About Cagua
Cagua is a stratovolcano rising to 1,133 meters (3,717 feet) in Philippines's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1860 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Cagua is located in Philippines, within the Luzon Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 18.22° N, 122.12° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,133 meters above sea level, Cagua 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
Cagua 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 Cagua, 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
Cagua has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1860 CE to 1860 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1860 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
GVP Reference Summary
The Mount Cagua stratovolcano lies at the NE tip of Luzon. The circular summit crater is 1.5 km in diameter, with steep, 60-m-high walls. basaltic andesite and basaltic lava effusion characterized the initial stage of volcanism during the early Pleistocene. From about 600,000 to 300,000 years ago thick pyroclastic flows covered the entire volcano. Recent periods of phreatomagmatic activity have produced ash flows. The forested volcano is locally known as the "Mountain of Fire." A phreatic explosion in 1860 CE may have been accompanied by a pyroclastic flow. Strong solfataric activity occurred in 1907, and thermal areas are located near the summit crater and on the NW to NNE flanks.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Cagua
Is Cagua an active volcano?+
Cagua is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1860 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Cagua last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Cagua occurred in 1860 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Cagua has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Cagua?+
Cagua has a summit elevation of 1,133 meters (3,717 feet) above sea level. At 1,133 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Cagua?+
Cagua 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 Cagua located?+
Cagua is located in Philippines, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Luzon Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 18.222° latitude, 122.123° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Cagua?+
Cagua 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.
