The Darwin VAAC reported that at 0900 on 15 November an ash plume from Manam was identified in satellite images rising to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting NW. The plume had dissipated by 1100 on 16 November. A period of continuous ash emissions was identified in satellite images during 0430-1730 on 17 November. Weather clouds and darkness obscured views through the night but by 0920 on 18 November the ash plumes were no longer visible and had dissipated.

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.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)