About Waesche
Waesche is a shield(s) rising to 3,292 meters (10,801 feet) in Antarctica's Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Waesche is located in Antarctica, within the Western Antarctica Volcanic Province of the broader Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 77.17° S, 126.88° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a polar climate zone. At 3,292 meters above sea level, Waesche rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
Mount Waesche is the southernmost of a N-S chain of volcanoes in central Marie Byrd Land, 20 km SW of Pliocene Mount Sidley. The Waesche shield was constructed around 1.0 Ma on the SE rim of the 10-km-wide Chang Peak caldera; pre-caldera Chang Peak lavas were erupted about 1.6 Ma. Satellitic cinder cones, some aligned along radial fissures, are located on the SW flank. The youngest dated products suggest a pulse of effusive activity between about 200,000 and 100,000 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Waesche.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Waesche
Is Waesche an active volcano?+
Waesche is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Waesche?+
Waesche has a summit elevation of 3,292 meters (10,801 feet) above sea level. At 3,292 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Waesche?+
Waesche is classified as a Shield(s). Shield volcanoes are broad, gently sloping volcanoes built by fluid lava flows. They produce less explosive eruptions compared to stratovolcanoes and tend to have effusive lava rather than violent blasts.
Where is Waesche located?+
Waesche is located in Antarctica, in the Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Western Antarctica Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -77.170° latitude, -126.880° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Waesche?+
Waesche can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Antarctica may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.