Dawson Strait Group
Volcanic field · 500m · Papua New Guinea
About Dawson Strait Group
Dawson Strait Group is a volcanic field rising to 500 meters (1,641 feet) in Papua New Guinea's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1350 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Dawson Strait Group is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Trobriand Volcanic Province of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 9.62° S, 150.88° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At just 500 meters above sea level, Dawson Strait Group is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. 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
Dawson Strait Group sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Papua New Guinea near Dawson Strait Group, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is rhyolite, a silica-rich volcanic rock associated with highly viscous magma. Rhyolitic eruptions can be extremely explosive and are responsible for some of the largest volcanic events in Earth's history, including supervolcanic caldera-forming eruptions. The high silica content traps dissolved gases, building enormous pressure that can lead to catastrophic explosive releases.
Eruption History Summary
Dawson Strait Group has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1350 CE to 1350 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
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.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1350 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Oiau |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson Strait Group
Is Dawson Strait Group an active volcano?+
Dawson Strait Group is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1350 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Dawson Strait Group last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Dawson Strait Group occurred in 1350 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Dawson Strait Group has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Dawson Strait Group?+
Dawson Strait Group has a summit elevation of 500 meters (1,641 feet) above sea level. At 500 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Dawson Strait Group?+
Dawson Strait Group is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Dawson Strait Group located?+
Dawson Strait Group is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Trobriand Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -9.620° latitude, 150.880° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Dawson Strait Group?+
Dawson Strait Group 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.
