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Mt Cameroon Volcano - John Seach
Cameroon
4.20 N, 9.17 E
summit elevation 4095 m
Stratovolcano
Mount Cameroon is one of Africa's most active volcanoes. More than 100 cinder cones lie on the flanks of Mt Cameroon. Earthquake swarms are often associated with eruptions at the volcano.
Mt Cameroon is the only currently active volcano in a volcanic chain extending from Pagalu Island in the Atlantic Ocean to the volcanic plateaus of Biu in Nigeria and Ngaoundere in Cameroon (Cameroon Line). The volcano is the largest mountain in west Africa and one of the largest volcanoes in Africa.
The coast to the west of the mountain averages 10 metres of rain per year, making it one of the wettest places on earth. Mt Cameroon features in the folklore of the Bakwiri tribe who call it "Mongo ma Loba" (Mountain of Heaven).
Three main town are located on the flank of the volcano; Limbe, Buea, and Muyuka. There are about 500,000 people living near the volcano.
Eruptions of Mt Cameroon Volcano
2012 Eruption
An eruption was reported at Mt Cameroon on 3rd February 2012. Tourists reported hearing explosions, followed by ash emissions.
2001 Lahars
26-27 June 2001 heavy rains on the southern slope of Mt Cameroon produced mudflows which killed 23 people at Limbe.
2000 Eruption
Mt Cameroon Volcano erupted on 28th May 2000. The eruption occurred at two locations 3 km apart, on the upper SE slope of the volcano. The first eruption site was located at 04°12'40" N and 09°10'45" E at 4,000 m altitude. The site produced explosions from two craters. The second eruption site was located at 04°11'15" N and 09°10' E at 3,300 m altitude. The site consisted of a fissure which fed two lava ponds, lava flows, and spatter cones. Lava flows reached within 4 km of Buea.
1999 Eruption
On 28th March 1999 an eruption began on the S flank at about 2,650 m elevation. Lava flowed from multiple vents on the south flank.
1982 Eruption
On 16th October 1982 an eruption of Mt Cameroon began mid-slope, with opening of a fissure 6.5 km SW of the summit. More than 26 earthquakes were registered in 30 days.
1959 Eruption
An eruption occurred on the southeastern flank of Mt Cameroon volcano. Four craters erupted and three lava flows were emitted. The main lava flow stopped close to the village of Ekona.
1954 Eruption
A small summit eruption occurred at Mt Cameroon. A small lava flow was emitted at the western base of a crater which had reactivated.
1922 Eruption
Eruptions occurred near the Fako, and on the southeastern flank. Construction of a road between Limbe and Idenau enabled identification of lava flow path.
1909 Eruption
The eruption of Mt Cameroon in 1909 sent lava towards the east.
1865 Eruption
Eruption on the summit area.
1852 Eruption
Eruption on the western flank.
1845-46 Eruption
Eruption above Buea.
1838-39 Eruption
Eruption near the Fako (summit of Mt Cameroon).
1800-1815 Eruption
A large eruption occurred at 2600 m altitude. Lava flows reached the village of Mapanja.
Further reading
Favalli, M., Tarquini, S., Papale, P., Fornaciai, A. and Boschi, E., 2012. Lava flow hazard and risk at Mt. Cameroon volcano. Bulletin of volcanology, 74(2), pp.423-439.
Ateba, B., Dorbath, C., Dorbath, L., Ntepe, N., Frogneux, M., Aka, F.T., Hell, J.V., Delmond, J.C. and Manguelle, D., 2009. Eruptive and earthquake activities related to the 2000 eruption of Mount Cameroon volcano (West Africa). Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 179(3-4), pp.206-216.
Ateba, B. and Ntepe, N., 1997. Post-eruptive seismic activity of Mount Cameroon (Cameroon), West Africa: a statistical analysis. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 79(1-2), pp.25-45.
Ubangoh, R.U., Ateba, B., Ayonghe, S.N. and Ekodeck, G.E., 1997. Earthquake swarms of Mt Cameroon, West Africa. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 24(4), pp.413-424.
Déruelle, B., N'ni, J. and Kambou, R., 1987. Mount Cameroon: an active volcano of the Cameroon Line. Journal of African Earth Sciences (1983), 6(2), pp.197-214.
Mt Cameroon Volcano Eruptions
2012, 2000, 1999, 1989, 1982, 1959, 1954, 1925, 1922, 1909, 1871, 1868, 1866, 1865, 1852, 1845-46, 1838-39, 1825, 1800-15, 1650, 450 BC.