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.
Reports from Manus Province in the country’s northeast describe chunks of pumice accumulating along coastlines and waterways in enormous “rafts” 2-5 meters thick. In some locations, residents report being able to walk where there was previously open water.
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