Sulu Range
Stratovolcano(es) in Papua New Guinea
Key Facts
Elevation
610 m (2,001 ft)
Type
Stratovolcano(es)
Location
-5.500°, 150.942°
Region
Bismarck Volcanic Arc
Rock Type
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
Tectonic Setting
Subduction zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
The Sulu Range consists of a cluster of partially overlapping small stratovolcanoes and lava domes in north-central New Britain off Bangula Bay. The 610-m Mount Malopu at the southern end forms the high point of the basaltic-to-rhyolitic complex. Kaiamu maar forms a peninsula with a small lake extending about 1 km into Bangula Bay at the NW side of the Sulu Range.
The Walo hydrothermal area, consisting of solfataras and mud pots, lies on the coastal plain west of the SW base of the Sulu Range. No historical eruptions are known from the Sulu Range, although some of the cones display a relatively undissected morphology. A vigorous new fumarolic vent opened in 2006, preceded by vegetation die-off, seismicity, and dust-producing landslides.
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 | Unknown | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 252090
- •Evidence: Unrest / Holocene
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
Forested volcanoes of the Sulu Range occupy the center of this NASA Landsat image (N is to the top) of west-central New Britain. This group of partially overlapping small volcanoes and lava domes off Bangula Bay reaches heights of about 600 m. Mount Karai, also known as Mount Ruckenberg, lies on the NE side of the geochemically diverse, basaltic-to-rhyolitic complex. Kaiamu maar forms the peninsula extending about 1 km into Bangula Bay at the NW side of the Sulu Range.
NASA Landsat7 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.