RVO reported that during 18 October-10 December white vapor plumes from Bagana were occasionally accompanied by ash plumes generated by rockfalls from the edges of the lava flow on the SE flank. Occasionally, booming and roaring noises were heard and incandescence at the summit was observed. Two explosions were accompanied by ash plumes on 19 and 27 November. Incandescent lava fragments were ejected from the summit on 7 and 9 December. On 9 December, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.8 km (9,200 ft) a.s.l. A lava flow became active and was continuously incandescent down the SE flank.

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.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)