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

Volcanic Activity Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 12 August-18 August 2009

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 12 August-18 August 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, 12 August-18 August 2009. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey. https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?gvpvar=GVP.WVAR20090812-264260

Batu Tara

Indonesia

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 12-13 and 15-17 August ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to altitudes of 1.5-3 m (5,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 5-110 km W, NW, and N.

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.