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Batur

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Volcanic Region
  • Landform | Volc Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  • 8.2403°S
  • 115.3775°E

  • 1,711 m
    5,614 ft

  • 264010
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number

Most Recent Weekly Report: 17 November-23 November 2010 Citation IconCite this Report

CVGHM reported that seismicity from Batur decreased from 1 June to 17 November and fumarolic plumes rose from the crater. On 19 November the Alert level was lowered to Normal, or 1 (on a scale of 1-4).

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


Most Recent Bulletin Report: June 2011 (BGVN 36:06) Citation IconCite this Report

Thousands of dead fish floating in caldera lake during June 2011

Batur stratovolcano sits at the E end of the island of Bali amid nested calderas (figure 4) and rises 686 m above the surface of an intra-caldera lake of the same name (Sutawidjaja, 2009). The entire complex remained non-eruptive through at least mid-2011 as it has for at least a decade (since a moderate eruption in 1974 and a series of smaller eruptions in the 1990s ceasing in about 2000). Local authorities reported that, following some variable seismicity during 2009-2010, starting 19 June 2011 residents smelled sulfurous gas and saw many dead fish floating on the lake's surface. The kill took place in the volcano's caldera lake but in the absence of visible eruptive activity and without anomalous geophysical perturbations.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 4. Physiographic map of the island of Bali highlighting Batur caldera. The topographic high in the N-central caldera is Batur stratovolcano (summit elevation, 1,717 m). The lake (not delineated) lies along the caldera's SE side. Taken from Sutawidjaja (2009).

Our previous report on Batur (BGVN 34:11) had noted increased seismicity from September to 7 November 2009. Since that report, the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) has reported that seismicity from Batur decreased from 1 June to 17 November 2010 and fumarolic plumes rose from the crater. On 19 November the Alert level was lowered to Normal, or 1.

Investigation of thousands of dead fish. CVGHM scientists visited Lake Batur (figure 5) to learn more about the incident. They learned that residents of lakeside villages first observed lake water discoloration and acrid (like sulfur) odors on the morning of 19 June 2011. A greenish-white discoloration first emerged in spots, but these spots soon connected and spread. The residents had seen a slick on the water surface spread from the E-central lake shore towards the S (from Toya Bungkah to Buahan, figure 6). In conjunction with these changes in color, thousands of dead fish were found at the surface of the lake (figure 7).

Figure (see Caption) Figure 5. Photo of Lake Batur with two farmers for scale. The tops of fish cages (kerambah) can be seen in the lake water. Note steep caldera wall in background. Photo taken from allvoices.com. (Photographer unknown and other details undisclosed.)
Figure (see Caption) Figure 6. Map showing location of Lake Batur, with the locations of the greenish-white water seen near the coast (shaded). The lake is 7.7 km in the long dimension and has a surface area of 16 km2. Courtesy of CVGHM.
Figure (see Caption) Figure 7. Photo of dead fish floating on the surface of Lake Batur associated with the fish kill of 2011. Thousands of fish died, many near the village of Toya Bungkah. Undated photo taken from indosurflife.com.

The translated report contained this important passage. "According to information from a resident (Made Yuni, age 59), the change in color of the lake water, consisting of patches of whitish green, is a yearly event, although [typically] small in scale and not causing the death of fish. The change in color of the lake water occurs during the change of seasons (i.e. the transition), between the wet and dry parts of the year when there is a stiff wind from the S. The incident of the lake water changing color and the death of the fish on 19 June 2011 occurred about two weeks into the dry season. The death of fish in Batur on the present scale happened before, in 1995."

Scientists conducted an examination during 21-22 June 2011. They also had pre-event temperature and pH for multiple sites on the lake going back at least several months. At the time of the visit, all residual odors had dispersed. Results of ambient gas measurements showed no traces of anomalous carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, or hydrogen sulfide. The lake temperature was found to be 15°C, which is considered normal. pH levels in the lake were found to be constant with other measurements taken in normal times as well. No increase in volcanic earthquakes were reported before or after the fish kill (the pattern of earthquakes was constant at typical background, 1 event/day). The colors seen were attributed to both warm water welling up (springs at Toya Bungkah) but also at places where such springs are absent.

