Telong, Bur ni

Geography & Climate

Telong, Bur ni is located in Indonesia, within the Sunda Volcanic Arc of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 4.77° N, 96.82° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,617 meters above sea level, Telong, Bur ni rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.

Geological Context

Telong, Bur ni sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Indonesia near Telong, Bur ni, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.

Eruption History Summary

Telong, Bur ni has 6 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1837 CE to 1937 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1924 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings. The most recent eruption in 1937 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.

Significance

With 6 recorded eruptions on file, Telong, Bur ni has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.

GVP Reference Summary

The conical Bur ni Telong volcano was constructed at the southern base of the massive Bur ni Geureudong volcanic complex, one of the largest in northern Sumatra. The historically active volcano lies 4.5 km from the summit of Geureudong,and its summit crater has migrated to the ESE, leaving arcuate crater rims. Lava flows are exposed on the southern flank. Explosive eruptions were recorded during the 19th and 20th centuries.

— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program