Northern EPR at 17°N
Fissure vent(s) · -2,700m · Mexico
About Northern EPR at 17°N
Northern EPR at 17°N is a fissure vent(s) rising to -2,700 meters (-8,859 feet) in Mexico's Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 50 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Northern EPR at 17°N is located in Mexico, within the Northern East Pacific Rise Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 16.55° N, 105.32° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -2,700 meters — below sea level — Northern EPR at 17°N 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
Northern EPR at 17°N 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 Northern EPR at 17°N in Mexico 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
Northern EPR at 17°N has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 50 BCE to 50 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
This second-order segment of the northern East Pacific Rise, also called Segment RO2, lies between the Orozco and Rivera transform faults, south of the Rivera transform. The segment displays a typical small rifted axial crest, about 2-3 km wide and 20-50 m deep. At some locations the summit trough almost disappears, suggesting high rates of volcanism. A seamount lies just east of the axial crest at about 16°33'N. Magnetic paleointensity measurements on basaltic glasses dated a lava flow at about 2,000 +/- 1,000 years and another at "contemporary" age, perhaps decades to a few hundred years old.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 BCE | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | East Pacific Rise (16.80°N) |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern EPR at 17°N
Is Northern EPR at 17°N an active volcano?+
Northern EPR at 17°N is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 50 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Northern EPR at 17°N last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Northern EPR at 17°N occurred in 50 BCE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Northern EPR at 17°N has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Northern EPR at 17°N?+
Northern EPR at 17°N has a summit elevation of -2,700 meters (-8,859 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -2,700 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Northern EPR at 17°N?+
Northern EPR at 17°N 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 Northern EPR at 17°N located?+
Northern EPR at 17°N is located in Mexico, in the Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern East Pacific Rise Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 16.550° latitude, -105.320° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Northern EPR at 17°N?+
Northern EPR at 17°N can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Mexico may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
