About West Mata
West Mata is a fissure vent(s) rising to -1,174 meters (-3,852 feet) in Tonga's Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. It has been active in recent decades, with its last eruption in 2009 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
West Mata is located in Tonga, within the Northeast Lau Basin Volcano Group of the broader Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. Situated at 15.10° S, 173.75° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -1,174 meters — below sea level — West Mata 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
West Mata 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 Tonga near West Mata, 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
West Mata has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 2008 CE to 2008 CE. With eruptive activity as recently as 2008 CE, West Mata remains an actively monitored volcano.
GVP Reference Summary
West Mata, a submarine volcano rising to within 1,174 m of the ocean surface, is located in the northeastern Lau Basin at the northern end of the Tofua arc, about 200 km SW of Samoa and north of the Curacoa submarine volcano. Discovered during a November 2008 NOAA Vents Program expedition it was found to be producing submarine hydrothermal plumes consistent with recent lava effusion. A return visit in May 2009 documented explosive and effusive activity from two closely spaced vents, one at the summit, and the other on the SW rift zone.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Prometheus and Hades vents |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About West Mata
Is West Mata an active volcano?+
Yes, West Mata is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2009 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did West Mata last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of West Mata occurred in 2008 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." West Mata has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is West Mata?+
West Mata has a summit elevation of -1,174 meters (-3,852 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -1,174 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is West Mata?+
West Mata is classified as a Fissure vent(s). Fissure vent(s) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is West Mata located?+
West Mata 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 -15.100° latitude, -173.750° longitude.
Is it safe to visit West Mata?+
Visiting West Mata requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2009 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.
