About Patuha
Patuha is a stratovolcano rising to 2,422 meters (7,947 feet) in Indonesia's Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Patuha is located in Indonesia, within the Sunda Volcanic Arc of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 7.16° S, 107.40° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,422 meters above sea level, Patuha 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
Patuha 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 Patuha, 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.
GVP Reference Summary
The forested andesitic Gunung Patuha rises SW of the plain of Bandung in western Java. Patuha is the northern peak of a roughly 5-km-long N-S volcanic massif, and has a 300 m crater at the summit. A few hundred meters down the SE flank is a 400 x 500 m crater almost completely filled with a shallow greenish lake, Kawah Putih. Sulfur deposits are present around the shoreline and near active fumaroles on the crater walls. A large debris-avalanche deposit extends down the NE flank. The volcano was formed during the late Pleistocene, but no Holocene eruptions are known.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Patuha.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Patuha
Is Patuha an active volcano?+
Patuha is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Patuha?+
Patuha has a summit elevation of 2,422 meters (7,947 feet) above sea level. At 2,422 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Patuha?+
Patuha is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Patuha located?+
Patuha is located in Indonesia, in the Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Sunda Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -7.162° latitude, 107.400° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Patuha?+
Patuha can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Indonesia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
