Rocard Volcano

Updated: Nov 14, 2025 15:32 GMT - refresh

Submarine volcano

France, Society Islands, -17.64°S / -148.6°W

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Summit height: -2100 m / - 6,890 ft

Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)

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News/Updates | Earthquakes

Typical eruption style: unspecified
Rocard volcano eruptions: 1972

Latest nearby earthquakes

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Distance / Location

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Background

Rocard is a recently discovered submarine volcano about halfway between Tahiti and Mehetia islands. It displayed seismicity in 1966, 1971, and 1972 that may have resulted from submarine eruptions (Talandier and Custer, 1976). Rocks dredged from the volcano in 1986 "exploded" when they reached the surface, suggesting recent lava extrusion that had not yet had time to equilabrate with pressure and temperature conditions on the submerged flanks of the edifice. The summit of Rocard lies 2100 m below sea level east of Teahitia seamount and north of Moua Pihaa seamount. Rocard is much smaller than its neighboring seamounts.
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Smithsonian / GVP volcano information

Significant volcanic eruptions: Rocard volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Rocard has had at least 3 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations.

The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Rocard volcano in historic times and during the past 10,000 years. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Rocard can be found on the news page of Rocard volcano.

Date	Note	VEI	Deaths	Damage
1972 Jul 4 - Jul 19	Historical obs./docs.	0
1971 Sep 6	Historical obs./docs.	0
1966 Mar 9 - Mar 20	Historical obs./docs.	0

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

Rocard Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Rocard volcano?

The last confirmed eruption of Rocard occurred in 1972.

+How often does Rocard volcano erupt?

There are no known historic eruptions, but evidence from geologic records shows that it has had at least 3 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 Rocard volcano erupts every 3,300 years.

+How active is Rocard volcano at present?

Rocard volcano is occasionally active: Since 1900, it has had 3 eruptions, and been active during 3 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Rocard has been in eruption one in 42 years on average. The last eruption was in 1972 and ended 53 years ago.

Latest satellite images

See also: Sentinel hub | Landsat 8 | NASA FIRMS

Latest satellite images

Rocard 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).