PVMBG reported that observers at a post located in Kampung Ropa, Keliwumbu Village, noted that during 30 December 2015-13 January 2016 diffuse white plumes rose as high as 150 m above Paluweh. Seismicity remained relatively stable, and was characterized by shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions and avalanches. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the summit within a radius of 1.5 km.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Two major pyroclastic flows in February and August 2013; five fatalities on 10 August 2013
Mount Rokatenda, or Paluweh, on the island of Palu'e, lies north of the primary volcanic arc that cuts across Flores Island in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, and has seen infrequent activity in modern times. The previous eruption in 1985 from a summit lava dome spread 3 cm of ash over villages on the W side of the island. This report is a summary of the October 2012 to August 2013 eruption, and an update through 2016 that includes information provided by Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, CVGHM), the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), and the University of Hawai'i's MODVOLC thermal alert reporting system. Numerous news reports also covered the major explosions during 2013.
Two brief periods of increased seismicity in April 2009 and January 2012 were the only recorded activity at Paluweh since 1985, prior to an eruption that began in October 2012 and continued through August 2013. PVMBG noted the beginning of lava dome growth on 8 October. A substantial number of MODVOLC thermal alert pixels from MODIS satellite data were first recorded on 11 October 2012 and recurred regularly through 20 July 2013. The first ash plumes were reported by the Darwin VAAC on 11 November 2012 and continued several times each month through May 2013, and then again in late June and during 10-12 August. Plumes generally rose to 2-3 km and drifted between 50 and 100 km in various directions, although a large ash plume on 3 February 2013 rose to higher than 13 km and drifted over 500 km SE, S and SW, briefly impacting air travel in NW Australia. A major explosion on 10 August 2013 created a large pyroclastic flow to the NW from the summit that killed five people on the beach. No further explosions were specifically dated after 12 August 2013, and seismicity gradually decreased over the next several months.
Activity during October 2012-April 2013. PVMBG noted lava dome growth, incandescent avalanches, pyroclastic flows, and ash plumes during October 2012 through January 2013. Ejecta as large as 6 cm in diameter was deposited up to 3 km from the summit, and ashfall affected the entire island, averaging 2 cm thick in places; lahars and ash damaged homes and infrastructure on the island (BGVN 39:01). A large eruption on 2 February 2013, which produced a 13-km-high ash plume the next day, generated a substantial SO2 signature, pyroclastic flows to the S and SW, and avalanches. Residents of eight villages were evacuated and significant ashfall was reported up to 1 mm thick in Ende (60 km S on East Nusa Tenggara Island). Thick ashfall was also reported in Ona (SE part of the island) and thin deposits were reported in other areas of the island to the W, N, and E. During a field expedition on 7 February, PVMBG staff observed that about 25% of the S portion of the dome was lost; the lava-dome volume had been an estimated 5.1 million cubic meters on 13 January, prior to the explosion.
After the large early February 2013 explosion, many intermittent low-level ash emissions continued through the last week in May, with over 175 VAAC reports issued from the Darwin VAAC during the period. NASA's Earth Observatory (EO) identified an ash plume in MODIS satellite images drifting over 440 km SW on 24 March 2013, and discoloration of the seawater from ash W of the island (figure 7).
Another NASA-EO image captured on 19 April 2013 shows the extent of ash deposits covering areas of the S and E sides of the summit where the plumes most commonly drift. A delta extending S into the Flores Sea, which was visible in imagery on 12 February and likely created by a pyroclastic flow during the large 2-3 February explosion (figure 8), was also visible.
Activity during May-August 2013. There was a three-week break in reported ash plumes between 25 May and 19 June when a low level plume rising to 2.4 km was observed drifting 37 km SE. After this, no further activity was reported until 10 August. A large and deadly explosion took place on 10 August, producing an ash plume that rose to 4.3 km and drifted 130 km W. Details of the explosion are given in BGVN 39:01 and additional information is provided in this report. According to PVMBG, a substantial pyroclastic flow traveled NW from the summit down the Ojaubi drainage towards a village on the beach and killed five fisherman. Rescuers noted that the ground was hot and covered with 10-20 cm of ash. NASA-EO captured images before and after the 10 August 2013 eruption where the path of the pyroclastic flow to the NW is clearly visible (figure 9).
Activity during 2014-2016. In April 2014, PVMBG noted that the last major explosion had been on 10 August 2013. The last 2013 ash plume recorded by the Darwin VAAC was on 12 August 2013. Visual observations of occasional eruptive activity were noted until November 2013; small explosion earthquakes were also reported as being last recorded in November. No changes were observed in the lava dome between September 2013 and March 2014. PVMBG lowered the Alert level from III to II (on a scale of 1-4) on 7 April 2014.
No additional reports of activity at Paluweh appeared until late 2015, when PVMBG noted that steam plumes rising 75-200 m above the summit were common between August and October 2015. Seismicity remained low but variable during this time as well. From November 2015 through January 2016, steam plume heights ranged from 5-150 m. Seismicity remained low; earthquakes indicating rock avalanches and fumarolic emissions were the most common type recorded (figure 10). Paluweh remained quiet throughout 2016, although in February 2017 it was still listed by PVMBG at Alert Level II, with a potential for eruptive activity.
