About Hodson
Hodson is a stratovolcano rising to 835 meters (2,740 feet) in United Kingdom'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 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Hodson is located in United Kingdom, within the South Sandwich Volcanic Arc of the broader Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 56.71° S, 27.18° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 835 meters above sea level, Hodson 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
Hodson 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 United Kingdom near Hodson, 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 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
Hodson has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1830 CE to 1930 CE. These eruptions span roughly 100 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1930 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
The largely ice-covered, 5.5 x 7 km Visokoi Island consists of a single stratovolcano, Mount Hodson, whose rounded summit lies west of the center of the island. Numerous basaltic scoria cones were constructed on the lower flanks of the island, which is part of the Traverse Islands in the northern part of the South Sandwich Island chain. The youthful morphology suggests recent volcanism (LeMasurier and Thomson, 1990). Possible eruptive activity was reported during 1830 and 1930.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1830 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Hodson
Is Hodson an active volcano?+
Hodson 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 Hodson last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Hodson occurred in 1930 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Hodson has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Hodson?+
Hodson has a summit elevation of 835 meters (2,740 feet) above sea level. At 835 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Hodson?+
Hodson 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 Hodson located?+
Hodson is located in United Kingdom, in the Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the South Sandwich Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -56.712° latitude, -27.176° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Hodson?+
Hodson can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. United Kingdom may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.