As of 2 January lava continued to flow from Pago's northwestern-most vent. In addition, variable amounts of white vapor were released from most vents along the fissure system. Weak incandescence was visible on the night of 28 December. Seismicity continued at low levels as it has since early October 2002 when the seismic network was installed. No significant ground deformation had been recorded in a month, in contrast to the period between the start of the eruption (early August) and early November when complex and significant movement was recorded.

Geological Summary. The Witori caldera (5.5 x 7.5 km) on the northern coast of central New Britain contains the active Pago cone. The Buru caldera cuts the SW flank. The gently sloping outer flanks consist primarily of dacitic pyroclastic-flow and airfall deposits produced during a series of five major explosive eruptions from about 5,600 to 1,200 years ago, many of which may have been associated with caldera formation. The post-caldera Pago cone may have formed less than 350 years ago; it has grown to a height above the Witori caldera rim, and a series of ten dacitic lava flows from it covers much of the caldera floor. The youngest of these was erupted during 2002-2003 from vents extending from the summit nearly to the NW caldera wall.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) via the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center