Ambrym

Volcano Name: Ambrym

Location: Ambrym Island, Central Islands, Republic of Vanuatu

Coordinates: 16.25º S, 168.12º E

Summit Elevation: 1334m

Approximate Volume: km3

Volcano Type: Pyroclastic Shield

Current Eruptive Status: Active

Hazard Level: High

Type of most recent eruptive activity: Last known eruption is 2005, since then there have been steady emissions of SO2. There are three main areas of activity – Benbow, Marum & Mbelesu craters.

Highlights of eruptive history: Ambrym’s caldera formed during a major Plinian eruption with dacite pyroclastic flows about 1900 years ago. Historically, eruptions are VEI 1 and 2, though occasionally a 3.

Additional Reading and Resources:


Atkin J, 1868. On volcanoes in the New Hebrides and Bank's Islands. Proc Geol Soc London, 24: 305-307


Eissen J-P, Monzier M, Robin C, Picard C, Douglas C, 1990. Report on the volcanological field work on Ambrym and Tanna Islands (Vanuatu) from 2 to 25 September 1990. Orstom (Noumea) Rapport Missions Sci Terre Geol-Geophys, 22: 1-22


Gregory J W, 1917. The Ambrym eruptions of 1913-14. Geol Mag, 4: 529-540 McCall G J H, LeMaitre R W, Malahoff A, Robinson G P, Stephenson P J, 1970. The geology and geophysics of the Ambrym Caldera, New Hebrides. Bull Volc, 34:


Robin C, Eissen J-P, Monzier M, 1993. Giant tuff cone and 12-km-wide associated caldera at Ambrym volcano (Vanuatu, New Hebrides arc). J Volc Geotherm Res, 55: 225-238


Robin, C., and Monzier, M., 1994, Volcanic hazards in Vanuatu: ORSTOM and Dept. of Geology, Mines  and Water Resources of the Vanuatu Government report, p.15.