High-level eruption at Sinabung volcano, ash to 12.9 km (40 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia
A high-level eruption took place at Sinabung volcano on May 13, 2021. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red at 19:35 UTC.
According to the Darwin VAAC, the volcanic ash is clearly identifiable on the latest satellite imagery, rising up to 12.9 km (40 000 feet) above sea level and moving NW at 20:20 UTC.
Height and movement were based on Himawari-8 satellite and model guidance.
The Alert Level remains at 3 (of 4).
Sinabung on May 11, 2021. Image credit: Nachelle Homestay
Sinabung on May 10, 2021. Image credit: Nachelle Homestay
The last major eruption at Sinabung volcano took place at 23:42 UTC on March 1, 2021, ejecting ash up to 12.2 km (40 000 feet) above sea level. It was the volcano's first major eruption since August 2020.
Sinabung woke up in 2010 after 4 centuries of sleep. Since then, at least 23 people have been killed and more than 30 000 displaced.
Eruption at Sinabung volcano on March 1, 2021. Credit: Nachelle Homestay
Eruption at Sinabung volcano on March 1, 2021. Credit: Nachelle Homestay
Eruption at Sinabung volcano on March 1, 2021. Credit: Nachelle Homestay
Eruption at Sinabung volcano on March 1, 2021. Credit: Nachelle Homestay
Eruption at Sinabung volcano on March 1, 2021. Credit: Nachelle Homestay
Geological summary
Gunung Sinabung is a Pleistocene-to-Holocene stratovolcano with many lava flows on its flanks. The migration of summit vents along a N-S line gives the summit crater complex an elongated form.
The youngest crater of this conical, 2 460 m (8 070 feet) high andesitic-to-dacitic volcano is at the southern end of the four overlapping summit craters.
An unconfirmed eruption was noted in 1881, and solfataric activity was seen at the summit and upper flanks in 1912.
No confirmed historical eruptions were recorded prior to explosive eruptions during August – September 2010 that produced ash plumes to 5 km (16 404 feet) above the summit. (GVP)
Featured image credit: JMA/Himawari-8
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