Merapi is what type of volcano

Science, , p. Sparks R. Geology, 1—3 , p. Nature phys. Tazieff H. In: Tazieff H. Thompson R. Magazine, 39 , p. Traineau H. Van Bemmelen R. Office, The Hague, pp. Walker G. Westercamp D. Implications for Assessment of Volcanic Hazards. Williams H. Berkeley Pub. Wood B.

Wright J. Zen M. Download references. You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. Reprints and Permissions. Bardintzeff, J. Bull Volcanol 47, — Download citation. Received : 15 April Revised : 15 December Issue Date : September Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:.

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Skip to main content. Search SpringerLink Search. References Allard P. Google Scholar ——, and Tazieff H. Google Scholar Anderson A. Google Scholar Arculus R. Google Scholar Carmichael I. Google Scholar Clocchiatti R. Google Scholar Combs D. Google Scholar D'Arco P. Google Scholar Fisher R. Because of Merapi's violent past and its close proximity to Yogyakarta it was designated a Decade Volcano and is the target of increased research efforts.

Photo by Jack Lockwood, U. Geological Survey, September 6, Merapi is a stratovolcano with an active summit lava dome. Merapi has the unfortunate distinction of producing more nuee ardentes than any other volcano on Earth.

The nuee ardentes result from collapse of the lava dome at the summit. Of the 67 historic eruptions 32 have had nuee ardentes associated with them. Eleven of these eruptions resulted in fatalities. Merapi is closely monitored by the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia. Shortly before this photograph was taken Merapi was generating up to 40 nuee ardentes per day.

Photograph by Robert Koyanagi, U. Geological Survey, July 28, Rockfall from the collapse of a lava dome. Geological Survey, September 8, Lava dome at the summit of Merapi. During , the lava dome was growing about 80,, cubic meters per month. According to news articles, the eruption lasted until about , and generated a dense black plume that rose 1 km. A booming sound was heard 30 km away. Hundreds of residents evacuated but returned to their homes later that day.

On 4 September small avalanches traveled m SW. The Alert Level remained at 2 on a scale of According to news articles, on 21 March a lahar traveled through the village of Sleman, approximately 20 km SW of Merapi, burying 21 homes in addition to vehicles and livestock.

At least residents were evacuated. Source: The Jakarta Post. The highest plume which rose m and drifted E was observed on 5 March from the Babadan post on the NW flank. The number of multi-phase MP earthquakes was slightly lower compared to the previous week. During January seismicity had decreased compared to the previous week.

Gas plumes rose from the crater; on 11 January gas plumes rose to a maximum height of 80 m above the crater. On 12 January avalanches descended the Krasak drainage, traveling 1. Lahars and high water during January damaged infrastructure and caused temporary road closures.

On 22 January plumes rose m above the crater and drifted E. According to a news article, lahars on Merapi's flanks that occurred on 3 and 9 January caused damage to houses, farms, and infrastructure in multiple villages in the Magelang district, 26 km WNW of Merapi.

One death and one injury were reported. On 9 January, the Red Cross evacuated people trapped in their homes in the Sirihan village. An estimated 3, people live in the flooded area, but the number of people evacuated was unknown. Seismic data showed a decrease in the number of earthquakes as well as amplitude of the events.

Deformation measurements did not show any significant changes. Although fog often prevented visual observations or views through webcams, gas plumes were seen rising m above the crater and drifting W. Sulfur dioxide plumes were no longer detected in satellite imagery. CVGHM noted that lahar deposits were seen in multiple drainages and that several bridges had been recently damaged by lahar activity. On 4 December, the Alert Level was lowered to 3 on a scale of Although fog often prevented observations, white and brown plumes rising m above the crater drifted SW on 25 November, and brownish plumes rose m above the crater on 27 November.

Incandescence from the crater was observed through cameras installed at the Merapi museum. According to news articles, a lahar in the Code River that runs through Yogyakarta, 30 km SSW, flooded streets and damaged bridges, and caused about 1, residents to evacuate. The Alert Level remained at 4, the highest level, on a scale of CVGHM reported that on 15 November no pyroclastic flows descended Merapi's flanks and few avalanches were detected compared to the previous day.

During November, the number of seismic signals and the number of avalanches both continued to decrease. Although fog often prevented observations, a gas-and-ash plume was observed rising 1. A steam plume rose m above the crater and drifted W. On 18 November a pyroclastic flow occurred with low intensity.

