Qualibou Explained

Qualibou
Elevation M:777
Elevation Ref:[1]
Map:Saint Lucia
Location:Saint Lucia, Caribbean
Coordinates:13.838°N -61.046°W
Type:Caldera[2]
Age:32,000–39,000 years
Last Eruption:1766

Qualibou, also known as the Soufrière Volcanic Center, is a 3.5 × 5 km-wide caldera on the island of Saint Lucia that formed between 32,000 and 39,000 years ago. This eruption also formed the Choiseul Tuff which covers the southeastern portion of the island.

The Pitons are two large lava domes that formed before the formation of the caldera; ever since then, other domes have filled the caldera floor. There was a phreatic eruption in 1766 that deposited volcanic ash over a wide area.

Sulphur Springs is an active geothermal area located roughly in the center of the caldera.

In 1990, 1999 and 2000 there were shallow volcanic earthquakes located 6 km ESE of the caldera.[3]

External links

Notes and References

  1. This elevation is for Gros Piton, however Morne Gimie on the edge of the caldera has an elevation of 950 m.
  2. https://doi.org/10.5479/si.GVP.BGVN199005-360140 Global Volcanism Program, 1990. Report on Qualibou (Saint Lucia)
  3. Web site: The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (www.uwiseismic.com). St Lucia.