Information Contacts: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, CVGHM), Jalan Diponegoro 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/); Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Bureau of Meteorology, Northern Territory Regional Office, PO Box 40050, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia (URL: http://www.bom.gov.au/info/vaac/); Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP), MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/); NASA Earth Observatory, EOS Project Science Office, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Goddard, Maryland, USA (URL: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/).
2016: January
2015: November
2014: April
2013: January
| February
| March
| April
| May
| June
| August
2012: January
| September
| October
| November
| December
2011: June
2009: April
2005: January
PVMBG reported that observers at a post located in Kampung Ropa, Keliwumbu Village, noted that during 30 December 2015-13 January 2016 diffuse white plumes rose as high as 150 m above Paluweh. Seismicity remained relatively stable, and was characterized by shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions and avalanches. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the summit within a radius of 1.5 km.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
PVMBG reported that observers at a post located in Kampung Ropa, Keliwumbu Village, noted that during 3-17 November diffuse white plumes rose as high as 75 m above Paluweh. Seismicity remained relatively stable, and was characterized by shallow and deep volcanic earthquakes, and signals indicating emissions and avalanches. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the summit within a radius of 1.5 km.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
PVMBG reported that observers at a post located in Kampung Ropa, Keliwumbu Village, noted that during 1 August-2 November diffuse white plumes rose as high as 200 m above Paluweh. Seismicity remained relatively stable. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were reminded not to approach the summit within a radius of 1.5 km.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
PVMBG reported that observers at a post located in Kampung Ropa, Keliwumbu Village, noted that during January-5 April activity at Paluweh mainly consisted of white and gray fumarolic plumes rising at most 100 m above the lava dome and drifting W, N, and E. The report stated that the lava dome had not changed between September 2013 and March 2014 observations. Seismicity had decreased in November 2013 and remained low; the number of avalanches had also decreased. On 7 April the Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
According to news articles, a partial lava-dome collapse at Paluweh on 10 August generated a pyroclastic flow that traveled N towards a beach village and killed at least 5 people. A volcanologist at the monitoring post for Paluweh noted that the eruption lasted seven minutes, and that the pyroclastic flow burned trees around the beach and villages, making it difficult to reach the victims. Pyroclastic flows continued to be reported hours after the initial eruption. Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 130 km W.
News sources noted that a mandatory evacuation order had caused some residents to evacuate prior to the eruption on 10 August, but nearly10,000 still remained on the island. After the eruption, a rescue team was sent to evacuate about 2,000 people that remained inside a 3-km exclusion zone. A team member noted that rescuing people was difficult since they were reluctant to leave their livestock and homes, but also that the ground was hot and covered in 10-20 cm of ash. The VAAC reported that during 11-12 August ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 110-130 km W. A news article noted that the eruptions were smaller on 12 August, but pyroclastic flows continued to be observed. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-4).
Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM); Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC); Associated Press; CNN; Agence France-Presse (AFP); National Public Radio (NPR)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 19 June ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 35 km SE.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 21-22 and 24 May ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 25-55 km NW, W, and E.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 13 May ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 90 km WNW and NW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 4-5 May ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45-55 km SW and W.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 29-30 April ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-110 km NW and W.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 20 April an ash plume from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45 km NW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 16 April an ash plume from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 37 km E.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 3 April an ash plume from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 37 km SE and W. During 6-7 April ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 45 km W and WSW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 27 March-1 April ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.4-3.7 km (8,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45-100 km N, NE, and E.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 19-21 and 24-26 March ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55-335 km SW, WSW, W, NW, and NE.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that duirng 13 and 17-19 March ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.4 km (7,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-95 km E, W, and WNW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 9-12 March ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.4 km (7,000-13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 25-75 km E and NW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
CVGHM reported that activity at Paluweh during October 2012-January 2013 was characterized by lava-dome growth, incandescent avalanches, pyroclastic flows, ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km above the dome, and ejected material deposited 3 km away. The whole island was affected by ashfall, which was an average of 2 cm thick on some areas. Some infrastructure and several homes were damaged by ash and lahars.
On 1 February at 1652 an eruption generated an ash plume that rose 2 km. Pyroclastic flows and avalanches were observed. On 2 February an explosion produced an ash plume that rose 4 km and was accompanied by booms and rumbling. The ash plume drifted S and deposited ashfall up to 1 mm thick in Ende (60 km S); thick ashfall was reported in Ona (SE part of the island) and thin deposits were reported in other areas of the island to the W, N, and E. About 25% of the S portion of the dome was lost; the lava-dome volume was an estimated 5.1 million cubic meters on 13 January. On 3 February an ash eruption was observed as well as incandescence from the crater. During 4-10 February diffuse white plumes rose 50-100 m. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and visitors and residents were prohibited from approaching the crater within a 3-km-radius.
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 17-18 February ash plumes rose to an altitude of 7 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 75 km E and NE.
Sources: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM); Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-12 February ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.1-3.7 km (7,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-110 km NW, NNW, and N.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
According to news articles, an explosion from Paluweh occurred at 2300 on 2 February and was clearly heard by local residents. Authorities evacuated by boat all residents from the eight villages on the island. Ashfall was reported during 2-3 February.
