About Penanggungan
Penanggungan is a stratovolcano rising to 1,631 meters (5,351 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. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Penanggungan is located in Indonesia, within the Sunda Volcanic Arc of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 7.62° S, 112.62° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,631 meters above sea level, Penanggungan is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Penanggungan 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 Penanggungan, 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
Penanggungan has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 200 CE to 200 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
Gunung Penanggungan, one of Java's most revered mountains, is a small stratovolcano immediately north of the Arjuno-Welirang massif. Numerous ruins of sanctuaries, monuments, and sacred bathing places dating from 977-1511 CE are found on the northern and western flanks. Lava flows from flank vents descend to all sides and pyroclastic-flow deposits form an apron around it. It was mapped as similar in age to Arjuno-Welirang and Semeru volcanoes by van Bemmelen (1937). Considered to be extinct for at least 1000 years, its last eruption may have occurred about 200 CE.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Penanggungan
Is Penanggungan an active volcano?+
Penanggungan 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.
When did Penanggungan last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Penanggungan occurred in 200 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Penanggungan has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Penanggungan?+
Penanggungan has a summit elevation of 1,631 meters (5,351 feet) above sea level. At 1,631 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Penanggungan?+
Penanggungan 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 Penanggungan located?+
Penanggungan is located in Indonesia, in the Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Sunda Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -7.616° latitude, 112.620° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Penanggungan?+
Penanggungan 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.
