RVO reported that white vapor from Bagana was emitted during 1 November-12 December. Occasional weak incandescence from the crater was observed at night during 3-8, 10, 17-20, and 29-30 November. An eruption during 1200-1300 on 13 December was followed by light ashfall in Arawa (40 km SE) and heavier ashfall in Manetai (11 km E). A small amount of ashfall was reported in Arawa the next day; the volcano was mostly quiet during 14-15 December.

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.

Source: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)