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

Volcanic Activity Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 20 August-26 August 2008

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 20 August-26 August 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, 20 August-26 August 2008. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey. https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?gvpvar=GVP.WVAR20080820-264260

Batu Tara

Indonesia

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

Scientists on a boat passing Batu Tara about 24 km to the N observed six distinct eruptions of ash plumes from the westernmost area of the summit crater during a 45-minute period on 25 August. The plumes rose to an estimated altitude of 1.1-1.5 km (3,600-5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.

Source: Tristram Burley, personal communication

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.