Ulawun Volcano

Updated: Mar 25, 2025 13:33 GMT - refresh

stratovolcano

New Britain, Papua New Guinea, -5.05°S / 151.33°E

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Summit height: 2334 m / 7,657 ft

Current status: minor activity or eruption warning (3 out of 5)

Last update: 4 Dec 2024 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)

Ulawun (also locally known as the "father" //commemt: Bamus being the "son") is a symmetrical large stratovolcano on New Britain Island. It rises majestically above the north coast of New Britain across a low saddle NE of Bamus volcano, the South Son.
Ulawun is one Papua New Guinea's most active and most dangerous volcanoes. Rising to 2334 m, it is also the highest of the 1000 km long chain of the Bismarck volcanic arc which stretches from Rabaul volcano in the East to Wewak in the west and contains no less than 21 active volcanoes.

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Ulawun webcams / live data | News/Updates | Earthquakes

Typical eruption style: explosive, effusive lava dome growth
Ulawun volcano eruptions: 2010-2011 (ongoing), 2000-08, 1994, 1993, 1989, 1985, 1984-85, 1984, 1983-84, 1980, 1978, 1973, 1970, 1967, 1963, 1960-62, 1958, 1951?, 1941, 1937?, 1927, 1919, 1918, 1915, 1898, 1878, 1700

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Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Distance / Location

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Background

Ulawun volcano is basaltic-to-andesitic Ulawun in composition and composed of lava flows interbedded with tephra layers.

Eruptions from Ulawun
Historical records from Ulawun reach relatively far back. The historic account of an eruption of Ulawun volcano was by the English discoverer William Dampier (1651-1715) in 1700. However, lack of activity or further reports by explorers led to a large gap of informatio until, 178 years later, the Australian businessman Wilfred Powell reported activity in 1878.
The largest eruptions in historic times were in 1915, 1970, and 1980. The eruption in 1915 deposited 10 cm of ash in Toriu, 50 km northeast of the volcano. The eruption of 1970 produced nuees ardentes (pyroclastic flows) and lava flows.
A major eruption in 1980 produced an eruption column rising to 60,000 ft (ca. 20 km) and produced pyroclastic flows which swept all flanks of the volcano and devastated an area of 20 square km.
The last larger eruptions devastated the flanks of Ulawun, produced large andesitic lava flows and greatly modified the summit crater.
Typical smaller eruptions from Ulawun range from strombolian-type explosions to lava dome growth with associated small ash explosions and small nuées ardentes.

Morphology
The upper 1000 m of Ulawun volcano are unvegetated. A prominent E-W-trending escarpment on the south may be the result of large-scale slumping. Satellitic cones occupy the NW and eastern flanks. A steep-walled valley cuts the NW side of Ulawun volcano, and a flank lava-flow complex lies to the south of this valley.

Hazards from Ulawun volcano
Slope failure: Ulawun volcano, along with its neighbor Bamus, is 400 m higher than most of the volcanoes in the Bismarck. This could indicate that the edifice is at the limit of structural stability. Consequently, massive slope failure is a major hazard at Ulawun volcano, which could threaten hundreds of square km of surrounding land.
Pyroclastic flows: lava dome growth and large explosive eruptions often produced devastating pyroclastic flows at Ulawun, reaching many km from the summit of the volcano causing substantial damage.
Ash fall: the larger eruptions from Ulawun can cause significant ash fall in surrounding areas as well threaten air traffic routes.

Sources:
- Smithsonian / GVP volcano information
- Johnson et al (1983) "Bamus volcano, Papua New Guinea: Dormant neighbour of Ulawun, and magnesian-andesite locality", Geologische Rundschau, Volume 72, Number 1, pp. 207-237
- R.W. Johnson, R.A. Davies and A.J.R. White (1972) "Ulawun Volcano, New Britain", Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra
- Powell, W (1883) "Visits to the eastern and north-eastern coast of New Guinea", Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society and Monthly Record of Geography 5, 505-517 (London)

Significant volcanic eruptions: Ulawun volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Ulawun has had at least 46 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations. Additionally, there are 4 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Ulawun volcano.

The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Ulawun volcano since around 2000. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Ulawun can be found on the news page of Ulawun volcano.

