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Tambora

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Volcanic Region
  • Landform | Volc Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  • 8.25°S
  • 118°E

  • 2,850 m
    9,350 ft

  • 264040
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number

Most Recent Weekly Report: 3 April-9 April 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on visual observations and seismic data, CVGHM raised the Alert Level for Tambora to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 5 April.

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


Most Recent Bulletin Report: August 2011 (BGVN 36:08) Citation IconCite this Report

Increased seismicity and minor steam venting in 2011

Beginning in April 2011, Tambora volcano, Indonesia (figure 1), experienced increased seismic activity and minor steam venting. As a result, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) raised the Alert Level for Tambora. This report will summarize the increased activity from April 2011 through 8 September 2011, as reported by CVGHM.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. Regional (top) and local (bottom) geographic setting of Tambora volcano, Indonesia. Courtesy of Wilford (2006) and the New York Times.

Seismicity at Tambora increased steadily from April 2011 to at least 8 September. CVGHM reported six seismic signals that were monitored: volcanic earthquakes (VA), shallow volcanic earthquakes (VB), distant tectonic earthquakes (TJ), local tectonic earthquakes (TL), low-frequency earthquakes (LF), and volcanic tremor. Seismic activity from April through August is summarized in figure 2. In addition to increased seismicity, ground-based observers described dense white plumes rising 50-75 m above the caldera rim in April and June.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 2. Reported seismic activity at Tambora cumulative by month from April through August 2011. Onset of continuous volcanic tremor on 29 August is not represented. Data from CVGHM.

Volcanic tremor started 29 August and continued every day since, with the exception of 3 September (table 1). The tremor was accompanied by diffuse plumes rising 10-20 m above the caldera rim on 29 August and 5 September. Based on seismic activity and visual observations, CVGHM raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale from 1 to 4) on 30 August, and forbade access to the peak of Tambora.

Table 1. Summary of seismicity at Tambora since the onset of volcanic tremor on 29 August 2011. On both 29 August and 5 September seismicity was accompanied by plumes rising 10-20 m above the caldera rim. Data from CVGHM.

Date Volcanic A-type Volcanic B-type Local tectonic Low-frequency Tremor
29 Aug 2011 14 -- 3 -- continuous
30 Aug 2011 9 5 2 1 continuous
31 Aug 2011 6 5 -- 2 continuous
01 Sep 2011 15 -- 2 2 continuous
02 Sep 2011 6 4 4 6 11
03 Sep 2011 5 5 4 4 --
04 Sep 2011 6 1 3 4 11
05 Sep 2011 11 7 3 1 4
06 Sep 2011 7 4 -- -- continuous
07 Sep 2011 40 6 1 -- continuous

Along with the continuation of the tremor after 29 August, CVGHM reported an increase in other types of seismic activity from 30 August to 7 September. On 5 September an earthquake was felt by residents (exact location undisclosed). Instruments recorded 40 volcanic earthquakes on 7 September (table 1); 32 of those were recorded within 6 hours. On 8 September, CVGHM raised the Alert Level to 3, invoked a 3 km exclusion zone, and prohibited access to Disaster Prone Areas III, summarized in table 2. The Disaster Prone Areas were largely based on the devastating 1815 eruption of Tambora. As of 21 September, the Alert Level remained at 3.

Table 2. Summary of Disaster Prone Areas at Tambora defined on the basis of radial distance from the peak of Tambora. Courtesy of CVGHM.

Area Radius from Tambora Potential hazards
Disaster Prone Area I 8 km Lahars, ash fall, and incandescent bombs.
Disaster Prone Area II 5 km Pyroclastic flows, lava flows, toxic gases, incandescent bombs, ash fall, lahars/mudflows, and high acidity in water.
Disaster Prone Area III 3 km Pyroclastic flows, lava flows, toxic gases, incandescent bombs, and heavy ash fall.

References. Wilford, J.N., 2006, Under an 1815 Volcano Eruption, Remains of a 'Lost Kingdom', the New York Times, URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/28/science/28volc.html; Posted 28 February 2006; accessed 26 September 2011.

Information Contacts: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM), Jl. Diponegoro 57, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, 40 122 (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/).

Weekly Reports - Index


2013: April
2012: April
2011: August | September | October


3 April-9 April 2013 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on visual observations and seismic data, CVGHM raised the Alert Level for Tambora to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 5 April.

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


4 April-10 April 2012 Citation IconCite this Report

CVGHM reported that during January-8 April plumes did not rise from Tambora, no changes were observed around the caldera, and seismicity decreased. On 9 April the Alert Level was lowered to 1 (on a scale of 1-4).

