About Nabukelevu
Nabukelevu is a lava dome(s) rising to 791 meters (2,595 feet) in Fiji's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1660 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Nabukelevu is located in Fiji, within the Fiji Volcanic Arc of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 19.12° S, 177.98° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 791 meters above sea level, Nabukelevu is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor (silicic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Nabukelevu 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 Fiji near Nabukelevu, 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
Nabukelevu has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 580 BCE to 1660 CE. These eruptions span roughly 2,240 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The andesitic-to-dacitic Nabukelevu lava-dome complex occupies the SW end of Kadavu Island at the S end of the Fiji archipelago. The high point of the complex is Mt. Washington, an andesitic lava dome. Flat-lying dacitic lava flows are found at Cape Washington along the W coast and at Talaulia Bay on the NE coast. NNE-trending faults cut the complex in several locations and define its E boundary. The dome complex is cut by several collapse scarps, which were the source of debris avalanches that have incorporated human artifacts and remains. Debris avalanches have entered the sea on the both the N and S sides of the volcano. Onshore and offshore deposits as well as native legends indicate that several eruptions have occurred during the Holocene. Block-and-ash flows related to dome growth have occurred within the past few hundred years.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1660 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Dome NW of summit |
| 340 | — | Confirmed Eruption | West side of summit dome complex |
| 580 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Summit lava dome |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Nabukelevu
Is Nabukelevu an active volcano?+
Nabukelevu is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1660 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Nabukelevu last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Nabukelevu occurred in 1660 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Nabukelevu has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Nabukelevu?+
Nabukelevu has a summit elevation of 791 meters (2,595 feet) above sea level. At 791 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Nabukelevu?+
Nabukelevu is classified as a Lava dome(s). Lava domes are mounds of viscous lava that pile up around a volcanic vent. They grow by expansion from within and can collapse to produce dangerous pyroclastic flows.
Where is Nabukelevu located?+
Nabukelevu is located in Fiji, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Fiji Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -19.118° latitude, 177.982° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Nabukelevu?+
Nabukelevu can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Fiji may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