On 20 June the water by the village of Seked returned to its normal color. Late in 21 June the water by the other villages involved returned to its normal color. Scientists found neither dead weeds or algae nor gas bubbles associated with the fish kill.

Scientists from CVGHM found no evidence to conclude the fish kill was volcanically triggered nor did they mention it portending eruptive activity. Rather, the scientists noted the comparatively high diurnal-temperature difference during the onset of the dry season. As a result of these temperature differences, the lake water developed currents, which carried mud from the lake bottom to the surface. This was thought to correspond to the observed odors ('muddy smells') and color changes on the lake surface. In a broad sense, the currents and mud were thought to upset the lake's ecological balance in a manner toxic to the fish.

Residents were advised to not consume dead fish from the incident, but fish that had survived were still considered fit for human consumption. Many inhabitants around Lake Batur are fisherman by trade and it is estimated that the fish kill resulted in losses up to billions of Rupiah (1 billion Rupiah currently equivalent to ~120,000 US Dollars). The water of Lake Batur is also irrigated into surrounding farms. There is no official documentation on whether or not the recent events at Lake Batur have affected the neighboring agriculture.

Reference. Sutawidjaja, I.S., 2009, Ignimbrite Analyses of Batur Caldera, Bali, based on 14C dating, Jurnal Geologi Indonesia, Vol. 4 No. 3, September 2009: 189-202 [http://www.bgl.esdm.go.id/dmdocuments/jurnal20090304.pdf].

Information Contacts: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM), Jalan Diponegoro 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/); Bali Discovery Tours, Komplek Pertokoan Sanur Raya No. 27 Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai,Sanur, Bali, Indonesia (URL: http://www.balidiscovery.com)

Weekly Reports - Index


2010: November
2009: November
2001: April


17 November-23 November 2010 Citation IconCite this Report

CVGHM reported that seismicity from Batur decreased from 1 June to 17 November and fumarolic plumes rose from the crater. On 19 November the Alert level was lowered to Normal, or 1 (on a scale of 1-4).

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


4 November-10 November 2009 Citation IconCite this Report

CVGHM reported increased seismicity from Batur from September to 7 November and a significant increase in the number of volcanic earthquakes on 8 November. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


18 April-24 April 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

VSI reported that there were no major changes visible at Batur during 9-15 April. Thin steam plumes continued to rise above the volcano's crater. Seismographs recorded no shallow volcanic earthquakes, two deep volcanic earthquakes, two small explosion earthquakes, and 17 tectonic earthquakes. The volcano remained at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


11 April-17 April 2001 Citation IconCite this Report

During 2-9 April, thin steam plumes were observed rising from Batur's crater. Seismographs recorded one deep volcanic earthquake, two shallow volcanic earthquakes, ten tectonic earthquakes, and five small explosion events. Batur is at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


Bulletin Reports - Index

Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.

11/1989 (SEAN 14:11) Thermal activity

07/1994 (BGVN 19:07) First significant eruptive activity in 18 years leads to ashfall 6 km WSW of the summit

08/1994 (BGVN 19:08) Activity declines following 7-11 August eruption

07/1998 (BGVN 23:07) Continuous mild eruptive activity during first week of July

06/1999 (BGVN 24:06) New eruption beginning in March; frequent explosions

10/2000 (BGVN 25:10) Frequent ash emissions and explosions since August 1999

09/2001 (BGVN 26:09) White, thin plume to 10 m above crater rim during March and April 2001

11/2009 (BGVN 34:11) September 2009 seismic increase after over 8 years of quiet

06/2011 (BGVN 36:06) Thousands of dead fish floating in caldera lake during June 2011




Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


November 1989 (SEAN 14:11) Citation IconCite this Report

Thermal activity

A thin white plume rose 2-10 m from the solfatara field in the N wall of the crater. Gases emerged with a weak hissing sound and had temperatures of 40-80°C in 27° air. Other solfataras emitted 2-5-m white plumes at 90-95°C. Seismic stations recorded one local and 26 distant tectonic events, and one volcanic earthquake in November.

Information Contacts: VSI.


