Volcanic Activity Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 22 August-28 August 2012

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 22 August-28 August 2012
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2012. Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 22 August-28 August 2012. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey. https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?gvpvar=GVP.WVAR20120822-264260

Batu Tara

Indonesia

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that on 22 August ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45 km W. During 25-7 August ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-110 km W.

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.