Kavachi, Submarine volcano near Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Kavachi is a submarine volcano near Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands that rises from roughly 1100 meters below sea level, with its active crater situated about 20 meters beneath the ocean surface. Volcanic activity regularly produces steam plumes and creates temporary islands.
The first recorded eruption took place in 1939, and the volcano has remained intermittently active since. Intense eruptive episodes have created islands at the ocean surface multiple times, though they have repeatedly submerged as activity subsided.
Local people of the New Georgia Group named this volcano after their sea god, calling it Rejo te Kavachi, which means Kavachi's oven. This name reflects how deeply the community connects the underwater world to their traditions.
Exploring this volcano requires specialized research vessels due to its underwater location and frequent eruptive activity. The best opportunity to observe it comes during periods of lower activity, and visitors should expect to work with marine researchers or experienced guides.
Researchers discovered hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, and sixgill stingrays living inside the active volcanic crater in 2015. These species thrive under extreme conditions that continue to puzzle scientists.
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