Nevis Peak
Stratovolcano · 985m · Saint Kitts and Nevis
About Nevis Peak
Nevis Peak is a stratovolcano rising to 985 meters (3,232 feet) in Saint Kitts and Nevis's Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Nevis Peak is located in Saint Kitts and Nevis, within the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 17.15° N, 62.58° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 985 meters above sea level, Nevis Peak is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Nevis Peak sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Saint Kitts and Nevis near Nevis Peak, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The conical island of Nevis, lying across a narrow channel from St. Kitts (St. Christopher) Island, is a composite cone with overlapping summit craters. An unnamed lava dome is located NE of the rims of the two craters. The high point of the island is located on the outer crater rim. The inner crater truncates the W rim of the earlier crater and is widely breached on the west side. A small lava dome was emplaced within the inner crater in recent pre-Columbian time, and pyroclastic flows and mudflows were deposited on the lower slopes of the cone. Four lava domes were constructed on the flanks: Madden's Mount (NE flank), Butlers Mountain (E flank), Mount Lily (NW coast), and Saddle mountain (S coast). No historical eruptions are known, and the youngest dated eruption was about 100,000 years ago. Active fumaroles and hot springs are found on the island (the most recent of these formed in 1953 and remains active), and seismic swarms have occurred on several occasions during the 20th century.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Nevis Peak.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevis Peak
Is Nevis Peak an active volcano?+
Nevis Peak is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Nevis Peak?+
Nevis Peak has a summit elevation of 985 meters (3,232 feet) above sea level. At 985 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Nevis Peak?+
Nevis Peak is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Nevis Peak located?+
Nevis Peak is located in Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 17.150° latitude, -62.580° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Nevis Peak?+
Nevis Peak can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Saint Kitts and Nevis may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