July 1994 (BGVN 19:07) Citation IconCite this Report

First significant eruptive activity in 18 years leads to ashfall 6 km WSW of the summit

Beginning on 4 August, the daily number of A-type volcanic earthquakes increased to 14; two days later 125 events were registered. An eruption on 7 August from the E part of the summit, Batur Crater III, caused ashfall as far as ~6 km WSW (figure 1). Ash covered Kintamani on the caldera rim, one of Bali's famous tourist attractions. Incandescent lava fragments and black smoke were ejected to heights of 300 m. None of the larger lava fragments fell outside of the active crater. News reports indicated that the eruption generated 960 explosions through 11 August. Volcanic tremor recorded by the VSI on 13 August had a maximum amplitude of 4.5 mm, but was increasing. By 14 August, when lava reached the surface, the tremor amplitude was 23 mm.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. Map of the Batur caldera, showing hazard zones, selected towns, and extent of ashfall from the eruption that began on 7 Aug 1994. The inner caldera is not shown, but includes most of danger zones I and II. Courtesy of VSI.

As of 18 August, no evacuations from the area around the . . . volcano had taken place. About 180,000 people live in Bangli Regency, but only ~500 live in what a spokesman called the "critical region." Batur was declared off-limits for climbers on 7 August, and local villagers were put on alert. An official at a monitoring center said tourists who evaded guards and climbed the mountain were taking large risks. According to press reports, the eruptions have not reduced the number of visitors to the popular resort island; Batur's crater attracts ~300 people every day. Many observe the volcanic activity from Kintamani, on the crater rim (figure 1).

Information Contacts: VSI; AP; Reuters; UPI; ANS; D. Shackleford, Fullerton CA, USA.


August 1994 (BGVN 19:08) Citation IconCite this Report

Activity declines following 7-11 August eruption

An . . . eruption . . . on 7 August . . . marked the first significant eruptive activity in 18 years. According to a 12 August Reuters news report, during 7-11 August Batur "spewed glowing ash and smoke more than 600 times." The Reuters report noted that a spokesman for the local governor's office said "the threat of a major volcanic blast on Indonesia's resort island of Bali appeared to lessen on Friday [12 August] after Mount Batur's activity slowed." The news report also quoted Wimpy Tjetjep (VSI): "The probability that there will be a big and destructive eruption is small."

Information Contacts: W. Tjetjep, VSI; Reuters.


July 1998 (BGVN 23:07) Citation IconCite this Report

Continuous mild eruptive activity during first week of July

During the first week of July, Batur continuously emitted a gray plume 25-300 m above the crater. Observers saw incandescent material frequently ejected. Two episodes of tremor with amplitudes of 0.3-24 mm were recorded.

Information Contacts: Volcanological Survey of Indonesia, Jalan Diponegoro No.57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/).


June 1999 (BGVN 24:06) Citation IconCite this Report

New eruption beginning in March; frequent explosions

During the week of 9-15 March, white ash plumes rose 10-100 m above the crater. Booming noises were heard six times, and volcanic earthquakes increased drastically compared to the previous week (table 1). It was later determined that an ash eruption had begun on 15 March, sending bluish-white plumes 10-50 m high. On 17 March, two relatively recent craters merged when a connecting ridge collapsed as a result of earthquakes and small eruptions.

Table 1. Weekly seismicity recorded at Batur, March-July 1999. Types of events include volcanic A-type, volcanic B-type, tectonic, explosion earthquakes, and ash emissions (small explosion earthquakes). No data were available for the period 30 March-19 April. Maximum explosion amplitudes were reported as 2-26 mm during May; more typical, smaller amplitudes were 1.5-24 mm during May-July. Courtesy of VSI.

