Mount Matavanu, Active volcano in Savai'i, Samoa.
Mount Matavanu is a volcano on Savai'i island that rises about 575 meters above sea level with a crater where trees now grow during this dormant period. The site is surrounded by extensive lava fields that shape the landscape and show the volcanic activity of the past.
The volcano erupted between 1905 and 1911, producing lava flows that transformed the surrounding landscape and forced several villages to relocate to Upolu island. This eruptive phase had lasting effects on local settlement patterns and communities.
The name Matavanu combines two Samoan words: mata means eye and vanu means valley, reflecting how the local language describes this volcanic shape.
Reaching the volcano requires guidance from locals, as accessing the site means crossing extensive lava fields and walking through forest paths. Sturdy footwear is essential since the terrain is rough and uneven throughout the journey.
In 2022 Mount Matavanu received recognition from the International Union of Geological Sciences as one of 100 geological heritage sites of global importance. This designation highlights its scientific significance among volcanic sites worldwide.
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