About Takuan Group
Takuan Group is a compound rising to 2,210 meters (7,251 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
Takuan Group is located in Papua New Guinea, within the Bougainville Volcanic Arc of the broader Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 6.44° S, 155.61° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,210 meters above sea level, Takuan Group rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Takuan 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 Takuan 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 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 Takuan volcano group in southern Bougainville Island consists of three closely spaced, NW-SE-trending andesitic-dacitic stratovolcanoes. Two of these are relatively uneroded and have probably been active during the Holocene, and a third, extensively eroded volcano is probably Pleistocene in age (Blake and Meizitis, 1967). Along with Loloru volcano, the Takuan volcanoes are post-caldera cones constructed along the rim of the Pleistocene Laluai caldera. The 2210-m NW-most volcano, Mount Takuan, is the highest of the group and is a lava cone that has fed viscous lavas flows to the south, similar to those at Bagana volcano. The central volcano contains a large lava dome in its breached summit crater; this dome may represent the most recent activity of the Takuan volcano group. Older, but still well-preserved lava flows are found on the flanks of this volcano.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Takuan Group.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Takuan Group
Is Takuan Group an active volcano?+
Takuan Group 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 Takuan Group?+
Takuan Group has a summit elevation of 2,210 meters (7,251 feet) above sea level. At 2,210 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Takuan Group?+
Takuan Group is classified as a Compound. Compound volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Takuan Group located?+
Takuan Group is located in Papua New Guinea, in the Southwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Bougainville Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -6.442° latitude, 155.608° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Takuan Group?+
Takuan 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.