Lahar deposits were seen in multiple drainages. CVGHM noted areas that remained within a km danger zone. On 21 November one pyroclastic flow was detected and five were recorded the next day.

During November avalanches continued to occur. Lahars traveling S on 23 November carried material up to cm in diameter. According to news articles, the Yogyakarta airport resumed operations on 20 November. The death toll from the eruption reached and more than , people continued to live in temporary shelters.

Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during November ash plumes rose to altitudes of 4. CVGHM reported that during November seismicity from Merapi along with the number of avalanches and pyroclastic flows decreased compared to the previous two days.

Lahar deposits were seen in multiple drainages around Merapi at a maximum distance of On 10 November, plumes generally rose m above the crater, but at about a brownish plume rose to a height of 1. Incandescence from the crater was observed through a closed-circuit television CCTV system installed at the Merapi museum.

On 11 November, roaring was followed by light ashfall at the Ketep observation post. Plumes, brownish-black at times, rose m above the crater and drifted W and NW. Avalanches again traveled S in the Gendol drainage. A brownish plume rose 1. The Alert Level remained at 4 on a scale of High-altitude sulfur dioxide clouds detected over the Indian Ocean possibly contained ash.

In the latter part of 14 November and during November, ash plumes rose to altitude of 6. The sulfur dioxide concentration in the high-level clouds had decreased; the clouds were not thought to contain ash.

During November, news articles stated that the death toll from the eruption was over , and the Yogyakarta airport had remained closed. About , residents also began to return home after the "danger zones" were reduced in some areas due to decreased activity during the previous few days. CVGHM reported that during November the eruption from Merapi continued at a high level, characterized by incandescent avalanches from the lava dome, pyroclastic flows, ash plumes, and occasional explosions.

Visual observations were often difficult due to inclement weather and gas-and-ash plumes from the eruption. On 7 November, a news article stated that since the eruption began on 26 October approximately people have died and more that , people have been displaced. On 3 November observers stationed at multiple posts reported ash plumes from pyroclastic flows. One pyroclastic flow traveled 10 km, prompting CVGHM to extend the hazard zone to a km-radius and recommend evacuations from several more communities.

Another pyroclastic flow traveled 9 km SE later that day. Ground observers noted a significant eruption, but could not confirm the plume altitude. On 4 November an ash-and-gas plume rose to an altitude of 11 km 36, ft a. Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to altitudes of On 5 November, rumbling sounds were heard in areas 30 km away.

Pyroclastic flows continued to descend the flanks. Ash fell in Yogyakarta, 30 km SSW, and "sand"-sized tephra fell within 15 km. CVGHM recommended evacuations from several more towns within a km radius. Activity remained very intense on 6 November.

Pyroclastic flows descended the flanks; one traveled 4 km W. Ash plumes rose to an altitude of 7 km 23, ft a. Flashes from the lava dome were reported from observations posts and incandescent material was ejected above the crater. A subsequent pyroclastic flow sent an ash plume to an altitude of 6 km 19, ft a. In Muntilan 18 km WSW tephra and ash depths reached 4 cm.

On 5 and 6 November, the Darwin VAAC reported that ash plumes observed in satellite imagery rose to an altitude of News articles stated that three airlines cancelled flights to Jakarta due to the ash-induced aviation hazard. On 7 November, the number of seismic signals indicating pyroclastic flows increased from the previous day. An explosion was heard and ash plumes rose 6 km and drifted W. Lightning was seen from Yogyakarta and ash fell within 10 km.

Pyroclastic flows traveled 5 km and lava avalanches moved m S and SW. High-altitude ash plumes drifted SW. The airport in Yogyakarta closed. CVGHM reported that incandescent avalanches were sometimes seen through a closed-circuit television system.

Ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4. Rumbling sounds were accompanied by an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 4. Ashfall was reported in Selo and lava avalanches traveled m SSE. Cloud cover prevented satellite observations. According to a news article, ash fell in Yogyakarta, 30 km SSW, causing low visibility. CVGHM noted four pyroclastic flows the next day.

