Morne Diablotins is the highest and largest volcano in Dominica and the second highest mountain in the Eastern Caribbean, measuring 22 km x 18 km at its base and towers to a height of 1421 meters. It dominates the norhthern part of the island.
Structure and past eruptive activity
Morne Diablotins is a composite structure composed of several superposed units ranging in age from Pliocene to Pleistocene. The Pliocene rocks from Morne Diablotins are characterized by older submarine volcaniclastic deposits interbedded with limestones and a younger subareial sequence of lava flows and block and ash flows overlain by a thick succession of consolidated block and ash flow deposits and volcaniclastic sandstones and conglomerates. (See photo of cliffside near Gueule Lion)
Younger Pleistocene to Recent activity of Morne Diablotins is characterized by Pelean style eruptions with block and ash flows reaching the southwest (Grand Savanne), northwest (Pointe Ronde) and northeast (Londonderry) coasts. This Pelean activity was followed by explosive Plinian activity, with dates ranging from 22,000 to 40,000 years before present.
Credits:
Smith A.L et al: Unpublished data.
Lindsay, J.M; Smith, A.L; Roobol, M.J; & Stasiuk, M.V. 2005. Dominica. In: Lindsay, J.M., Robertson, R.E.A., Shepherd, J.B., & Ali, S. (eds) 2005. Volcanic Hazard Atlas of the Lesser Antilles - Seismic Research Unit, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I, 1-48.
Major Settlements Surrounding Morne Diablotins
Salisbury, Morne Raquette, Coulibistrie, Colihaut, Dublanc/Bioche, Portsmouth, Bense, Calibishie, Woodfordhill, Wesley.
Age Dating from Morne Diablotins (years B.P.)
| Location | 14C Date |
| Grande Savanne | 22,200 (Sparks et al 1980) |
| Pointe Ronde | 46,620 (Lindsay et al 2005) |
| Coulibistrie | 40,000 (Wadge 1989) |
Recent Activity at Morne Diablotins Volcano
NONE
Fumaroles & Geothermal features associated with Morne Diablotins center.
Morne Turner Fumarole