Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 18 July-24 July 2012
Smithsonian / US Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report,
18 July-24 July 2012
Managing Editor: Sally Kuhn Sennert
Please cite this report as:
Global Volcanism Program, 2012. Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia). In: Sennert, S K (ed.), Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 18 July-24 July 2012. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.
Batu Tara
Indonesia
7.791°S, 123.585°E; summit elev. 633 m
All times are local (unless otherwise noted)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45 km W during 22-23 July and 110 km N and NW on 24 July.
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.
