About Umboi
Umboi is a complex rising to 1,335 meters (4,380 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
Umboi is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Bismarck Volcanic Arc of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 5.59° S, 147.89° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,335 meters above sea level, Umboi is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Umboi 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 Umboi, 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 basalt / picro-basalt, 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
Umboi Island, 50 km in its longest dimension, is the largest of the volcanic islands off the N coast of New Guinea. Dominantly basaltic-andesitic, it is comprised of several coalescing stratovolcanoes cut by a 13 x 17 km caldera whose walls rise up to 1 km above its floor. The caldera is widely breached to the sea on the NE side and contains three youthful post-caldera cones with summit crater lakes, Talo, Soal, and Barik. Talo, displays several thermal areas and has satellitic cones on its flanks. No historical eruptions have been reported, but activity of the post-caldera cones is thought to have continued until the last few hundred years (Johnson et al., 1972).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Umboi.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Umboi
Is Umboi an active volcano?+
Umboi 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 Umboi?+
Umboi has a summit elevation of 1,335 meters (4,380 feet) above sea level. At 1,335 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Umboi?+
Umboi is classified as a Complex. Complex volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Umboi located?+
Umboi 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 -5.592° latitude, 147.892° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Umboi?+
Umboi 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.
