About Rocard
Rocard is a cone rising to -2,515 meters (-8,252 feet) in France's Southern Pacific Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1972 CE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Rocard is located in France, within the Society Islands Hotspot Volcano Group of the broader Southern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 17.66° S, 148.59° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -2,515 meters — below sea level — Rocard is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Rocard is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Rocard tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in France more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is trachyte / trachydacite, an intermediate to silica-rich volcanic rock. This composition typically produces more viscous magma, leading to more explosive eruptions with ash columns and pyroclastic flows. Andesitic and dacitic magmas build pressure before erupting, which is why volcanoes with this rock chemistry are often associated with Plinian-style eruptions that can send ash tens of kilometers into the atmosphere and disrupt aviation across entire regions.
Eruption History Summary
Rocard has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1966 CE to 1972 CE. These eruptions span roughly 6 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1972 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Rocard is a small volcanic seamount about 60 km WNW of Mehetia and 28 km ESE of Teahitia seamount. The summit lies 2,500 m below sea level on a submarine edifice about 8 km in diameter. Seismicity in 1966, 1971, and 1972 may have been caused by submarine eruptions (Talandier and Custer, 1976). Rocks dredged in 1986 "exploded" when they reached the surface, suggesting recent lava extrusion that had not yet had time to equilibrate with pressure and temperature conditions on the submerged flanks of the edifice.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1971 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1966 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Rocard
Is Rocard an active volcano?+
Rocard is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1972 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Rocard last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Rocard occurred in 1972 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Rocard has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Rocard?+
Rocard has a summit elevation of -2,515 meters (-8,252 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -2,515 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Rocard?+
Rocard is classified as a Cone. Cone volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Rocard located?+
Rocard is located in France, in the Southern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Society Islands Hotspot Volcano Group. Its exact coordinates are -17.662° latitude, -148.586° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Rocard?+
Rocard can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. France may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
