About Victory
Victory is a stratovolcano rising to 1,832 meters (6,011 feet) in Papua New Guinea's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1935 CE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Victory is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Trobriand Volcanic Province of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 9.20° S, 149.07° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,832 meters above sea level, Victory 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
Victory 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 Victory, 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
Victory has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1810 CE to 1890 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1890 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 80 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The dominantly andesitic Mount Victory stratovolcano, forming part of Cape Nelson on the NE coast of Papua New Guinea, is covered by rainforest. The deeply dissected Pleistocene Trafalgar volcano is immediately adjacent to the NE. The summit crater is breached to the SE, possibly due to landslides. Several lava domes are present in the summit area. Four small cones are located on the SW side, and two others occur on the NE flank. The only observed activity was a long-term late-19th to early 20th-century eruption that was frequently seen by passing ships. Pyroclastic flows have destroyed several villages and caused fatalities, and reached the coast.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1810 | 2 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Victory
Is Victory an active volcano?+
Yes, Victory is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 1935 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Victory last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Victory occurred in 1890 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Victory has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Victory?+
Victory has a summit elevation of 1,832 meters (6,011 feet) above sea level. At 1,832 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Victory?+
Victory 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 Victory located?+
Victory is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Trobriand Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -9.200° latitude, 149.072° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Victory?+
Visiting Victory requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 1935 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
