New Georgia at 8.9°S
Stratovolcano · -240m · Solomon Islands
About New Georgia at 8.9°S
New Georgia at 8.9°S is a stratovolcano rising to -240 meters (-787 feet) in Solomon Islands's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
New Georgia at 8.9°S is located in Solomon Islands, within the Solomon Volcanic Province of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 8.92° S, 158.03° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -240 meters — below sea level — New Georgia at 8.9°S 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 composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
New Georgia at 8.9°S 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 Solomon Islands near New Georgia at 8.9°S, 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.
GVP Reference Summary
An unnamed seamount was mapped during a 1979 cruise about 9 km NE of Kavachi (Okugrin, 1985), near the SE end of the New Georgia Islands at about 8.9°S. The seamount appeared to have been recently active, with porphyritic and aphyric andesitic rocks dredged from that location. Another seamount 7 km NW of Kavachi was capped by corals, and a small peak was noted on the SW flank of the seamount (see map after Okugrin, 1985, in Exon and Johnson, 1986).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for New Georgia at 8.9°S.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About New Georgia at 8.9°S
Is New Georgia at 8.9°S an active volcano?+
New Georgia at 8.9°S 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.
How high is New Georgia at 8.9°S?+
New Georgia at 8.9°S has a summit elevation of -240 meters (-787 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -240 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is New Georgia at 8.9°S?+
New Georgia at 8.9°S 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 New Georgia at 8.9°S located?+
New Georgia at 8.9°S is located in Solomon Islands, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Solomon Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -8.920° latitude, 158.030° longitude.
Is it safe to visit New Georgia at 8.9°S?+
New Georgia at 8.9°S can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Solomon Islands may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
