Additional volcanological records, 1953-2008 [microform]
- Bib ID:
- 4976149
- Format:
- Manuscript and Microform
- Author:
- Rabaul Volcanological Observatory
- Related Online Resources:
-
- PMB online catalogue
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- Reel list
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- Access Conditions:
- For access conditions consult the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau online catalogue: http://rspas.anu.edu.au/pambu/finals/searchLong.php
- Description:
-
- [1953-2008]
- 5 microfilm reels ; 35 mm.
- Series:
- PMB (Australian National University. Pacific Manuscripts Bureau) ; 1327.
- Summary:
-
Reels 1-2. Box files from the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory (RVO) Library, including inspection reports. Records of Tony Taylor, Long Island, 1953-1974, Langila, 1965, 1970-1975, Langila data, 1973, Karkar, 1974-1979, Bangana, 1967-1975, and other Papua New Guinea volcanoes. Reels 2-3. Information files compiled by Patrice de Saint Ours comprising RVO history, RVO contingency planning, 1985-1991, earthquake, 1939-1973, Manam I-III, 1958-1997, Langila, 1974-1988, Karkar, 1981-1983, Lamington, 1973-1986, Rabaul and history of events, 1974-1992, and Rabaul 1994 eruption. Reel 4. RVO annual reports, 1960-1967, 1969, 1987, and loose volcanological reports, 1953-2008. Reel 5. Additional box files from the RVO Library including Manam 1974 data, Ulawun, 1970-1978, Bagana, 1959-1976; correspondence of J.H. Latter, mainly with G.A. Taylor, 1963-1965; and further loose volcanological reports.
- Biography/History:
-
Following the eruptions of Vulcan and Tavurvur in 1937, Dr C.E. Stehn and Dr W.G. Woolnough recommended establishment of an observatory in Rabaul. Norman Fisher, the Territory government geologist who was sent to assist them, remained in Rabaul to continue the investigation, publishing a key report in 1939 in the first issue of the Territory of New Guinea's Geological bulletin. An observatory was designed by Dr Fisher and built under his supervision in 1940 at its present site on Observatory Ridge. Fisher was appointed first director of the Observatory, assisted by Clem Knight. During the Japanese occupation, 1942-1945, the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory was shut down. A Japanese volcanologist, Dr T. Kizawa, established a new observatory at Sulphur Creek, including seismographic measurements, which was eventually destroyed by Allied bombing. By 1950, the RVO was re-established on Observatory Ridge. The disastrous eruption of Mt Lamingotn in 1951 prompted wider volcanological operations across the Territory of Papua and New Guinea.
In 1975, the operation of the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory was transferred to the new nation of Papua New Guinea. In 1994, eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan destroyed much of Rabaul town and most of the Observatory's monitoring systems. Key monitoring equipment was restored under a grant from the United States government. In 1996, the Australian government began a major investment program to upgrade the national Papua New Guinea volcanological service. The Observatory is responsible for monitoring the activity of the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanoes spread along three volcanic arcs throughout Papua New Guinea and which have produced more than 140 eruptions in the last 200 years.
Monitoring is carried out at the Obervatory, six "outstation" observatories (Manam, Karkar, Langila, Ulawun, Esa'ala and Lamington volcanoes) and at an unmanned telemetered station (Lamington). In addition to volcano monitoring, the functions of the Observatory include geologic reconnaissance and tephrastratigraphic studies (eg. at Rabaul, Loloru, Hargy and Witori), volcanic hazard assessments (eg. Rabaul, Manam, Karkar, Langila, Ulawun, Balbi, Bagana, Loloru, Lamington, Victory), assistance in the preparation and revision of volcano emergency plans (eg. Rabaul, Manam, Ulawun), and applied research on the pattern of activity of the monitored volcanoes with a view to the detection of eruption precursors and provisions of warning.
- Notes:
- Microfilmed from originals held at: Rabaul Volcanological Observatory, PO Box 386, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.
- Related Material:
- Other records associated with the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory are recorded on PMB 1294, 1295 and 1296.
- Reproduction:
- Microfilm. Canberra, A.C.T. : Produced for the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau, Australian National University. 5 microfilm reels.
- Subject:
- Time Coverage:
- 1953-2008
- Other authors/contributors:
- Australian National University. Pacific Manuscripts Bureau
- Copyright:
-
Copyright Undetermined
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- Reason for copyright status:
- A Manuscript Collection may have a range of formats and dates.
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- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
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