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind data, and pilot reports, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 3 February ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 13.1-13.7 km (43,000-45,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 325-590 km SE, S, and SW. Elevated levels of sulfur dioxide were also detected. The next day ash plumes at an altitude of 7.6 km (25,000 ft) a.s.l. were observed.
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC); TribunNews.com
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 29 January ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted less than 20 km ENE.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 4 January ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 37 km NE. On 7 January an ash plume rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted less than 20 km NE.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 19 and 21-23 December ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.4-2.7 km (8,000-9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55-75 km E, SW,W, and NW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-15 December ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-65 km NW and W. On 17 December an ash plume rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km E. The next day an ash plume drifted 55 km E at altitudes of 3.4-3.7 km (11,000-12,000 ft) a.s.l.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 6 and 8 December ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-75 km NW, W, and SW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 28 November-4 December ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 1.5-2.4 km (5,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-65 km NW and W.
The Volcano Discovery team observed Paluweh during 30 November-2 December. They reported that a lava dome seemed to be visibly growing from all sides, with almost constant incandescent rockfalls in multiple areas. The dome was about 150 m high, the highest point on the island, and the basal diameter was 200-250 m. A vent on the upper E part of the dome ejected ash for periods of several hours and produced jet-like degassing sounds. A steam-and-ash plume rose several kilometers. Small pyroclastic flows descended the lava dome, but vegetation immediately surrounding the dome was only slightly damaged by fires caused by hot blocks and ashfall. The report also noted that local people observed the dome growing next to the Rokatenda crater in late October.
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC); VolcanoDiscovery
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 21 and 23-27 November ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-115 km WNW, W, and SW.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-19 November ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 2.4-3 km (8,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 45-150 km NW and W. A thermal anomaly was detected on 14 November.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on analysis of satellite imagery and other data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-13 November ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 90-150 km NW and W.
Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
Based on seismic data and visual observations, CVGHM raised the Alert Level for Paluweh from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) on 13 October. The Alert Level had been raised to 2 five days earlier.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Based on seismic data and visual observations, CVGHM raised the Alert Level for Paluweh (also known as Rokatenda) from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 8 October.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
CVGHM reported that on 7 September the Alert Level for Paluweh was lowered from 2 to 1 (on a scale of 1-4).
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
Seismic activity from Paluweh (also known as Rokatenda) increased during 12-18 January, prompting CVGHM to raise the Alert Level from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 19 January. Fog prevented visual observations of the volcano.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
CVGHM reported that volcanic tremor from Paluweh had not been detected since 1 March 2010 and during January 2011-June solfatara emissions from the summit were not observed. On 17 June, 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)
During 1-17 April, seismic activity from Paluweh increased, prompting CVGHM to raise the Alert Level to 1 (on a scale of 1-4) on 18 April.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
News reports of an increase in volcanic activity at Paluweh (also known as Rokatenda) on 31 January were found to be false by DVGHM. DVGHM staff found no activity at the volcano, so it remained at Alert Level 1.
Sources: The Jakarta Post; Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
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.
Eruption ejects tephra 100 m and damages local vegetation
Card 1590 (22 March 1973) Eruption ejects tephra 100 m and damages local vegetation
According to Mrs. Suryanti, a correspondent of the Vulcain Group in Indonesia, on 9 and 16 January the crater of the Paluweh Island volcano, named Rokatinda, was throwing gases, ash, and bombs to a height of about 100 m. As a consequence the greater part of the vegetation, coconut trees, and maize was burned and destroyed. Before the eruption, the volcano had displayed weak fumarolic activity. When Maurice Krafft visited this volcano in October 1971, the maximum temperature of the gases escaping from the crater was 100°C. About 2,000 people are living on the island of Paluweh.
Information Contacts: N. Suryanti, Djakarta II, Indonesia; Maurice Krafft, Equipe Vulcain, Mulhouse, France.
Loud explosions; intermittent tephra ejection
Activity began to increase on 5 November and continued intermittently through the end of January. On 9 November, an eruption column rose 1 km from the summit crater. Bombs fell nearby and 2 mm of ash were deposited 1 km to the W. Bombs and ash were ejected for about 15 minutes starting at 1115 on 13 November, from a summit crater vent [but see 6:2] 40 m in diameter. The tephra column reached 700 m in height. On 27 January ejecta set bushes afire near a flank village. Detonations from explosions on 31 January were heard at Kota Baru, Flores Island . . . at 0740, 0803, 0807, 0913, 1030, and 1215. No additional activity had occurred as of 5 February.
Information Contacts: A. Sudradjat and L. Pardyanto, VSI.
Explosions and lava dome
VSI provided further details about the intermittent explosive activity. The 40-m-diameter vent was formed during one of the early November eruptions and is situated on the upper NNE flank. Bombs from the 1-km-high eruption column on 9 November measured up to 60 cm in diameter. Beginning 18 January renewed activity was reported. A hot air wave was felt by the inhabitants of two E-flank villages. About 1,850 persons were evacuated from the danger zone. After the explosions on 31 January a new lava dome was observed in the crater. Activity declined gradually, and the volcano appeared to be normal again on 1 February at 1200. No casualties from Paluweh's November-January activity were reported.
