About Iamalele
Iamalele is a lava dome(s) rising to 194 meters (637 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
Iamalele is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Trobriand Volcanic Province of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 9.51° S, 150.52° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At just 194 meters above sea level, Iamalele 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
Iamalele 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 Iamalele, 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
Multiple volcanic features and active thermal areas are located on the SW part of Fergusson Island, in the center of the D'Entrecasteaux island group. The Iamalele-Fagululu area contains a series of lava domes and lava flows of probable Holocene age in association with abundant hot springs and fumaroles (Smith, 1981). Two small lava domes are located near Fagululu village, the larger of which is a flat-topped, obsidian-bearing rhyolitic dome. Six other lava domes are clustered around Salt Lake on the W side of the area. Hot springs, boiling springs, fumaroles, and mud pools are found in an area of siliceous sinter near Iamalele village.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Iamalele.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Iamalele
Is Iamalele an active volcano?+
Iamalele 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 Iamalele?+
Iamalele has a summit elevation of 194 meters (637 feet) above sea level. At 194 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Iamalele?+
Iamalele is classified as a Lava dome(s). Lava domes are mounds of viscous lava that pile up around a volcanic vent. They grow by expansion from within and can collapse to produce dangerous pyroclastic flows.
Where is Iamalele located?+
Iamalele 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 -9.506° latitude, 150.524° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Iamalele?+
Iamalele 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.
