Overview
Karangetang is a stratovolcano located on Siau Island, Indonesia. It has an elevation of 1,797 meters and sits above a subduction zone. The volcano has 59 confirmed eruptions in the historical record, with the earliest documented event occurring in 1675 and the most recent in 2023.
Eruption Frequency by Century
The record shows a high frequency of activity, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries. The following table summarizes the number of confirmed eruptions per century based on the available records.
| Century | Number of Eruptions |
|---|---|
| 17th century CE | 1 |
| 18th century CE | 1 |
| 19th century CE | 8 |
| 20th century CE | 36 |
| 21st century CE | 13 |
Notable Eruptions and Intensity
The largest recorded eruption for Karangetang reached a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.0. This intensity was observed in the 1675 eruption and the 2010 eruption. The 2023 eruption, which began on February 8 and ended on September 5, was recorded as VEI 0.0.
Geological Context
Karangetang is classified as a stratovolcano situated in a subduction zone environment. This tectonic setting is associated with the formation of volcanoes where oceanic crust is forced beneath a continental plate.
Frequently asked questions
How many eruptions has Karangetang had?
The historical record documents 59 confirmed eruptions.
When was the most recent eruption?
The most recent confirmed eruption began on February 8, 2023, and ended on September 5, 2023.
What is the largest recorded eruption?
The largest recorded eruption reached a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.0.
Image credits
- Rheka — Wikimedia Commons source — CC BY 3.0
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.