Kuwae
| Kuwae | |
|---|---|
Shepherd Islands and associated underwater volcanoes. | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | –2 m (–6 ft) avg less than –400 m (–1,312 ft) |
| Listing | List of volcanoes in Vanuatu |
| Coordinates | 16°49′45″S 168°32′10″E / 16.82917°S 168.53611°E |
| Geography | |
| Location | Shepherd Islands, Vanuatu |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Caldera |
| Volcanic arc | New Hebrides arc |
| Last eruption | February to September 1974 |
Kuwae was a landmass that existed in the vicinity of Tongoa and was destroyed by volcanic eruption in fifteenth century, probably through caldera subsidence. The exact location of the caldera is debated. A submarine caldera, now known as Kuwae caldera that is located between the Epi and Tongoa islands, is a potential candidate. Kuwae caldera cuts through the flank of the Tavani Ruru volcano on Epi and the northwestern end of Tongoa. Another potential candidate is a proposed caldera between Tongoa and Tongariki.
The submarine volcano Karua, one of the most active volcanoes of Vanuatu, is near the northern rim of Kuwae caldera.