The SW side of Tristan da Cunha volcano rises above the southern Atlantic seas. The 2060-m-high summit cone towers above high cliffs that bound most sides of the 13-km-wide island. Lava flows dominate both the low-angle base and the steep upper flanks, although pyroclastic cones ringing the central cone are scattered around the lower flanks. The only historical eruption on Tristan da Cunha (until 2004) occurred during 1961 from a northshore vent and forced the evacuation of the island's only settlement.

During 2004 an earthquake swarm on 29-30 July was followed by floating pumice.

For more information about earthquake of magnitude of 4.2 and following seismic activity on 29 July 2004 click here