Information Contacts: A. Sudradjat and L. Pardyanto, VSI.
Incandescent material; seismicity
Indonesian Meteorological Institute personnel reported that Paluweh has erupted for the second time this year. The meteorology bureau on Flores Island . . . said it recorded 809 "strong tremors" 17-22 August. "Lava and burning rocks" were repeatedly erupted on 22 August. On 24 August the bureau recorded ocean water temperatures as high as [98°C] around the island. No casualties were reported, but inhabitants evacuated the area. Crops and fishing boats were damaged.
Information Contacts: UPI.
Lava dome destoyed; pyroclastic flows
No pyroclastic flows were observed during the growth of the lava dome first seen 31 January (although some sliding occurred), but it generated blasts of hot air felt by residents of a flank village. They were evacuated by the end of February, after VSI had issued a volcanic hazard warning. By July, the lava dome was 200 m high, its volume exceeded 8.5 x 106 m3, and its summit had become the highest point on the volcano at 875 m above sea level. Explosive activity resumed on 5 September between 2010 and 2105, producing a 1-km-high plume. This activity was followed by the destruction of the lava dome. Pyroclastic flows and nuées ardentes d'avalanche moved downslope, depositing 5-20 cm of tephra at one village, and starting fires at 36 structures, including a church and five shelters, at another. Because residents had previously been evacuated, there were no casualties. Since the destruction of the dome, the 3-component seismograph monitoring the volcano has recorded shallow earthquakes which VSI believes may be generated by sliding from remnants of the dome.
Information Contacts: A. Sudradjat and L. Pardyanto, VSI.
April 2009 spike in seismicity but no explosive activity or visible emissions
During 1-17 April 2009, seismicity increased at Paluweh (table 1), prompting the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) to raise the Alert Level from 1 to 2 (Waspada) on 18 April. CVGHM staff in the observation post did not see any gas or ash emissions. Visitors were requested to stay away from the active crater adjacent to the peak.
Date | Deep volcanic earthquakes (daily average) | Shallow volcanic earthquakes (daily average) |
01-03 Apr 2009 | 2 | 2 |
04-05 Apr 2009 | 17 | 18 |
06-10 Apr 2009 | 6 | 11 |
11-13 Apr 2009 | 6 | 10 |
14-15 Apr 2009 | 22 | 10 |
16 Apr 2009 | 23 | 15 |
Explosive activity had most recently been observed in May 1984 and previously during November 1980-September 1981 (SEAN 06:01, 06:02, 06:08, and 06:09), October 1973, and October 1972-January 1973. Activity in December 1963-March 1966 included lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and fatalities.
An unconfirmed news report of activity in January 2005, not reported in the Bulletin, was later found to be false. The CVGHM staff found no activity at the volcano.
As background on hazard considerations, the mouth of the principal crater opens to the S, where there is plantation agriculture almost to the volcano's peak. In the advent of a future crisis, evacuation would be complicated because a safer area is about two hours journey by motor vessel, and leaving the island might not be possible during storms or rough seas. CVGHM is in continuous contact with the provincial and regional governments, some monitor of Paluweh occurs from the hamlet of Ropa on the N-central coast of the big island of Flores, to Paluweh's S. Regional civil-defense agencies (such as SATKORLAK-PB, the Provincial Coordinating Unit for Disaster Management) and district government agencies of Sikka and Ende (such as SATLAK-PB, the Local Coordinating Body for Disaster Relief) are continually apprised of the activity level.
Information Contacts: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM), Jalan Diponegoro 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://vsi.esdm.go.id/).
August 2013 pyroclastic flows took lives; dome growth stopped late 2013
This report discusses the time interval from April 2009 to early 2014, during which time Paluweh (also known as Mount Rokatenda) had vigorous explosive activity in late 2012 with dome emplacement [noted in early] October 2012. A 3 February 2013 ash plume rose to over 13 km in altitude and drifted 325-590 km SE, S, and SW. By 7 February, portions of the growing dome's S flank detached. On 10 August 2013 a pyroclastic flow killed at least 5 people on the island's N shore. The dome remained unchanged during September 2013 through at least March 2014.
Table 2 summarizes key data describing Paluweh from 17 June 2011 to 8 April 2014. In addition, Volcano Discovery showed photos attributed to local resident Ignatius Cua. They noted that Cua "reported that a small zone of dead vegetation associated with new fumarolic activity had developed in the summit region in June 2012. It appears that lava extrusion commenced at or near this zone in mid-October, marking the beginning of the 2012 eruption."
