Geologic Background:
Hunter Island, the SE-most volcano of the New
Hebrides arc, is a small 1-km-wide island consisting of a
composite cone topped by explosion craters and a lava
dome. The island was named after the vessel that
discovered it in 1798.
Historic Activity:
- Several poorly documented eruptions have been noted
since the 19th century. Large streams of lava were
reported to be pouring from two craters on the eastern
side of the island in 1895. The last reported eruption of
Hunter Island was Nov. 24, 1895.
Recent Activity:
- On March 9, 1983 the main crater was observed
producing white vapor tinged with gray ash. An eruption a
few days before had started fires on the island.
Data Sources:
- Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 8, No. 3).
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