Dukono

Halmahera

SUMMARY:

Type: compound
Activity: active
Last Eruption: 1995 AD
Rock Type: ?
Eruptive Volume: ? cu km
Location Map from Xerox PARC
Latitude: 1.70 N
Longitude: 127.87 E

GEOLOGIC HISTORY

Halmarera lies east of the Sangihe Islands across the Mulucca Sea. Dukono is the northernmost volcano in the group, 200 km ESE of Api Siau. More or less continuous explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have occurred since 1933. Dukono is a complex volcano presenting a broad, low profile with multiple summit peaks and overlapping craters. Malupang Wariang, 1 km SW of Dukono's summit crater complex, contains a 700 x 570 m crater that has also been active during historical time.

Historic Activity: The first of its 5 historical eruptions was in 1550. During a major eruption in 1550, a lava flow filled in the strait between Halmahera and the north-flank cone of Gunung Mamuya. It has been erupting almost continuously since 1933, although reports are infrequent due to its remote location.

Recent Activity:

  • Eruption began on night of June 8-9, 1991 after 9 years of relative quiet. Small to moderate explosions, regular ashfalls along coast (15 km). Observed by Space Shuttle on Sept. 15, 1991.
  • A very dense white to light-gray ash cloud from Dukono was reported on June 23, 1993 by a commercial aircraft pilot. the cloud was rising about 600 to 1,500 m above the summit (1,087 m elevation).
  • Small eruptions resulting in ash clouds were reported in Nov. 22 and Dec. 1, 1994. Another report on Jan. 30, 1995.

Data Sources

  • Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 3, No. 8 and V. 5, No. 1)
  • Global Volcanism Network (V. 16, No. 8 to V. 20, No. 10).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Last Update: 2/27/00