Geologic Background:
Located about 100 km S of Anatom Island, about
halfway between Yasur Volcano (Tanna Island) and Matthew
Island, the Eastern Gemini seamount is one of several
seamounts along the southern submarine extension of the
New Hebrides island arc. Several basalt samples and one
andesite dredged from this seamount in 1989 and because
all of the samples were devoid of marine animal traces,
the activity was described as very recent. The nearby
Western Gemini seamount is located near 21.0°S,
170.05°E, at a depth of 30 m below sea level.
Well-developed marine life around its summit suggests
that its activity is older.
Historic Activity:
Recent Activity:
- A submarine eruption was observed in the southern New
Hebrides island arc (Vanuatu), an area without previously
documented historical activity, on Feb. 18 and 22, 1996.
Observations reported a white zone within a steaming
black patch.
Data Sources:
- Global Volcanism Network (V. 21, No. 2).
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