About Diablotins, Morne
Diablotins, Morne is a stratovolcano rising to 1,430 meters (4,692 feet) in Dominica'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
Diablotins, Morne is located in Dominica, within the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 15.50° N, 61.40° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,430 meters above sea level, Diablotins, Morne 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
Diablotins, Morne 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 Dominica near Diablotins, Morne, 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
Morne Diablotins, in northern Dominica, is the largest and highest on the island. A complex of at least five coalescing lava domes forms the broad summit, and other domes are found to the SE. Pyroclastic-flow deposits emplaced ~22,000-40,000 years ago, known as the Grand Savanne Ignimbrite, extend in five radial lobes around the volcano as far as the coast. Pre-Columbian block-and-ash flow aprons on the NW flank are relatively unmodified by erosion. No recent eruptions are known, although numerous hot springs, both onshore and submarine, are found near Glanvillia, on the NW flank. Severe earthquake swarms in 1841 and 1893 originated either from Morne Diablotins or Morne aux Diables to the N.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Diablotins, Morne.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Diablotins, Morne
Is Diablotins, Morne an active volcano?+
Diablotins, Morne 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 Diablotins, Morne?+
Diablotins, Morne has a summit elevation of 1,430 meters (4,692 feet) above sea level. At 1,430 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Diablotins, Morne?+
Diablotins, Morne 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 Diablotins, Morne located?+
Diablotins, Morne is located in Dominica, in the Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 15.503° latitude, -61.397° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Diablotins, Morne?+
Diablotins, Morne can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Dominica may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
