Pumice Rafts from Submarine Eruption Impact Papua New Guinea's Admiralty Islands
An unexpected submarine volcanic eruption detected on May 8, 2026, in the Bismarck Sea has led to extensive pumice rafts drifting towards Papua New Guinea's Admiralty Islands. By early June, these buoyant volcanic rock fragments had accumulated along coastlines, with reports indicating layers up to several meters thick. Communities on Lou Island, Baluan Island, and Manus Island are among those significantly affected, facing disruptions to water access, fishing, and the transport of goods.
An unexpected submarine volcanic eruption was detected by satellites on May 8, 2026, in the Bismarck Sea, near the islands of Papua New Guinea. Over subsequent weeks, plumes of steam and ash were observed, along with discolored water surrounding the eruption site. Experts suggest the ongoing activity, as of mid-June, might be occurring along the Titan Ridge.
By early June, rafts of pumice had drifted northwest from the eruption site, accumulating along the coastlines of several Admiralty Islands. Satellite imagery acquired on June 4, 2026, by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8, showed bands of this buoyant volcanic material moving across the Bismarck Sea with surface currents.
News outlets reported acute impacts from thick masses of pumice reaching coastal areas. Communities on Lou Island and Baluan Island were described as severely affected, with layers of pumice up to several meters thick blanketing the shore and cutting off access to the water. Manus Island, located approximately 125 kilometers northwest of the volcano, also experienced significant choking of its coast and key waterways.
The accumulation of pumice has disrupted fishing activities, the transport of goods, and access to critical services for coastal communities. Concerns have also been raised regarding the pumice's effects on marine ecosystems. Researchers note that a sustained presence of pumice can block sunlight, potentially inhibiting photosynthesis in seagrass and corals, and may cause physical damage to reef structures. Studies have also cited die-offs of filter-feeding fish from ingesting pumice.
Pumice can remain afloat for extended periods, from months to years. Jim Garvin, chief scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that ash can help "weld" fragments of the porous rock together, forming larger rafts, a process observed during the 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai. These masses can sometimes contribute to the formation of ephemeral new islands and also serve as floating habitats for various marine organisms, aiding their dispersal.
(Source: NASA Breaking News)
