"A relatively low level of activity persisted during March, although a slight intensification was noted after the 19th. Pale grey ash emissions from Crater 2 were occasionally observed 1-18 March. A strong Vulcanian explosion took place on 19 March, and on the 20th further explosions were observed. The seismic record for 20 March indicates a total of 10 explosions. A lull in Crater 2 activity was noted 21-25 March but weak ash emission began on the 26th, and explosive activity resumed on the 27th. Two or three explosion earthquakes were recorded on 27, 28, and 30 March. Crater 3 released white and blue vapours at low rates throughout 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: C. McKee, RVO.