Shield volcanoes · erupting

Ambae

Ambae (Vanuatu) is a shield volcano. It rises to 1,496 m above sea level. The GVP records 12 confirmed eruptions in the Holocene, the latest in 2026. An eruption is continuing.

Elevation
1,496 m
Last eruption
2026
Confirmed eruptions
12
Max VEI
3
Country
Vanuatu
Location
15.39° S, 167.84° E
Region (GVP)
Vanuatu Volcanic Arc
GVP type
Shield
Tectonic setting
Subduction zone / Intermediate crust (15-25 km)
Main rock type
Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Show on the timeline GVP entry ↗

Other volcanoes and strong earthquakes within 300 km

Eruption history

VEI – Volcanic Explosivity Index: 0 = lava outpouring, 4 = like Eyjafjallajökull 2010, 6 = like Pinatubo 1991, 7 = like Tambora 1815. The scale is logarithmic – each step is about 10 times more material.

StartEndVEIVent and dating
24 November 2025 continuing 2 Observations: Reported
29 June 2024 30 June 2024 2 Observations: Reported
11 December 2023 21 December 2023 2 Observations: Reported
20 February 2023 28 May 2023 2 Observations: Reported
5 December 2021 15 August 2022 1 Observations: Reported
6 September 2017 30 October 2018 3 Pyroclastic cone in Lake Voui · Observations: Reported
4 June 2011 10 July 2011 1 Lake Manaro · Observations: Reported
27 November 2005 16 February 2006 2 Lake Voui · Observations: Reported
2 March 1995 3 March 1995 2 Lake Voui · Observations: Reported
c. 2 July 1870 — 2 SE side Lake Manaro Lakua; Lake Voui? · Observations: Reported
c. 1670 — 2 Lake Voui and upper west flank · Correlation: Anthropology
c. 1530 — ? Lakes Voui and Manaro Ngoru · Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

Data: Global Volcanism Program, Smithsonian Institution (#257030)