About Hainan Volcanic Field
Hainan Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 196 meters (643 feet) in China's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1933 CE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Hainan Volcanic Field is located in China, within the Southeast Asia Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 19.91° N, 110.23° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At just 196 meters above sea level, Hainan Volcanic Field 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 cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Hainan Volcanic Field is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Hainan Volcanic Field tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in China more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. 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
Hainan Volcanic Field has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1883 CE to 1933 CE. These eruptions span roughly 50 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1933 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
The Hainan volcanic field consists of Quaternary lava flows that extend over about 4,100 km2 of northern Hainan Island (also known as Qiong). This field, along with the Leizhou Bandao volcanic field across the Qiongzhou strait to the north on the Leizhou (Liuchow) Peninsula, forms the larger Leiqiong volcanic field (also called the Qionglei volcano group). As many as 58 cones and craters are still evident, primarily near the city of Hainan on the north-central coast of the island. Eruptions were reported in the Lingao and Chengmai areas in the 19th and 20th centuries. Leihuling and Maanshan, two of the best preserved volcanic cones, are oriented along an E-W fracture and are part of a cluster of about 30 cones in the Shishan and Yongzing regions. The Haikou Volcanic Cluster, part of the Leiqiong World Geopark, around the town of Shishan 15 km SE of Hainan city, includes 40 volcanic features.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Nansheling ridge |
| 1883 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Lingao |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Hainan Volcanic Field
Is Hainan Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Yes, Hainan Volcanic Field is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 1933 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Hainan Volcanic Field last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Hainan Volcanic Field occurred in 1933 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Hainan Volcanic Field has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Hainan Volcanic Field?+
Hainan Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 196 meters (643 feet) above sea level. At 196 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Hainan Volcanic Field?+
Hainan Volcanic Field is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Hainan Volcanic Field located?+
Hainan Volcanic Field is located in China, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southeast Asia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 19.905° latitude, 110.229° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Hainan Volcanic Field?+
Visiting Hainan Volcanic Field requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 1933 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.
