What kind of volcano is Yasur?

Yasur is classified as a Stratovolcano in Vanuatu. Its tectonic setting is Subduction zone / Intermediate crust (15-25 km).

How is seismicity near Yasur monitored here?

Earthquakes within 50 km of the crater are aggregated from 18 seismic networks and checked against a swarm rule that compares the current rate with this volcano's own 30-day background. Ash advisories come from the VAAC centres that are connected.

Volcano Dossier•GVP #257100

19.53°S, 169.45°E

Erupted since 2000

Volcano Yasur

On Tanna island in Vanuatu, Yasur has been erupting almost continuously for centuries; Captain Cook saw its glow in 1774. Strombolian explosions every few minutes make it one of the most accessible active volcanoes on Earth: visitors watch from the crater rim, and the alert level decides how close they may go.

Last eruption

2026

Erupted since 2000

Summit

0.4 km

Stratovolcano · Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Activity

Normal Baseline

0 events (1.0x rate)

Interactive Volcano & Seismicity Map

Seismicity within 50 km radius, active VAAC ash plumes, and tectonic plate boundaries.

Recent seismicity within 50 km

0 events in the last 12 h within 25 km of the crater.

Time	Magnitude	Epicenter / Place	Distance	Depth
84d ago	M4.0	VANUATU	36 km	316.3 km

Geological & Tectonic Profile

Stratovolcano

Yasur is an active Stratovolcano formed in an active Subduction zone / Intermediate crust (15-25 km). Dominant lithology: Andesite / Basaltic Andesite.

Edifice TypeStratovolcano

Major rockAndesite / Basaltic Andesite

TectonicsSubduction zone

Volcanic ArcVanuatu Volcanic Arc

Volcano Dossier

VN #257100

Official catalogue parameters, coordinates, elevation and geotectonic classification.

CountryVanuatu

Crater Coordinates-19.532°, 169.447°

Summit0.4 km

SubregionVanuatu Volcanic Arc

Catalog SourceSmithsonian GVP (#257100)

Authoritative Monitoring Infrastructure

All 18 Networks & VAAC →

Seismic ObservatoryGSN / FDSN

Global Seismographic Network & Regional Centers

Official Portal

ICAO Aviation Ash Center

ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Network

International Civil Aviation Organization

VAAC Advisory Desk

Swarm telemetry correlated across 18 networks against a 30-day baseline.Read Science & Physics →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Verified scientific, operational, and emergency protocols

The most recent eruption of Yasur recorded by the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program was in 2026.

Catalogue: Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program.Smithsonian GVP profile