Strong eruption at Ibu volcano, North Maluku, Indonesia

ibu volcano eruption indonesia may 16 2022 f

A strong eruption took place at Ibu volcano, Indonesia at 07:46 UTC on May 16, 2022, ejecting thick gray ash up to 3.8 km (12 240 feet) above sea level. The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange and the Alert Level at 3.

This eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 30 mm and a duration of 154 seconds.

Ibu Volcano Observatory is advising communities living around Mt. Ibu and visitors/tourists not to move within a radius of 2 km (1.2 miles) from the crater.

People who are active outside of their homes during ashfall are advised to use a nose/mouth mask and eye protection.1

ibu volcano eruption indonesia may 16 2022 bg
Image credit: PVBGM

A short-lived, high-level eruption took place at the volcano at 09:20 UTC on May 16, 2020, ejecting ash up to 13.7 km (45 000 feet) above sea level.

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 (0.62 miles) wide and 400 m (1 312 feet) deep, contained several small crater lakes through much of historical time.

The outer crater, 1.2 km (0.74 miles) wide, is breached on the north side, creating a steep-walled valley.

A large parasitic cone is located ENE of the summit. 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.

Only a few eruptions have been recorded in historical time, the first a small explosive eruption from the summit crater in 1911.

An eruption producing a lava dome that eventually covered much of the floor of the inner summit crater began in December 1998.2

References:

1 Mount Ibu VONA issued at 08:25 UTC on May 16, 2022 – PVMBG

2 Ibu – Geological summary – GVP

Featured image credit: PVMBG

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *