About Qualibou
Qualibou is a caldera rising to 777 meters (2,549 feet) in Saint Lucia's Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1766 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Qualibou is located in Saint Lucia, within the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 13.83° N, 61.05° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 777 meters above sea level, Qualibou is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a caldera, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Qualibou 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 Lucia near Qualibou, 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.
Eruption History Summary
Qualibou has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1766 CE to 1766 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1766 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
GVP Reference Summary
The Qualibou caldera on the SW side of St. Lucia provides the setting for the Pitons, two steep-sided pre-caldera lava domes that form one of the scenic highlights of the West Indies. The 3.5 x 5 km caldera formed about 32-39,000 years ago in conjunction with the eruption of the Choiseul Tuff. A larger depression has been interpreted to have formed by edifice collapse, and bathymetry has identified large submarine debris-avalanche deposits off the west coast of the island. This depression and associated volcanic vents and geothermal areas is also known as the Soufrière volcanic centre. Numerous resurgent post-caldera lava domes fill the caldera floor. The latest dated magmatic eruptions took place about 20,000 years ago, but younger undated lava domes and explosion craters are present. The only known Holocene eruptive activity was a minor phreatic eruption in the Sulfur Springs geothermal area in 1766 CE that ejected a thin ash layer over a wide area. A volcanic earthquake swarm centered 6 km ESE of the caldera occurred in 1990.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1766 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | Sulphur Springs area |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Qualibou
Is Qualibou an active volcano?+
Qualibou is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1766 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Qualibou last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Qualibou occurred in 1766 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Qualibou has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Qualibou?+
Qualibou has a summit elevation of 777 meters (2,549 feet) above sea level. At 777 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Qualibou?+
Qualibou is classified as a Caldera. Calderas are large volcanic depressions formed when a volcano erupts so powerfully that its magma chamber collapses, creating a basin that can be kilometers wide. They are often sites of some of Earth's largest eruptions.
Where is Qualibou located?+
Qualibou is located in Saint Lucia, in the Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 13.830° latitude, -61.050° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Qualibou?+
Qualibou can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Saint Lucia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