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


12 October-18 October 2011 Citation IconCite this Report

CVGHM reported that during 22 September-9 October plumes did not rise from Tambora; seismicity fluctuated, but declined overall. Based on visual observations, deformation data, and seismicity, the Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 9 October.

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


7 September-13 September 2011 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on visual observation and seismic data, CVGHM reported an increase in activity at Tambora that started in April. Therefore, on 30 August, the Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4). During 30 August-8 September seismicity continued to increase. Diffuse white plumes were observed on 5 September and rose 10 m above the crater rim. On 8 September the Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4).

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


24 August-30 August 2011 Citation IconCite this Report

Based on visual observation and seismic data, CVGHM reported an increase in activity at Tambora during the previous five months. Ground-based observers at an observation post in Tambora village noted dense white plumes rising 50-75 m above the caldera rim during April and June, but no plumes during May or July. In August dense white plumes rose 20 m above the caldera rim. Seismicity started to increase in April and continued to increase through August. On 30 August 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)


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.

08/2011 (BGVN 36:08) Increased seismicity and minor steam venting in 2011




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


August 2011 (BGVN 36:08) Citation IconCite this Report

Increased seismicity and minor steam venting in 2011

Beginning in April 2011, Tambora volcano, Indonesia (figure 1), experienced increased seismic activity and minor steam venting. As a result, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) raised the Alert Level for Tambora. This report will summarize the increased activity from April 2011 through 8 September 2011, as reported by CVGHM.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. Regional (top) and local (bottom) geographic setting of Tambora volcano, Indonesia. Courtesy of Wilford (2006) and the New York Times.

Seismicity at Tambora increased steadily from April 2011 to at least 8 September. CVGHM reported six seismic signals that were monitored: volcanic earthquakes (VA), shallow volcanic earthquakes (VB), distant tectonic earthquakes (TJ), local tectonic earthquakes (TL), low-frequency earthquakes (LF), and volcanic tremor. Seismic activity from April through August is summarized in figure 2. In addition to increased seismicity, ground-based observers described dense white plumes rising 50-75 m above the caldera rim in April and June.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 2. Reported seismic activity at Tambora cumulative by month from April through August 2011. Onset of continuous volcanic tremor on 29 August is not represented. Data from CVGHM.

Volcanic tremor started 29 August and continued every day since, with the exception of 3 September (table 1). The tremor was accompanied by diffuse plumes rising 10-20 m above the caldera rim on 29 August and 5 September. Based on seismic activity and visual observations, CVGHM raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale from 1 to 4) on 30 August, and forbade access to the peak of Tambora.

Table 1. Summary of seismicity at Tambora since the onset of volcanic tremor on 29 August 2011. On both 29 August and 5 September seismicity was accompanied by plumes rising 10-20 m above the caldera rim. Data from CVGHM.

Date Volcanic A-type Volcanic B-type Local tectonic Low-frequency Tremor
29 Aug 2011 14 -- 3 -- continuous
30 Aug 2011 9 5 2 1 continuous
31 Aug 2011 6 5 -- 2 continuous
01 Sep 2011 15 -- 2 2 continuous
02 Sep 2011 6 4 4 6 11
03 Sep 2011 5 5 4 4 --
04 Sep 2011 6 1 3 4 11
05 Sep 2011 11 7 3 1 4
06 Sep 2011 7 4 -- -- continuous
07 Sep 2011 40 6 1 -- continuous

Along with the continuation of the tremor after 29 August, CVGHM reported an increase in other types of seismic activity from 30 August to 7 September. On 5 September an earthquake was felt by residents (exact location undisclosed). Instruments recorded 40 volcanic earthquakes on 7 September (table 1); 32 of those were recorded within 6 hours. On 8 September, CVGHM raised the Alert Level to 3, invoked a 3 km exclusion zone, and prohibited access to Disaster Prone Areas III, summarized in table 2. The Disaster Prone Areas were largely based on the devastating 1815 eruption of Tambora. As of 21 September, the Alert Level remained at 3.

Table 2. Summary of Disaster Prone Areas at Tambora defined on the basis of radial distance from the peak of Tambora. Courtesy of CVGHM.

Area Radius from Tambora Potential hazards
Disaster Prone Area I 8 km Lahars, ash fall, and incandescent bombs.
Disaster Prone Area II 5 km Pyroclastic flows, lava flows, toxic gases, incandescent bombs, ash fall, lahars/mudflows, and high acidity in water.
Disaster Prone Area III 3 km Pyroclastic flows, lava flows, toxic gases, incandescent bombs, and heavy ash fall.

