About Paulet
Paulet is a pyroclastic cone rising to 353 meters (1,158 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. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Paulet is located in Antarctica, within the Antarctic Peninsula Volcanic Province of the broader Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 63.58° S, 55.78° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. At just 353 meters above sea level, Paulet is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor (basaltic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Paulet is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Paulet tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Antarctica more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, 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
Paulet has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1850 CE to 1850 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
Paulet is a 1.8 x 2.2 km island located east of the tip of Graham Land Peninsula composed of lava flows capped by scoria cones. The morphology of the younger summit cone suggests activity during the last 1,000 years (LeMasurier and Thomson, 1990).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Paulet
Is Paulet an active volcano?+
Paulet is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Paulet last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Paulet occurred in 1850 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Paulet has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Paulet?+
Paulet has a summit elevation of 353 meters (1,158 feet) above sea level. At 353 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Paulet?+
Paulet is classified as a Pyroclastic cone. Pyroclastic cone volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Paulet located?+
Paulet is located in Antarctica, in the Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Antarctic Peninsula Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -63.579° latitude, -55.780° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Paulet?+
Paulet 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.