Semeru, a stratovolcano, has erupted at least 55 times since 1818. The eruptions are commonly moderate to moderately large (VEI=2-3) and explosive. This photo, taken November 4, 1982, shows a small cloud associated with a Strombolian eruption. Photo by Jack Lockwood, U.S. Geological Survey.
| Some of the eruptions produced pyroclastic flows and/or lava flows. Ten of these eruptions have been fatal. Mudflows and secondary mudflows have been the most dangerous, killing nearly 600 people during the 1909 and 1981 eruptions. The most recent eruption of Semeru began in 1967 and has continued to the present. Vulcanian-type eruptions are common at Semeru and the generated pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and domes. Nearly 500 people have been killed by the current eruption. In August of 1994, explosions were occurring at intervals of 15-20 minutes. In February of 1995, pyroclastic avalanches travelled up to 0.6 mile (1 km) from the summit. Pyroclastic flows and lava avalanches were also reported in July, 1995. Photo by Jack Lockwood, U.S. Geological Survey, November 4, 1982. |
Simkin, T., and Siebert, L., 1994, Volcanoes of the World: Geoscience Press, Tucson, Arizona, 349 p.
Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Network, 1995, Summary of Recent Activity: Bulletin of Volcanology, v. 57, p. 73-75.
Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Network, 1995, Summary of Recent Activity: Bulletin of Volcanology, v. 57, p. 269-271.
Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Network, 1995, Summary of Recent Activity: Bulletin of Volcanology, v. 57, p. 466-469.
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