Global Volcanism Program

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 5-6 May ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75-85 km W.

Available Weekly Reports

1 May 2013 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 5-6 May ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75-85 km W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

10 April 2013 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 10-11 April ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km SW and W. On 15 April an ash plume rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 30 km S and W. The next day ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 65 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

3 April 2013 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 7 April ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 85 km SW and WSW. On 9 April an ash plume rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted almost 75 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

20 March 2013 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 25-26 March ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45-55 km E.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

13 February 2013 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-14 February ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-55 km SW and NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

6 February 2013 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-12 February ash plumes from Bagana rose to altitudes of 1.5-3 km (5,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-130 km E and NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

12 December 2012 Back to Top

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.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

3 October 2012 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 3 October an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 65 km NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

26 September 2012 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 27 September an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 37 km N.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

1 August 2012 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 2 August ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 37 km NW and W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

4 July 2012 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 4 July ash plumes from Bagana rose to altitudes of 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

6 June 2012 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 10 June ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45-130 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

23 May 2012 Back to Top

According to NASA's Earth Observatory, a satellite image of Bagana acquired on 16 May showed a lava flow on the E flank. Other satellite images indicated that the lava flow was emplaced sometime between March 2011 and February 2012. A plume drifted W.

Sources: NASA Earth Observatory

29 February 2012 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 7 March an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 37 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

5 October 2011 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-9 October ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45-55 km E and NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

24 August 2011 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 23 August an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 93 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

17 August 2011 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 21 August an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 93 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

18 May 2011 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 21 May an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 65 km NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

11 May 2011 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 16 May an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km NE.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

23 March 2011 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 25-28 March ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-100 km NW, W, and SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

16 March 2011 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 18-19 March ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75-110 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

29 September 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 1 October an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

11 August 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 13-15 August ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km SW and W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

7 July 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75-150 km SW during 10-11 July.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

30 June 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. on 4 July and drifted 75 km W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

9 June 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. during 13-14 June and drifted 75-205 km SW and W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

26 May 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. during 26-28 May and drifted 30-185 km SW and W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

19 May 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 25 May and drifted 55-160 km NW and W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

12 May 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. on 12 May and drifted 55-75 km W and WSW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

5 May 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes from Bagana rose to altitudes of 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. during 6 and 10-11 May and drifted 65 km W and SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

21 April 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 19-20, 23, 25, and 27 April ash plumes from Bagana rose to altitudes of 1.5-3 km (5,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-85 km S, SW, W, and NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

17 February 2010 Back to Top

RVO reported that white vapor from Bagana was emitted during 1-21 February. Ash plumes were seen on 5 February and night-time incandescence was seen on 2, 12, 13, and 19 February. Sulfur dioxide plumes drifted ENE during 11-20 February and NNW on 20 and 21 February.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

10 February 2010 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-15 February ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 20-150 km E and NE.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

11 November 2009 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 12 November an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 65 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

14 October 2009 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 15 October an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

7 October 2009 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 9 October an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

16 September 2009 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 17-19 September ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 25-45 km NW, W, and SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

9 September 2009 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-13 September ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-65 km NW and W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

19 August 2009 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 19 August an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted more than 90 km W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

5 August 2009 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 10 August a diffuse ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

15 July 2009 Back to Top

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 19 July an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 100 km NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

24 June 2009 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 27 June an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 110 km SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

27 May 2009 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 2 June an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

29 April 2009 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 2 and 4 May ash plumes from Bagana rose to altitudes of 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45-55 km NE.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

22 April 2009 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 26 April an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 28 km S.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

31 December 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 31 December an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

24 December 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 29 December an ash plume from Bagana drifted about 75 km W. On 30 December an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

17 December 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 17 December an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

10 December 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 16 December an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

26 November 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 2 December an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

19 November 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 20 November an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 75 km SW. On 26 November a low-level plume drifted W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

8 October 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 8 October low-level ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted about 55-110 km WSW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

17 September 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 21-22 September low-level ash plumes from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

10 September 2008 Back to Top

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 16 September a low-level ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

21 May 2008 Back to Top

Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 22 May a low-level ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted S.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

27 February 2008 Back to Top

Based on observations of satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that a diffuse plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of less than 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW on 3 March. Later that day an ash-and-steam plume drifted SW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

26 December 2007 Back to Top

Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash-and-steam plume from Bagana drifted WSW on 26 December. A plume rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W on 27 December. RVO advised that intermittent activity was continuing.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

19 December 2007 Back to Top

Based on observations of satellite imagery and reports from the RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that a plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW on 21 December. An ash-and-steam plume was also visible on 26 December and drifted WSW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

12 December 2007 Back to Top

Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that a low-level plume from Bagana drifted SW on 10 December and an ash-and-steam plume was observed on 17 December.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

