Eruption at Batu Tara volcano, Flores Sea, Indonesia

A new eruption has been observed at Indonesia’s Batu Tara volcano on April 26, 2022, forcing the Darwin VAAC to raise the Aviation Color Code to Orange. The last known eruption of this volcano took place in 2015 (VEI 2).

According to the Batutara Volcano Observatory, the first eruption was recorded at 01:45 UTC on April 26 (09:45 LT), forcing them to raise the Aviation Color Code to Yellow. Ash-cloud was not visible during the eruption as the fog was covering the volcano.

An increase in degassing was observed at 20:41 UTC, the observatory reported at 22:05 UTC.¹

The best estimate of the ash-cloud top was around 2.8 km (9 267 feet) above sea level, but may be higher than what can be observed clearly.

At 22:38 UTC, Darwin VAAC said volcanic ash was not discernable on satellite imagery in clear atmospheric conditions. The center raised the Aviation Color Code to Orange.²

The last eruptive period of this volcano lasted from January 2007 to November 26, 2015 (VEI 2).

Geological summary

The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea about 50 km (31 miles) north 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 of Batu Tara to within 50 m (164 feet) of the 748 m (2 454 feet) high 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 from Batu Tara, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.³

References:

¹ Batu Tara – VONA issued at 22:05 UTC on April 26, 2022 – PVMBG

² Batu Tara – VA Advisory issued 22:38 UTC on Apri l26, 2022 – Darwin VAAC

³ Batu Tara – Geological summary – GVP

Featured image: Batu Tara volcano eruption on April 26, 2022. Credit: PVMBG