"Due to social unrest and political isolation on Bougainville Island Island, instrumental data is no longer being recorded and no reliable reports of visual observation were received. From the sparse reports of observations received between 12 and 27 August, it is presumed that the volcano is still extruding a blocky lava flow from its summit crater with accompanying moderate to strong white to grey plumes, summit night glow, and numerous rockfalls."

Geological Summary. Bagana volcano, in a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is frequently active. This massive symmetrical cone was largely constructed by an accumulation of viscous andesitic lava flows. The entire edifice could have been constructed in about 300 years at its present rate of lava production. Eruptive activity is characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although occasional explosive activity produces pyroclastic flows. Lava flows with tongue-shaped lobes up to 50 m thick and prominent levees descend the flanks on all sides.

Information Contacts: I. Itikarai and C. McKee, RVO.