Date Range | Darwin VAAC | CVGHM |
Jan 2011-Jun 2011 | -- | In their 20 June 2011 report, CVGHM said that tremor had been absent since 1 March 2010 and during January 2011-June 2011, they did not see solfatara emissions from the summit. On 17 June 2011, the Alert Level was lowered to 1 (on a scale of 1-4). |
18 Jan 2012 | -- | In their 25 January report, they noted that on 18 January 2012 there were 60 shallow volcanic earthquakes. Fog prevented visual observations. |
8-13 Oct 2012 | -- | On 8 October 2012, the Alert rose from I to II; on 13 October 2012, it rose from II to III. Later reports noted dome growth had begun (see text). |
11-13 Nov 2012 | Ash plume to 4 km altitude drifting 90-150 km NW and W. | -- |
14-19 Nov 2012 | Ash plume to 2.4-3 km altitude drifting 45-150 km NW and W. | -- |
21 and 23-27 Nov 2012 | Ash plume to 2.4-3 km altitude drifting 35-115 km WNW, W, and SW. | -- |
28 Nov-4 Dec 2012 | Ash plume to 1.5-2.4 km altitude drifting 35-65 NW and W. | See text |
6 and 8 Dec 2012 | Ash plume to 3.7 km altitude drifting 35-75 km NW, W, and SW. | -- |
14-15 Dec 2012 | Ash plume to 3 km altitude drifting 35-65 km NW and W. | -- |
17 Dec 2012 | Ash plume to 1.5 km altitude drifting 55 km E. | -- |
18 Dec 2012 | Ash plume to 3.4-3.7 km altitude drifting 55 km E. | -- |
19 and 21-23 Dec 2012 | Ash plume to 2.4-2.7 altitude drifting 55-75 km E, SW, W, and NW. | -- |
4 Jan 2013 | Ash plume to 3.7 km altitude drifting 37 km NE. | -- |
7 Jan 2013 | Ash plume to 3 km altitude drifting less than 20 km NE. | -- |
Early Jan 2013 | -- | By 13 Jan 2013 there had been 5.1 x 106 m3 of dome loss. |
29 Jan. 2013 | Ash plume to 1.8 km altitude drifting less than 20 km ENE. | -- |
03 Feb 2013 | Ash plume to 13.1-13.7 km altitude drifting 325-590 km SE, S, and SW. | 1-3 Feb. 2013. Pyroclastic flows and ashfall. |
4 Feb 2013 | Ash plumes to 7.6 km altitude. | -- |
Early Feb 2013 | -- | By 7 Feb 2013 substantial parts of the S flank of the lava dome had been removed. |
8-12 Feb 2013 | Ash plume to 2.1-3.7 km altitude drifting 35-110 km NW, NNW, and N. | -- |
17-18 Feb 2013 | Ash plume to 7 km altitude drifting E and NE. | See text. |
9-12 Mar 2013 | Ash plume to 2.4 km altitude drifting 25-75 km E and NW. | -- |
13, 17-19 Mar 2013 | Ash plume to 2.4 km altitude drifting 35-95 km E, W, and WNW. | -- |
19-21 and 24-26 Mar | Ash plume to 3 km altitude drifting 55-335 km SW, WSW, W, NW, and NE. | -- |
27 Mar-1 Apr 2013 | Ash plume to 2.4-3.7 altitude drifting 45-100 N, NE, and E. | -- |
16 Apr 2013 | An ash plume to 2.1 km drifting 37 km E. | -- |
20 Apr 2013 | Ash plume to 2.1 km drifting 45 NW. | -- |
29-30 Apr 2013 | Ash plume to 2.1-3 km altitude drifting 35-110 km NW and W. | -- |
4-5 May 2013 | Ash plume to 2.1 km altitude drifting 45-55 km SW and W. | -- |
13 May 2013 | Ash plume to 2.1 km altitude drifting over 90 km WNW and NW. | -- |
21-22 and 24 May 2013 | Ash plume to 2.1-3 km altitude drifting 25-55 km NW, W, and E. | -- |
19 Jun 2013 | Ash plume to 2.4 km altitude drifting over 35 km. | -- |
10-13 Aug 2013 | Ash plume to 4.3 km altitude drifting 130 km W. | [Major pyroclastic flows on 10 August resulted in fatalities (see text for details).] |
January-5 Apr 2014 | -- | Activity mainly consisted of white and gray fumarolic plumes rising at most 100 m above the lava dome and drifting W, N, and E. During September 2013 to March 2014, the lava dome remained static. |
A photo of the dome taken in 2012 appears in figure 1. CVGHM reported that activity at Paluweh during October 2012-January 2013 was characterized by lava-dome growth and incandescent avalanches, pyroclastic flows, and ash plumes rising as high as 4 km above the dome. Ejected material was deposited 3 km away. The whole island was affected by ashfall, which was an average of 2 cm thick on some areas. Some infrastructure and several homes were damaged by ash and lahars.
The Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported a 3 February 2013 eruption that was outstanding in terms of altitude of the ash plume's top and the lateral distance the plume was visible in satellite imagery. The plume rose to 13.1-13.7 km and drifted 325-590 km SE, S, and SW. Eruptions around this time were also noted by news articles, some of which mentioned ashfall.
The Darwin VAAC tracked the number of volcanic ash advisories for Paluweh in comparison to 14 other volcanoes during the interval January through November 2013 (figure 2). They issued 230 VAAs for Paluweh, the second highest number for any one of the 14 volcanoes they discussed during this interval. Figure 3 shows the extent of plumes as delineated in VAAs for the same interval. As further background, figure 4 shows that during the interval 1 July 2008 through 30 June 2014 the Darwin VAAC issued approximately 800 to 1500 VAAs each year. Those advisories have bearing on delays on air travel and transport as well as on plume-derived impacts to the atmosphere.