Date A-type B-type Tectonic Explosion Emission
02-08 Mar 1999 2 0 1 0 2
09-15 Mar 1999 106 241 1 0 26
16-22 Mar 1999 0 14 1 270 5
23-29 Mar 1999 -- -- 1 299 --
30 Mar-05 Apr 1999 -- -- -- -- --
06-12 Apr 1999 -- -- -- -- --
13-19 Apr 1999 -- -- -- -- --
20-26 Apr 1999 1 2 2 79 35
27 Apr-03 May 1999 0 0 0 42 21
04-10 May 1999 0 0 0 26 39
11-17 May 1999 8 3 6 68 21
18-24 May 1999 0 0 3 337 47
25-31 May 1999 1 6 0 112 31
01-07 Jun 1999 3 4 1 6 19
08-14 Jun 1999 12 5 4 0 52
15-21 Jun 1999 4 6 4 85 48
22-28 Jun 1999 5 13 1 141 31
29 Jun-05 Jul 1999 10 10 2 171 50
06-12 Jul 1999 1 6 1 122 32
13-19 Jul 1999 0 0 1 206 14

Volcanic activity was dominated by emission events (small explosions) during the week of 23-29 March; the eruption plume was white-blue in color, rising 10-100 m above crater rim. Booming noises were heard three times on 22 March, but no glow was observed. Reports are not available for most of April, but during late April through the middle of May the seismic record was dominated by explosion events. Ash plumes, described as "white" or "white-bluish" were observed rising 50-100 m above the crater. Neither explosion sounds nor glow was observed.

Six explosions on 17 May ejected materials that fell around the crater. Another explosion on 25 May was accompanied by incandescent ejections that fell around the crater. Explosion sounds were heard on 17 occasions during the week of 25-31 May. "White ash emissions" rose only to 25 m during 1-14 June, but varied between 10 and 100 m the rest of the month. Similar activity continued through mid-July, and a variable rumbling noise was heard the week of 13-19 July.

Information Contacts: Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI), Jalan Diponegoro No. 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/).


October 2000 (BGVN 25:10) Citation IconCite this Report

Frequent ash emissions and explosions since August 1999

Intermittent explosive activity has continued since July 1999 (BGVN 24:06). The following report covers the periods of August-September 1999, February-June 2000, and August-September 2000. Reports were not available for the interim periods. However, there was no activity on 20 July 2000 (figure 2) when participants attending the IAVCEI General Assembly visited the caldera (see Sutawidjaja, 2000).

Figure (see Caption) Figure 2. Photograph of the active cone at Batur, 20 July 2000. View is looking NE from Penelokan on the caldera rim. Courtesy of Edward Venzke, SI.

In August 1999, Batur Post Observatory (BPO) observed frequent ash emissions and small explosions. Ash eruptions varied in height from 5 to 150 m above the volcano's crater rim. Some explosive events were accompanied by ejection of lava; the material rose 10-25 m, and incandescence could be observed at night. Explosion earthquakes dominated seismicity, which increased relative to the previous month. Frequent rumbling of varying intensity could be heard in the vicinity of Batur. During September, ash ejection increased in height, ranging from 25 to 250 m. Incandescent material continued to erupt from the crater. Seismicity continued to increase; seismographs recorded explosion earthquakes with amplitudes of 2-28 mm.

Ash emission, lava ejection, and mild explosions occurred during February 2000. Ash rose 25-250 m above the summit. Ejection of molten material accompanied some explosions. Rumbling could be heard frequently around the volcano. Overall seismicity was lower than in September 1999; fewer explosion earthquakes and slightly more shallow volcanic (B-type) earthquakes occurred. In the middle of the month, a gray ash plume rose up to 300 m above the summit. Ejected material fell up to 50 m from the center of the crater. By the end of February, ash emissions rose 10-50 m above the summit. Explosion frequency and intensity decreased. Low-density, white ash-and-gas emissions rose up to 75 m in early March. In mid-March the ash plume rose 10-25 m. Audible rumbling ceased, and seismicity decreased substantially.

On 22-23 March, a large explosion issued from the crater; ejecta were sent 200 m above the rim and rained back down within the crater. Seismicity increased along with the frequency of explosion earthquakes. Explosions and ash emissions continued into April, when ash and explosion debris reached up to 300 m in height, and rumbling resumed. Seismicity decreased by the end of the month. By early May, emission had decreased to a low-density, white ash-and-gas plume and rose 5-25 m above the crater rim. Rumbling ceased. Similar emissions and seismicity remained through the end of June. During August-September, a low-density, white plume rose up to 10 m above the crater rim, and seismicity maintained relatively low levels.

