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Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 1 July-7 July 2009


Batu Tara

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 1 July-7 July 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, 1 July-7 July 2009. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (1 July-7 July 2009)

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 during 1-7 July ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.4 km (5,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-110 km W, NW, and N. A thermal anomaly was detected on 3 July.

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.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)