"During observations at 1145 on 15 July from the SW flank, a white plume rose above the volcano and extended toward the E. Two active lava domes were present on the summit, one in the S, and the other in the NE. Each generated white plumes from its top. Many fumaroles with yellow sulfur deposits covered the S side of the NE dome. A small chaotic-looking lava flow was located near the foot of the NE lava dome. It was possible to hear weak, rhythmic explosions from an area located between the two lava domes behind the summit pass, but no direct observations were possible because of the cover of rising clouds."

Geological Summary. Karangetang (Api Siau) volcano lies at the northern end of the island of Siau, about 125 km NNE of the NE-most point of Sulawesi. The stratovolcano contains five summit craters along a N-S line. It is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, with more than 40 eruptions recorded since 1675 and many additional small eruptions that were not documented (Neumann van Padang, 1951). Twentieth-century eruptions have included frequent explosive activity sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows and lahars. Lava dome growth has occurred in the summit craters; collapse of lava flow fronts have produced pyroclastic flows.

Information Contacts: H. Gaudru, C. Pittet, M. Auber, C. Bopp, and O. Saudan, EVS, Switzerland.