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Tuluman Volcano | Dr John Seach
Last updated: January 2026
St Andrew Strait, Admiralty Islands, Manus Province,
Papua New Guinea
2.38 S, 147.35 E
summit elevation ~270 m (island)
Submarine complex volcano
Tuluman is a submarine rhyolitic volcano in St Andrew Strait, ~45 km south-southeast of Manus Island. The volcano emerged during a major eruption in 1953-57, forming two temporary islands from six active vents south of Lou Island. The islands were rapidly eroded but remnants persist above sea level. Activity was characterised by explosive surges and dome growth, unusual for the region's typically basaltic volcanism.
Warning: As an active submarine volcano in shallow water, Tuluman poses hazards from sudden explosive eruptions, new island formation, tsunamis, and gas emissions. Nearby Lou Island has archaeological significance for obsidian trade but no recent activity.
Geology and Volcanology
Tuluman is an intraplate rhyolitic complex not directly associated with subduction, producing high-silica lavas rare in the Bismarck Sea. The 1953-57 eruption formed multiple vents and temporary islands through Surtseyan-style activity. Nearby Lou Island (a few km north) is a separate obsidian-rich centre with prehistoric eruptions. Due to its submarine nature and remoteness, monitoring relies on satellite data and occasional reports from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory.
Current Activity (January 2026)
No activity has been recorded at Tuluman since the 1953-57 eruption. Satellite observations show no thermal anomalies, discoloured water, or seismic unrest. The volcano remains dormant.
Eruption History
The only confirmed historical eruption occurred 1953-57 (VEI 3), forming temporary islands from six vents. A possible earlier event in 1883 is unconfirmed. Prehistoric activity on nearby Lou Island dates to ~350 AD and ~240 BC.
Further reading
Reynolds, M.A., 1980. 1953-57 eruption of Tuluman volcano: Rhyolitic volcanic activity in the northern Bismarck Sea. Geological Survey of Papua New Guinea.
Tuluman Volcano Eruptions
1953-57 (confirmed), 1883? (uncertain)
Nearby Lou Island: ~350 AD, ~240 BC