About Blup Blup
Blup Blup is a stratovolcano rising to 402 meters (1,319 feet) in Papua New Guinea's Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Blup Blup is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Bismarck Volcanic Arc of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 3.51° S, 144.60° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At just 402 meters above sea level, Blup Blup 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 composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Blup Blup 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 Blup Blup, 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 andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The 2 x 3.5 km forested island of Blup Blup contains lava flows with well-defined flow fronts. Weak thermal areas are located on the W and N coasts. Most eruptive activity at the andesitic-dacitic volcano originated from a summit crater about 800 m in diameter, although there may be a lava dome on a ridge to the W and a small satellite cone along the SW coast. Reports of eruptions in 1616 and 1830 are erroneous, but there may have been eruptions during the Holocene (Johnson, 1990 p.c.). Blocks from a submarine debris avalanche lie to the NE of the island.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Blup Blup.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Blup Blup
Is Blup Blup an active volcano?+
Blup Blup is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Blup Blup?+
Blup Blup has a summit elevation of 402 meters (1,319 feet) above sea level. At 402 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Blup Blup?+
Blup Blup is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Blup Blup located?+
Blup Blup is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Bismarck Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -3.507° latitude, 144.605° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Blup Blup?+
Blup Blup 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.