References. Wilford, J.N., 2006, Under an 1815 Volcano Eruption, Remains of a 'Lost Kingdom', the New York Times, URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/28/science/28volc.html; Posted 28 February 2006; accessed 26 September 2011.

Information Contacts: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM), Jl. Diponegoro 57, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, 40 122 (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/).

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 7 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

1967 Jul 2 ± 20 years ± 182 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 0

Episode 1 | Eruption NE part of caldera floor
1967 Jul 2 ± 20 years ± 182 days - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at NE part of caldera floor

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
1967 ± 20 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1880 ± 30 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption SW part of caldera (Doro Afi Toi)
1880 ± 30 years - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at SW part of caldera (Doro Afi Toi)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava dome
   - - - -    - - - - Crater Summit.
1880 ± 30 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1819 Aug Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
1819 Aug - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1819 Aug    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1812 - 1815 Jul 15 (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 7

Episode 1 | Eruption
1812 - 1815 Jul 15 (?) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 17 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion extremely violent or catastrophic
   - - - -    - - - - Eruption cloud
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Blocks
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
   - - - -    - - - - Audible Sounds
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
   - - - -    - - - - Tsunami
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
   - - - -    - - - - Evacuations
1812    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
1815 Apr 10    - - - - Caldera Explosion
1815 Apr 10    - - - - Fatalities
1815 Apr 10    - - - - Fatalities
1815 Apr 10    - - - - Fatalities
1815 Apr 10    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

0740 ± 150 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
0740 ± 150 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion

3050 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
3050 BCE (?) - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow

3910 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
3910 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Tambora.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Tambora.

Photo Gallery

Seen from the sea, Tambora volcano presents a broad, flat profile. The volcano, forming the 60-km-wide Sanggar Peninsula, is truncated by a 6-km-wide caldera. One of the world's largest eruptions during the last 10,000 years produced the present-day caldera in 1815.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1971.
Tambora's serrated NE caldera rim towers 1,250 m above the caldera floor. The 6-km-wide caldera was formed in 1815, during one of the world's most powerful eruptions of the past 10,000 years. Since 1815 only a few minor eruptions have occurred on the caldera floor.

Photo by Rizal Dasoeki, 1986 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
Tambora's caldera, seen here from the western rim, was formed during the eruption of 1815 following the ejection of about 30-50 km3 DRE (dense rock equivalent) of ashfall and pyroclastic flows. This was history's largest explosive eruption and followed low-level eruptive activity that began in 1812. Only a few minor eruptions have taken place since formation of the 6-km-wide and 1,250-m-deep caldera. The last eruption produced a lava flow on the caldera floor and is known only to have occurred sometime between 1947 and 1968.

Photo by Rizal Dasoeki, 1986 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
The bottom portion of this cliff section in the W wall of the Tambora caldera shows a thick sequence of bedded lava flows that filled an earlier caldera that formed 43,000 years ago. The sloping surface above it consists of pyroclastic material erupted between about 5,900 and 1,210 years ago. This is overlain by unit about 200 m thick that was produced during the 1815 eruption. These upper cliffs expose pumice deposits that originated from the eruption plume at the base, overlain by a thick sequence of pyroclastic flow deposits.

Photo by Rizal Dasoeki, 1986 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
Tambora volcano on Indonesia's Sumbawa Island produced of the world's largest historical eruption in April 1815. This NASA Landsat mosaic shows the 6-km-wide caldera at the top of the 2,850-m-high summit. Pyroclastic flows during the 1815 eruption reached the sea on all sides of the 60-km-wide volcanic peninsula, and the ejection of large amounts of volcanic gas (aerosols) caused world-wide temperature declines in 1815 and 1816.

NASA Landsat 7 image (worldwind.arc.nasa.gov)
The 6-km-wide and 1-km-deep Tambora caldera that formed during the 1815 eruption is seen in this July 2019 Planet Labs satellite image mosaic (N is at the top). The 1815 eruption ejected around 41 km3 of magma and formed pyroclastic flows that reached the sea on all sides of the 60-km-wide volcanic peninsula of Sumbawa Island, triggering a tsunami.

Satellite image courtesy of Planet Labs Inc., 2019 (https://www.planet.com/).
The Tambora caldera formed during the 1815 eruption, after 41 km3 of magma (dense rock equivalent) was expelled, leaving the 6-km-wide and 1-km-deep depression seen in this July 2019 Planet Labs satellite image mosaic (N is to the top). The current area of the caldera is approximately 34.5 km2, with erosion altering the surface and remobilizing material onto the caldera floor.

Satellite image courtesy of Planet Labs Inc., 2019 (https://www.planet.com/).
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 1 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 116570 Pumice -- --
External Sites