"Eruptive activity continued at Bagana in February, although summit explosive activity was absent, or sporadic and very weak. Strong vapour emission continued, and the very light ash content in the plume was considered to be an effect of entrainment of dust from occasional avalanches on the sides of the summit lava dome. Frequent rockfalls from the edges of the active lava flow on the [N and] NW flanks of Bagana continued."

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: C. McKee, RVO.