Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 4 March-10 March 2009
Smithsonian / US Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report,
4 March-10 March 2009
Managing Editor: Sally Kuhn Sennert
Please cite this report as:
Global Volcanism Program, 2009. Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia). In: Sennert, S K (ed.), Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 4 March-10 March 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 analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 9 and 10 March ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted 37 km in areas NE to NW on 9 March, and NE and N on 10 March.
Geological Summary. The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea about 50 km N of Lembata (fomerly Lomblen) Island contains a scarp on the eastern side similar to the Sciara del Fuoco of Italy's Stromboli volcano. Vegetation covers the flanks to within 50 m of the summit. Batu Tara lies north of the main volcanic arc and is noted for its potassic leucite-bearing basanitic and tephritic rocks. The first historical eruption, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.