On 1 November an eruption began mid-morning with a low-frequency earthquake and avalanches. About seven pyroclastic flows occurred during the next few hours, traveling SSE a maximum distance of 4 km. A gas-and-ash plume rose 1. CVGHM recommended that evacuees from several communities within a km radius should continue to stay in shelters or safe areas. On 2 November an ash plume was seen in satellite imagery drifting 75 km N at an altitude of 6. News outlets noted diversions and cancellations of flights in and out of the Solo 40 km E and Yogyakarta airports.

A mid-day report on 3 November stated that 38 pyroclastic flows occurred during the first 12 hours of the day.

An observer from the Kaliurang post saw 19 of those 38 flows travel 4 km S. Plumes from the pyroclastic flows rose 1. Ashfall was noted in some nearby areas.

On 21 October the rate increased to The rate of inflation increased sharply on 24 October to a rate of 42 cm per day. The next day, CVGHM raised the Alert Level to 4, and recommended immediate evacuation for several communities news reports estimated 11,, people within a km radius.

An eruption began at about on 26 October that was characterized by explosions along with pyroclastic flows that traveled WSW and SE. CVGHM reported that multiple pyroclastic flows occurred until , when the pyroclastic flow activity started to subside. Most of the pyroclastic flows lasted 2 to 9 minutes, except for two that lasted 33 minutes each.

Booming noises were heard, and incandescence from the crater was seen from the Selo observation post to the N. An ash plume was also observed rising 1. According to news articles, officials noted that about 15, people had not yet evacuated, even though several minor eruptions had already occurred prior to 26 October. Reports on 27 October noted that about 25 people died and several were injured.

On 13 September white plumes rose m above the crater. Inflation, detected since March, increased from background levels of 0.

Ash was not identified on satellite imagery. According to a news article, "hot clouds" and incandescent material from Merapi traveled a distance of 1 km SE down the Gendol River on 23 May. People in the nearby village of Muntilan, about 16 km W, reported "hot clouds" and ashfall.

Source: Antara News. On 3 August, the Alert Level was lowered to 2 on a scale of Incandescent rock avalanches from Merapi were observed almost daily during 26 July-1 August, advancing at a maximum distance of 2 km SE toward the Gendol River. On 29 July, gas plumes reached maximum heights of m above the summit 11, ft a. Pyroclastic flows were not observed during the reporting period. During July, gas plumes at Merapi reached maximum heights of m above the summit 11, ft a.

Lava flows were observed daily, advancing at a maximum distance of 1. During July, lava flows at Merapi were observed and reached a maximum distance of 2 km SE along the Gendol River. Gas plumes were also observed daily and reached heights of 1 km above the crater 12, ft a. Gas plumes were observed during July at Merapi and reached a maximum height of 1. Due to a decrease in activity, on 10 July the Alert Level was lowered one level to 3 on a scale of in all areas except the S slope.

Pyroclastic flows were observed during June and reached a maximum distance of 3 km SE along the Gendol River. Gas plumes were observed during 28 June-1 July and reached a maximum height of 1 km above the summit 12, ft a. During June, seismic signals at Merapi indicated almost daily occurrence of rockfalls and pyroclastic flows. Due to inclement weather, pyroclastic flows were only observed on 24 June and reached a maximum distance of 4 km SE along the Gendol River and 2.

Gas plumes were observed during June and reached a maximum height of 1. Gas plumes were emitted from Merapi on 14 and 15 June and reached a maximum height of m above the summit 12, ft a. On 14 June, a dome-collapse event, lasting approximately 3. Two people assisting with evacuation efforts were trapped an underground shelter in Kaliadem village and died, the first fatalities of the current eruption.

On 15 June, pyroclastic flows reached a maximum distance of 4. According to news reports, pyroclastic flows continued during June as a new dome grew. On 19 June, water shortages were reported. The Alert Level remained at 4, the highest level. On 8 June, according to a CVGHM report, the lava-dome growth rate at Merapi was an estimated thousand cubic meters per day and the estimated volume was approximately 4 million cubic meters. An estimated volume loss of thousand cubic meters on 4 June was due to a partial dome collapse of the S part of the Geger Buaya crater wall constructed from lava flows.

Gas plumes were observed almost daily during June and reached a maximum height of 1. During June, the Darwin VAAC reported that small ash plumes were visible on satellite imagery and minor ashfall was reported to the S at the Merapi Volcano Observatory and in Yogyakarta, about 32 km On 8 June a pyroclastic flow, lasting 12 minutes, reached a maximum distance of 5 km SE toward the Gendol River, the predominate travel direction since the 27 May earthquake M 6.

