Walvis Ridge at 33°S
Cone · -1,200m · Undersea Features
About Walvis Ridge at 33°S
Walvis Ridge at 33°S is a cone rising to -1,200 meters (-3,937 feet) in Undersea Features's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. It has been active in recent decades, with its last eruption in 2002 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Walvis Ridge at 33°S is located in Undersea Features, within the Southern Atlantic Volcano Group of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 32.96° S, 5.22° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With an elevation of -1,200 meters — below sea level — Walvis Ridge at 33°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 minor, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Walvis Ridge at 33°S 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 Walvis Ridge at 33°S tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Undersea Features more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is no data (checked), which influences the viscosity of the magma and, consequently, the style of eruptions this volcano produces. Rock chemistry is one of the most important factors in determining whether a volcano erupts explosively or effusively.
Eruption History Summary
Walvis Ridge at 33°S has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 2001 CE to 2001 CE. With eruptive activity as recently as 2001 CE, Walvis Ridge at 33°S remains an actively monitored volcano.
GVP Reference Summary
Hydrophones in the North Atlantic Ocean recorded signals from an explosive eruption in the South Atlantic along the Walvis Ridge about 780 km NE of Tristan da Cunha Island (Haxel and Dziak, 2005). The signals occurred from November 2001 to March 2002 from the N flank of a seamount 170 km NW of Wüst seamount and 100 km WNW of Rachel seamount (named by the Walvis Ridge MV1203 Expedition). The signals, similar to those produced by a 2001 submarine eruption of Kick 'em Jenny volcano in the West Indies, reached a peak on 19-20 December 2001.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | Seamount NW of Wüst seamount |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Walvis Ridge at 33°S
Is Walvis Ridge at 33°S an active volcano?+
Yes, Walvis Ridge at 33°S is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2002 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Walvis Ridge at 33°S last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Walvis Ridge at 33°S occurred in 2001 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Walvis Ridge at 33°S has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Walvis Ridge at 33°S?+
Walvis Ridge at 33°S has a summit elevation of -1,200 meters (-3,937 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -1,200 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Walvis Ridge at 33°S?+
Walvis Ridge at 33°S is classified as a Cone. Cone volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Walvis Ridge at 33°S located?+
Walvis Ridge at 33°S is located in Undersea Features, in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Atlantic Volcano Group. Its exact coordinates are -32.958° latitude, -5.220° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Walvis Ridge at 33°S?+
Visiting Walvis Ridge at 33°S requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2002 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.