Marapi Volcano | John Seach

john

Sumatra, Indonesia

0.38 S, 100.47 E
summit elevation 2891 m
complex volcano

Note: A volcano with a similar name "Merapi" is located in central Java.

Marapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Sumatra. Eruptions usually consist of moderate explosions occurring alternately between Tuo and Verbeek craters. Four summit craters (Bancah, Tuo, Kebun Bungo and Bongsu) are located along an ENE-WSW line, with volcanism migrating to the west. No lava flows have been recorded outside the summit craters in historical times from two flank craters (Sikumpar and Kayutanduk). The towns of Kota Baru and Bukittinggi are located at the base of the volcano.

Marapi volcano photos by John Seach

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Marapi volcano summit

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Marapi Volcano summit - John Seach

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Marapi volcano summit

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Marapi volcano summit

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Rice fileds on slopes of Marapi volcano, Sumatra

Evolution of Marapi volcano has occurred in six phases.
1) Formation of old Marapi volcano. Eruptions from Bancah crater. 
2) Migration of eruption location.
3) Eruption migration back to the original location accompanied by lava and pyroclastic emissions.
4) Formation of Tuo crater.
5) Formation of Kebun Bungo crater complex.
6) Migration of eruption point to form Kayutanduk maar, following by formation of Bongsu and Verbeek craters.

2023 Eruption
A high level eruption occurred on 03 December 2023 with ash reaching 50,000 ft altitude, with 22 climbers killed near the summit.  

2013 Eruption
An eruption was reported at Marapi volcano on 12th October 2013.

2012 Eruption
A 10-minute eruption occurred at Marapi volcano on 18th May 2012. A plume rose 600 m above the crater.

2004 Eruptions
A small eruption occurred at Marapi volcano on 5th August 2004. Ash emissions reached 1000 m above the summit.

2002 Eruptions
Between 13-18 April 2002, there were 150 explosions recorded at Marapi volcano, with ash to 2 km above the summit.

2000 Eruptions
On 12th March 2000 an explosion was heard 25 km from Marapi and black ash was emittied to a height of 3000 m. Ash fell 350 km N of Marapi.

1992 Eruption
An explosion of Marapi Volcano on 5th July 1992 killed one person and injured five others.

Further reading
van Padang, M.N., 1951. Catalogue of the active volcanoes of Indonesia. International Volcanological Association.

Marapi Volcano Eruptions

2023, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2004, 2000, 1999, 1987-94, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1980, 1975-79, 1973, 1970-71, 1968?, 1967, 1966, 1958, 1958, 1954-57, 1950-52, 1949, 1949, 1943, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1927, 1925, 1919, 1918, 1918, 1917, 1916, 1915, 1914, 1913, 1911,1910, 1907-08, 1905, 1904, 1889, 1886, 1885, 1883, 1883, 1876-77, 1876, 1871, 1871, 1863, 1861, 1855-56, 1854, 1833-34, 1822, 1807, 1770