About Cochons, Ile aux
Cochons, Ile aux is a stratovolcano rising to 775 meters (2,543 feet) in France's Somalian-Antarctic Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Cochons, Ile aux is located in France, within the Crozet Hotspot Volcano Group of the broader Somalian-Antarctic Volcanic Regions. Situated at 46.10° S, 50.23° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 775 meters above sea level, Cochons, Ile aux is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Cochons, Ile aux 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 Cochons, Ile aux in France 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.
GVP Reference Summary
The 8 x 10 km Ile aux Cochons, at the W end of the Crozet Islands, is a single stratovolcano with a small summit caldera and more than 60 scoria cones. The production of phreatomagmatic breccias interbedded with thin lava flows was followed by block faulting and the eruption of scoria cones and lava flows along four radial fracture systems. Bellair (1964) considered the Morne Rouge cone on the E coast to be younger than a cone on Possession Island estimated to be several hundred years old.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Cochons, Ile aux.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Cochons, Ile aux
Is Cochons, Ile aux an active volcano?+
Cochons, Ile aux is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Cochons, Ile aux?+
Cochons, Ile aux has a summit elevation of 775 meters (2,543 feet) above sea level. At 775 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Cochons, Ile aux?+
Cochons, Ile aux is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Cochons, Ile aux located?+
Cochons, Ile aux is located in France, in the Somalian-Antarctic Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Crozet Hotspot Volcano Group. Its exact coordinates are -46.100° latitude, 50.230° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Cochons, Ile aux?+
Cochons, Ile aux can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. France may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
