Based on PVMBG observations, satellite images, and wind data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 20-21 and 23-25 November ash plumes from Ibu rose 1.8-2.1 km (6,000-7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. A thermal anomaly was visible in satellite images on 21 November.

Geological Summary. The truncated summit of Gunung Ibu stratovolcano along the NW coast of Halmahera Island has large nested summit craters. The inner crater, 1 km wide and 400 m deep, has contained several small crater lakes. The 1.2-km-wide outer crater is breached on the N, creating a steep-walled valley. A large cone grew ENE of the summit, and a smaller one to the WSW has fed a lava flow down the W flank. A group of maars is located below the N and W flanks. The first observed and recorded eruption was a small explosion from the summit crater in 1911. Eruptive activity began again in December 1998, producing a lava dome that eventually covered much of the floor of the inner summit crater along with ongoing explosive ash emissions.

Source: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)