According to a news report, the 8 June event prompted approximately 15, people to evacuate from the Sleman district to the S and the Magelang district to the W. On 13 June, the Alert Level was lowered from 4 to 3 but renewed pyroclastic-flow activity the next day again prompted a return to Alert Level 4, the highest level.

Sulfur-dioxide plumes were observed daily during this period and reached a height of 1. Multiple pyroclastic flows reached a maximum distance of 4 km SE toward the Gendol River and 3.

According to a volcanologist in Yogyakarta, lava-flow distances and lava-dome volume had both approximately doubled since the 27 May M 6. The lava-dome volume was estimated at 4 million cubic meters. On 6 June, groups living near the base of the volcano began to move into temporary shelters.

The Alert Level at Merapi remained at 4, the highest level, during May. According to news reports, on 27 May an M 6. Gas plumes reached a height above the volcano of m 11, ft a. Incandescence and sulfur-dioxide plumes were observed.

According to news reports, an eruption producing a cloud of hot gas and ash was witnessed on 17 May. Witnesses said the size of the plume was smaller than ash-and-gas plumes on 15 May.

Avalanches of incandescent material extended m SE towards the Gendol River, and 1. Several small incandescent avalanches of volcanic material were visible from observatory posts. The new lava dome at the volcano's summit had grown to fill the gap between the lava flows and the lava flows on the W side of the summit. The lava dome reached a height above that of the lava flows. Seismicity was dominated by multi-phase earthquakes and signals associated with avalanches. On 13 May at , the Alert Level was raised from 3 to 4, the highest level.

An ash plume at an unknown height was visible on satellite imagery on 15 May. According to news reports, after the Alert Level was raised to 4 on 13 May, about 4, people living near the volcano were evacuated.

Intense activity occurred on 15 May, with pyroclastic flows traveling as far as 4 km to the W. By 16 May a total of about 22, people were evacuated; according to figures posted at the district disaster task force center about 16, people were evacuated from three districts in Central Java Province, and more than 5, others were evacuated from the Slemen district, a part of Yogyakarta Province.

Activity decreased on 16 May. On 17 May pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 3 km. Local volcanologists reported that the lava dome continued to grow, but at a slower rate than during previous days. On 7 May, 26 incandescent avalanches that extended about m were seen during the morning. Incandescence was seen at the summit ten times. On 6 and 7 May, the lava dome continued to grow and seismicity was dominated by multi-phase earthquakes.

Shallow volcanic earthquakes and signals from landslides and rockfalls were also recorded. No ash was visible on satellite imagery. Merapi remained at Alert Level 3 on a scale of , as it has since 12 April. On the 28th, seismicity was dominated by multiphase earthquakes. Signals from landslides, rockfalls, and low-frequency events were also recorded. According to news reports, around 27 April nearly 2, villagers were evacuated from Sidorejo and Tegalmulyo villages on the volcano's flanks.

On the 27th, small amounts of ash fell in Gemer village about 5 km from Merapi's summit. Merapi remained at Alert Level 3 on a scale of During April seismicity at Merapi remained at high levels, with several seismic signals recorded that were associated with rockfalls. The sulfur-dioxide flux from the volcano was metric tons on 22 April. On 22 and 23 April, fumarolic emissions reached a maximum height of m above the volcano or 11, ft a.

On the 25th, two rockslides from lava-flow fronts were heard from nearby observatories. According to news reports, about of the approximately 14, people living near the volcano had been evacuated by the 24th. They reported that an eruption could occur at any time and no one was permitted within 8 km of the summit.

According to news reports, authorities informed people living in villages near the volcano to be prepared for possible evacuations. According to a news article, authorities banned mountain climbing on 10 April at Merapi due to increased activity. Source: Deutsche Presse-Agentur. According to a news articles, small earthquakes were recorded at the volcano on 19 March and more than were recorded during the week.

Around 10, residents near the volcano were warned to prepare for possible evacuations if activity escalates. During 26 August-1 September, observers saw incandescent lava avalanches travel predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, and Senowo rivers. Seismicity was dominated by lava avalanches.

Merapi remained at Alert Level 2 on a scale of During August, observers saw 16 incandescent lava avalanches travel predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, and Senowo rivers. During August, incandescent lava avalanches traveled predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, and Senowo rivers.

