About Lolo
Lolo is a stratovolcano rising to 796 meters (2,612 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
Lolo is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Bismarck Volcanic Arc of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 5.47° S, 150.51° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 796 meters above sea level, Lolo 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
Lolo 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 Lolo, 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
Lolo is a nearly symmetrical andesitic stratovolcano, ~3.5 km in diameter, located N of Witori volcano along the N coast of New Britain near Cape Hoskins. It is of very late Pleistocene or Holocene age and overlaps the older Kapberg volcano to the west (Blake and McDougall, 1973). Lava flows are prominent on its flanks, and a well-preserved crater 250 m wide and 60 m deep truncates the summit.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Lolo.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Lolo
Is Lolo an active volcano?+
Lolo is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Lolo?+
Lolo has a summit elevation of 796 meters (2,612 feet) above sea level. At 796 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Lolo?+
Lolo 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 Lolo located?+
Lolo 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 -5.466° latitude, 150.509° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Lolo?+
Lolo 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.
