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Baluan Volcano | Dr John Seach
Last updated: January 2026
Admiralty Islands, Manus Province,
Papua New Guinea
2.57 S, 147.28 E
summit elevation 254 m
Stratovolcano
Baluan is a densely forested, roughly circular basaltic stratovolcano forming a reef-fringed island south of Manus Island. It is the southernmost and largest single-island volcano in St Andrew Strait. The summit features a vegetated oval crater (1 x 0.5 km), and warm coastal springs indicate minor geothermal activity.
Warning: Baluan is considered dormant with no confirmed eruptions. Hazards are low, but the region includes active submarine volcanoes (e.g., Tuluman). Warm springs pose minor risks of scalding or gas emissions.
Geology and Volcanology
Baluan is a basaltic stratovolcano lacking the acidic rocks found on nearby islands (Lou, Tuluman). The island is largely rainforest-covered with coastal rock outcrops. Warm springs along the shore suggest residual hydrothermal activity. Due to its inactive status and remote location, no routine monitoring is conducted by the Rabaul Volcano Observatory.
Current Activity (January 2026)
No volcanic activity has been recorded at Baluan. Minor warm springs persist along the coast, but satellite observations show no thermal anomalies, gas emissions, or unrest. The volcano remains dormant.
Eruption History
A possible submarine eruption occurred in 1931 near Baluan, but it remains unconfirmed. No other historical or Holocene activity is known.
Further reading
Johnson, R.W. and Smith, I.E., 1974. Volcanoes and rocks of St Andrew Strait, Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Geological Society of Australia, 21(3), pp.333-351.
Baluan Volcano Eruptions
1931? (uncertain submarine event)
No confirmed eruptions