Rabaul caldera
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Rabaul caldera | |
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A space radar image of Rabaul caldera |
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Elevation | 688 m (2,257 ft) |
Location | East New Britain, Papua New Guinea |
Coordinates | |
Type | Pyroclastic shield (active) |
Last eruption | 2006 |
Rabaul caldera is the large volcano situated in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. It derives its name from the town of Rabaul situated inside the caldera. The highest of its multiple peaks is 688 m.
The sub-vent of Tavurvur is the most visibly active, continuously throwing ash. In 1994 it, along with nearby Vulcan erupted and devastated Rabaul, however, due to planning for such a catastrophe, the townsfolk were prepared and only five people were killed.
In 2006, Rabaul started to erupt once more. Residents fear a repeat of the 1994 disaster.[citation needed]