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Goodenough Volcano | Dr John Seach
Last updated: January 2026
Goodenough Island, D''Entrecasteaux Islands,
Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
9.48 S, 150.35 E
summit elevation ~2566 m (island high point)
Volcanic field
Goodenough is one of the steepest islands in the world, a rugged metamorphic dome (high point Oiabia at 2566 m) with Quaternary volcanic features concentrated in the southeast and north. The island (~26 km diameter) includes well-preserved cones in the southeast, lava domes (e.g., Mt Oiava'ai), and scattered hot springs. No central edifice exists; activity is dispersed across a volcanic field.
Warning: Goodenough is dormant with no confirmed historical eruptions but shows persistent low-level geothermal activity (hot springs). Hazards include scalding fluids and toxic gases in thermal areas. The island is seismically active due to regional tectonics, with potential for landslides on steep slopes.
Geology and Volcanology
Goodenough features a metamorphic core dome uplifted by tectonic forces, overlain by Quaternary basaltic-andesitic volcanic centres including cones, domes, and flows. Southeast cones are youthful and well-preserved, suggesting relatively recent activity. Hot springs indicate residual hydrothermal circulation. Due to its inactive status and remoteness, monitoring relies on regional seismic networks and satellite data from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory.
Current Activity (January 2026)
No eruptive activity has been recorded at Goodenough. Persistent hot springs remain active at several coastal and inland sites. Satellite observations show no thermal anomalies or unrest. The volcanic field remains dormant.
Eruption History
Undated Holocene eruptions formed the southeast cones and northern domes, possibly as recent as a few hundred years ago based on preservation. No historical activity is confirmed.
Further reading
Fitz, G. and Mann, P., 2013. Tectonic uplift mechanism of the Goodenough and Fergusson Island gneiss domes, eastern Papua New Guinea: Constraints from seismic reflection and well data. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 14(10), pp.3969-3995.
Goodenough Volcano Eruptions
Holocene (undated, possibly recent)
No historical eruptions