5 December 2007 Back to Top

RVO reported that during 18 October-10 December white vapor plumes from Bagana were occasionally accompanied by ash plumes generated by rockfalls from the edges of the lava flow on the SE flank. Occasionally, booming and roaring noises were heard and incandescence at the summit was observed. Two explosions were accompanied by ash plumes on 19 and 27 November. Incandescent lava fragments were ejected from the summit on 7 and 9 December. On 9 December, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.8 km (9,200 ft) a.s.l. A lava flow became active and was continuously incandescent down the SE flank.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

17 October 2007 Back to Top

During 1-18 October, white vapor plumes from Bagana were occasionally accompanied by ash plumes that were generated by rockfalls from the edges of the lava flow on the SE flank. Incandescence was noted during most of the reporting period at the summit and occasionally from the lava flow. Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes drifted N then NW on 19 October.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) , Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

26 September 2007 Back to Top

RVO reported that white vapor emissions from Bagana's summit crater continued during 24 August-30 September. Forceful emissions on 25 August and 12 September were occasionally accompanied by ash clouds produced by collapses at the edges of a lava flow on the SE flank.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

22 August 2007 Back to Top

RVO reported that an effusive lava flow from Bagana's summit crater began travelling down the SE flank on 6 August and continued flowing through 23 August. Continuous incandescence was visible down the SE flank during 6-10 August. During 6-23 August, white vapor plumes were occasionally accompanied by ash plumes that were generated by rockfalls from lava-flow edges. Based on satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that a diffuse plume rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. on 23 August.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) , Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

6 June 2007 Back to Top

RVO reported that white vapor emissions from Bagana's summit crater continued during 1-11 June. Based on satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that a low-level diffuse plume rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W on 11 June.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) , Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

23 May 2007 Back to Top

Based on satellite image observations and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that a diffuse ash-and-steam plume rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. on 22 May and drifted W. Another diffuse plume was visible on satellite imagery to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 28 May.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

16 May 2007 Back to Top

RVO reported that white vapor emissions from Bagana's summit crater continued during 10 March-20 May. Emissions were occasionally forceful, and were accompanied by ash clouds during 17 March, 1 April, and 3-5 April. Weak roaring noises were heard on 4 April. Summit incandescence was visible on 20 and 24 March and 17 May. Based on satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that a diffuse plume rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW on 20 May. RVO reported that forceful, white emissions on 21 May produced plumes to an altitude of 2.3 km (8,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) , Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

7 March 2007 Back to Top

RVO reported that white vapor emissions from Bagana continued during 10 January-9 March. Emissions were occasionally forceful, and on 3 March were accompanied by an ash cloud that drifted E. Summit incandescence was visible on 7 and 8 March. Based on satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that a diffuse plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW on 10 March.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) , Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

3 January 2007 Back to Top

A diffuse plume from Bagana was visible on satellite imagery drifting SE on 9 January.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

20 December 2006 Back to Top

Geologic Summary. Bagana volcano, occupying a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is one of Melanesia's youngest and most active volcanoes. Bagana is a massive symmetrical lava cone largely constructed by an accumulation of viscous andesitic lava flows. The entire lava cone could have been constructed in about 300 years at its present rate of lava production. Eruptive activity at Bagana is characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although explosive activity occasionally producing pyroclastic flows also occurs. Lava flows form dramatic, freshly preserved tongue-shaped lobes up to 50-m-thick with prominent levees that descend the volcano's flanks on all sides.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

29 November 2006 Back to Top

Based on satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Bagana rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. on 5 December.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

22 November 2006 Back to Top

A diffuse plume from Bagana was visible on satellite imagery on 22 November. The height and direction of the plume were not reported.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

14 June 2006 Back to Top

An ash-and-steam plume from Bagana was visible on satellite imagery on 18 June drifting SW. The height of the plume was not reported.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

3 May 2006 Back to Top

On 4 May, satellite imagery showed an ash plume from Bagana at a height of ~3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. extending 4 km W.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

29 March 2006 Back to Top

During 16 February to 31 March, activity at Bagana was at moderate levels. Mostly gas emissions occurred, but on 27 March an ash cloud was emitted. During 15-31 March, observers noted moderate-to-bright incandescence, projections of lava fragments, and a lava flow traveling down the volcano's SSW flank.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) via the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center

21 September 2005 Back to Top

Ash was emitted from Bagana during 17-18 September and drifted W and NW. During 14-18 September, incandescence from the volcano was visible at night. On the 18th, observers described what could have been cascading volcanic material detached from a possible active lava flow.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

17 August 2005 Back to Top

During 15-21 August, volcanic activity at Bagana remained at low levels. Variable amounts of thick "white vapor" were emitted from the summit crater. During several nights, dull-to-moderately bright incandescence was visible. On the 20th, lava flowed from volcano's main crater. Incandescent lava avalanches occasionally originated from unstable areas of the lava flow.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) via the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center

10 August 2005 Back to Top

Based on information from the US Air Force Weather Agency, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Bagana was visible at a height of ~3 km (10,000 ft a.s.l.), extending ~40 km SW of the summit. The Darwin VAAC did not see ash on satellite imagery.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