Reference. Sutawidjaja, Igan S., 2000, A guide to the geological phenomena of Batur Caldera, Bali, Indonesia: Fieldtrip guide prepared for the IAVCEI General Assembly, Bali, Indonesia, 33 p.

Information Contacts: Dali Ahmad, Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI), Jalan Diponegoro No. 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/).


September 2001 (BGVN 26:09) Citation IconCite this Report

White, thin plume to 10 m above crater rim during March and April 2001

During March and April 2001, a thin-white plume was observed reaching up to 10 m above the crater rim at Batur. During January through April 2001 unspecified categories of monthly earthquakes numbered 6, 10, 20, and 6, respectively; their depths were 2-5 km. Some further details on specific types of March-April earthquakes appear in table 2. Based on these data, the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI) lowered the Alert Level from 2 to 1 (on a scale of 1-4) in early May. No further activity has been reported as of September 2001.

Table 2. Seismic activity registered at Batur during March and April 2001. Courtesy of VSI.

Date Deep volcanic (A-type) Shallow volcanic (B-type) Small explosion Tectonic
06 Mar-12 Mar 2001 -- 3 5 14
12 Mar-18 Mar 2001 4 3 3 2
19 Mar-23 Mar 2001 -- 1 -- 10
27 Mar-01 Apr 2001 -- -- 8 7
02 Apr-09 Apr 2001 1 2 5 10
09 Apr-15 Apr 2001 2 -- 2 17
16 Apr-23 Apr 2001 -- 1 2 10

Information Contacts: Dali Ahmad, Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI), Jalan Diponegoro No. 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/).


November 2009 (BGVN 34:11) Citation IconCite this Report

September 2009 seismic increase after over 8 years of quiet

The Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) reported that seismicity at Batur (figure 3) increased from September 2009 to 7 November 2009, and the number of earthquakes increased significantly on 8 November (table 3). During this period, sulfurous plumes were ejected from the craters. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4). This seismic activity was the first noted at Batur since 2001, when a series of mild earthquakes occurred (BGVN 26:09).

Figure (see Caption) Figure 3. Panorama of Batur caldera showing the ~ 7-km-long lake in the SE part of the caldera along with the cental topographic high composed of intracaldera cones. Copyrighted photo courtesy of "tropicaLiving" taken on 9 April 2008.

Table 3. Number of different types of earthquakes registered at Batur between September 2009 and 8 November 2009. *Through 1830 local time on 8 November. Data from CVGHM.

Date Deep volcanic Shallow volcanic Low-frequency
Sep 2009 21 11 13
Oct 2009 28 20 15
01 Nov-07 Nov 2009 12 7 7
88 Nov 2009* 5 53 --

Information Contacts: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM), Jalan Diponegoro 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://vsi.esdm.go.id/); tropicaLiving (URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tropicaliving/).


June 2011 (BGVN 36:06) Citation IconCite this Report

Thousands of dead fish floating in caldera lake during June 2011

Batur stratovolcano sits at the E end of the island of Bali amid nested calderas (figure 4) and rises 686 m above the surface of an intra-caldera lake of the same name (Sutawidjaja, 2009). The entire complex remained non-eruptive through at least mid-2011 as it has for at least a decade (since a moderate eruption in 1974 and a series of smaller eruptions in the 1990s ceasing in about 2000). Local authorities reported that, following some variable seismicity during 2009-2010, starting 19 June 2011 residents smelled sulfurous gas and saw many dead fish floating on the lake's surface. The kill took place in the volcano's caldera lake but in the absence of visible eruptive activity and without anomalous geophysical perturbations.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 4. Physiographic map of the island of Bali highlighting Batur caldera. The topographic high in the N-central caldera is Batur stratovolcano (summit elevation, 1,717 m). The lake (not delineated) lies along the caldera's SE side. Taken from Sutawidjaja (2009).

Our previous report on Batur (BGVN 34:11) had noted increased seismicity from September to 7 November 2009. Since that report, the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) has reported that seismicity from Batur decreased from 1 June to 17 November 2010 and fumarolic plumes rose from the crater. On 19 November the Alert level was lowered to Normal, or 1.

