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  Merapi, a steep stratovolcano north of Central Java's capital Yogyakarta, is Indonesia's most active volcano. It erupts on average every 5-10 years and is feared for its deadly pyroclastic flows - avalanches of hot rocks and gas that are generated when parts of new lava domes constructed during eruptions in the summit crater collapse and slide down the mountain's steep flanks.
The name "Merapi" from old Javanese language means "the one making fire" is a popular name for volcanoes: another volcano with the same name Merapi is in the Ijen Massif in East Java and similarly called volcano "Marapi" lies on Sumatra Island.
Stratovolcano 2968 m / 9,737 ft Central Java, Indonesia, -7.54°S / 110.44°E Current status: erupting (4 out of 5) Merapi webcams / live data | ReportsMerapi volcano books | Tours | Places to stayMerapi volcano eruptions:1548, 1554, 1560, 1584, 1586(?), 1587, 1658, 1663, 1672, 1678, 1745, 1752, 1755, 1768, 1791, 1797, 1807, 1810, 1812-22, 1822-23, 1828, 1832-36, 1837-38, 1840, 1846, 1848(?), 1849, 1854(?), 1861, 1862-64, 1865-71, 1872 (large vulcanian-subplinian eruption VEI:4) , 1872-73, 1878-79, 1883-84, 1885-87, 1888, 1889, 1891-92, 1893, 1894, 1897, 1902, 1902-04, 1905, 1906-07, 1908, 1909-13, 1915, 1918, 1920-21, 1922, 1923(?), 1924, 1930-31, 1932, 1933-35, 1939-40, 1942-45, 1948, 1953-58, 1961, 1967-1970, 1971(?), 1972-85, 1986-90, 1992-2002, April-July 2006, Oct 2010-2011 Feb, 2018 (May) Typical eruption style:Highly explosive. Large Plinian eruption every few 1000 of years (the last ones at about 1000 BP and 2000 BP), sometimes with associated flank collapse. Growth of lava domes, pyroclastic flows. Last earthquakes nearby
Merapi volcano toursFrom Krakatau to Bali (16-days study and photo tour to Java, Indonesia) Volcanoes of Java (17-days walking and trekking tour on Java) Latest satellite images  Merapi volcano news & eruption updates
Merapi volcano (Central Java, Indonesia): alert level lowered back to normalFriday May 23, 2014 10:38 AM | BY: T  Merapi volcano recently (VSI) The Indonesian Volcanological Survey (VSI) lowered the alert level of Merapi back to "Normal" (1 out of 4). This decision came after signs of unrest had recently decreased again:
- Earthquake activity decreased both in number and type during the past weeks.
- Deformation data showed no inflation, but a currently stable behavior of the volcanic edifice.
- "No rumbles and booms were heard in the last 2 weeks".
However, the volcano remains dangerous. It is still recommended not to climb to Merapi beyond Pasarbubar at 2500 m asl, or approach the summit within 1 km, because phreatic explosions could still occur with little warning.
Previous newsThursday, May 15, 2014 PVMBG reported that during 2-8 May white plumes rose as high as 650 m above Merapi. Thumping noises continued to be reported from multiple observation posts. Seismicity fluctuated but remained above background levels. ... [more]Wednesday, Apr 30, 2014 VSI raised the alert level of the volcano from "normal" to "waspada" (2 out of 4). This decision was triggered by numerous signs that the volcano is in unstable phase that might or might not build up to an eruption: an increase in volcano-tectonic earthquakes, observed rock avalanches and gas emissions were detected over the past weeks. ... [more]Monday, Apr 21, 2014 A new explosion occurred at the volcano early yesterday morning (Sun, 20 April), at around 4:25 am local time. VAAC Darwin reported an ash plume rising to approx. 30-35,000 ft (9-11 km) altitude and drifting NWN, and raised the aviation alert level to red. ... [more]
Thursday, Mar 27, 2014 A possibly strong eruption was reported from the volcano this afternoon (13:55 GMT). Satellite data showed an ash and SO2 plume drifting SW at estimated 32,000 ft (9 km) (VAAC Darwin). The plume is quickly dissipating, suggesting that the eruption was an isolated (possibly phreatic) explosion. ... [more] Thursday, Dec 12, 2013 Another small phreatic explosion occurred at the summit lava dome this morning at 08:10 local time. it produced an ash plume rising 500 m. According to VSI, rainwater infiltration into the hot rocks of the dome caused the eruption. [more]More on VolcanoDiscovery: Krakatau volcano photos: Hundreds of photos from active Krakatau volcano in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia. Most of them taken during our various expeditions to this fascinating volcano.  volcano-webcams.com: Watch volcanoes live: our free interactive webcam and online data viewer tool |
