The volcanic
islands of Vanuatu are a source of wonder for tourists from
around the globe. Deep under the formation of the world's
most accessible, active volcano, the earth’s crust is being
split and cracked like an egg breaking open. Thundering booms
of molten lava shoot from deep within its crater as it spews
forth liquid fire and clouds of volcanic ash.
Welcome
to Mt. Yasur: Location: Tanna Island in the Islands of Fire!
MT.
Yasur - The Crater
MOUNT
YASUR - Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
Why Is Mt. Yasur Such A Famous Vanuatu Tourist
Attraction?
A.
Yasur volcano on Tanna Island is constantly
active AND very easy to reach. Standing on the edge
of an active volcano is a "once-in-lifetime"
experience, and truly awesome - both by day and especially
at night.
Q.
Is It Dangerous?
A.
Generally not. Yasur is the most active and
spectacular during the rainy season from late February
to April but even then, it is seldom too active to cause
cancellation of any Mt. Yasur Volcano Tours. Still,
volcanoes are unpredictable by nature and so you should
follow your tour guide's instructions, particularly
as regards staying away from any areas of the vent that
are known to be potentially dangerous.
The
Climb To The Summit
Q. Has
Anyone Ever Fallen Into The Crater?
A.
No, there have been no documented cases that
we know of. As you get close to the crater, you find
that the force of the hot air that constantly rises
upwards has a tendency to almost blow you BACK from
the edge.
On
The Crater's Edge
Q.
What type of volcano is Mt. Yasur?
A.
It is a Vulcanian type of strato volcano with Strobolian
type eruptions. This means that it is made up of layers
of different types of rocks and has magma erupting from
a central crater, along with glowing lava, rocks and
plumes of ash, steam and smoke.
Q.
Can Children Go To See Mount Mt. Yasur?
A.
Yes - even babies!
Talk
About An Extreme Nappy Change!
Q.
Are Local Villagers Affected By Volcanic Activity?
A.
Yes, very much so. While Mount Yasur has pyrocalstic
eruptions and has been responsible for causing a tsunami,
it is volcanic ash fallout that really affects local
villagers. Their gardens, crops and drinking water
suffer enormous damage due to the nature and extent
of volcanic ash. Ash clouds from Mount Yasur can reach
over 6,500 feet and travel considerable distances.
Cash is not a common commodity in the outer islands
so local villagers are subsistence farmers in that
they depend on their gardens for food. Fresh drinking
water is also essential for their survival. As a result
of volcanic ash fallout, these villagers have experienced
severe food and water shortages over recent years.
Ash mud landslides have also destroyed whole villages.
MOUNT
YASUR - Frequently Asked Questions
