"Eruptive activity was at about the same intensity as in November. Slow effusion of viscous andesitic lava continued in the summit crater, and unstable parts of the crater dome collapsed, causing avalanches of incandescent lava blocks. [Strong fumarolic activity was continuing] on the upper E flank to about 200 m below the crater rim."

Geological Summary. Bagana volcano, occupying a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is one of Melanesia's youngest and most active volcanoes. 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 frequent and characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although explosive activity occasionally producing pyroclastic flows also occurs. Lava flows form dramatic, freshly preserved tongue-shaped lobes up to 50 m thick with prominent levees that descend the flanks on all sides.

Information Contacts: C. McKee, RVO; Bougainville Island Copper Ltd.