GEOLOGIC HISTORY
The forested slopes of Galunggung volcano in western Java
are cut by a horseshoe-shaped caldera breached to the ESE
that has served to channel the products of recent eruptions
to the SE. The "Ten Thousand Hills of Tasikmalaya" dotting
the plain below the volcano are debris-avalanche hummocks
from the collapse that formed the breached caldera about
4,200 years ago.
Historic Activity:
- Although historical eruptions, restricted to the
central vent near the caldera headwall, have been
infrequent, they have caused much devastation.
- The first historical eruption in 1822 produced
pyroclastic flows and lahars that killed over 4,000
persons.
Recent Activity:
- A vigorous explosive eruption from Galunggung began
in April 1982, producing large tephra clouds and
destroying the 1918 lava dome in the crater. Heavy tephra
falls occurred over a wide area, and pyroclastic flows
and lahars moved down flank valleys. Explosive activity
stopped after extrusion of a small lava flow onto the
crater floor in early January 1983.
- A phreatic explosion on Jan. 9, 1984 produced a cloud
that was mostly steam with a little ash.
Data Sources
- Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 7, No. 3 to V. 9, No.
2).
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