GEOLOGIC HISTORY
Makian volcano forms a 10-km-wide island near
the southern end of a chain of volcanic islands off the
west coast of Halmahera and has been the source of
infrequent, but violent eruptions that have devastated
villages on the island. The large 1.5-km-wide summit
crater, containing a small lake on the NE side, gives the
peak a flat-topped profile. Two prominent valleys extend
to the coast from the summit crater on the north and east
sides. Four parasitic cones are found on the western
flanks.
Historic Activity:
- From 1550 to 1890, 10 eruptions have been recorded.
- The 1760-62 eruption killed 2000 people, and more
than 300 fatalities occurred in 1861-62.
- The last eruption, in 1890, resulted in the island's
evacuation.
Recent Activity:
- A white fume cloud 500 m above the summit crater
began on July 17, 1988 ending a near 100-year dormancy.
15,000 residents of Makian Island were evacuated in
anticipation of a larger event. On July 29th at ash
columns to 8 to 10-km were erupted. On July 30th
explosions were followed by Nuees ardentes that advanced
to the north and east. A series of smaller explosions
began on July 31 and continued until Aug. 6th, feeding
ash columns that decreased from 6 km to 1-2 km above the
crater.
- False report in August 2001, just a brush fire.
Data Sources
- Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 1, No.10 to V. 13,
No. 11).
- Global Volcanism Network (V. 26, No. 9).
|