Crater Mountain
Stratovolcano · 2,950m · Papua New Guinea
About Crater Mountain
Crater Mountain is a stratovolcano rising to 2,950 meters (9,679 feet) in Papua New Guinea's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Crater Mountain is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Eastern New Guinea Volcanic Province of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 6.58° S, 145.09° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,950 meters above sea level, Crater Mountain rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
Crater Mountain, an arcuate chain of peaks, is extensively eroded to the point that its volcanic origin is almost unrecognizable. However, steep-sided valleys to the N and E are floored by lava flows and other young volcanic features. The easternmost Agotu Valley contains several small craters, cinder cones, and maars of late-Pleistocene or Holocene age (Mackenzie and Johnson, 1984). Several small cones, lava domes, and associated lava flows N and NW of the Erun Anticline may, in part, be Holocene in age.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Crater Mountain.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Crater Mountain
Is Crater Mountain an active volcano?+
Crater Mountain 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 Crater Mountain?+
Crater Mountain has a summit elevation of 2,950 meters (9,679 feet) above sea level. At 2,950 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Crater Mountain?+
Crater Mountain 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 Crater Mountain located?+
Crater Mountain is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Eastern New Guinea Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -6.581° latitude, 145.091° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Crater Mountain?+
Crater Mountain 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.
