Despite strong microseismicity that began in [December] 1987, Ulawun showed no visible sign of increased activity. White vapour continued to be released in weak to moderate amounts from the summit crater. Recorded seismicity showed dramatic fluctuations in number of events (300-1800/day), amplitude, and style. Records showed periods of low background seismicity interspersed with sub-continuous low-frequency (B-type) events of small to large amplitude, or periods of non-harmonic tremor lasting 1/2-2 hours. No particular pattern could be recognized, but periods of tremor occurred virtually every day, usually 1 or 2 episodes lasting up to ~2 hours, although on some days up to 12 short periods of tremor were recorded.

Geological Summary. The symmetrical basaltic-to-andesitic Ulawun stratovolcano is the highest volcano of the Bismarck arc, and one of Papua New Guinea's most frequently active. The volcano, also known as the Father, rises above the N coast of the island of New Britain across a low saddle NE of Bamus volcano, the South Son. The upper 1,000 m is unvegetated. A prominent E-W escarpment on the south may be the result of large-scale slumping. Satellitic cones occupy the NW and E flanks. A steep-walled valley cuts the NW side, and a flank lava-flow complex lies to the south of this valley. Historical eruptions date back to the beginning of the 18th century. Twentieth-century eruptions were mildly explosive until 1967, but after 1970 several larger eruptions produced lava flows and basaltic pyroclastic flows, greatly modifying the summit crater.

Information Contacts: P. de Saint-Ours and C. McKee, RVO.