Available Weekly Reports
FAQ
| Soputan |
Google Earth Placemark
- Indonesia
- Sulawesi
- Stratovolcano
- 2008
- Country
- Subregion Name
- Volcano Type
- Last Known Eruption
- 1784 m
5852 ft - 1.108°
- 124.730°
- Elevation
- Latitude
- Longitude
17 April-23 April 2013
CVGHM reported that seismicity at Soputan increased during January-18 April and then significantly increased on 19 April. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) on 19 April. Visitors and residents were prohibited from going within a 6.5-km radius of the crater.
Sources:
Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
2013: April |
2012: May | August | September | November |
2011: June | July | August | September |
2008: June | October |
2007: June | August | October |
2006: December |
2005: April | December |
2004: October | December |
2003: July | August | September |
17 April 2013
Back to TopCVGHM reported that seismicity at Soputan increased during January-18 April and then significantly increased on 19 April. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) on 19 April. Visitors and residents were prohibited from going within a 6.5-km radius of the crater.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
28 November 2012
Back to TopCVGHM reported that seismicity at Soputan decreased during 1-26 November. The Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 27 November.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
19 September 2012
Back to TopBased on information from the US Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA), the Support to Aviation Control Service (SACS), and CVGHM, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Soputan rose to an altitude of 9.1 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. on 19 September. Later that day an ash plume rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l.
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
12 September 2012
Back to TopBased on information from US Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA), the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Soputan rose to an altitude of 9.1 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. on 18 September. The VAAC also noted that a sulfur dioxide alert was issued by the Support to Aviation Control Service (SACS).
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
22 August 2012
Back to TopCVGHM reported that the Alert Level for Soputan had been lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 26 June. Seismicity increased during 8-22 August; on 23 August volcanic earthquakes and avalanches significantly increased. White plumes rose 50-150 m above the crater. An eruption at 1936 on 26 August ejected incandescent tephra 50 m above the crater and produced a plume that rose 1 km and drifted W. The Alert Level was raised to 3.
Based on information from CVGHM, NOAA, and analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 27 August an ash plume rose to an altitude of 12.1 km (40,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 150 km W. The eruption lasted four hours. Later, a plume detected in satellite imagery rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. On 28 August an ash plume drifted 220 km SW at an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
8 August 2012
Back to TopAccording to NASA's Earth Observatory, a satellite image acquired on 8 August showed a small volcanic plume rising from Soputan.
Sources: NASA Earth Observatory
23 May 2012
Back to TopCVGHM reported that observers in the village of Maliku noted that during 21-27 May white plumes rose 50-150 m above the crater of Soputan. Seismicity increased significantly on 25 May. CVGHM raised the Alert Level to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) on 28 May based on visual observations and increased seismicity.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
7 September 2011
Back to TopCVGHM reported that seismicity at Soputan significantly decreased after the eruption on 14 August until 7 September. White plumes rose at most 200 m above the crater during 14-18 August, up to 150 m above the crater during 19-28 August, and as high as 100 m above the crater during 29 August-7 September. The Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 8 September. Visitors and residents were prohibited from going within a 4-km radius of the crater, a change from the 6-km restricted zone in place when the Alert level was at 3.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
10 August 2011
Back to TopCVGHM reported that during 19 July-13 August white plumes from Soputan's summit crater rose 50-150 m. Seismicity fluctuated, but declined overall until 10 August. On 14 August a gray-and-white eruption plume rose 1 km above the crater. Throughout the day, two more similar plumes rose 1.3 km above the crater. Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume drifted more than 100 km W. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Visitors and residents were prohibited from going within a 6-km radius of the crater.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
20 July 2011
Back to TopCVGHM reported that on 3 July an explosion of incandescent material from Soputan was followed by a 6-km-high ash plume and a pyroclastic flow that traveled as far as 4 km W. Later that day a dense white plume rose 50 m above the crater. On 20 July CVGHM noted that since 4 July seismicity had decreased and only diffuse white plumes rose 75 m above the crater until 18 July. The Alert Level was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 19 July. Visitors and residents were prohibited from going within a 4-km radius of the crater.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
29 June 2011
Back to TopCVGHM reported that during June diffuse white plumes from Soputan rose 25-150 m. During 21 June-2 July seismicity increased, and on 2 July the Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Visitors and residents were discouraged from going within a 6-km radius of the crater and climbing the volcano was prohibited. According to news articles, a CVGHM volcanologist reported that a Strombolian eruption that began on 3 July produced an ash plume that rose 6 km and drifted W. Ashfall impacted villages, trees, and vegetation downwind. Sam Ratulangi International airport in the capital of Manado was closed for three hours. Articles also stated that the Red Cross distributed about 31,000 masks to area residents.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , VIVA News , Jakarta Globe , Jakarta Globe
15 October 2008
Back to TopCVGHM reported that the Alert Level for Soputan was lowered from 3 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 21 October. CVGHM reported additional information describing the eruption that prompted the Alert Level increase on 6 October. Gray plumes rose to an altitude of 2.8 km (9,200 ft) a.s.l. and were accompanied by Strombolian activity that ejected incandescent material 50-150 m above the crater. On 7 October, white plumes rose to altitudes of 2.3-3.3 km (7,500-10,800 ft) a.s.l. Incandescent material was again ejected 50-150 m from the crater. Incandescent rockfalls traveled 500 m W. The next day, plumes rose to an altitude of 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
1 October 2008
Back to TopBased on visual observations, CVGHM reported that on 6 October a "smoke" plume from Soputan rose to an altitude of 2.8 km (9,200 ft) a.s.l. and incandescent material was ejected 25 m above the summit. The Alert level was raised from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were advised not go within a 6 km radius of the summit.
Analysis of satellite imagery by the Darwin VAAC indicated that on 6 October an ash plume rose to an altitude of 7.6 km (25,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
18 June 2008
Back to TopCVGHM reported that the eruption of Soputan during 6-7 June caused part of the crater wall to collapse creating an opening to the W, and the diameter of the crater to increase. Ash plumes generated on 6 June drifted NW, W, SW, and as far as 60 km S. Ash deposits were about 4 cm thick in an area 5 km NW. A nearby coconut plantation reported damage to trees. During 7-18 June, seismicity decreased and white plumes at altitudes at or less than 1.8 km (5,900 ft) a.s.l. were spotted when clouds did not inhibit observations. On 18 June, the Alert Level was decreased to 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
4 June 2008
Back to TopCVGHM reported that during May, deformation from Soputan was detected. During 1-6 June, seismicity increased. On 6 June, a pyroclastic flow possibly generated by a rockfall avalanche traveled about 1.5 km down the E flank. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4). Residents and tourists were advised not go within a 6 km radius of the summit.
Based on observations of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 13.7 km (45,000 ft) a.s.l. on 6 June and drifted SW.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
24 October 2007
Back to TopBased on visual observations during clear weather, CVGHM reported that on 25, 26, 30 and 31 October, white and gray plumes from Soputan rose to altitudes of 1.8-3.3 km (5,900-10,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. A lava flow traveled between 500-600 m down the W flank on 25 October and was again spotted on 30 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and villagers and tourists were advised not go within a 6 km radius of the summit.
Based on visual observations during clear weather, CVGHM reported that on 25, 26, 30 and 31 October, white and gray plumes from Soputan rose to altitudes of 1.8-3.3 km (5,900-10,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. A lava flow traveled between 500-600 m down the W flank on 25 October and was again spotted on 30 October. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and villagers and tourists were advised not go within a 6 km radius of the summit.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
8 August 2007
Back to TopAccording to news articles, an eruption from Soputan on 14 August produced ash plumes to an altitude of 3.3 km (10,800 ft) a.s.l. Lava and rock avalanches were also observed. On 15 August, seismic activity decreased. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sources: Reuters , Associated Press , Antara News
20 June 2007
Back to TopBased on visual observations, CVGHM reported that during 18-25 June diffuse ash plumes from Soputan rose to an altitude of 1.8 km (5,900 ft) a.s.l. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
13 December 2006
Back to TopAccording to CVGHM, seismic signals from rockfalls increased at Soputan during 11-13 December. On 14 December, ash clouds rose to an altitude of 2 km (6,600 ft) a.s.l. and ash fell within a 15 km radius of the peak. The emissions were accompanied by thunderous noises that were heard 8 km from the peak. On 15 December the Alert Level was raised from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) due to this increase in activity.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
21 December 2005
Back to TopA phreatic eruption began at Soputan on 26 December around 1230 following heavy rain that contacted lava at the volcano's summit. On 27 December at 0400, a Strombolian eruption began that lasted ~50 minutes. Incandescent volcanic material was ejected ~35 m, and avalanches of volcanic material traveled as far as 750 m E. Around 0640 the avalanches became larger, as pyroclastic avalanches occurred from the edge of the lava. The avalanches extended 200 m E, and booming noises were heard as far as 5 km from the summit. The Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume reached a height of ~5.8 km (~19,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.
As of 28 December, eruptive activity continued at Soputan, producing ash plumes to a height of ~1 km above the volcano (or 9,100 ft a.s.l.). Strombolian eruptions continued, ejecting incandescent volcanic material up to 200 m above the summit (or 6,500 ft a.s.l.). Pyroclastic avalanches traveled ~500 m E and SW. This was the fourth event at Soputan in 2005, with previous activity on 14 and 20 April, and on 12 September. The Alert Level remained at 2, since the volcano is about 11 km from the nearest settlement. Visitors are prohibited from climbing Soputan's summit and camping around Kawah Masem.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
20 April 2005
Back to TopSoputan began to erupt on 20 April at 0630, with a plume reaching ~1 km above the volcano's summit (~9,100 ft a.s.l.) and drifting SE. In addition, lava fountains rose ~200 m above the volcano (~6,500 ft a.s.l.). During 20 April at 1720 to 21 April at 0900, lava fountains rose 75-100 m above the volcano (6,100-6,200 ft a.s.l.). Rapid dome growth occurred and by 21 April the lava dome had spread about 250 m E and 200 m SW. On 22 April a "white ash plume" rose ~100 m above the volcano (~6,200 ft. a.s.l.) and on 23 April a "dark gray ash" plume rose to ~150 m (~6,300 ft a.s.l.) and drifted NE. Ash eruptions continued through 24 April, producing plumes to ~300 m above the volcano (~6,800 ft a.s.l.). Soputan was at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
8 December 2004
Back to TopAccording to DVGHM, an eruption at Soputan on 12 December around 0050 produced an E-drifting ash cloud to ~1 km above the volcano. It was followed by a "hot cloud" that traveled about 200 m E and a lava flow that traveled SW. The eruption was preceded by an increase in tremor on 11 December and incandescence that was visible in the crater. DVGHM increased the Alert Level at Soputan to 2 (on a scale of 1-4). According to the Darwin VAAC an eruption cloud was visible on satellite imagery on 12 December at 0925 at a height of ~10.7 km a.s.l.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) , The Jakarta Post , Associated Press , Agence France-Presse (AFP)
13 October 2004
Back to TopAccording to DVGHM, volcanic tremor at Soputan began to increase to levels above normal on 18 October at 0930. In response, officials raised the Alert Level to Orange or 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Soputan erupted on 18 October at 1041, producing an E-drifting ash cloud to a height of ~600 m above the volcano's crater. At 1815 incandescence was visible reflecting 25-30 m above the crater's rim. Later that day, a "lava avalanche" traveled towards the S.
According to a news report, "ash and smoke" covered several parts of the nearby Minahasa regency and damaged hundreds of plantations along the mountain's slopes. Also, clouds of ash disrupted activities of residents in W Langowan district, where visibility fell to between 10 and 30 m. An official in the district said local homes were covered by up to 4 cm of ash. In the town of Palu, visibility decreased to 7 km. No evacuations were ordered.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Agence France-Presse (AFP) , The Jakarta Post
3 September 2003
Back to TopAn ash emission from Soputan on 4 September produced a cloud that rose to ~3 km a.s.l., extended ~75 km N of the summit, and was visible on satellite imagery. Soputan was at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
27 August 2003
Back to TopOn 2 September ash emissions from Soputan rose to ~2 km a.s.l. and drifted S and W. The Alert Level was raised from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC)
30 July 2003
Back to TopActivity decreased at Soputan after an eruption occurred on 18 July. During 21-25 July, incandescent lava on the volcano's W slope gradually cooled and on 22 July volcanic tremor stopped. Ash explosions sporadically occurred, but their density and maximum height decreased. Small-amplitude tremor was continuously recorded. As of 25 July the Alert Level at Soputan was at 2 (on a scale of 1-4).
