The complexities of assessing volcanic hazards along the Cameroon Volcanic Line using spatial distribution of monogenetic volcanoes

Volcanic eruptions represent hazards for local communities and infrastructure. Monogenetic volcanoes (usually) erupt only once, then volcanic activity moves to another location, making quantitative assessment of eruptive challenging. Spatio-temporal patterns in the occurrence these may provide valuable information on locations more likely host future within monogenetic fields. While eruption histories many stratovolcanoes along Cameroon Line (CVL) are relatively well studied, fragmentary data exist distribution timing this region's extensive volcanism (scoria cones, tuff rings, maars). Here, we present first time a catalog vents CVL. These were identified by their characteristic morphologies using field knowledge, global SRTM Digital Elevation Model (30 m resolution), satellite imagery. More than ~1100 scoria cones 50 maars/tuff rings divided into eight fields based visual clustering geological information. Spatial analyses show large range areal densities between from >0.2 km−2 0.02 southwest towards northeast. This finding is general agreement with previous observations, indicating closely spaced smaller edifices typical fissure-fed flanks Bioko Mt. southwest, focused plumbing system resulting larger lower spatial density smoothed via kernel estimates (KDE) Summed Asymptotic Mean Squared Error (SAMSE) bandwidth estimator, results which an uncertainty first-order hazard vent opening probability Due scarce chronological complex structural controls across region, it was not possible estimate number formed during same events. Similarly, percentage hidden (buried, eroded) could be assessed any acceptable statistical certainty. Furthermore, impact different approaches (convex hull, minimum area rectangle ellipse, KDE isopaches) define boundaries tested. boundary definition appears reflect structure better other approaches, no ideal found. Finally, dimension (approximated basal diameters) CVL contrasted specific geodynamic setting. region presents problem analysis that cannot solved through basic methods and, thus, provides potential testbed novel, multi-disciplinary approaches.