Dominica has at least 8 potentially active volcanoes. One of these is Morne aux Diables, an isolated composite cone situated at the extreme northern end of the island. Measuring 7 kilometers diameter at its base and rising to a height of 856 meters, Morne aux Diables (creole language name meaning "Mountain of the Devils") consists of five parasitic domes - one of which is the Cabrits.

Age dating suggests that the main cone building activity occurred between 1.5 and 1.0 million years ago. Exposed on the volcano's flanks are a number of unconsolidated valley-fill block and ash flow deposits suggesting more recent activity. One of these deposits on the north-east flank of the volcano has been recently dated at >46,000 years B.P. (before present). Photo of charcoal/wood fragment used for dating.

Other evidenced of potential activity from this volcanic center includes the presence of warm, acidic, sulfate rich springs on the summit of the volcano, hot springs on the coast and the occurance of shallow earthquake swarms partially located beneath the volcano.

Although there has been no historical eruptions at Morne aux Diables, there is evidence of potential activity from this center. This includes the presence of warm, acidic, sulfate-rich springs on the summit of the volcano, hot springs on the coast and the occurance of shallow earthquake swarms partially located beneath the volcano, the most recent being 2003. Other periods of such increased activity were in 2000, 1893 and 1841.

A prominent feature of Morne aux Diables is the Cold Soufriere, an area of cold spring activity in the northwestern crater. This feature is manifested as several clear to milky bubbling pools covering an area of ~25 square meters with temperatures ranging from 23-32 degrees C. An unmistakably strong Hydrogen Sulfide odour is present and vegetation is absent in the immediate area.

View Geological Map of Morne aux Diables

Credits: Volcanic Hazard Atlas of the Lesser Antilles - Seismic Research Unit; Morne aux Diables - A Potentially Active Volcano in Northern Dominica, Rherbottom A.N, Smith A.L, Roobol M.J.