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Sakar Volcano | Dr John Seach
Last updated: January 2026
Sakar Island, West New Britain Province,
Papua New Guinea
5.41 S, 148.09 E
summit elevation 992 m
Stratovolcano
Sakar is a forested stratovolcano forming a roughly oval island (9.6 x 8 km) ~36 km west of Cape Gloucester on the Willaumez Peninsula, New Britain. The volcano is regarded as dormant with evidence of Holocene lava flows. Hot springs occur along the southwest coast, and possible weak solfataras near the crater lake. Large debris avalanche deposits extend northward, covering ~30 sq km.
Warning: Although dormant with no confirmed historical eruptions, Sakar has potential for flank instability and debris avalanches. Minor geothermal activity poses risks of scalding or gas emissions. The broader Willaumez Peninsula region is highly active (e.g., Dakataua, Lolobau).
Geology and Volcanology
Sakar is a basaltic-andesitic stratovolcano with a summit crater containing a small lake. Holocene lava flows and extensive block fields from debris avalanches indicate past activity and flank instability. Low-level geothermal features (hot springs, possible solfataras) suggest residual heat. Due to its dormant status and remoteness, monitoring relies on satellite data and occasional reports from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory.
Current Activity (January 2026)
No eruptive or significant geothermal changes have been reported at Sakar since the unconfirmed 2009 plume. Hot springs persist along the coast. Satellite observations show no thermal anomalies, gas plumes, or unrest. The volcano remains dormant.
Eruption History
A possible ash/steam plume was observed in September 2009 but remains unconfirmed (no satellite confirmation). An 1878 report of activity is unsubstantiated. Holocene lava flows confirm eruptions within the past 10,000 years, but no historical events are verified.
Further reading
Taylor, G.A.M., 1953. Notes on Ritter, Sakar, Umboi and Long Island Volcanoes. Bureau of Mineral Resources, Canberra, Record 43.
Sakar Volcano Eruptions
2009? (unconfirmed plume)
Holocene lava flows (undated)
No confirmed historical eruptions