906 Mar | Unknown | Confirmed | Historical Observations | ||
| 1846 Jun 11 (?) | 1846 Oct 10 (in or after) | Confirmed | 4 | Historical Observations | |
| 1791 | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | |
| [ 1780 (in or before) ] | [ Unknown ] | Uncertain |
Deformation History
There is no Deformation History data available for Fonualei.
Emission History
There is no Emissions History data available for Fonualei.
Photo Gallery
| Seen from the NE, Fonualei volcano has an upturned saucer profile. The small, less than 2-km-wide island of Fonualei contains a fumarolically active crater, which is breached to the SW with a fresh lava flow extending to the sea and forming a rugged shoreline. Blocky lava flows from a central pyroclastic cone have reached the sea through notches in the rim of a small caldera. Eruptions at Fonualei have been recorded since 1791, with the two largest taking place in October 1846 and July 1847. Photo by Paul Taylor (published in Taylor and Ewart, 1997). |
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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.
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Title: Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga Publisher: DMA Aerospace Center Country: Fiji Year: 1986 Series: ONC Map Type: Topographic Scale: 1:1,000,000 |
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Title: Tonga Region, Topo of Publisher: USGS-CCOP/SOPAC S. Pacific Project Country: Tonga Year: 1982 Map Type: Bathymetric Scale: 1:1,800,000 |
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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 | -- | -- |
Affiliated Sites
| DECADE Data | The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the MAGA Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere. |
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WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore. |
| Large Eruptions of Fonualei | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
| MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
| MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
| EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |
