Central Bismarck Sea
Fissure vent · -1,300m · Papua New Guinea
About Central Bismarck Sea
Central Bismarck Sea is a fissure vent rising to -1,300 meters (-4,265 feet) in Papua New Guinea's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1972 CE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Central Bismarck Sea is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Bismarck Sea Volcanic Province of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 3.03° S, 147.78° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -1,300 meters — below sea level — Central Bismarck Sea is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Central Bismarck Sea is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Central Bismarck Sea in Papua New Guinea generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is no data (checked), which influences the viscosity of the magma and, consequently, the style of eruptions this volcano produces. Rock chemistry is one of the most important factors in determining whether a volcano erupts explosively or effusively.
Eruption History Summary
Central Bismarck Sea has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1972 CE to 1972 CE. The most recent eruption in 1972 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
SOFAR signals resembling those produced at known submarine eruptions were recorded in January 1972 in the central Bismarck Sea (Johnson et al., 1981). The source of the signals was at the junction of two segments of the N margin of the South Bismarck plate. The more easterly of these segments is a transform fault, whereas the more westerly is an area of oblique active seafloor spreading. The signals were detected by a seismic station on nearby Manus Island, as well as at hydrophone stations on Wake and Midway Islands in the central Pacific.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Bismarck Sea
Is Central Bismarck Sea an active volcano?+
Central Bismarck Sea is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1972 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Central Bismarck Sea last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Central Bismarck Sea occurred in 1972 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Central Bismarck Sea has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Central Bismarck Sea?+
Central Bismarck Sea has a summit elevation of -1,300 meters (-4,265 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -1,300 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Central Bismarck Sea?+
Central Bismarck Sea is classified as a Fissure vent. Fissure vent volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Central Bismarck Sea located?+
Central Bismarck Sea is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Bismarck Sea Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -3.030° latitude, 147.780° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Central Bismarck Sea?+
Central Bismarck Sea can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Papua New Guinea may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
