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Rebecca Carey, Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences, University of Tasmania

Floating volcanic rock is disrupting life in Papua New Guinea – and the problem will last a long time

Papua New Guinea Japan Ocean Fish
Pumice rafts also hit Papua New Guinea's shores in 2020 after an underwater eruption. doctorlegacy / YouTube

People in parts of Papua New Guinea are facing an unusual problem. Floating volcanic rock is making boat travel difficult, blocking access to fishing grounds and disrupting daily life in coastal communities.

The source of the pumice is the ongoing Titan Ridge eruption from an underwater volcano in the Bismarck Sea. Since May 9, the eruption has produced vast amounts of pumice – a lightweight, porous volcanic rock that floats on the ocean surface.

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