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Niuafo'ou Volcano - John Seach
Tonga
15.60 S, 175.63 W
summit elevation 260 m
shield volcano
Niuafo'ou is a shield volcano with a summit crater.
The island is circular in shape and 20 miles in circumference.
In 1999 a new hot spring was found in the NE part of the central caldera at Niuafo’ou Volcano. The island was temporarily evacuated during the 1946 eruption, and currently has a population of over 700 people.
The island is reported to contain the largest coconuts in the Pacific.
The centre of the island contains a caldera with a lake (Vai Lahi) which is 90m deep and 25m above sea level. The island is almost completely surrounded with cliffs.
Two types of eruptions have been recorded at Niuafo'ou volcano.
Effusive lava flows from flank fissures contrast with explosive eruptions through the caldera lake.
Niuafo'ou Volcano Eruptions
1985, 1959?, 1947?, 1946, 1943, 1935-36, 1929, 1912, 1887, 1886, 1867, 1853, 1814.