Global Volcanism Program | Volcanic Activity Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia)

Volcanic Activity Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 9 April-15 April 2008

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 9 April-15 April 2008
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2008. Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 9 April-15 April 2008. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey. https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?gvpvar=GVP.WVAR20080409-264260

Batu Tara

Indonesia

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that a low-level eruption plume from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. on 13 April and drifted NW. On 14 April, a steam-and-ash plume visible on satellite imagery again rose to an altitude of about 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and NW.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)

Geological Summary. The small isolated island of Batu Tara is located in the Flores Sea ~50 km N of Lembata (formerly Lomblen) Island and the main volcanic arc. A scarp on the eastern side reaches the sea, and vegetation covers the other flanks to within 50 m of the summit. This volcano is noted for its potassic leucite-bearing basanitic and tephritic rocks. The first recorded eruption, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.