About Kadovar
Kadovar is a stratovolcano rising to 365 meters (1,198 feet) in Papua New Guinea's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2023 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Kadovar is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Bismarck Volcanic Arc of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 3.61° S, 144.59° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At just 365 meters above sea level, Kadovar is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. 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
Kadovar 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 Papua New Guinea near Kadovar, 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
Kadovar has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1700 CE to 2018 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 2018 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 318 years of volcanic history. With eruptive activity as recently as 2018 CE, Kadovar remains an actively monitored volcano.
GVP Reference Summary
The 2-km-wide island of Kadovar is the emergent summit of a Bismarck Sea stratovolcano of Holocene age. It is part of the Schouten Islands, and lies off the coast of New Guinea, about 25 km N of the mouth of the Sepik River. Prior to an eruption that began in 2018, a lava dome formed the high point of the andesitic volcano, filling an arcuate landslide scarp open to the south; submarine debris-avalanche deposits occur in that direction. Thick lava flows with columnar jointing forms low cliffs along the coast. The youthful island lacks fringing or offshore reefs. A period of heightened thermal phenomena took place in 1976. An eruption began in January 2018 that included lava effusion from vents at the summit and at the E coast.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Summit and SE flank |
| 1700 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kadovar
Is Kadovar an active volcano?+
Kadovar is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 2023 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Kadovar last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kadovar occurred in 2018 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Kadovar has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Kadovar?+
Kadovar has a summit elevation of 365 meters (1,198 feet) above sea level. At 365 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Kadovar?+
Kadovar 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 Kadovar located?+
Kadovar is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Bismarck Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -3.608° latitude, 144.588° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kadovar?+
Kadovar can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Papua New Guinea may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
