"A new phase of increased activity at crater 2 began about 8 June. This followed several months of very weak activity punctuated by occasional mild Vulcanian explosions. From mid to late May a more prolonged period of slightly intensified activity consisted of grey ash emissions, occasional explosion sounds, and several periods of crater incandescence.

"Rumbling and explosion sounds, large quantities of blue vapor, and occasional grey ash clouds were reported from crater 2 between 8-12 June, marking the onset of a new phase of activity. A further intensification took place mid-month and an eruption column about 1 km high was reported on the 17th. Weak glow from crater 2 was observed on the night of the 20th, and explosion sounds were more frequently heard on the 22nd. Light ashfall was reported 10 km downwind on the 27th. Seismicity was comprised of characteristic Vulcanian explosion earthquakes. This higher level of activity was continuing at the end of June."

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.