New thermal area found in Rabaul

A NEW thermal area has come into existence around the Sulphur Point area in East New Britain, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory has confirmed.
Assistant director Steve Saunders said the thermal area was sighted between Sulphur Point and the Old Gun, west of what was Escape Bay.
Escape Bay was at one stage filled by lava in 1996 and 1997.
He said the thermal area was above 50 degrees Celsius. That means it is not boiling, but it is hot.
Mr Saunders said more details would be collected over the weekend.
Meanwhile, he said low level activity was continuing at Mt Tavurvur and judging by past experiences, an explosion was imminent.
Mr Saunders said last Thursday morning, the vent was clear with gentle white fumes at 1,000m over the volcano, and urged people not to go within 2km of the cone.
Fluctuation, roaring and rumbling was experienced from last Tuesday to Friday.
Seismic activity continued to remain at very low levels with just a few low frequent events. There have been no high frequency events from the volcano.
Mr Saunders said people were advised not to venture close to Mt Tavurvur in case of being hit by lava fragments from the occasional explosions.

Type In Your Name:

Type In Your E-mail:

Your Friend's E-mail:

Your Comments:

Receive copy: