GEOLOGIC HISTORY
Peuet Sague is a composite volcano containing four summit
peaks. It is located in Sigli Regency, Aceh Province near
Seulawah Agam and Burni Telong volcanoes. The crater
believed to be active resides SE of one of the peaks of the
lava dome (Mount Tutung). This narrow crater has a diameter
of about 70 m and a depth of 80 m.
Historic Activity:
- A May 1920 expedition was stopped by heavy ashfall
and a 1952 expedition spent 20 days without reaching the
volcano.
- A 1975 team reached the peak after nine days but
found no eruptive activity. They documented a lake (500 x
800 m) at the foot of Mount Tutung containing water at a
temperature of 19°C. Within Tutung's crater they
found a small (40 x 75 m) blue lake with a temperature of
21°C. This intracrater lake was surrounded by four
solfataras (with temperatures of 59-78°C).
- The last major eruption occurred in 1918-21 when ash
was emitted, a lava dome was formed, and pyroclastic
flows spilled into surrounding uninhabited forests.
- Scientists inspecting the summit area in 1984 found
burned trees surrounding the main crater, likely due to a
1979 eruption. Local eye-witnesses and pilots reported
ash columns above the summit in 1979, 1986, and 1991. An
expedition in 1984 found burned trees surrounding the
crater, attributed to the 1979 eruption. Uncertain
activity was reported in 1949.
Recent Activity:
- In 1999, an eruption of Mount Peuet Sague, in a
remote part of northern Sumatra, was first seen the
morning of 26 April by pilots. The report said the pilot
saw ash to an altitude of ~3 km as he flew over at ~7 km
altitude. The report also quoted the local Air Force
chief as saying a fighter pilot spotted fire and thick
smoke issuing from the mountain. It was the second recent
eruption there: the first, on 19 April, was obscured by
thick smoke from forest fires.
- Activity continued at declining levels through
mid-June 2000, when activity began to increase.
Significant explosions in December.
Data Sources
- Global Volcanism Network (V. 23, No. 4 to V. 26, No.
1).
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