About Coleman Seamount
Coleman Seamount is a stratovolcano rising to -717 meters (-2,352 feet) in Solomon Islands'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
Coleman Seamount is located in Solomon Islands, within the Solomon Volcanic Province of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 8.84° S, 157.16° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -717 meters — below sea level — Coleman Seamount is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. 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
Coleman Seamount 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 Solomon Islands near Coleman Seamount, 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 no data (checked), which influences the viscosity of the magma and, consequently, the style of eruptions this volcano produces. Rock chemistry is one of the most important factors in determining whether a volcano erupts explosively or effusively.
GVP Reference Summary
The research vessel "Moana Wave" (University of Hawaii) discovered a young submarine volcano SE of Kana Keoki seamount during a November 1985 to January 1986 cruise. The volcano, named Coleman Seamount, was constructed over the E end of the inactive Woodlark spreading center, S of the convergent boundary between the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Coleman Seamount.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleman Seamount
Is Coleman Seamount an active volcano?+
Coleman Seamount is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Coleman Seamount?+
Coleman Seamount has a summit elevation of -717 meters (-2,352 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -717 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Coleman Seamount?+
Coleman Seamount 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 Coleman Seamount located?+
Coleman Seamount is located in Solomon Islands, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Solomon Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -8.841° latitude, 157.160° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Coleman Seamount?+
Coleman Seamount can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Solomon Islands may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
