Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 21 October-27 October 2009
Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 21 October-27 October 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, 21 October-27 October 2009. 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 VAAC reported that on 27 October ash plumes from Batu Tara were seen drifting 65 km W and NW at an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l.
Geological Summary. The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea ~50 km N of Lembata (fomerly 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.