February 27, 2011 –TRISTAN DA CUNHA – The circular island of Tristan da Cunha is approximately 6 miles (10 km) wide with a total area of 38 mi2 (98 km2) and a coastline of 21 miles. The island group lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and was created by volcanic activity. Queen Mary’s Peak (6760 feet or 2060 meters) on Tristan da Cunha is an active volcano that last erupted in 1961, causing the evacuation of Tristan da Cunha’s residents. A swarm of earthquakes struck Tristan da Cunha on the nights of 28 and 29 July 2004. The main swarm lasted about eight hours and was located 30km below the 1961 volcano. The latest seismographs (below) show an esclation of seismic activity from the 26th to February 27, 2011. Notice the progression of activity in the graphs from left (yesterday) to present right.