Figure 5 shows a Paluweh plume on 10 August 2013 courtesy of the Darwin VAAC. The VAAC reported that during 11-12 August 2013 Paluweh's ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.8 km and drifted 110-130 km W. A news article noted that the eruptions were smaller on 12 August 2013, but pyroclastic flows continued to be observed. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-4).
Dome collapse animation. A Volcano Discovery team observed Paluweh during 30 November-2 December 2012 and captured some images that can help authorities explain the processes and attendant hazards associated with unstable growing domes (figure 6). Richard Roscoe (Photovolcanica) made the source animation from a few shaky handheld photos of a dome lobe collapse during daylight on unstated date during his visit. These images were taken from a similar perspective as figure 1. He estimated the entire new dome as on the order of 200 m (at most) from base to top. He thought that the size of collapse (in the red circle on figure 6 (b)) as "maybe about 10-20 m high." Regarding the termination of the collapse event, he stated that the material travelling off-frame hit the base of the old dome and then stopped abruptly as it encountered the old dome's wall (the far side of the sloping ridge in the foreground).
Volcano Discovery reported that Paluweh's lava dome seemed to be visibly growing on all sides, with almost constant incandescent rockfalls in multiple areas. The new dome, called Rerombola lava dome, was ~150 m high, the highest point on the island, and the basal diameter was 200-250 m. During their stay, a vent on the upper E part of the dome ejected ash for periods of several hours and produced jet-like degassing sounds. A steam-and-ash plume rose several kilometers. At the base of the dome, hot blocks had ignited local vegetation.
February 2013 has largest plumes of the reporting interval. According to CVGHM, on 1 February 2013 at 1652 an eruption generated an ash plume that rose 2 km. Pyroclastic flows and avalanches were observed. On 2 February an explosion produced an ash plume that rose 4 km and was accompanied by booms and rumbling. The ash plume drifted S and deposited ash up to 1 mm thick in East Nusa Tenggara island (Ende, 60 km S); ash was also reported in Ona (SE part of the island) and thin deposits were reported in other areas of the island to the W, N, and E. Significant portions of the S dome were lost. Prior to this, on 13 January 2013, the lava-dome volume was an estimated 5.1 million cubic meters.
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, wind data, and pilot reports, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 3 February 2013 ash plumes from Paluweh rose to altitudes of 13.1-13.7 km a.s.l. and drifted 325-590 km SE, S, and SW. The next day ash plumes at an altitude of 7.6 km a.s.l. were observed. As a result of the eruption the whole island was affected by ashfall, which was an average of 2 cm thick in some areas. Some infrastructure and several homes were damaged by ash and lahars.
Beyond Indonesia, the ash plumes from the 3 February eruption caused significant impacts. They caused a series of flight delays and related impacts on the tourist and aviation industries as they advanced towards and eventually came over the Kimberley coast in Western Australia (larger polygons on figure 3).
During 4-10 February diffuse white plumes rose 50-100 m. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and visitors and residents were prohibited from approaching the crater within a 3-km-radius.
Landsat visible and thermal data. A NASA Earth Observatory report posted online showed images of Paluweh from 29 April 2013. A visible wavelength image from the Landsat Data Continuity Mission's Operational Land Imager instrument shows an ash plume drifting ~50 km NE of the volcanic island. A thermal infrared image from the same satellite showed a small hot spot surrounded by cooler dark ash clouds.
Deadly 10 August 2013 pyroclastic flows. As activity persisted in the ~10 months prior to the 10 August eruption, authorities repeatedly tried to persuade residents to relocate to safer areas. Although reports regarding evacuations are variable, the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) reports that about a quarter of the island's total residents had been permanently moved to nearby Flores Island since the onset of activity in October 2012. Thus, of 10,858 total island residents, about 2,700 had moved. After the 10 August eruption, the BNPB source said that at least another 1,203 had moved by 30 August.
News sources also indicated that around the time of the pyroclastic flows, a volcanologist at the monitoring post for Paluweh noted that the deadly phase of the 10 August 2013 eruption lasted 4-7 minutes. Pyroclastic flows burned trees around the beach and villages, making it difficult to reach victims. BBC News Asia report on 10 August stated six dead, four adults and two children. Regarding timing of the eruption, they quoted a CVGHM source: "Mr Surono said the latest eruption had begun at 04:27 on Saturday [10 August] (20:27 GMT Friday [9 August]) and lasted for nearly four hours." Official sources also indicated that pyroclastic flows continued hours after the initial eruption.
The Jakarta Post article gave the death toll as at least five. It stated the specific location of the deaths as "Woje Wubi to Punge beach in Rokirole village."
According to news sources, after the 10 August eruption a rescue team was sent to evacuate about 2,000 people that remained inside the 3-km exclusion zone. The news reports said that a team member described rescuing people as difficult because they were reluctant to leave their livestock and homes, but also that the ground was hot and covered in 10-20 cm of ash.
