Kerinci Volcano | John Seach

john

Sumatra, Indonesia

1.69 S, 101.27 E
summit elevation 3805 m
stratovolcano

Kerinci is the highest volcano in Indonesia, and one of its most active. The volcano contains a deep 600-m-wide summit crater often partially filled by a small crater lake. Kerinci Seblat National Park is the largest protected area for the Asian tapir (Malayan Tapir) Tapirus indicus.

Kerinci volcano has been the source of numerous moderate explosive eruptions since its first recorded eruption on 1838. Historical eruptions have VEI of 1-2.

2020 Eruption
Kerinci volcano erupted on 12 August 2020. Ash emissions reached an altitude of 16,000 ft.

2019 Eruption
Eruption of Kerinci volcano occurred on January 19, 2019 at 07:34. Ash reached 200 m above the summit.

2008 Eruptions
Seismic activity increased at Kerinci volcano between 17-24 March 2008. On 24th March 2008, ash was emitted to an altitude of 4.3 km.

2007 Eruptions
On 9th September 2007, ash emission from the volcano rose to a height of 800 m above the crater.

2004 Eruptions
Between 24-31 July 2004 thick black plume was observed rising 600 m above the crater. Heavy ash has fell in a 3km radius from the crater, and climbing to the volcano was not advised until activity decreased. The hazard level for Kerinci volcano was raised to level II (on a I to IV scale), due to an increase in volcanic activity.

2001-02 Eruptions
Beginning May 2001 small explosion earthquakes were recorded at Kerinci volcano. On 9th August 2001 booming sounds were heard at the volcano, and a plume rose 700 m above the summit. Explosion earthquakes continued to be recorded at the volcano until late 2002.

1999 Eruptions
Volcanic tremor was recorded at Kerinci volcano in June 1999. On 28th June, ash emissions 1 km above the summit, and tremor became continuous. On 28th July, ash fell on nearby communities. Tremor returned to normal levels in August.

1998 Eruptions
On 4th July 1998, explosions were heard at Kerinci volcano, accompanied by a plume which rose 2 km above the summit. An eruption occurred on 3rd November when ash fell on nearby communities and strong smells of sulphur were detected.

1996 Eruptions
In September 1996, seismic activity increased at Kerinci volcano, and ash emissions reached 800 m above the summit.

1936 Eruption
An eruption occurred at Kerinci volcano on 29th April 1936. On 30th August rumbling was heard at the volcano, followed by an eruption column which rose 2500 m above the summit.

Ash emissions occurred at the main crater at all eruptions from 1838 to 1970.

Further reading
Belyanin, P.S., 2017. Structure of volcanic landscape in the equatorial belt (A case study of the Kerinci Volcano, Sumatra Island). Geography and Natural Resources38(2), pp.196-203.

Zhan, Yan, et al. "Sequential assimilation of volcanic monitoring data to quantify eruption potential: Application to kerinci volcano, sumatra." Frontiers in Earth Science 5 (2017): 108.

Neumann van Padang, M., 1951. Catalogue of the Active Volcanoes of the World, Including Solfatara Fields, Indonesia.

Kerinci Volcano Eruptions

2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2004, 2001-02, 1999, 1998, 1996, 1990, 1971, 1969-70, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1964, 1963, 1960, 1952, 1938, 1937, 1936, 1923, 1921, 1908-09?, 1887, 1878, 1874?, 1842, 1838