Scientists on a boat passing Batu Tara about 24 km to the N observed six distinct eruptions of ash plumes from the westernmost area of the summit crater during a 45-minute period on 25 August. The plumes rose to an estimated altitude of 1.1-1.5 km (3,600-5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.

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.

Source: Tristram Burley, personal communication