29 June 2005 Back to Top

A thin plume emitted from Bagana was visible on satellite imagery on 30 June. The height of the plume was not reported.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

15 June 2005 Back to Top

A plume from Bagana was visible on satellite imagery on 21 June extending W. The height of the plume was not reported.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

8 June 2005 Back to Top

During 8-10 June, several low-level plumes emitted from Bagana were visible on satellite imagery. They extended predominately to the WSW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

1 June 2005 Back to Top

A plume from Bagana was observed on satellite imagery on 7 June initially extending 65 km WSW, then W later in the day. The height of the plume was not known.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

11 May 2005 Back to Top

Satellite imagery taken at 0551 on 13 May revealed a thin plume extending 28 km (15 nm) ESE below 3 km altitude (10,000 feet). Similar plumes, blowing W, were identified at 0537 on the 14th and at 0634 on 15 May.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

16 March 2005 Back to Top

The Darwin VAAC reported that on 17 March at 0726 a very small plume and hot spot were visible on satellite imagery.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

26 May 2004 Back to Top

An ash plume from Bagana was visible on satellite imagery during 26-27 May. The plume reached a height of ~3 km a.s.l. and extended ~130 km NW.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

28 April 2004 Back to Top

According to a news article, following the emission of new lava from Bagana on 27 April, local volcanologists and a team of provincial disaster delegates conducted an aerial inspection of the area around the volcano on 2 May. The team concluded that the lava flows were not an immediate threat to the safety of villagers near the volcano. A spokesperson for Papua New Guinea's national Disaster Center reportedly said, "the aerial inspection team noted a continual effusion of lava flowing in a south-westerly direction but there is a lot of vegetation in the area which is acting as a buffer."

Sources: Australian Associated Press , Reuters

21 April 2004 Back to Top

A helicopter pilot reported to RVO that new lava was being emitted from Bagana around 1240 on 27 April. According to information from the village of Torokina, the lava flow was estimated to be about 8-9 km from the village. RVO was uncertain about the local topography between the volcano and Torokina, and therefore could not assess the degree of danger for the residents of the village from the lava flow. RVO has no monitoring equipment at Bagana.

Sources: Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO)

Below is a summary of eruption dates and Volcanic Explosivity Indices (VEI).

Start Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Stop Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

VEI

9/16/2000

0/0/2011

2

0/0/1972

0/0/1995

2

5/21/1970

8/0/1971

2

8/0/1968

2

3/20/1966

11/30/1967

3

4/24/1964

0/0/1965

2

2/15/1962

0/0/1963

2

7/26/1961

0/0/

2

0/0/1959

5/0/1960

2

0/0/1956

0/0/

2

6/0/1953

9/0/1953

3

2/29/1952

10/0/1952

4

12/1/1948

12/1/1951

3

0/0/1945

0/0/1947

2

4/7/1943

0/0/

1

1/30/1939

0/0/

2

5/15/1938

0/0/

3

9/7/1937

0/0/

3

7/0/1909

0/0/

7/15/1908

0/0/

2

0/0/1899

0/0/

5/16/1897

0/0/

2

0/0/1894

0/0/1895

2

12/31/1883

0/0/

3

0/0/1865

0/0/1883

2

3/15/1842

0/0/

1

The following references are the sources used for data regarding this volcano. References are linked directly to our volcano data file. Discussion of another volcano or eruption (sometimes far from the one that is the subject of the manuscript) may produce a citation that is not at all apparent from the title. Additional discussion of data sources can be found under Volcano Data Criteria.

Blake D H, 1968. Post Miocene volcanoes on Bougainville Island, Territory of Papua and New Guinea. {Bull Volc}, 32: 121-140

Blake D H, Miezitis Y, 1967. Geology of Bougainville and Buka Islands, New Guinea. {Aust Bur Min Resour Geol Geophys Bull}, 93: 1-56

Bultitude R J, 1976. Eruptive history of Bagana volcano, Papua New Guinea, between 1882 and 1975. {In}: Johnson R W (ed) {Volcanism in Australasia}, Amsterdam: Elsevier, p 317-336

Bultitude R J, 1979. Bagana volcano, Bouganiville Island geology, petrology and summary of eruptive history between 1875 and 1975. {Geol Surv Papua New Guinea Mem}, 6: 1-35

Bultitude R J, 1981. Literature search for pre-1945 sightings of volcanoes and their activity on Bougainville Island. {Geol Surv Papua New Guinea Mem}, 10: 227-242

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Bagana volcano, occupying a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is one of Melanesia's youngest and most active volcanoes. Bagana is a massive symmetrical, roughly 1750-m-high lava cone largely constructed by an accumulation of viscous andesitic lava flows. The entire lava cone could have been constructed in about 300 years at its present rate of lava production. Eruptive activity at Bagana is frequent and is characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although explosive activity occasionally producing pyroclastic flows also occurs. Lava flows form dramatic, freshly preserved tongue-shaped lobes up to 50-m-thick with prominent levees that descend the volcano's flanks on all sides.