During 29 July-4 August, incandescent lava avalanches traveled predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, Senowo, and Bebeng rivers. Seismicity was dominated by signals from lava avalanches. No pyroclastic flows were reported.

During July, incandescent lava avalanches traveled predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, Senowo, and Bebeng rivers. During July, incandescent lava avalanches traveled predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of Sat, Lamat, Senowo, and Bebeng rivers.

During July, observers noted 60 incandescent lava avalanches traveling predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of Sat, Lamat, Senowo, and Bebeng rivers. On 2 July two pyroclastic flows traveled toward the upstream portion of Sat River, reaching a maximum run-out distance of 0. During June, observers noted 68 incandescent lava avalanches flowing predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, and Senowo rivers.

Seismicity appeared to decrease in comparison to the previous week and no low-frequency earthquakes were recorded. During June, observers noted 65 incandescent lava avalanches flowing predominately down Merapi's SW flank into the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, and Senowo rivers. Seismicity decreased in comparison to the previous week. VSI reported that activity at Merapi was generally decreasing.

During 27 May-2 June, seismicity generally decreased at Merapi in comparison to the previous week. During 22 April May incandescent lava avalanches flowed down Merapi's flanks, predominately SW to the upstream portions of the Sat, Lamat, and Senowo rivers. Two minor pyroclastic flows traveled up to 1. Seismicity decreased in comparison to the previous week, SO2 emission rates were average, and the lava dome showed no signs of deformation.

During March, several incandescent lava avalanches were observed traveling down Merapi's flanks, predominately SW to the upstream portions of the Lamat, Sat, and Senowo rivers and partly in a more southerly direction towards Bebeng River. No pyroclastic flows occurred during the report period. During March, 69 incandescent lava avalanches were observed traveling down Merapi's flanks, predominately SW to the upstream portions of the Lamat, Sat, and Senowo rivers and partly in a more southerly direction towards Bebeng River.

During 25 February-3 March 88 incandescent lava avalanches were observed traveling down Merapi's flanks, predominately SW to the upstream portions of the Lamat, Sat, and Senowo rivers and partly in a more southerly direction towards Bebeng River.

Four minor pyroclastic flows were observed during the report period; three occurred on 25 February and one on 3 March. Seismicity at the volcano was similar to the previous week.

During February there were 67 incandescent lava avalanches observed traveling down Merapi's flanks, predominately WSW to the upstream portions of the Lamat and Senowo rivers and partly SW toward the Sat and Bebeng rivers. One minor pyroclastic flow was observed; it traveled 2.

Seismicity was dominated by avalanche earthquakes , which slightly increased in comparison to the previous week During February there were 65 incandescent lava avalanches observed traveling down Merapi's flanks, predominately WSW to the upstream portions of Lamat and Senowo rivers and partly SW toward the Sat and Bebeng rivers.

During the report period, six minor pyroclastic flows traveled up to 2. According to news reports, Volcanology Development and Investigation Agency staff stated that intense rain during the current rainy season could cause landslides around the volcano's crater.

There were no major observed changes in seismicity; lava avalanche signals dominated the seismicity. The volcano remained at Alert Level 2 on a scale of During January lava avalanches continued to travel down the flanks of Merapi, predominately SW toward the upstream portions of Sat and Bebeng rivers, and partly WSW to the Lamat and Senowo rivers.

On 17 January, five small pyroclastic flows traveled 1. Seismicity increased compared to the previous week and was dominated by lava avalanches. During January lava avalanches continued to travel down the flanks of Merapi, predominately SW toward the upstream portions of the Sat and Bebeng rivers and partly WSW to the Lamat and Senowo rivers. The maximum run-out distance was about 2. Visual observations during December revealed that lava avalanches traveled predominately toward the upstream portion of the Sat River, and to a lesser extent to the Lamat and Senowo rivers.

During the report period, seismicity was dominated by avalanche earthquakes that were similar in frequency and magnitude to those of previous weeks. During 19 November- 2 December VSI personnel observed 90 incandescent lava avalanches traveling SW, predominately to the upstream portion of the Sat River, and to a lesser extent to the Lamat and Senowo rivers. The maximum run-out distance was 2.

