Lopevi

Volcano Name: Lopevi

Location: Lopevi Island, Central Islands, Republic of Vanuatu

Coordinates: 16.5º S, 168.3º E

Summit Elevation: 1413m  - the summit is the tallest point in Central Vanuatu

Approximate Volume: km3

Volcano Type: Stratovolcano (basaltic to andestic)

Current Eruptive Status: Highly active

Hazard Level: High

Type of most recent eruptive activity: Last known major eruption was July 2006. Large eruption plume reached 3.7km and drifted towards the East. Mainly Strombolian/Vulcanian. VEI 2 and 3 eruptions common.

Highlights of eruptive history: General activity is primarily from a NW-SE fissure, which produces moderate explosive eruptions. Lava frequently reaches the ocean. In 1960, a fissure eruption produced a large pyroclastic flow and the lava formed a new peninsula to the west of island. All inhabitants were evacuated.

Additional Reading and Resources:


New Hebrides Geological Survey, 1972. Geology of the Central Islands. New Hebrides Geol Surv, 1:100,000 geol map sheet 8


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.


Robin, C., Monzier, M., Crawford, A.J., and Eggins, S.M., 1993, The geology, volcanology, petrology-geochemistry, and tectonic evolution of the New Hebrides island arc, Vanuatu: IAVCEI Canberra 1993, Excursion guide, Record 1993 / 59, Australian Geological Survey Organisation, p.86.


Warden A J, 1967c. The 1963-65 eruption of Lopevi volcano (New Hebrides). Bull Volc, 30: 277-318


Witham C S, 2005. Volcanic disasters and indicents: a new database. J Volc Geotherm Res, 148: 191-233