GEOLOGIC HISTORY
Kelimutu is a small volcano with three summit crater
lakes of different colors. The W lake, Tiwi Ata Mbupu (Lake
of Old People) is blue, and Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai (Lake of
Young Men and Maidens) and Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched Lake),
which share a common crater wall, have historically been
green- and red-colored, respectively.
Historic Activity:
- Phreatic explosions took place in 1938, and possibly
between 1860 and 1870.
- On June 3, 1968, Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai lake showed
signs of unrest, including ejection of 100-m-high water
fountains. An ash column was emitted on 28-29 July
1968.
Recent Activity:
- In April 1986 increased gas bubbling at Tiwu Nua Muri
Kooh Tai crater lake was followed by an earthquake.
- In November 1989 moderate degassing with weak
sulfuric odor occured from the SE crater, Tiwu Ata
Polo.
- Seismicity rose during February-April 1993, with 318
deep and 196 shallow earthquakes, but declined in
June.
Data Sources
- Smithsonian's SEAN Bulletin (V. 11, No. 4 and V. 14,
No. 11)
- Global Volcanism Network (V. 20, No. 6)
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