During the report period, seismicity was dominated by avalanche earthquakes that were similar in frequency and magnitude to those of the previous week. During November VSI personnel observed incandescent lava avalanches traveling SW, predominately to the upstream portion of the Sat River, and to a lesser extent to the Lamat and Senowo rivers.

The maximum run-out distance was 3 km. During the report period, seismicity was dominated by avalanche earthquakes. During October, VSI personnel observed incandescent lava avalanches traveling SW predominately to the upstream portion of the Sat River, and to a lesser extent to the Lamat and Senow rivers. On 24 October four minor pyroclastic flows were observed travelling a maximum distance of 2 km to the upstream portions of the Sat and Senowo rivers.

Seismicity was dominated by avalanche earthquakes similar in magnitude and frequency to earthquakes the previous week. Seismic activity was dominated by avalanche earthquakes similar in magnitude and frequency to earthquakes the previous week. Seismicity was dominated by lava avalanche events. During October 59 incandescent lava avalanches were observed travelling SW. The avalanches predominately traveled to the upstream portions of the Sat River, and to a lesser extent down the Lamat and Senowo rivers to a maximum run-out distance of 2.

Seismicity was dominated by approximately the same number and intensity of avalanche earthquakes as the previous week. An average of 80 tons per day of SO2 was measured.

The Alert Level remained at 2. During September incandescent lava avalanches traveled SW primarily down the Lamat, Senowo, and Bebeng rivers to a maximum run-out distance of 2. During September 51 lava avalanches were observed. Avalanche earthquakes, which dominated the seismicity, increased in comparison to the previous week.

According to VSI, during September volcanic activity at Merapi decreased in comparison to the previous week. Incandescent lava avalanches continued to travel SW as far as 2. Seismographs recorded lava-avalanche events during the report period. During August approximately lava avalanches were observed travelling SW, extending a maximum distance of 2.

Seismic activity consisted primarily of avalanche earthquakes, as it had for the previous 2 weeks. During 30 July August lava avalanches traveled towards the SW, extending a maximum distance of 2. Seismic activity was dominated by avalanche earthquakes. During July volcanic activity at Merapi was similar to the previous week.

A total of 52 lava avalanches traveled SW to a maximum distance of 2. Emissions from low-pressure fumaroles rose to m above the summit. During July low-pressure emissions from fumaroles rose m above the volcano. During the same interval lava avalanches traveled SW to a maximum distance of 2. The volcano was at Alert Level 2. Activity at Merapi increased during April, with reports of several medium-sized pyroclastic flows. Four pyroclastic flows were observed traveling into the upper reaches of the Sat, Senowo, Lamat, and Bebeng rivers, with a maximum runout distance of 1.

Lava avalanches traveled up to 2. Superficial earthquakes continued to dominate the seismicity. During April lava avalanches continued to flow down the Sat, Senowo, Lamat, and Bebeng rivers, with a maximum runout distance of 2 km.

Fumaroles emitted gas that rose up to m above the summit. Seismic activity continued to be dominated by avalanche earthquakes. VSI reported that during April lava avalanches continued to fill the upstream areas of the Sat, Senowo, Lamat, and Bebeng rivers, with a maximum runout distance of 2 km in the Sat River. In addition, eleven pyroclastic flows entered the Sat and Lamat rivers, reaching as far as 3 km.

Avalanche earthquakes continued to dominate the seismicity, but their amplitude and frequency decreased in comparison to the previous week. Visual and instrumental monitoring by VSI personnel during April revealed that volcanic activity continued at Merapi.

Lava avalanches continued to enter upstream areas of the Sat, Senowo, Lamat, and Bebeng rivers, with a maximum runout distance of 2. An observer reported that ten pyroclastic flows traveled down the Sat, Senowo, and Bebeng rivers, reaching as far as 2.

Fumaroles emitted steam and gas up to m above the volcano's summit. Both the number and amplitude of earthquakes was high, but less than previously recorded. Visual and instrumental monitoring by VSI personnel through 18 March revealed that volcanic activity continued at Merapi.

Hot lava avalanches continued to enter the Sat, Senowo, Bebeng, and Lamat rivers, with a maximum runout distance of 3 km in the Sat River. Pyroclastic flows traveled up to 1 km down the Sat, Senowo, and Bebeng rivers.

Superficial earthquakes dominated the seismicity, though the number and amplitude decreased from the previous week. Observations during a summit visit on 17 March revealed that high-pressure fumaroles remained on most of the dome's surface. Visual and instrumental monitoring by VSI personnel revealed that volcanic activity continued at Merapi.

