Mascarin Peak, Active volcano summit in Marion Island, Western Cape, South Africa.
Mascarin Peak is a shield volcano on Marion Island that rises to 1,230 meters above sea level. The broad volcanic cone was built by low-viscosity lava flows that shaped the island's interior landscape.
The peak was renamed Mascarin Peak in 2003, honoring French explorer Marion du Fresne and his ship Le Mascarin that surveyed the region. This naming change reflected a shift in how places on the island are remembered.
The peak serves as a central location for scientific research stations where experts study volcanic patterns and regional biodiversity.
Visiting Mascarin Peak requires special permits from the South African National Antarctic Programme since the area is strictly protected. Access to Marion Island itself is restricted and only granted during specific periods with approved arrangements.
This is South Africa's only active volcano, with its most recent eruption in 2004. It makes this one of the few actively monitored volcanic systems in the Southern Hemisphere, studied regularly by researchers.
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