About Tafu-Maka
Tafu-Maka is a fissure vent rising to -1,400 meters (-4,593 feet) in Tonga's Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. It has been active in recent decades, with its last eruption in 2008 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Tafu-Maka is located in Tonga, within the Northeast Lau Basin Volcano Group of the broader Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. Situated at 15.37° S, 174.23° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -1,400 meters — below sea level — Tafu-Maka 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
Tafu-Maka 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 Tafu-Maka in Tonga 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 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
Tafu-Maka has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 2008 CE to 2008 CE. With eruptive activity as recently as 2008 CE, Tafu-Maka remains an actively monitored volcano.
GVP Reference Summary
Two submarine volcanoes, Tafu and Maka, lie along a NE-SW-trending ridge segment in the southern part of the NE Lau Spreading Center (NELSC). The NELSC is a back-arc spreading center in the northeast part of the Lau Basin. Tafu (Tongan for "source of fire") rises to about 1,400 m below sea level at the NE end of the ridge segment, and Maka (Tongan for "rock") reaches 1,560 m below sea level at the SW end. A November 2008 NOAA Vents Program expedition discovered submarine hydrothermal plumes consistent with very recent (days to weeks?) lava effusion from Maka; a return visit in May 2009 documented the freshly emplaced lava flow.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Maka |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Tafu-Maka
Is Tafu-Maka an active volcano?+
Yes, Tafu-Maka is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2008 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Tafu-Maka last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Tafu-Maka occurred in 2008 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Tafu-Maka has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Tafu-Maka?+
Tafu-Maka has a summit elevation of -1,400 meters (-4,593 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -1,400 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Tafu-Maka?+
Tafu-Maka is classified as a Fissure vent. Fissure vent volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Tafu-Maka located?+
Tafu-Maka is located in Tonga, in the Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northeast Lau Basin Volcano Group. Its exact coordinates are -15.370° latitude, -174.230° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tafu-Maka?+
Visiting Tafu-Maka requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2008 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.
