The McDonald Islands are the emergent peaks of submarine volcanoes and are Australian external territory.

Fresh eruptions were reported in December 1996 when a vapour plume was noticed by an aeroplane pilot.

On 2 April 1997, the crew of another ship noted that steam continued to vent from the fissure, rising from the summit and flanks of the island.

Sulphur deposits were also discovered and fresh pumice washed up on Heard Island.

Work suggested that prior to the ship's visit, the volcano had been erupting, covering the island in dark, smooth material.

An observation made in November 2002 noted two new lava domes had been formed; their date of formation is unknown.

Analysis of satellite imagery noted that an eruption took place on 12 July 2005 on the northwest shore of the island.