About Leonard Range
Leonard Range is a stratovolcano rising to 1,080 meters (3,543 feet) in Philippines's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 80 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Leonard Range is located in Philippines, within the Eastern Philippine Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 7.38° N, 126.05° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,080 meters above sea level, Leonard Range is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Leonard Range 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 Philippines near Leonard Range, 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
Leonard Range has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 4092 BCE to 80 CE. These eruptions span roughly 4,172 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
An andesitic-to-dacitic stratovolcano complex in the Leonard Range is truncated by a 4 x 5 km caldera partially filled by Lake Leonard. The Leonard Kniazeff stratovolcano is located east of the head of Davao Gulf in SE Mindanao, east of the major N-S-trending Philippine Fault. Activity in the Leonard Range dates back to 1.1 million years. A dome building stage began about 290,000 years ago, producing a series of lava domes in the region surrounding Lake Leonard. A younger stage involved the eruption of the Paloc pyroclastic deposits from the late-Pleistocene to Holocene and the formation of the caldera. Radiocarbon dates ranging from about 6,000 to 1,800 years ago were obtained from the Paloc pyroclastic deposits. The Manat thermal area is located north of Lake Leonard, solfataras occur its SW rim, and active solfataras, fumaroles, and hot springs are found in the Amacan-Gopod thermal area south of the lake.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 77 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 4092 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Leonard Range
Is Leonard Range an active volcano?+
Leonard Range is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 80 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Leonard Range last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Leonard Range occurred in 80 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Leonard Range has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Leonard Range?+
Leonard Range has a summit elevation of 1,080 meters (3,543 feet) above sea level. At 1,080 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Leonard Range?+
Leonard Range 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 Leonard Range located?+
Leonard Range is located in Philippines, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Eastern Philippine Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 7.382° latitude, 126.047° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Leonard Range?+
Leonard Range can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Philippines may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
