Tinakula is a stratovolcano located in the Solomon Islands at a tectonic subduction zone, with a summit elevation of 796 metres. According to the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, the volcano has a confirmed record of 25 eruptions spanning from antiquity to the 21st century. The official record documents activity ranging from uncalibrated radiocarbon-dated historical events in the 11th century BCE to structured observation periods reaching into the 21st century.
Overview of Recorded Eruptions
The historical record for Tinakula includes 25 confirmed eruptions, with the earliest recorded event placed approximately in 1050 BCE based on uncalibrated carbon-14 isotopic evidence. Across the entire compiled collection, 23 of the eruptions feature recorded values on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), with the largest recorded VEI reaching 3.0.
The frequency of recorded activity varies significantly by century in the official record:
- 11th century BCE: 1 confirmed eruption
- 16th century CE: 1 confirmed eruption
- 18th century CE: 2 confirmed eruptions
- 19th century CE: 6 confirmed eruptions
- 20th century CE: 11 confirmed eruptions
- 21st century CE: 4 confirmed eruptions
Chronological Milestones in Eruption History
Documentation methods for Tinakula shift over time from isotopic estimation to direct human observations. Representative entries in the official record illustrate this progression:
- 1050 BCE (?): Recorded via uncalibrated 14C isotopic evidence, representing the earliest entry in the confirmed eruption collection.
- 1869-03-16: Documented through reported observations, registering a VEI of 2.0.
- 1932-05-11: A reported observational eruption with a VEI of 1.0.
- 2017-10-21 to 2017-10-26: A summit crater eruption documented through reported observations with a VEI of 3.0.
- 2018-12-08 to 2024-12-31: An extended eruptive period originating from the summit vent and northwest flank, recorded with a VEI of 2.0. The official record notes this activity as continuing through the end of 2024.
Profile-level data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program notes a last known eruption year of 2024, aligning with the conclusion date of the multi-year eruptive phase that began in December 2018.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of volcano is Tinakula and where is it located?
Tinakula is a stratovolcano located in the Solomon Islands, standing at an elevation of 796 metres above sea level in a tectonic subduction zone.
How many eruptions have been recorded at Tinakula?
The Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program records 25 confirmed eruptions for Tinakula, spanning from approximately 1050 BCE to 2024.
What is the largest recorded VEI for Tinakula?
The largest recorded Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) for Tinakula eruptions in the official record is 3.0.
Image credits
- British Government — Wikimedia Commons source — Public domain
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.