Date	Note	VEI	Damage
2023 Jul 18 - Dec 31	Historical obs./docs.	3
2023 Mar 28	Historical obs./docs.	1
2022 Jun 2	Historical obs./docs.	2
2021 Jul 9 - Nov 29	Historical obs./docs.	2
2019 Jun 26 - Oct 5	Historical obs./docs.	4
2019 Jun 26 (eruption 2019 Jun 26 - Oct 5)	Historical obs./docs.	4	heavy	Info
2019 Jun 26: An eruption began in the morning hours of 26 June with emissions of gray ash that over time became darker and more energetic. The plumes rose 1 km and drifted NW, causing minor ashfall in NW and SW areas. Locals heard roaring and rumbling during 0600-0800[...]RVO stated that parts of the ash plume at lower altitudes drifted W, causing variable amounts of ashfall in areas to the NW and SW. A pyroclastic flow descended the N flank. Residents evacuated to areas to the NE and W; a news article noted that around 3,000 people had gathered at a local church. According to another news source an observer in a helicopter reported a column of incandescent material rising from the crater, residents noted that the sky had turned black, and a main road in the N part of the island was blocked by volcanic material. Residents also reported a lava flow near Noau village and Eana Valley. RVO reported that the eruption ceased between 1800 and 1900. Incandescence visible on the N flank was either from a lava flow or pyroclastic flow deposits. (reference 2432) Mr Maneke said the region's palm oil crop has also been devastated, which was what many of the people relied on for income. "Basically the ash is falling over the oil palm trees and also food gardens. That is why people are deserting their houses and their villages. It's going to take some time to really come back." (reference #12452) Two people have been reportedly sustained light injuries during the relocation[...]Due to heavy ashfall remaining on the runway, Air Niugini flights into Hoskins Airport were cancelled again as of 1 July until a further review is undertaken by the airline. (reference #12453) An eruption at Mount Ulawun volcano on 26 June had led to the immediate evacuation of 7,000 people and covered 50% of Sipefs oil palms (on more than 6,500ha) with a 3-5cm layer of ashes and small stones, affecting the July harvest, the company said on 5 August. A second eruption occurred on 3 August at the same volcano[...]Combined with the two eruptions, it was projecting a fall of some 19% in palm and palm kernel oil production for this year, compared with 2018, representing a pre-tax loss of some US$14M. (reference #12491) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12452 Radio New Zealand (2019): PNG volcano-affected communities wait on relief, govt help. Published 01 July 2019. Link #12453 United Nations, Office of the Resident Coordinator (2019): Papua New Guinea: Volcanic Activity. Office of the Resident Coordinator, Flash Update No. 3. As of 02 July 2019. #12491 Oils & Fats International (2019): Volcano eruption affects palm oil production in Papua New Guinea. Published 19 August 2019. Link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2018 Sep 21 - Oct 12	Historical obs./docs.	2
2018 Jun 8	Historical obs./docs.	1
2017 Jun 11 - Nov 3	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2016 Oct 11 - Nov 18	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2013 Jul 8 - Dec 21	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2012 Nov 6 - Dec 11	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2012 May 7 - May 31	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2010 May 26 ±4 d. - 2011 May 27	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	2?
?? 2007 Dec 25	Uncertain Eruption	1?
2007 May 1	Historical obs./docs.	2
2006 Mar 1 - 2007 Jan 18	Historical obs./docs.	2
2005 Mar 27 ? - Aug 9 ?	Historical obs./docs.	2
2004 Apr 12 - Apr 14	Historical obs./docs.	2
2003 Apr 14 ? - Oct 10	Historical obs./docs.	2
2002 Aug 22 ? - Nov 3	Historical obs./docs.	2
2001 Aug 28	Historical obs./docs.	2
2001 Jan 16 ? - May 3	Summit and NNE flank Historical obs./docs.	3
2000 Sep 28 - Nov 1	Historical obs./docs.	4

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Eruptions of Ulawun volcano

2010 activity
On 14-15 February 2010, ash eruptions from Ulawun volcano reached a height of 3.7 km and drifted 95 km.

2009 earthquake
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit 10 km west of Ulawun volcano on 28 May 2009.

2006-7 eruptions
In 2006 and 2007, frequent, near-continuous ash eruptions produced plumes up to 4.6 km high, drifting mostly into (north-)westerly directions.
The tallest plume of the reporting interval (22 March 2006 - 18 Jan 2007) rose to 4.6 km altitude.

2005 eruptions
Frequent ash and steam plumes produced by small eruptions were reported during March-August 2005.

