About Late
Late is a stratovolcano rising to 540 meters (1,772 feet) in Tonga's Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1854 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Late is located in Tonga, within the Tofua Volcanic Arc of the broader Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. Situated at 18.81° S, 174.65° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 540 meters above sea level, Late 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
Late sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Tonga near Late, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, 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
Late has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1790 CE to 1854 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1854 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 64 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The 6-km-wide circular island of Late, along the Tofua volcanic arc about 55 km WSW of Vavau, contains a 400-m-wide, 150-m-deep summit crater with an ephemeral lake. The largely submerged basaltic andesite to andesitic volcano rises 1,500 m from the sea floor, with its conical summit reaching 540 m above sea level. Cinder cones are found north of the summit crater, west and north of a semicircular plateau 100-150 m below the summit, and on the NW coast. A graben-like structure on the NE flank contains two large pit craters, the lower of which is partially filled by a saltwater lake. Eruptions from the NE-flank craters produced explosive activity and possible lava flows in 1790 and 1854.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1854 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | NE flank |
| 1790 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | NE flank? |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Late
Is Late an active volcano?+
Late is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1854 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Late last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Late occurred in 1854 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Late has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Late?+
Late has a summit elevation of 540 meters (1,772 feet) above sea level. At 540 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Late?+
Late 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 Late located?+
Late is located in Tonga, in the Tonga-Kermadec Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Tofua Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -18.806° latitude, -174.650° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Late?+
Late 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.
