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Multimedia of Tutuila Island in American Samoa.
This photo, taken from an airplane, shows Aunu‘u Island from the south looking north; Tutuila Island is visible on the left. Aunu‘u Island is a tuff cone less than 1 mile southeast of Tutuila Island and is considered part of Tutuila volcano. A tuff cone can form when magma and water interact at shallow depths, causing localized explosions.
This photo, taken from an airplane, shows Aunu‘u Island from the south looking north; Tutuila Island is visible on the left. Aunu‘u Island is a tuff cone less than 1 mile southeast of Tutuila Island and is considered part of Tutuila volcano. A tuff cone can form when magma and water interact at shallow depths, causing localized explosions.
Two USGS scientists service a seismic station on Tutuila island in American Samoa. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory uses this site and three others to monitor volcanic activity in American Samoa. These stations are also used by the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the USGS National Earthquake Information Center. USGS photo by N. Deligne.
Two USGS scientists service a seismic station on Tutuila island in American Samoa. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory uses this site and three others to monitor volcanic activity in American Samoa. These stations are also used by the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the USGS National Earthquake Information Center. USGS photo by N. Deligne.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists took this photo of Aunu‘u Island while on a flight from Tutuila to Ofu Island in American Samoa on September 2, 2025. The view is from the south looking north. Aunu‘u Island is a tuff cone less than 1 mile southeast of Tutuila Island and is considered part of Tutuila volcano.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists took this photo of Aunu‘u Island while on a flight from Tutuila to Ofu Island in American Samoa on September 2, 2025. The view is from the south looking north. Aunu‘u Island is a tuff cone less than 1 mile southeast of Tutuila Island and is considered part of Tutuila volcano.
A view to the west across Pago Pago harbor at Matafao Peak on Tutuila Island, American Samoa. Matafao Peak is the highest part of Tutuila Island at an elevation of 2,142 feet (653 meters) above sea level. It is part of the Matafao Peak National Natural Landmark. USGS photo by D. Downs.
A view to the west across Pago Pago harbor at Matafao Peak on Tutuila Island, American Samoa. Matafao Peak is the highest part of Tutuila Island at an elevation of 2,142 feet (653 meters) above sea level. It is part of the Matafao Peak National Natural Landmark. USGS photo by D. Downs.
A view of Rainmaker Mountain to the east of Pago Pago harbor on Tutuila Island, American Samoa. Rainmaker Mountain was mapped in the 1940s as a trachyte plug by geologist Harold Stearns. Dense jungle, the highest annual rainfall in American Samoa, and its steep cliffs make it a formidable mountain to summit. USGS photo by D. Downs.
A view of Rainmaker Mountain to the east of Pago Pago harbor on Tutuila Island, American Samoa. Rainmaker Mountain was mapped in the 1940s as a trachyte plug by geologist Harold Stearns. Dense jungle, the highest annual rainfall in American Samoa, and its steep cliffs make it a formidable mountain to summit. USGS photo by D. Downs.
A view looking at the basalt lava flows that make cliffs along the southwestern part of Tutuila Island, American Samoa. These flows are part of the Leone volcanic series and form the flattest part of Tutuila Island, where the airport and population center of Tafuna are located. USGS photo by D. Downs.
A view looking at the basalt lava flows that make cliffs along the southwestern part of Tutuila Island, American Samoa. These flows are part of the Leone volcanic series and form the flattest part of Tutuila Island, where the airport and population center of Tafuna are located. USGS photo by D. Downs.