Investigation of thousands of dead fish. CVGHM scientists visited Lake Batur (figure 5) to learn more about the incident. They learned that residents of lakeside villages first observed lake water discoloration and acrid (like sulfur) odors on the morning of 19 June 2011. A greenish-white discoloration first emerged in spots, but these spots soon connected and spread. The residents had seen a slick on the water surface spread from the E-central lake shore towards the S (from Toya Bungkah to Buahan, figure 6). In conjunction with these changes in color, thousands of dead fish were found at the surface of the lake (figure 7).

Figure (see Caption) Figure 5. Photo of Lake Batur with two farmers for scale. The tops of fish cages (kerambah) can be seen in the lake water. Note steep caldera wall in background. Photo taken from allvoices.com. (Photographer unknown and other details undisclosed.)
Figure (see Caption) Figure 6. Map showing location of Lake Batur, with the locations of the greenish-white water seen near the coast (shaded). The lake is 7.7 km in the long dimension and has a surface area of 16 km2. Courtesy of CVGHM.
Figure (see Caption) Figure 7. Photo of dead fish floating on the surface of Lake Batur associated with the fish kill of 2011. Thousands of fish died, many near the village of Toya Bungkah. Undated photo taken from indosurflife.com.

The translated report contained this important passage. "According to information from a resident (Made Yuni, age 59), the change in color of the lake water, consisting of patches of whitish green, is a yearly event, although [typically] small in scale and not causing the death of fish. The change in color of the lake water occurs during the change of seasons (i.e. the transition), between the wet and dry parts of the year when there is a stiff wind from the S. The incident of the lake water changing color and the death of the fish on 19 June 2011 occurred about two weeks into the dry season. The death of fish in Batur on the present scale happened before, in 1995."

Scientists conducted an examination during 21-22 June 2011. They also had pre-event temperature and pH for multiple sites on the lake going back at least several months. At the time of the visit, all residual odors had dispersed. Results of ambient gas measurements showed no traces of anomalous carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, or hydrogen sulfide. The lake temperature was found to be 15°C, which is considered normal. pH levels in the lake were found to be constant with other measurements taken in normal times as well. No increase in volcanic earthquakes were reported before or after the fish kill (the pattern of earthquakes was constant at typical background, 1 event/day). The colors seen were attributed to both warm water welling up (springs at Toya Bungkah) but also at places where such springs are absent.

On 20 June the water by the village of Seked returned to its normal color. Late in 21 June the water by the other villages involved returned to its normal color. Scientists found neither dead weeds or algae nor gas bubbles associated with the fish kill.

Scientists from CVGHM found no evidence to conclude the fish kill was volcanically triggered nor did they mention it portending eruptive activity. Rather, the scientists noted the comparatively high diurnal-temperature difference during the onset of the dry season. As a result of these temperature differences, the lake water developed currents, which carried mud from the lake bottom to the surface. This was thought to correspond to the observed odors ('muddy smells') and color changes on the lake surface. In a broad sense, the currents and mud were thought to upset the lake's ecological balance in a manner toxic to the fish.

Residents were advised to not consume dead fish from the incident, but fish that had survived were still considered fit for human consumption. Many inhabitants around Lake Batur are fisherman by trade and it is estimated that the fish kill resulted in losses up to billions of Rupiah (1 billion Rupiah currently equivalent to ~120,000 US Dollars). The water of Lake Batur is also irrigated into surrounding farms. There is no official documentation on whether or not the recent events at Lake Batur have affected the neighboring agriculture.

Reference. Sutawidjaja, I.S., 2009, Ignimbrite Analyses of Batur Caldera, Bali, based on 14C dating, Jurnal Geologi Indonesia, Vol. 4 No. 3, September 2009: 189-202 [http://www.bgl.esdm.go.id/dmdocuments/jurnal20090304.pdf].