Hot lava avalanches continued to enter the Sat, Senowo, Bebeng, and Lamat rivers, with a maximum runout distance of 2. Pyroclastic flows traveled up to 2. Superficial earthquakes dominated the seismicity, though fewer occurred than in the previous week. Observations on 10 March revealed that high-pressure fumaroles appeared on most of the dome's surface.

Visual and instrumental monitoring conducted by VSI personnel revealed that volcanic activity at Merapi had decreased; therefore on 7 March the Alert Level was reduced from 3 to 2 on a scale of During 27 February- 5 March, volcanic activity was dominated by an average of lava avalanches per day.

The avalanche material traveled to the SW, entering the Sat and Senowo rivers with runout distances of 2. On 6 March a pyroclastic flow deposited material up to 1.

The volcano remained at Alert Level 4, the highest level. VSI reported that after the large 10 February eruption volcanic activity decreased in intensity. Lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows continued, but were smaller than they were the previous week. After 13 February lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows traveled 1.

According to the VSI, high temperatures around Merapi indicate that magma is near the surface. The W and S sides of "lava dome " grew and covered "lava dome " to the S. Several fumaroles appeared to mark a fracture along the area where the 10 February eruption occurred. Fractures formed in a similar matter prior to the November eruption. Intense and dangerous volcanic activity continued at Merapi with hot lava avalanches, near-continuous pyroclastic flows, and an eruption on 10 February that deposited ash on many cities out to 60 km E of the volcano.

Lava avalanches also traveled down the Lamat River, a drainage that avalanches had not previously traveled down during the current period of volcanic activity. Approximately 25 pyroclastic flows occurred daily. Ash associated with the pyroclastic flows fell around Merapi.

During to on 3 February heavy rain mixed with ash and produced minor lahars. On 6 February the dome was reported as being 1 million cubic meters in volume and growing at 45 cubic meters per day. Pyroclastic-flow activity began at on 9 February and lasted up to 1 hour.

At the same day "lava dome ," which was under the new lava dome "lava dome " , partially collapsed. The collapse triggered a large and continuous pyroclastic flow that lasted as long as 2. The pyroclastic flow traveled up to 7 km SW of the summit towards the Sat River, and 4. At the Alert Level at the volcano was raised from 3 to 4, the highest level. By 11 February, lava dome was estimated to be 1. At on 27 January an eruption produced continuous pyroclastic flows and molten lava avalanches that lasted as long as 2 hours.

The eruption also produced a thick ash plume that rose 2 km above the volcano's summit and was accompanied by a strong sulfurous smell. On 28 January, "lava dome " partially collapsed, resulting in pyroclastic flows and molten lava avalanches that occurred at minute intervals. The maximum runout distance of 4. Ash fell in 5 districts within a km radius around the volcano; Dukun, Srumbung, Salam, Ngluwar, and Muntilan. On 31 January, pyroclastic flows continuously entered the Sat River, and to a lesser extent the Senowo and Bebeng rivers.

Visual observations and photographic analysis revealed that the dome became higher and larger than it was during the previous report period, and that there was a new active point at the summit that may have been a fumarole or a hot spot.

The volcano remained at Alert Level 3 on a scale of An Associated Press article from 25 January reported that ash mixed with rain fell on the village of Deres on the flanks of the volcano. Activity reportedly increased slightly on 25 January. Source: Associated Press. The VSI reported that during January visual and instrumental monitoring revealed a continued increase of volcanic activity at Merapi.

Activity consisted of several pyroclastic flows, small ash eruptions, glowing lava flows, lava avalanches, and an increase in seismicity, especially in avalanche and multi-phase earthquakes. More than 20 pyroclastic flows per day traveled continuously to the Sat upstream of River Putih , Senowo, and Bebeng rivers.

The number of glowing lava avalanches also increased since last reported, with more than events per day observed. The avalanches traveled down to the Sat, Senowo, and Bebeng rivers extending as far as 3, m. The new lava dome, "lava dome ," grew at the volcano's summit over the preexisting "lava dome The VSI report for January noted that activity increased at Merapi, prompting the hazard status to be raised to Alert Level 3 at on 10 January. Observers frequently noted a weak white plume that rose m above the summit.