About Curtis Island
Curtis Island is a stratovolcano rising to 47 meters (154 feet) in New Zealand's Tonga-Kermadec 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
Curtis Island is located in New Zealand, within the Middle Kermadec Volcanic Arc of the broader Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. Situated at 30.54° S, 178.56° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At just 47 meters above sea level, Curtis Island 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 composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Curtis Island 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 New Zealand near Curtis Island, 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
Curtis Island has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1936 CE to 2009 CE. These eruptions span roughly 73 years of volcanic history. With eruptive activity as recently as 2009 CE, Curtis Island remains an actively monitored volcano.
GVP Reference Summary
Curtis and nearby Cheeseman Islands are the emergent portions of a submarine volcano along the Kermadec Ridge. The age of the small islands are considered to be Pleistocene, and rocks consist dominantly, if not entirely, of andesitic pyroclastic-flow deposits (Lloyd, 1992). Curtis Island, 500 x 800 m, contains a large fumarolically active crater whose floor is only 10 m above sea level. Reports of possible eruptions probably represent increased thermal activity. Geologic studies have documented 18 m of uplift during the past 200 years, with 7 m occurred between 1929 and 1964 (Doyle et al., 1979). An active submarine magmatic or solfataric vent is believed to exist nearby, but its activity cannot unequivocally be associated with the volcano (Lloyd, 1992).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | 5-6 km NNE of Curtis Island |
| 1936 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Curtis Island
Is Curtis Island an active volcano?+
Curtis Island is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Unrest / Holocene." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Curtis Island last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Curtis Island occurred in 2009 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Curtis Island has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Curtis Island?+
Curtis Island has a summit elevation of 47 meters (154 feet) above sea level. At 47 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Curtis Island?+
Curtis Island 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 Curtis Island located?+
Curtis Island is located in New Zealand, in the Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Middle Kermadec Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -30.543° latitude, -178.556° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Curtis Island?+
Curtis Island can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. New Zealand may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
