About Lobster
Lobster is a shield rising to -1,500 meters (-4,921 feet) in Tonga's Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Lobster is located in Tonga, within the Northeast Lau Basin Volcano Group of the broader Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. Situated at 15.33° S, 176.28° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -1,500 meters — below sea level — Lobster 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 shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
Active hydrothermal venting was noted when this volcano was first discovered in 2008 by an Australian research expedition.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Lobster.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Lobster
Is Lobster an active volcano?+
Lobster is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Lobster?+
Lobster has a summit elevation of -1,500 meters (-4,921 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -1,500 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Lobster?+
Lobster is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Lobster located?+
Lobster is located in Tonga, in the Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northeast Lau Basin Volcano Group. Its exact coordinates are -15.333° latitude, -176.283° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Lobster?+
Lobster can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Tonga may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.