Rocard is a small volcanic seamount about 60 km WNW of Mehetia and 28 km ESE of Teahitia seamount. The summit lies 2,500 m below sea level on a submarine edifice about 8 km in diameter. Seismicity in 1966, 1971, and 1972 may have been caused by submarine eruptions (Talandier and Custer, 1976). Rocks dredged in 1986 "exploded" when they reached the surface, suggesting recent lava extrusion that had not yet had time to equilibrate with pressure and temperature conditions on the submerged flanks of the edifice.