Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J)
Fissure vent(s) · -2,650m · Undersea Features
About Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J)
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) is a fissure vent(s) rising to -2,650 meters (-8,695 feet) in Undersea Features's Southern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1890 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) is located in Undersea Features, within the Southern East Pacific Rise Volcanic Province of the broader Southern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 18.18° S, 113.35° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -2,650 meters — below sea level — Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) 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
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) 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 Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) in Undersea Features 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
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1820 CE to 1890 CE. These eruptions span roughly 70 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The axial crest of Segment J of the Southern East Pacific Rise consists of an asymmetrical shallow graben varying from 250 to 600 m wide with walls about 20 m high. Horst and graben structures expose cooled lava lakes and both active and extinct hydrothermal chimneys. Basaltic lava flow fields, lava pillars, and pillow mounds are found on the floor of the graben. The largest lava flow field is the Moai lava flow at about 18°12'S. Two lava flows have been dated by paleomagnetic evidence at about 1820 and 1890 CE.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1820 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J)
Is Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) an active volcano?+
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1890 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) occurred in 1890 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J)?+
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) has a summit elevation of -2,650 meters (-8,695 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -2,650 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J)?+
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) 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 Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) located?+
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) is located in Undersea Features, in the Southern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern East Pacific Rise Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -18.175° latitude, -113.350° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J)?+
Southern EPR at 18.2°S (Segment J) can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Undersea Features may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
