· ·

Volcanic ash from Mount Raung continues disrupting flights, Indonesia

volcanic-ash-from-mount-raung-continues-disrupting-flights-indonesia

Indonesia's Raung volcano has been erupting continuously over the past week, and this has generated a significant ash cloud which will continue to disrupt flights around the islands of Bali and Lombok over the weekend (July 11 – 12, 2015).

Based on notices from the Ujung Padang MWO and PVMBG, satellite images, and pilot observations, the Darwin VAAC reported that during July 1 and 3 – 7 ash plumes from Raung rose to altitudes of 3.7 – 6.1 km a.s.l. (12 000 – 20 000 ft) and drifted 25 – 110 km (15 – 68 miles) E, ESE, and SE.

On July 5, BNPB reported that roaring was heard from continuous explosions and Strombolian activity at Raung. Dense white-and-gray plumes rose as high as 400 m (1 300 feet) and drifted SE.

YouTube video

Mount Raung erupting on July 7, 2015. Video credit: Aris Yanto.

On July 10, Volcano Discovery noted the eruption inside the summit caldera continues with intense Strombolian activity and the effusion of an intra-crater lava flow. 

Ash emissions have been intense enough to produce a plume that rose to an altitude of 5 km (17 000 feet) and drifted more than 150 km (93 miles) to the SE. 

Raung as seen by NASA/USGS Landsat8-OLI on July 11, 2015.

The Alert Level remains at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public is reminded not to approach the crater within a 3-km (1.9 miles) radius.

Geological background

Raung, one of Java's most active volcanoes, is a massive stratovolcano in easternmost Java that was constructed SW of the rim of Ijen caldera. The 3332-m-high, unvegetated summit of Gunung Raung is truncated by a dramatic steep-walled, 2-km-wide caldera that has been the site of frequent historical eruptions.

A prehistoric collapse of Gunung Gadung on the west flank produced a large debris avalanche that traveled 79 km from the volcano, reaching nearly to the Indian Ocean. Raung contains several centers constructed along a NE-SW line, with Gunung Suket and Gunung Gadung stratovolcanoes being located to the NE and west, respectively. (GVP)

Featured image: Raung volcano on July 8, 2015. Image credit: NASA Terra/MODIS.

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 *