Moderate eruptive activity continued at Crater 2 during April. As in recent months, the activity consisted of intermittent moderate Vulcanian explosions that produced variable density, white-to-gray ash-and-vapor clouds rising several hundred meters above the rim. The clouds were blown to the N, NW, and SE of the volcano, resulting in fine ashfalls. Occasional eruption sounds consisted of explosion noises and rumblings throughout the month. Crater-glow of variable intensity was seen on most nights during the month. The seismic station 4 km from the volcano registered a daily range of 10-40 explosion earthquakes. Crater 3 was quiet during the month.

Geological Summary. Langila, one of the most active volcanoes of New Britain, consists of a group of four small overlapping composite basaltic-andesitic cones on the lower E flank of the extinct Talawe volcano in the Cape Gloucester area of NW New Britain. A rectangular, 2.5-km-long crater is breached widely to the SE; Langila was constructed NE of the breached crater of Talawe. An extensive lava field reaches the coast on the N and NE sides of Langila. Frequent mild-to-moderate explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have been recorded since the 19th century from three active craters at the summit. The youngest and smallest crater (no. 3 crater) was formed in 1960 and has a diameter of 150 m.

Information Contacts: H. Patia, RVO.