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Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 20 May-26 May 2009


Batu Tara

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 20 May-26 May 2009
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2009. Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 20 May-26 May 2009. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (20 May-26 May 2009)

Batu Tara

Indonesia

7.791°S, 123.585°E; summit elev. 633 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 20 May ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 65 km NW. On 26 May, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km NW. A thermal anomaly was also identified on satellite imagery.

Geological Summary. The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea about 50 km N of Lembata (fomerly Lomblen) Island contains a scarp on the eastern side similar to the Sciara del Fuoco of Italy's Stromboli volcano. Vegetation covers the flanks to within 50 m of the summit. Batu Tara lies north of the main volcanic arc and is noted for its potassic leucite-bearing basanitic and tephritic rocks. The first historical eruption, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)