Rabaul Volcanological Observatory reported a Strombolian eruption at Manam volcano that began 10 November at 2200 and lasted until 11 November at 1915. There was some fluctuation in intensity during the course of the eruption. The ash column from the eruption was estimated to have risen ~5-6 km above the crater, and perhaps rose as high as ~9 km above the crater at around 1732 according to an Air Niugini pilot account. The ash activity was accompanied by continuous weak to moderate roaring and rumbling noises and frequent loud explosions. Light ash and scoria fall was reported between Kolang 1 and Kuluguma villages. A moderate amount of ash fell during 11 November between Boakure 1 and Baliau villages.

During 10-16 November, the Darwin VAAC issued numerous volcanic ash advisories concerning plumes emitted from Manam that were visible on satellite imagery.

Geological Summary. The 10-km-wide island of Manam, lying 13 km off the northern coast of mainland Papua New Guinea, is one of the country's most active volcanoes. Four large radial valleys extend from the unvegetated summit of the conical basaltic-andesitic stratovolcano to its lower flanks. These valleys channel lava flows and pyroclastic avalanches that have sometimes reached the coast. Five small satellitic centers are located near the island's shoreline on the northern, southern, and western sides. Two summit craters are present; both are active, although most observed eruptions have originated from the southern crater, concentrating eruptive products during much of the past century into the SE valley. Frequent eruptions, typically of mild-to-moderate scale, have been recorded since 1616. Occasional larger eruptions have produced pyroclastic flows and lava flows that reached flat-lying coastal areas and entered the sea, sometimes impacting populated areas.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO), Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)