About White Island
White Island is a shield(s) rising to 762 meters (2,500 feet) in Antarctica's Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
White Island is located in Antarctica, within the McMurdo Volcanic Province of the broader Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 78.17° S, 167.50° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a polar climate zone. With a summit elevation of 762 meters above sea level, White Island is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
White Island is a mostly ice-covered volcanic complex at the northern end of the island consisting of two shield volcanoes and overlying pyroclastic cones. The youngest Potassium-Argon date obtained was 0.17 million years ago and there is no evidence of Holocene activity.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for White Island.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About White Island
Is White Island an active volcano?+
White Island is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is White Island?+
White Island has a summit elevation of 762 meters (2,500 feet) above sea level. At 762 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is White Island?+
White Island is classified as a Shield(s). Shield volcanoes are broad, gently sloping volcanoes built by fluid lava flows. They produce less explosive eruptions compared to stratovolcanoes and tend to have effusive lava rather than violent blasts.
Where is White Island located?+
White Island is located in Antarctica, in the Antarctic-Scotia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the McMurdo Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -78.170° latitude, 167.500° longitude.
Is it safe to visit White Island?+
White Island can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Antarctica may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.