Mount Michael

 

Mount Michael, a remote stratovolcano situated on Saunders Island in the South Sandwich Islands, is a geologically active feature of the southern Atlantic Ocean. This predominantly ice-covered volcano exhibits a persistent lava lake within its summit crater, a rare phenomenon observed in only a few volcanic systems worldwide. Thermal anomalies detected via satellite imagery initially suggested the presence of the lava lake, the existence of which was subsequently confirmed by an expedition in November 2022.

Location:	South Sandwich Islands
Coordinates:	-57.800974, -26.486905
Volcano Type:	Stratovolcano

 

Mount Michael’s Location

 

Mount Michael’s Latest Status

2024: Currently Active

 

Mount Michael’s Eruptive History

Year	Eruptive Activity
1819	Explosive eruption from the central vent, likely producing ash clouds.
1820	Significant vapor/steam emissions observed, suggesting ongoing volcanic activity.
Late 19th/Early 20th Century	Effusive eruption suspected from a fissure on the northern flank, creating the Blackstone Plain lava flow.
1964	Vapor/steam emissions observed, indicating continued activity.
2003	Persistent lava lake detected within the summit crater, likely with fluctuating levels of activity.
2013	Eruption from a new vent
2023	Persistent lava lake, numerous thermal anomalies.

 

Mount Michael Monitoring

No monitoring available for this volcano.

 

Mount Michael Images