About Monaco Bank
Monaco Bank is a fissure vent rising to -197 meters (-646 feet) in Portugal's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1911 CE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Monaco Bank is located in Portugal, within the Azores-Terceira Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 37.60° N, 25.88° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With an elevation of -197 meters — below sea level — Monaco Bank 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 cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Monaco Bank is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Monaco Bank in Portugal generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is no data (checked), which influences the viscosity of the magma and, consequently, the style of eruptions this volcano produces. Rock chemistry is one of the most important factors in determining whether a volcano erupts explosively or effusively.
Eruption History Summary
Monaco Bank has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1907 CE to 1911 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1911 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 4 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1911 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Monaco Bank is a submarine volcano constructed along a NW-SE-trending fissure 20 km S of the western tip of Sao Miguel Island. The linear volcano is located along regional tectonic trends connecting Sete Cidades volcano with Santa María Island, SE of Monaco Bank. The summit rises to within about 200 m of the ocean surface. Submarine eruptions took place during 1911 and 1907, when a submarine cable was ruptured.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1911 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1907 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Monaco Bank
Is Monaco Bank an active volcano?+
Yes, Monaco Bank is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 1911 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Monaco Bank last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Monaco Bank occurred in 1911 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Monaco Bank has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Monaco Bank?+
Monaco Bank has a summit elevation of -197 meters (-646 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -197 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Monaco Bank?+
Monaco Bank is classified as a Fissure vent. Fissure vent volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Monaco Bank located?+
Monaco Bank is located in Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Azores-Terceira Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 37.600° latitude, -25.880° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Monaco Bank?+
Visiting Monaco Bank requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 1911 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
