Geologic Background:
The large Balbi stratovolcano forms the highest
point on Bougainville Island. The summit of the complex
volcano is part of a large number of coalesced cones and
lava domes. Five well-preserved craters occupy a
NW-SE-trending ridge north of the summit cone, which also
contains a crater. Three large valleys with steep
headwalls dissect the flanks of the volcano. The age of
the most recent eruption of Balbi volcano is not known
precisely.
Historic Activity:
- An oral tradition of a major eruption during the 19th
century is now thought to be in error, but could refer to
minor eruptive activity from this relatively
youthful-looking volcano.
- Fumaroles ares located within 600-m-wide Crater B and
on its western flank.
Recent Activity:
- Fumarole field and boiling mud pool in Crater B.
Data Sources:
- Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 9, No. 10 and V. 14,
No. 7)
- Global Volcanism Network (V. 20, No. 8).
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