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Frequently asked questions about St. lucia volcanoes
Located around Soufriere on the island of St. Lucia is the Quailbou Depression, home of the island’s volcanic centre. Here, you will find many beautiful wonders, including World Heritage Site Piton Mountains as well as Sulphur Springs, renowned for being the only drive-in volcano in the entire world. Here, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding St. Lucia’s volcanic area, including which parts of the region you absolutely must visit if you have the opportunity to visit.
What Is the Name of St. Lucia’s Volcano?
While the surrounding area is commonly known as the Soufriere Volcanic Centre, it is actually home to only one active volcano, known as the Quailbo volcano. It has an elevation of 777 meters, or 2,549 feet. It is about three and a half by five kilometers wide.
What Makes the Volcanic Region of St. Lucia so Special?
In addition to being an astonishing six million years old, the volcanic area of St. Lucia is a visual paradise. The twin Piton Mountains offer an amazing hiking opportunity, and from the tops, you can see not only the beauty of the island, but the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The eruption that created the Pitons also created the Choiseul Tuff, which can be found on the southeast side of the island. Sulphur Springs is another incredible aspect of the island’s volcanic region. In addition to being the only drive-in volcano in the world, the hot mud baths are renowned for their medicinal properties and both locals and travelers alike can often be found soaking in them.
Why Does the St. Lucia Volcanic Zone Have Such a Distinct Aroma?
The reason that St. Lucia’s volcanic area smells the way that it does is because of the high concentration of sulphur. It can be a strong smell at times, but the beauty and majesty of the area more than make up for it.
Is There Lava in the St. Lucia Mineral Pools?
Absolutely not! The Sulphur Springs mud baths are completely safe, comprised of hot water, sulphur, iron, and other safe, naturally occurring elements. In fact, it is this combination of elements that give the surrounding rocks their beautiful green color!
When Did the St. Lucia Volcano Last Erupt?
The last true eruption on St. Lucia was in 1766. It was a fairly minor eruption that resulted largely in the nearby area being covered in a very thin layer of ash. However, in 1990 and again in both 1999 and 2000, there were very minor volcanic earthquakes located about six kilometers away from the center of the Caldera.
Is The Volcano Likely to Erupt Again?
While an eruption is certainly possible, the most likely scenario if one were to occur would be a minor steam eruption at Sulphur Springs. This would only affect the Sulphur Springs area and would not involve magma. An actual magmatic eruption is, in fact, the least likely of all possible scenarios, though if it were to occur, it would either come from the Central Highlands or the Quailbou Caldera.
What Is the Name of St. Lucia’s Volcano?
While the surrounding area is commonly known as the Soufriere Volcanic Centre, it is actually home to only one active volcano, known as the Quailbo volcano. It has an elevation of 777 meters, or 2,549 feet. It is about three and a half by five kilometers wide.
What Makes the Volcanic Region of St. Lucia so Special?
In addition to being an astonishing six million years old, the volcanic area of St. Lucia is a visual paradise. The twin Piton Mountains offer an amazing hiking opportunity, and from the tops, you can see not only the beauty of the island, but the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The eruption that created the Pitons also created the Choiseul Tuff, which can be found on the southeast side of the island. Sulphur Springs is another incredible aspect of the island’s volcanic region. In addition to being the only drive-in volcano in the world, the hot mud baths are renowned for their medicinal properties and both locals and travelers alike can often be found soaking in them.
Why Does the St. Lucia Volcanic Zone Have Such a Distinct Aroma?
The reason that St. Lucia’s volcanic area smells the way that it does is because of the high concentration of sulphur. It can be a strong smell at times, but the beauty and majesty of the area more than make up for it.
Is There Lava in the St. Lucia Mineral Pools?
Absolutely not! The Sulphur Springs mud baths are completely safe, comprised of hot water, sulphur, iron, and other safe, naturally occurring elements. In fact, it is this combination of elements that give the surrounding rocks their beautiful green color!
When Did the St. Lucia Volcano Last Erupt?
The last true eruption on St. Lucia was in 1766. It was a fairly minor eruption that resulted largely in the nearby area being covered in a very thin layer of ash. However, in 1990 and again in both 1999 and 2000, there were very minor volcanic earthquakes located about six kilometers away from the center of the Caldera.
Is The Volcano Likely to Erupt Again?
While an eruption is certainly possible, the most likely scenario if one were to occur would be a minor steam eruption at Sulphur Springs. This would only affect the Sulphur Springs area and would not involve magma. An actual magmatic eruption is, in fact, the least likely of all possible scenarios, though if it were to occur, it would either come from the Central Highlands or the Quailbou Caldera.
