Earthquake in New Guinea on January 27

Abstract

THE United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, in co-operation with Science Service and the Jesuit Seismological Association, has provisionally determined the epicentre of the earthquake of January 27 last, which occurred at 13h. 29. 4m. U. T. The determination was based on instrumental reports from seismographic stations at St. Louis, Tucson, College, Logan, San Juan, Pasadena, Philadelphia, Lincoln and Fordham. The epicentre appeared to be in the region of Geelvink Bay in western New Guinea. The region of and around New Guinea appears to contain, in addition to active centres of activity, both active and semi-active volcanoes. An earthquake with epicentre some two miles south-east of Rabaul (New Britain) occurred on May 7, 1919, in the neighbourhood of the semi-active volcano Glaie or Tavurur. One previous to this was on January 1, 1916. The line of disturbance is south-west from the volcano Glaie to the large active volcano called the Father on the north coast of New Britain. Earthquakes appear to be most severe when the Father is quietest, the line extends then westerly towards the west end of New Britain, where there are semi-active volcanoes ; thence on to the island of Manam off the coast of New Guinea, where there is a very active volcano. The present seismic activity appears either to be on another branch of this line of activity, or along a westward extension of the line.