Geologic Background:
Langila is one of the most active volcanoes of
New Britain, and consists of a group of 4 small
overlapping composite cones on the lower east flank of
the extinct Talawe volcano. Langila, one of the most
active volcanoes of New Britain, consists of a group of
four small overlapping composite cones on the lower E
flank of the extinct Talawe volcano. Talawe is the
highest volcano in the Cape Gloucester area of NW New
Britain. A rectangular, 2.5-km-long crater is breached
widely to the SE; Langila volcano was constructed NE of
the breached crater of Talawe. An extensive lava field
reaches the coast on the north 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 of
Langila. The youngest and smallest crater (Crater 3) was
formed in 1960 and has a diameter of 150 m.
Historic Activity:
- Eruptions in 1878, 1895, 1954-1956, 1958, 1960-1963,
and 1965-1970.
Recent Activity:
- From 1973 to 1996 eruptions occurred nearly
monthly.
- 1997 began with continued activity at 1996 levels.
Activity on February 11 to 12 produced ash plumes that
reached an altitude of 11 km. Fluctuating activity in
March and April. Vulcanian explosions resumed in late May
with ash clould reaching 4.5 km above the rim. Similar
activity continued through June and July. Strongest
activity on July 29. Continued activity thru Oct. with a
2-km ash column on Sept. 14.
- Continuing low levels of activity throughout 1999,
with periods of strong ash emission in Sept-Oct.
- Continuing low levels of activity in early 2000.
Activity increased in April. Continued mild activity for
remainder of year.
Data Sources:
- Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 3, No. 5 to V. 14,
No. 12)
- Global Volcanism Network (V. 15, No. 1 to V. 25, No.
11).
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