2001-2003 eruptions
Intermittent ash eruptions produced small ash plumes reaching up to 3-4 km altitude durinng most of 2001-2003.

2001 large eruption
An aircraft reported a large ash plume reaching 9 km, indicating a larger explosion had happened. Satellite measurements revealed that the eruption had stopped by 30 April. The ash plume may have reached a maximum of 40,000 ft (ca. 14 km).

September 2000 eruption
One of the largest historical eruptions occurred between 28 September - 2 October 2000.
After a rappid build-up in seismic activity, a small eruption started on 28 Sep, increasing to strombolian activity at 01h20 on 29 Sep. Later that day, the eruption escalated into a vulcanian or sub-Plinian type explosion, producing an ash column reaching 12-15 km height.
The peak phase of the eruption lasted less than 1 day and by 30 Sep, the eruption had already waned almost completely. It produced 3 pyroclastic flows, which traveled down pre-existing gullies on the N, NW, and SE flanks, along the same paths as flows during previous eruptions. The N-directed pyroclastic flow was the biggest and descended to 580 m elevation. There were no lava flows.
The eruption caused the evacuation of nearby towns, caused significant damage, but there were no fatalities.
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Source:
Smithsonian / GVP monthly reports

1999 eruptions
The first week explosions after 6.5 years of quiet were seen in mid October 1999.

1994 activity - weak glow
Strong vapor emissions and a steady weak red glow from the summit were observed in June 1994.

1992-4 weak activity
Most of 1992-1994 was characterized by infrequent small explosions. A faint glow was often visible at the summit lava dome.
A dense eruption column of dark ash was erupted 1,000 m above summit on 12 January.

1989-1992 activity: weak-moderate vapor emission

1989 Jan eruptions
A moderate eruption in early January 1989 ejects ash to 2 km. In the next months, occasional smaller eruptions occur, and the volcano enters a calm phase.

1985 November strombolian eruption & lava flow
A brief, spectacular Strombolian eruption took place 17-22 November, developing rapidly after about five days of precursory seismicity.
The height of the strombolian ejections reached 200 m above the crater and a lava flow started to descend the N slope in the early evening of the 18 Nov. This flow originated from a fissure about 70 m below the summit crater and reached the lower slopes at 5.5 km distance, where its advance was coming to a halt.
Spectacular lava fountains were observed during the niight of the 18th Nov.
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Source: GVP monthly reports

1984 strombolian eruption
A low-intensity Strombolian eruption occurred between late December 1984 and terminated on or around 27 January 1985.

1983 eruptions
Mild explosive activity dominated 1983.

1983 large eruption
A short, but major eruption occurred at Ulawun between 6 and 7 October 1983. It ejected ash to 60,000 ft and produced pyroclastic flows which swept all flanks of the volcano and devastated an area of 20 sq km. ...more info

May 1978: major eruption
A large eruption occurred between 9-14 May. It produced lava flow, ash fall and nuée ardente. It was a flank eruption which may have contributed to structural instability.

1973 effusive eruption
An eruption during 4-19 October produced lava flows and ejecta from five vents.

1970 major eruption
A large explosive and effusive eruption produced pyroclastic flows and lava flows. The eruption devastated the NW flank of Ulawun and reshaped the summit crater. ...more info

1915 eruption
A large eruption deposited 10 cm of ash at Toriu, 50 km northeast of the volcano.

1700 eruption
The first historic eruption of Ulawun was recorded by the British explorer William Dampier during his second circumnavigation 1699-1701, published in his book "A Voyage to New Holland" (1703 / 1909)

Source: Dampier, W. (1906) "Dampier's voyages", Grant Richards, London, pp. 522-549

Ulawun Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Ulawun volcano?

The last confirmed eruption of Ulawun occurred in 2023.

+How often does Ulawun volcano erupt?

Since 1700, Ulawun volcano has had at least 46 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 7.1 years.

+How active is Ulawun volcano at present?

Ulawun volcano is very active: Since 1900, it has had 41 eruptions, and been active during 41 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Ulawun has been in eruption one in 3.1 years on average. The last eruption was in 2023 and ended 15 months ago.

+When was the largest eruption of Ulawun volcano?

The largest eruption of Ulawun volcano in historic times occurred in 2019. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest satellite images

See also: Sentinel hub | Landsat 8 | NASA FIRMS

Latest satellite images

Ulawun Volcano Maps

Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).