"Activity intensified in September. A moderate phase of eruption began on 6 September when an ashfall was noted at Kilenge Mission (10 km NW of Langila). From 9 to 13 September, incandescence was noted at Crater 2 and there was an increase in audible explosions and rumblings (heard at the observation post, 10 km NW). Small incandescent ejections were reported on the night of 9 September. Seismic tremor lasting from a few minutes to a few hours was recorded during this period, with the strongest bursts on the 9th and 10th.

"Incandescence from Crater 2 was again noted 17-26 September with an increase of audible explosions and rumblings. During this period there were several ashfalls at the observation post and Kilenge Mission. Ash was also reported at Siassi, Umboi Island (30 km W) on 24 and 25 September. The brightest glow and highest level of tremor during this period were on 23 and 24 September."

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: J. Mori, RVO.