Thermal activity at Bagiai cone a concern
By ELIZABETH VUVU
THERMAL activity at the Bagiai cone on Karkar Island in Madang is still continuing and is a concern, Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) chief geodetic surveyor Steve Saunders said.
RVO acting assistant director Herman Patia, who returned to East New Britain last Tuesday, reported this.
Mr Patia had been on the ground at Karkar over the recent weeks along with another RVO seismologist to monitor the reported increased activity that started in December last year.
Mr Saunders said from what he gathered from Mr Patia, thermal activity from within the cone had caused the vegetation to die and turn brown.
He said withered and dry vegetation could be observed at Bagiai’s flanks.
In the meantime, seismic activity in the form of volcanic earthquakes is continuing, but at low levels.
RVO reported that three portable seismic recorders were deployed close to the summit area on the outer caldera, 3.5 km from Bagiai.
They recorded 15-20 volcanic earthquakes per day, it said.
“Generally, the seismic activity is at a low level and our team on the ground is keeping an eye on it,” Mr Saunders said.
He said another team from RVO would be sent to the area next week to set up a ground deformation network on the island.
“This is to measure ground deformation associated with any magma movement underneath Karkar volcano,” he said.
RVO had made a report for a permanent monitoring equipment to be stationed at Karkar as the three portable seismic recorders were only being used temporarily.
Member for Sumkar, Ken Fairweather has reportedly agreed to meet half of the total cost of this equipment which is said to amount to K252,000.
Nation Stories