Gamalama Volcano

Updated: Aug 6, 2025 02:20 GMT - refresh

Stratovolcano

Halmahera (Indonesia), 0.81°N / 127.33°E

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Summit height: 1715 m / 5,627 ft

Current status: minor activity or eruption warning (3 out of 5)

Last update: 12 Feb 2025 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)

Gamalama (Peak of Ternate) is a near-perfect conical stratovolcano that forms the entire island of Ternate off the western coast of Halmahera. It is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes.

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Typical eruption style: Explosive.
Gamalama volcano eruptions: 1510, 1538, 1561, 1605, 1635, 1643, 1648, 1653, 1659, 1676, 1686, 1687, 1737, 1739, 1763, 1770, 1771-72, 1773-74, 1775, 1811, 1812, 1814, 1830(?), 1831, 1833, 1835, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841(?), 1842, 1843, 1844(?), 1845(?), 1846, 1847, 1847, 1849-50, 1858(?), 1860(?), 1862, 1863(?), 1864, 1864(?), 1868, 1868-69, 1871, 1884(?), 1895, 1896(?), 1897, 1898, 1900(?), 1907, 1911, 1918, 1923, 1932, 1933, 1938, 1962-63, 1980, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1991(?), May 1993-94, 1996, 2003 (31 July - 2 Oct), 2007-08, 2012, 2014

Latest nearby earthquakes

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Distance / Location
Jul 23, 10:38 am (Universal Time)	1.5 10 km	10.9 km (6.7 mi) to the SE	Halmahera, Indonesia	Info

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Background

The island of Ternate was a major regional center in the Portuguese and Dutch spice trade for several centuries, which is the main reason the historic activity of Gamalana volcano is so well dosumented. Eruptions, recorded frequently since the 16th century, typically originated from the summit craters, although flank eruptions have occurred in 1763, 1770, 1775, and 1962-63. Some eruptions such as in 1771, 1773, 1775, 1838, 1871, and as lately as in 1962 caused fatalities.

Gamalana has 9 craters: Arfat Crater, Madiena, K1, K2, K3, K4, Laguna Lake, Tolire Jaha and Tolire Kecil. 3 cones, progressively younger to the north, form the summit of Gamalama volcano. Several maars and vents define a rift zone, parallel to the Halmahera island arc, that cuts the volcano.
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Source: GVP, Smithsonian Institution

Gamalama Volcano Photos

Lake Tolire At The Base Of Gunung Gamalama, Ternate, North Maluku, Indonesia (Photo: Jay Ramji)

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Significant volcanic eruptions: Gamalama volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Gamalama has had at least 67 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations. Additionally, there are 20 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Gamalama volcano.

The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Gamalama volcano since around 1900. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Gamalama can be found on the news page of Gamalama volcano.

Date	Note	VEI	Deaths
2018 Oct 4 - Oct 6	Historical obs./docs.	1
2016 Aug 3 - Aug 4	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2015 Jul 16 - Sep 8	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	2
2014 Dec 18 - Dec 25	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	2
2014 Dec 18 (eruption 2014 Dec 18 - Dec 25)	Historical obs./docs.	0	1	Info
2014 Dec 18: According to a news article, an eruption at Gamalama on 18 December generated an ash plume that rose 2 km. Nine hikers fell as they ran to safety; four were injured and one was missing. Slow-moving lava at the summit was visible, and ashfall occurred in local villages. The Sultan Baabulah airport, 6 km NE, was closed along with schools and businesses. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #11217 Associated Press (2015): Indonesia Volcano Erupts: 1 Person Missing, 4 Hurt. Published Dec 19 2014 03:37 PM EST. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2012 Sep 15 - Sep 17	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2011 Dec 27 (eruption 2011 Dec 5 - Dec 23)	Historical obs./docs.	3	4	Info
2011 Dec 27: Based on information from CVGHM, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 7-10 December ash plumes from Gamalama rose to altitudes of 2.1-6.1 km (7,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SE. The Alert Level for Gamalama remains at 3 (on a scale from 1-4). Based on a SIGMET and information from the Ujung Pandang City MWO, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 14 December an ash plume from Gamalama rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 140 km S. (reference #2432) Officials say mudflows streaming from a volcano in eastern Indonesia have killed four villagers and about 1,000 others have fled their homes. Mount Gamalama in the Molucca Islands sprang to life this month with a powerful, non-fatal eruption. Government spokesman Yusuf Sunnya said Wednesday that days of heavy rains triggered flows of cold lava, rocks and other debris that slammed into villages near the volcano base Tuesday night. He said four people were killed and more than a dozen others were hospitalized with injuries ranging from broken bones to head wounds. (reference #9666) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #9666 Associated Press (2011): Hundreds of people flee as lava and mud stream from volcano, killing 4 in eastern Indonesia. December 28, 2011. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2011 Dec 5 - Dec 23	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	2
?? 2008 May 10	Uncertain Eruption	1
?? 2007 Aug 23	Uncertain Eruption	1?
2003 Jul 31 - Oct 2 ±3 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1996 Jul 2 ±182 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2?
1994 Jan 16 ±15 d. - Oct 15 or later	Historical obs./docs.	2
1993 May 6 - May 21	Historical obs./docs.	2
?? 1991 Jun 15	Uncertain Eruption	1?
1990 Apr 25 - Apr 26	Historical obs./docs.	3?
1988 Feb 12 - Mar 16 ±15 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1983 Aug 9 - Aug 12	Historical obs./docs.	3
1980 Sep 4 - Sep 23	Historical obs./docs.	2
1962 Dec 31 - 1963 Jan 2 ?	East flank Historical obs./docs.	2
1962 Dec 31 (eruption 1962 Dec 31 - 1963 Jan 2 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	2	5	Info
1962 Dec 31: 5 dead, 5 wounded. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1938 Sep 8	Historical obs./docs.	2
1933 Nov 12	Historical obs./docs.	2
1932 Nov 10 - Nov 13	Historical obs./docs.	2
1923 Apr 13 - May 6	Historical obs./docs.	2
1918 Aug - Sep 4	Historical obs./docs.	1
1911 Sep 2 - Sep 6	Historical obs./docs.	1
1907 Nov 17 - Nov 20	Historical obs./docs.	2
?? 1900 May - Jun 4 ±4 d.	Uncertain Eruption	1

