"An uncharacteristic swarm of shallow tectonic-like earthquakes together with banded low-amplitude harmonic tremor commenced on 19 October about 2000 and continued through October. During the previous week the NW lava flow collapsed to form a well-defined lava channel below the point where the flow turns sharply W. The toe of the lava flow continued to encroach on a satellite dome at the W foot of Bagana. Numerous solfataras have given a distinctive facia to the ESE summit."

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: K. McCue, Bougainville Island Copper Ltd.