"Stronger activity continued in April. On most days, strong white to brown emissions from the summit were reported. Weak crater glow was often observed at night, and on one occasion the upper part of the N flank's active lava flow was also observed to be glowing. Occasional debris slides from the flanks of the lava flow produced impressive ash clouds. Seismicity increased from about 20 B-type events/day in early April to about 50-60 events/day at mid-month, staying at that level for the rest of April."

Geological Summary. Bagana volcano, in a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is frequently active. This massive symmetrical cone was largely constructed by an accumulation of viscous andesitic lava flows. The entire edifice could have been constructed in about 300 years at its present rate of lava production. Eruptive activity is characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although occasional explosive activity produces pyroclastic flows. Lava flows with tongue-shaped lobes up to 50 m thick and prominent levees descend the flanks on all sides.

Information Contacts: P. Lowenstein, RVO.