Tempo.co news issued a report in Indonesian saying that a total of 12 residents began to be evacuated from the town of Maumere, the capital of the district, as a result of the 10 August eruption. This source indicated six fatalities. It said that two motorboats had successfully evacuated hundreds of residents of four villages.
Based on analyses of satellite imagery and wind data, the VAAC reported during 10 to 13 August 2013 that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 4.3 km and drifted 130 km W.
The summit crater opens to the S and large-scale production of crops (plantation agriculture) extends almost to the volcano's peak. This southerly path is typically followed by pyroclastic flows from the dome. In contrast, the 10 August pyroclastic flow traveled down the N flank of the volcano, descending into beachside villages.
Reference: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 2014, The Twelfth Meeting Of Asia/Pacific Robex Working Group (Robex Wg/12) and Fourth Meeting Of Meteorological Hazards Task Force (MET/H TF/4), ROBEX WG/12 / MET/H TF/4 - IP/C2, 2014, Agenda Item (conjoint session; 2d; 11/03/14); ICAO Regional Sub-Office, Beijing, China 19 March 2014, ICAO, 18 pp. [URL: http://www.icao.int/APAC/Meetings/2014 METHTF4/IP-C2_ICAO_AI.C2d - Darwin VAAC Report - AUS.pdf].
Information Contacts: BNPB (the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management) [Informasi Penanggulangan Bencana Terkini di Indonesia], Gedung Graha 55 Jl. Tanah Abang II No. 57, Jakarta, Indonesia (URL: http://www.bnpb.go.id/); Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM), Jalan Diponegoro 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/); Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Bureau of Meteorology, Northern Territory Regional Office, PO Box 40050, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia (URL: http://www.bom.gov.au/info/vaac/); NASA Earth Observatory, EOS Project Science Office, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Goddard, Maryland, USA (URL: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/); Volcano Discovery (URL: http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/); and Richard Roscoe, Photovolcanica (URL: http://www.photovolcanica.com/).
Two major pyroclastic flows in February and August 2013; five fatalities on 10 August 2013
Mount Rokatenda, or Paluweh, on the island of Palu'e, lies north of the primary volcanic arc that cuts across Flores Island in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, and has seen infrequent activity in modern times. The previous eruption in 1985 from a summit lava dome spread 3 cm of ash over villages on the W side of the island. This report is a summary of the October 2012 to August 2013 eruption, and an update through 2016 that includes information provided by Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, CVGHM), the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), and the University of Hawai'i's MODVOLC thermal alert reporting system. Numerous news reports also covered the major explosions during 2013.
Two brief periods of increased seismicity in April 2009 and January 2012 were the only recorded activity at Paluweh since 1985, prior to an eruption that began in October 2012 and continued through August 2013. PVMBG noted the beginning of lava dome growth on 8 October. A substantial number of MODVOLC thermal alert pixels from MODIS satellite data were first recorded on 11 October 2012 and recurred regularly through 20 July 2013. The first ash plumes were reported by the Darwin VAAC on 11 November 2012 and continued several times each month through May 2013, and then again in late June and during 10-12 August. Plumes generally rose to 2-3 km and drifted between 50 and 100 km in various directions, although a large ash plume on 3 February 2013 rose to higher than 13 km and drifted over 500 km SE, S and SW, briefly impacting air travel in NW Australia. A major explosion on 10 August 2013 created a large pyroclastic flow to the NW from the summit that killed five people on the beach. No further explosions were specifically dated after 12 August 2013, and seismicity gradually decreased over the next several months.
Activity during October 2012-April 2013. PVMBG noted lava dome growth, incandescent avalanches, pyroclastic flows, and ash plumes during October 2012 through January 2013. Ejecta as large as 6 cm in diameter was deposited up to 3 km from the summit, and ashfall affected the entire island, averaging 2 cm thick in places; lahars and ash damaged homes and infrastructure on the island (BGVN 39:01). A large eruption on 2 February 2013, which produced a 13-km-high ash plume the next day, generated a substantial SO2 signature, pyroclastic flows to the S and SW, and avalanches. Residents of eight villages were evacuated and significant ashfall was reported up to 1 mm thick in Ende (60 km S on East Nusa Tenggara Island). Thick ashfall was also reported in Ona (SE part of the island) and thin deposits were reported in other areas of the island to the W, N, and E. During a field expedition on 7 February, PVMBG staff observed that about 25% of the S portion of the dome was lost; the lava-dome volume had been an estimated 5.1 million cubic meters on 13 January, prior to the explosion.
After the large early February 2013 explosion, many intermittent low-level ash emissions continued through the last week in May, with over 175 VAAC reports issued from the Darwin VAAC during the period. NASA's Earth Observatory (EO) identified an ash plume in MODIS satellite images drifting over 440 km SW on 24 March 2013, and discoloration of the seawater from ash W of the island (figure 7).
Another NASA-EO image captured on 19 April 2013 shows the extent of ash deposits covering areas of the S and E sides of the summit where the plumes most commonly drift. A delta extending S into the Flores Sea, which was visible in imagery on 12 February and likely created by a pyroclastic flow during the large 2-3 February explosion (figure 8), was also visible.
