Dawson Strait Group
Volcanic field in Papua New Guinea
Key Facts
Elevation
500 m (1,640 ft)
Type
Volcanic field
Location
-9.620°, 150.880°
Region
Trobriand Volcanic Province
Rock Type
Rhyolite
Tectonic Setting
Subduction zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
The Dawson Straits, located between eastern Fergusson and western Normanby Islands in the D'Entrecasteaux island group, contains a volcanic field with several centers that define a possible partly submerged caldera. There have been no historical eruptions, but morphology suggests an extremely young age for some lava flows, and the area displays vigorous thermal activity. The most prominent volcanic centers are Mounts Lamonai and Oiau, located about 10 km apart on the SW tip of Fergusson Island.
The summit of Lamonai is capped by a steep-walled crater, and rhyolitic lava flows are exposed on the NE side of the cone. The dominantly volcaniclastic Oiau cone has also produced obsidian lava flows. Dobu Island to the south is formed of coalescing volcanic centers and likewise has produced youthful rhyolitic obsidian flows.
Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment
Primary Hazards
Risk Level
Geological Composition & Structure
Rock Types
Tectonic Setting
Age & Formation
Eruption Statistics & Analysis
| Metric | Value | Global Ranking | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Recorded Eruptions | Unknown | Low | Moderately active volcano |
| Maximum VEI | VEI Unknown | Minor | Local impact potential |
| Recent Activity | 676 years ago | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 253060
- •Evidence: Eruption Dated
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
The Dawson Straits, seen in this NASA Landsat image, is located between eastern Fergusson Island (upper left) and northwestern Normanby Island (lower left) in the D'Entrecasteaux island group. The area contains a volcanic field with several young volcanic centers that erupted rhyolitic obsidian flows. Mount Oiau is located on the narrow peninsula (left center) forming the southernmost point on Fergusson Island. A large crater is visible on Dobu Island, southeast of Oiau. Young volcanic rocks are also found on Sanaroa Island (upper right).
NASA Landsat 7 image (worldwind.arc.nasa.gov)
Authority Sources
Related Volcanoes
Basic Information
This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.