About Ruby
Ruby is a stratovolcano rising to -174 meters (-571 feet) in United States's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2023 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Ruby is located in United States, within the Mariana Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 15.61° N, 145.57° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -174 meters — below sea level — Ruby 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
Ruby 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 United States near Ruby, 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 basalt / picro-basalt, 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
Ruby has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1966 CE to 2023 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 2023 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 57 years of volcanic history. With eruptive activity as recently as 2023 CE, Ruby remains an actively monitored volcano.
GVP Reference Summary
Ruby is a basaltic submarine volcano that rises to within about 200 m of the ocean surface near the southern end of the Mariana arc NW of Saipan. An eruption was detected in 1966 by sonar signals (Norris and Johnson, 1969). Submarine explosions were heard in 1995, accompanied by a fish kill, sulfurous odors, bubbling water, and the detection of volcanic tremor.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1995 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1966 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby
Is Ruby an active volcano?+
Yes, Ruby is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2023 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Ruby last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Ruby occurred in 2023 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Ruby has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Ruby?+
Ruby has a summit elevation of -174 meters (-571 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -174 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Ruby?+
Ruby 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 Ruby located?+
Ruby is located in United States, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Mariana Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 15.605° latitude, 145.572° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ruby?+
Visiting Ruby requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2023 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.