Information Contacts: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM), Jalan Diponegoro 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/); Bali Discovery Tours, Komplek Pertokoan Sanur Raya No. 27 Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai,Sanur, Bali, Indonesia (URL: http://www.balidiscovery.com)

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 25 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

1999 Mar 15 - 2000 Jun 16 (?) ± 15 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption
1999 Mar 15 - 2000 Jun 16 (?) ± 15 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 6 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Ash Incandescent
   - - - -    - - - - Audible Sounds
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
1999 Mar 15    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1998 Jul 4 ± 3 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption
1998 Jul 4 ± 3 days - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Seismicity (tremor)
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1998 Jul 4 ± 3 days    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1994 Aug 7 - 1994 Aug 14 (in or after) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur III
1994 Aug 7 - 1994 Aug 14 (in or after) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Batur III

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Seismicity (tremor)
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow Uncertain
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1994 Aug 7    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1976 Mar 26 - 1976 Mar 26 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1976 Mar 26 - 1976 Mar 26 Evidence from Unknown

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity Uncertain
1976 Mar 26    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1974 Mar 12 - 1974 Apr 16 ± 15 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur III
1974 Mar 12 - 1974 Apr 16 ± 15 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Batur III

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion moderate
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow moderate
1974 Mar 12    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1973 Mar 30 ± 90 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1973 Mar 30 ± 90 days - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

1972 Jan 19 - 1972 Mar 16 ± 15 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur III
1972 Jan 19 - 1972 Mar 16 ± 15 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Batur III

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1972 Jan 19    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1971 Mar 11 - 1971 Aug 25 (in or after) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption
1971 Mar 11 - 1971 Aug 25 (in or after) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Ash Incandescent
1971 Mar 11    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1970 Jan 5 ± 4 days - 1970 Jan 15 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption SW flank (1963 vent)
1970 Jan 5 ± 4 days - 1970 Jan 15 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (1963 vent)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Audible Sounds
1970 Jan 5 ± 4 days    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1968 Jan 23 - 1968 Feb 15 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption SW flank (Batur III)
1968 Jan 23 - 1968 Feb 15 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (Batur III)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion moderate
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Audible Sounds
1968 Jan 23    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1966 Apr 28 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption SW flank (west of 1965 vent)
1966 Apr 28 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (west of 1965 vent)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Crater Parasitic.
1966 Apr 28    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1965 Aug 18 - 1965 Dec 16 ± 15 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption SW flank (near Batur III)
1965 Aug 18 - 1965 Dec 16 ± 15 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Batur III)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow Uncertain
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
1965 Aug 18    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1963 Sep 5 - 1964 May 10 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption SW, W flanks (near Batur III, Butus)
1963 Sep 5 - 1964 May 10 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 11 Events for Episode 1 at SW, W flanks (near Batur III, Butus)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava fountains
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) Before.
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
   - - - -    - - - - Evacuations
1963 Sep    - - - - Fatalities
1963 Sep 5    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1926 Aug 2 - 1926 Sep 21 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption SW flank below Batur III
1926 Aug 2 - 1926 Sep 21 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 9 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank below Batur III

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava lake Small
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) Before.
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
   - - - -    - - - - Evacuations
1926 Aug 2    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1925 Jan 5 ± 4 days - 1925 Jan 5 ± 4 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur II
1925 Jan 5 ± 4 days - 1925 Jan 5 ± 4 days Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Batur II

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1925 Jan 5 ± 4 days    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1924 Mar - 1924 Mar (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur II
1924 Mar - 1924 Mar (?) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Batur II

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
1924 Mar    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1923 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur II
1923 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Batur II

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
1923    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1922 Aug 30 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
1922 Aug 30 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1922 Aug 30    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1921 Jan 29 - 1921 Apr 17 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption SW flank (Batur II)
1921 Jan 29 - 1921 Apr 17 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (Batur II)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
1921 Jan 29    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1905 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur I, Batur II, Batur III
1905 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Batur I, Batur II, Batur III

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
1905    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1904 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption West caldera floor (Gunung Anti)
1904 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at West caldera floor (Gunung Anti)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Cinder Cone
1904    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1897 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur I
1897 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Batur I

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1897    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1888 May 30 - 1888 May 31 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption SE flank of Batur I
1888 May 30 - 1888 May 31 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at SE flank of Batur I

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) Before.
1888 May 30    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1854 Apr 28 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur I
1854 Apr 28 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Batur I

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1854 Apr 28    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1849 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
1849 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
1849    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1847 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption
1847 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

1821 Mar 16 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur I
1821 Mar 16 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Batur I

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1821 Mar 16    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1804 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Batur I
1804 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Batur I

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1804    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Batur.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Batur.

