"Weak to moderate ejections of grey or brown tephra from Southern crater were observed on most days. Frequency of eruptions varied, and occasionally they resembled Strombolian activity. Incandescent tephra ejections were visible on the nights of 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 17 February. Ashfalls in coastal areas were reported on most days 1-20 February. The only emissions observed from Main crater were white vapours. Seismicity increased during February, and by the end of the month the level was similar to peaks reached in August-September and December 1981. Tilts remained stable."

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.

Information Contacts: C. McKee, RVO.