Activity during May-August 2013. There was a three-week break in reported ash plumes between 25 May and 19 June when a low level plume rising to 2.4 km was observed drifting 37 km SE. After this, no further activity was reported until 10 August. A large and deadly explosion took place on 10 August, producing an ash plume that rose to 4.3 km and drifted 130 km W. Details of the explosion are given in BGVN 39:01 and additional information is provided in this report. According to PVMBG, a substantial pyroclastic flow traveled NW from the summit down the Ojaubi drainage towards a village on the beach and killed five fisherman. Rescuers noted that the ground was hot and covered with 10-20 cm of ash. NASA-EO captured images before and after the 10 August 2013 eruption where the path of the pyroclastic flow to the NW is clearly visible (figure 9).
Activity during 2014-2016. In April 2014, PVMBG noted that the last major explosion had been on 10 August 2013. The last 2013 ash plume recorded by the Darwin VAAC was on 12 August 2013. Visual observations of occasional eruptive activity were noted until November 2013; small explosion earthquakes were also reported as being last recorded in November. No changes were observed in the lava dome between September 2013 and March 2014. PVMBG lowered the Alert level from III to II (on a scale of 1-4) on 7 April 2014.
No additional reports of activity at Paluweh appeared until late 2015, when PVMBG noted that steam plumes rising 75-200 m above the summit were common between August and October 2015. Seismicity remained low but variable during this time as well. From November 2015 through January 2016, steam plume heights ranged from 5-150 m. Seismicity remained low; earthquakes indicating rock avalanches and fumarolic emissions were the most common type recorded (figure 10). Paluweh remained quiet throughout 2016, although in February 2017 it was still listed by PVMBG at Alert Level II, with a potential for eruptive activity.
Information Contacts: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, CVGHM), Jalan Diponegoro 57, Bandung 40122, Indonesia (URL: http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/); Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Bureau of Meteorology, Northern Territory Regional Office, PO Box 40050, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia (URL: http://www.bom.gov.au/info/vaac/); Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP), MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/); NASA Earth Observatory, EOS Project Science Office, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Goddard, Maryland, USA (URL: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/).
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.
Synonyms |
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Paloe | Palowe | Nusa Kua | Rusa Raja | Nuha Lua | Rusa Radja | ||||
Craters |
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Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
Jawalo
Djawalo |
Crater | |||
Poa | Crater | |||
Rokatenda
Rokatinda |
Crater | |||
Tudu
Toedoe |
Crater | |||
Utama, Kawah | Crater | |||
Waikoro | Crater | |||
Thermal |
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Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
Cawalo | Thermal | |||
Koa | Thermal | |||
Nitung | Thermal | |||
Nuakaju | Thermal | |||
Tanjung Tiramana | Thermal | |||
Tomu | Thermal | |||
Tudu | Thermal | |||
Waikoro | Thermal |
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There is data available for 9 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.
2012 Oct 8 - 2013 Oct 31 ± 7 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | Rokatenda | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2012 Oct 8 - 2013 Oct 31 ± 7 days | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 81 Events for Episode 1 at Rokatenda
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1985 Feb 3 - 1985 Feb 3 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
Episode 1 | Eruption | Rokatenda (west side of lava dome) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1985 Feb 3 - 1985 Feb 3 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at Rokatenda (west side of lava dome)
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1984 May 9 - 1984 May 21 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | Rokatenda (west side of lava dome) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1984 May 9 - 1984 May 21 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at Rokatenda (west side of lava dome)
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1980 Nov 5 - 1981 Sep 16 ± 15 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | Rokatenda | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1980 Nov 5 - 1981 Sep 16 ± 15 days | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Rokatenda
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1973 Oct 27 - 1973 Oct 28 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1973 Oct 27 - 1973 Oct 28 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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1972 Oct 22 - 1973 Jan 16 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | Rokatenda | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1972 Oct 22 - 1973 Jan 16 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at Rokatenda
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1963 Dec 31 - 1966 Mar 16 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | Rokatenda (1928 crater) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1963 Dec 31 - 1966 Mar 16 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 14 Events for Episode 1 at Rokatenda (1928 crater)
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1928 Aug 4 - 1928 Sep 25 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | Rokatenda | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1928 Aug 4 - 1928 Sep 25 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 13 Events for Episode 1 at Rokatenda
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[ 1831 ] Uncertain Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||
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1831 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown |
1650 ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
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1650 ± 50 years - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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There is no Deformation History data available for Paluweh.
There is data available for 1 emission periods. Expand each entry for additional details.
Start Date: 2013 Feb 02 | Stop Date: 2013 Feb 02 | Method: Satellite (Aura OMI) |
SO2 Altitude Min: 17 km | SO2 Altitude Max: 17 km | Total SO2 Mass: 40 kt |
Data Details
Date Start | Date End | Assumed SO2 Altitude | SO2 Algorithm | SO2 Mass |
20130202 | 17.0 | 40.000 |
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.
There are no samples for Paluweh in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.
Copernicus Browser | The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions. |
MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments. |
Volcanic Hazard Maps | The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter. |
IRIS seismic stations/networks | Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Paluweh. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice. |
UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations | Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Paluweh. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player. |
DECADE Data | The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere. |
Large Eruptions of Paluweh | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |