Thermal volcanic activity at the Home Reef Volcano is continuing into the New Year, and the little island is continuing to grow with new layers of lava flow covering over 40% of its area.
“Over the last 48 hours, Home Reef has maintained a moderate-to-low Volcanic Radiative Power (VRP) on the MIROVA scale,” the Tonga Geological Services (TGS) advised today, 3 January..
“The island continues to grow along the northeastern side. The newly formed lava lobe, as of 2 January, 2025, is ~67,000 square meters, covering about 42% of the island’s total area. The new lava lobe covers part of the existing island and the previous lava flows. The overall area of the island, as of 2 January, 2025, is 158,500 square meters.”
Satellite images from 2 January show small ash and gas plumes rising from the central vent and moving away at approximately one-minute intervals.
“This indicates a pulsatory manner of small eruptions. The pulsatory pattern of small eruptions are also detected by our infrasound system. However, we still see no indicators for major explosive eruptions at this point,” stated TGS. They have been monitoring the volcanic activity and growth of the island since June last year.
The current volcanic activity poses low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai communities, stated TGS.
“However, all Mariners are advised to remain at least 2 nautical miles away from Home Reef until further notice.
Home Reef is a submarine volcano, located 25 km southwest of Late Island, 22 km northeast of Lateiki (Metis Shoal) and 75 km northwest of Mo’unga’one Island at Latitude & Longitude 18.992°S & 174.775°W (Figure 5).
Monitoring of the eruption is ongoing daily by the Volcano Watch Team Tonga Geological Services, Natural Resources Division, of the Tonga Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources.