Photo Gallery

Strombolian explosions produce incandescent ejecta during an eruption of Batur volcano on Bali on August 20, 1971. Exposive eruptions took place from March 11 until August. Incandescent bombs were ejected to 100 m above the vent, and the maximum height of the ash column was 300 m.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1971.
A small ash-bearing eruption column rises from a vent just below the summit of Batur volcano on Bali on August 11, 1971. Batur's outer caldera wall forms the ridge in the background. The maximum height of the ash column during the minor 1971 eruption was 300 m.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1971.
The SE wall of Batur's 10 x 13 km outer caldera rises above the caldera lake, as seen from Batur volcano, which grew within a 7.5-km-wide, inner caldera. Lava flows from 19th century eruptions of Batur volcano, on the island of Bali, form the lake's near shoreline, which is near the margin of the buried eastern rim of the inner caldera. Agung volcano, at the eastern tip of Bali, is visible in the distance.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1971.
Gunung Abang forms the 2152-m high point along the eastern wall of Batur's outer caldera. The boundary of an inner caldera, within which Batur volcano (out of view to the left) was constructed, is obscured on its SE side beneath the surface of the caldera lake. Lava flows from Batur volcano extent into the lake at the left.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1971.
The small 1717-m stratovolcano Batur on the island of Bali was constructed within the inner of two nested calderas. The outer 10 x 13 km caldera contains a crater lake; the inner 7.5-km-wide caldera was formed about 23,670 years ago. Historical eruptions have produced minor explosive activity and lava flows primarily from vents along a NE-SW-trending line. Several historical lava flows have reached the southern caldera wall in the foreground.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1971.
This view from the NW rim of the massive 10 x 13 km outer caldera of Batur volcano looks across the caldera to Gunung Abang (center) on the SE caldera rim. Lake Batur (right) banks against the SE wall of the outer caldera and overlies the rim of the 7.5-km-wide inner caldera. Historically active Gunung Batur stratovolcano (left-center) was constructed along a NE-SW-trending line in the center of the inner caldera of Batur volcano. The large stratovolcano in the distance is Gunung Agung, Bali's highest volcano.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1971.
The Batur cone on the island of Bali was constructed as a result of eruptions along a NE-SW-trending line of vents. It is located within a 7.5-km-wide inner caldera with its SE margin below a lake that fills part of the SE floor of an outer 10 x 13 km caldera. Historical lava flows have formed much of the far lake shore in this view.

Photo by Sumarna Hamidi, 1973 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
Most of the extensive dark lava flows in the foreground were erupted during 1963-64 from vents near the Batur III cone on the lower SW flank of Batur stratovolcano, viewed here from the village of Penelokan on the southern rim of Batur's outer caldera. The lava flows reached the 7.5-km-wide inner caldera floor and destroyed 16 houses at Tamansari village. Activity has been concentrated along the NE-SW-trending chain of cones and craters.

Photo by Sumarma Hamidi, 1973 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
This is the Batur I summit crater of Batur volcano, a cone constructed within the 7.5-km-wide Batur caldera. A chain of cones and craters was constructed along a NE-SW-trending line across the summit. Historical eruptions have occurred from Batur I, Batur II, Batur III, and other flank cones.

Photo by Sumarma Hamidi, 1973 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
A small ash eruption from Batur III cone on the SW flank of Batur volcano was photographed from the southern rim of the caldera in 1972. An on 19 January produced strong explosions, continuous ashfall from 28 January to 12 February, and small ash plumes during March.

Photo by Jayadi Hadikusumo, 1972 (published in Kusumadinata 1979, "Data Dasar Gunungapi Indonesia).
GVP Map Holdings

Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.

The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 3 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number Sample Description Lava Source Collection Date
NMNH 117222-1 Basaltic Andesite -- 1 Jan 1970
NMNH 117455-15 Obsidian -- --
NMNH 117455-31 Obsidian -- --
External Sites