Holocene explosive eruptions of Witori and Dakataua caldera volcanoes in West New Britain, Papua New Guinea

摘要: Abstract Witori and Dakataua caldera volcanoes have been very active in the middle to late Holocene. Using tephrochronology, this paper establishes chronostratigraphy of these eruptions their magnitude, frequency explosive volcanism at Dakataua. After a long dormancy, started activity ca. 5600 conventional radiocarbon years BP, producing next 4500 five major tephra layers (W-K1 W-K4, W-G) with VEIs 5 6. W-G eruption around 1200 decreased magnitude but increased frequency, some forming central cones. The began alternating ejections phreatomagmatic ashfalls plinian deposits followed by cataclysmic resulting lithic-rich pyroclastic flows 1100–1200 BP. cover extensive areas West New Britain due large volumes prevailing easterly winds, providing valuable time markers for establishing Holocene chronology. largest eruption, W-K2 event 3300 shaped much present landscape, an area significantly devastated falls flows. Obsidian other artefacts buried tephras indicate that was repeatedly occupied. events formed new coastal plains favourable human occupation.