"The predominately effusive eruption continued, although a decline in seismicity (probably mostly rockfall events from the active lava flow) was registered. Daily totals of volcano-seismic events ranged between 5 and 35, and the month's total was about 500. In August, 10-75 events/day were recorded and the total for the month was 1345.

"One small summit explosion was seen on 9 September. The products of this explosion included lava fragments that were incandescent in daylight. Summit glows were observed on the nights of the 12th, 14th, and 22nd. Emissions from the summit consisted mostly of moderate to strong white vapours or brown-grey vapour and ash clouds."

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.