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Report on Bagana (Papua New Guinea) — 24 August-30 August 2016


Bagana

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 24 August-30 August 2016
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2016. Report on Bagana (Papua New Guinea) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 24 August-30 August 2016. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (24 August-30 August 2016)

Bagana

Papua New Guinea

6.137°S, 155.196°E; summit elev. 1855 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


Based on analyses of satellite imagery and model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 29-30 August ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and WNW.

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: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)