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM)
16 July 2003
Back to TopHigh levels of volcanic and seismic activity occurred at Soputan during mid-July. On 17 July at 1900 the Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) after incandescence was seen at the lava dome for about a day. Around 1150 the amplitude of volcanic tremor increased and at 1900 an increased level of incandescence was seen. On 18 July at 0630 incandescent lava avalanches suddenly occurred that were not proceeded by explosions or loud sounds. The avalanches were accompanied by a pyroclastic surge towards the WNW and an ash cloud that rose ~2 km above the summit. The cloud drifted N, depositing ash around the area of Tombasian, Tareran, Tompaso, Kawangkoan, Sonder, Tomohon, and Manado. The same day the Alert Level was raised to 3. On 19 July there were pyroclastic flows, ash explosions, Strombolian activity, and lava emission at the lava dome. Ash explosions continued through at least 21 July. According to news reports, some residents in villages near the volcano fled, including those in the villages of Kota Menara, Amurang, and Maliku around 10 km S of the volcano.
Sources: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) , Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) , Terra Daily News , The Jakarta Post
Summary of eruption dates and Volcanic Explosivity Indices (VEI).
| Start Date | Stop Date | Eruption Certainty | VEI | Evidence | Activity Area or Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Jun 6 | 2008 Nov 2 (?) | Confirmed | 3 | Historical | |
| 2007 Jun (?) | 2007 Nov 9 (?) | Confirmed | 1 | Historical | |
| 2006 Dec 14 | 2006 Dec 26 (?) | Confirmed | 1 | Historical | |
| 2005 Dec 26 | 2006 Jan 24 (?) | Confirmed | 1 | Historical | |
| 2005 Apr 19 | 2005 Jul 18 (?) | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 2004 Oct 18 | 2004 Dec 27 (?) | Confirmed | 1 | Historical | |
| 2000 May 13 | 2003 Sep 4 (?) | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1991 May 22 | 1996 Sep 29 (in or after) | Confirmed | 1 | Historical | |
| 1989 Apr 22 | 1989 Apr 23 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1985 May 19 | 1985 May 20 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1984 May 24 | 1984 Aug 31 | Confirmed | 3 | Historical | |
| 1982 Aug 26 | 1982 Nov 10 | Confirmed | 3 | Historical | |
| 1973 Jan 6 | 1973 May 27 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1971 May 19 | 1971 May 19 | Confirmed | 1 | Historical | |
| 1970 Feb | 1970 May 26 ± 5 days | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1968 Jul | 1968 Aug | Confirmed | 1 | Historical | |
| 1966 May 21 | 1967 Nov | Confirmed | 3 | Historical | Kawah Soputan |
| 1953 Nov | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1947 Aug 22 | 1947 Aug 27 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1923 Nov 27 | 1924 Jan 18 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1917 Nov | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1915 Apr | 1915 Jun | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput Weru) |
| 1913 Apr | 1913 Jul | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1911 Nov | 1912 Apr | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1910 Nov 15 ± 45 days | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1908 Jun | 1909 Jun | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1907 Jun 5 | 1907 Jun 25 (?) | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1906 Jun 17 | 1906 Sep | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | NE flank (Aeseput) |
| 1901 Feb 4 | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1890 | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1845 Feb 8 | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1833 (?) | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1819 | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1785 Dec 31 ± 365 days | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical | |
| 1450 ± 10 years | Unknown | Confirmed | 3 | Historical |
The small Soputan stratovolcano on the southern rim of the Quaternary Tondano caldera on the northern arm of Sulawesi Island is one of Sulawesi's most active volcanoes. The youthful, largely unvegetated volcano rises to 1784 m and is located SW of Sempu volcano. It was constructed at the southern end of a SSW-NNE trending line of vents. During historical time the locus of eruptions has included both the summit crater and Aeseput, a prominent NE-flank vent that formed in 1906 and was the source of intermittent major lava flows until 1924.
