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Report on Merapi (Indonesia) — 19 June-25 June 2002


Merapi

Smithsonian / US Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report,
19 June-25 June 2002
Managing Editor: Gari Mayberry

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2002. Report on Merapi (Indonesia). In: Mayberry, G (ed.), Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 19 June-25 June 2002. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (19 June-25 June 2002)

Merapi

Indonesia

7.54°S, 110.446°E; summit elev. 2910 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


During 10-16 June, incandescent lava avalanches flowed predominately down Merapi's SW flank to the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, and Senowo rivers to a maximum run-out distance of ~2.5 km. Seismicity decreased in comparison to the previous week. Merapi remained at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Geological Summary. Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, lies in one of the world's most densely populated areas and dominates the landscape immediately north of the major city of Yogyakarta. It is the youngest and southernmost of a volcanic chain extending NNW to Ungaran volcano. Growth of Old Merapi during the Pleistocene ended with major edifice collapse perhaps about 2,000 years ago, leaving a large arcuate scarp cutting the eroded older Batulawang volcano. Subsequent growth of the steep-sided Young Merapi edifice, its upper part unvegetated due to frequent activity, began SW of the earlier collapse scarp. Pyroclastic flows and lahars accompanying growth and collapse of the steep-sided active summit lava dome have devastated cultivated lands on the western-to-southern flanks and caused many fatalities.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)