About Kueishantao
Kueishantao is a stratovolcano rising to 361 meters (1,184 feet) in Taiwan's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1853 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Kueishantao is located in Taiwan, within the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 24.84° N, 121.95° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At just 361 meters above sea level, Kueishantao is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. 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
Kueishantao 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 Taiwan near Kueishantao, 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
Kueishantao has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1785 CE to 1853 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1853 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 68 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Kueishantao Island, the southernmost of five small volcanic islands off the NE coast of Taiwan, is also known as Guieshan Island and "Turtle Mountain Island" due to its profile as seen from some points on Taiwan. It is the southwesternmost volcano along the axis of the Okinawa Trough back-arc basin that extends to the NE from Taiwan to Unzen volcano in Kyushu. The SW tip of the Okinawa Trough extends past Kueishantao onto the Ilao Plain on Taiwan. The island consists of andesitic lava flows and volcaniclastic material. Accounts during the time of King Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1775-1795 CE) noted a lava flow on the mountain. Observations from ships in 1853 were likely from this location. Vigorous submarine fumaroles and solfataras discolor seawater in the area.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1853 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1785 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kueishantao
Is Kueishantao an active volcano?+
Kueishantao is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1853 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Kueishantao last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kueishantao occurred in 1853 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Kueishantao has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Kueishantao?+
Kueishantao has a summit elevation of 361 meters (1,184 feet) above sea level. At 361 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Kueishantao?+
Kueishantao 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 Kueishantao located?+
Kueishantao is located in Taiwan, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Ryukyu Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 24.841° latitude, 121.953° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kueishantao?+
Kueishantao can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Taiwan may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
