It might seem strange to hear that New Jersey is home to a volcano, but it is true. The Mount Pleasant volcano in Sussex County sits at 1,000 feet above sea level, and its top is flat. During the Ice Age, a mile-thick slab of ice flattened the mountain, making the land flat enough for people to build a residential community and enjoy scenic views of Sussex County. Today, Mount Pleasant offers a beautiful setting for prime real estate and farms.
Rutan Hill
You may not have realized it, but Rutan Hill, New Jersey, is home to a volcano. This unusual rock formation is made up of rare igneous rock called nepheline syenite. This rare volcanic rock formed under extreme conditions and can provide glimpses into Earth’s history.
The mountain sits at a high elevation of almost 1,000 feet above sea level. In the Ice Age, the peak was covered by a mile-thick layer of ice. Today, the volcano’s summit is flat and is a prime location for residential developments. The area offers scenic views of Sussex County and the nearby towns. It is also home to a number of farms and prime real estate.
The Rutan Hill, New Jersey volcano was formed 440 million years ago, but it has not been active since then. It is located in the Meadowlands area in Sussex County. A local historian believes that it last erupted about 360 million years ago.
Kilauea volcano
The Kilauea volcano is the most active and dangerous volcano in the country, according to the US Geological Survey. The volcano began erupting in September, creating plumes of smoke and fountains up to 100 feet tall. In the aftermath, lava flooded the Halemaumau Crater.
The caldera floor collapsed several times before the volcano reached its present depth of 500 feet. By the end of the 20th century, the crater floor was filled with lava and was paved with recent lava flows. The largest vent on Kilauea, the Halema’uma’u (“Fern House”) Crater, is located six miles from the summit.
Kilauea is the world’s most active volcanic mass. It lies on the southeastern coast of Hawaii and is part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The volcano consists of a dome-shaped crater at its center and several lines of craters extending to the east and southwest rifts. A large section of the summit collapsed, leaving a caldera, a shallow depression that covers four square miles (10 square km).
Piton de la Fournaise
Located on the island of La Reunion, Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. During eruptions, lava fountains shoot from the mountain. These lava fountains are followed by large lava flows. The piton is about 530,000 years old, and is considered an active shield volcano. The piton may erupt several times a year. The best time to visit is during Austral winter, when the temperatures are mild and there is less rain. Mornings are typically sunny, but the afternoon clouds often blow in from the east. In the mountainous interior, fog is common and rain often occurs in the evening. Hikers on the island should take special precautions during these weather conditions, as fog is one of the most dangerous hazards.
Among the many attractions in Reunion, Piton de la Fournaise is a popular tourist spot. It is the only active volcano on the island, and it rises to 2,631 meters above sea level. It is part of the interior zone of Reunion National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Capulin Volcano
The 8,182-foot-tall Capulin Volcano is home to one of New Jersey’s most popular national parks. Visitors can hike the two-mile Crater Rim trail to the top, where they can admire the surrounding area. The summit features views of the surrounding countryside and is home to thousands of ladybugs. The area is also certified as International Dark-Sky Association Gold Tier, a sign of its low light pollution.
Visitors should allow at least an hour to explore the park. While at the park, stop by the Visitors Center to learn more about this unique geological feature. After you’ve done that, drive to the top of the volcano and watch a 10-minute video. Be careful though, because the road winds its way around the volcano and is very steep.
Monowai seamount
Did you know that New Jersey is home to a volcano and seamount? This volcano is part of the Kermancec Arc, a region containing volcanic islands and seamounts. It has a large submarine caldera that produces eruptions every few years, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the region. Its recent volcanic activity is evident by its slopes, which are covered with scoria and lapilli sand. The water surrounding Monowai is fertilized because of the chemicals from the volcano’s eruptions.
While a seamount is more commonly associated with a volcano, the New World Seamount is also an interesting geological feature. It is 2.5 miles (4 km) wide at its base and rises about 1,800 feet (500 meters) off the ocean floor. Its crater has sheet and pillow lava flows, volcanic breccias, and lag deposits. This seamount was once part of the volcanic area of the Watchung Mountains.
