Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) — 14 March-20 March 2007
Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 14 March-20 March 2007
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.
Please cite this report as:
Global Volcanism Program, 2007. Report on Batu Tara (Indonesia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 14 March-20 March 2007. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.
Batu Tara
Indonesia
7.791°S, 123.585°E; summit elev. 633 m
All times are local (unless otherwise noted)
Based on satellite imagery and CVGHM, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 14-16 and 19-20 March emissions from Batu Tara produced diffuse plumes that drifted NE, SE, and E. Plumes rose to 1.2 km (3,900 ft) a.s.l. on 19 and 20 March.
Geological Summary. The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea about 50 km N of Lembata (fomerly Lomblen) Island contains a scarp on the eastern side similar to the Sciara del Fuoco of Italy's Stromboli volcano. Vegetation covers the flanks to within 50 m of the summit. Batu Tara lies north of the main volcanic arc and is noted for its potassic leucite-bearing basanitic and tephritic rocks. The first historical eruption, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.
