Curacoa Volcano
Updated: May 10, 2025 10:02 GMT -
Submarine volcano
Tonga, Tonga Islands, -15.62°S / -173.67°W 
Summit height: -33 m / - 108 ft
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
[smaller] [larger]
Curacoa volcano eruptions: 1979
Latest nearby earthquakes
| Date and Time | Mag / Depth | Distance / Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Background
A submarine volcano south of Curacoa Reef at the northern end of the Tofua volcanic arc was first observed in eruption in 1973. Explosive eruptions, which produced large rafts of dacitic pumice covering an area of more than 100 sq km, were observed from the island of Tafahi, 27 km to the SSW. The eruption site was located about 6.5 km SW of Curacoa Reef. Multiple submarine vents are apparently located in this area; a second eruption was reported in 1979 from a location 13 km north of Tafahi.---
Smithsonian / GVP volcano information
Significant volcanic eruptions: Curacoa volcano
In the past 10,000 years, Curacoa has had at least 2 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Curacoa volcano in historic times and during the past 10,000 years. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Curacoa can be found on the news page of Curacoa volcano.
| Date | Note | VEI | Deaths | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 km north of Tafahi Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| 6.4 km SW of Curacoa Reef Historical obs./docs. | 3 | ||||
Remark:
Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution
Curacoa Volcano FAQ
+When was the last eruption of Curacoa volcano?
The last confirmed eruption of Curacoa occurred in 1979.
+How often does Curacoa volcano erupt?
There are no known historic eruptions, but evidence from geologic records shows that it has had at least 2 eruptions over the past 10,000 years. This number is likely much higher because many past eruptions might not have left evidence recognizeable today and/or the volcano might not have been studied in too much detail. Using the available data, a very conservative estimate is that Curacoa volcano erupts every 5,000 years.
+How active is Curacoa volcano at present?
Curacoa volcano is occasionally active: Since 1900, it has had 2 eruptions, and been active during 2 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Curacoa has been in eruption one in 63 years on average. The last eruption was in 1979 and ended 46 years ago.
+When was the largest eruption of Curacoa volcano?
The largest eruption of Curacoa volcano in historic times occurred in 1973. It ranks as a "vulcanian" eruption with a magnitude 3 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.
Latest satellite images
Curacoa Volcano Maps
Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Curacoa volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Curacoa volcano (scale of few kilometers)