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Eruptions of Gamalama volcano

2007-2008 eruption
Seismic activity increased at Gamalama volcano beginning 20 August 2007 and a few days later, there was a small eruption. On 23 August, white and gray plumes rose to an altitude of 2.1 km. Authorities banned access within a 2-km radius of the active crater.
Activity continued into 2008 with weak occasional ash and steam emissions. On 11 May 2008, CVGHM reported that emissions from Gamalama had risen to higher altitudes during the previous two days. On 10 May, white-to-gray plumes rose to an altitude of 1.8 km and drifted N. On 11 May, white plumes increased throughout the day from 1.7 to 2.2 km altitude.
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Source: GVP monthly reports

2003 eruption: pyroclastic flows and ash fall on Ternate
On 31 July, a series of strong explosions occurred, producing ash plumes up to 2 km above the crater. A pyroclastic flow traveled down Togorar valley on the NE flank of Gamalama volcano.
On 1 August, ashfall was 1-3 cm thick in the E part of the island and some of the local population was evacuated. Ternate town ca. 7 km east of Gamalana was covered with thick ash. There were no reports of casualties or damage.
Ash explosions continued until October 2003.

1994 Aug 5 eruption: 3 km high ash plume
An unusually powerful and sudden eruption occurred on 5 August 1994 at 21h25 local time, producing an ash cloud reaching 3 km above the summit and strong ash fall in nearby areas. An aviation warning was issued for the area.
A felt earthquake a few minutes before the eruption had an intensity of MM II-III. Smaller eruptions happened in the following days and weeks, such as on 14 August when there was ashfall in Ternate. The frequency of eruptions in this period was 5-20 minor explosions/day.
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Source: GVP monthly reports

1993 eruptions - powerful ash emissions and minor pyroclastic flows
Strong eruptions occurred in May 1993. Explosive eruptions produced ash plumes up to 3 km high and pyroclastic flows. ...more info

1990 eruption
A powerful series of eruptions at Gamalana began on 25 April 1990, with ash clouds reaching 5 km above the volcano and producing strong pyroclastic flows traveling 4.5 km distance, leaving a 5 m thick deposit. ...more info

1988 eruption
Gamalama volcano eruption on 12 February 1988 caused ash fall over Ternate Island and the evacuation of 3000 people.

1983 eruption: 5000 people evacuated
A strong eruption was reported on 9 August at 04h45 local time. A thick black eruption column containing incandescent material rose 1.5 km and caused a pyroclastic flow traveling down the N flank, destroying homes and plantations.
Ash fell W of the volcano, closing the local airport of Ternate. Explosions on 10 August produced 1.5-km ash columns.
More than 5,000 persons living near the volcano were evacuated. No casualties were reported.
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Source: GVP monthly reports

1980 eruption: 40,000 people evacuated
Gamalama Volcano started erupting on 4 September 1980 ejecting incandescent tephra and glowing bombs to up to 1 km distance. A new crater was formed on the ENE side of the summit.
On 5 Sep eruptions caused forest fires and ash fall over large parts of the island. At Ternate City 7 km E of the crater ash fall reached 10 cm. About 40,000 people evacuated to Tidore Island. A new crater formed ENE of the summit. Eruptions continued until the end of September 1980. ...more info

Gamalama Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Gamalama volcano?

The last confirmed eruption of Gamalama occurred in 2018.

+How often does Gamalama volcano erupt?

Since 1510 AD, Gamalama volcano has had at least 67 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 7.7 years.

+How active is Gamalama volcano at present?

Gamalama volcano is relatively active: Since 1900, it has had 23 eruptions, and been active during 23 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Gamalama has been in eruption one in 5.5 years on average. The last eruption was in 2018 and ended 7 years ago.

+When was the largest eruption of Gamalama volcano?

The largest eruption of Gamalama volcano in historic times occurred in 1990. It ranks as a "vulcanian" eruption with a magnitude 3 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest satellite images

See also: Sentinel hub | Landsat 8 | NASA FIRMS

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Gamalama Volcano Maps

Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).