Ebulobo

Geography & Climate

Ebulobo is located in Indonesia, within the Sunda Volcanic Arc of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 8.82° S, 121.19° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,096 meters above sea level, Ebulobo 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

Ebulobo 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 Ebulobo, 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

Ebulobo has 8 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1830 CE to 2017 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1969 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings. With eruptive activity as recently as 2017 CE, Ebulobo remains an actively monitored volcano.

Significance

With 8 recorded eruptions on file, Ebulobo has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior. Given its recent activity, Ebulobo is closely monitored by geological survey organizations to provide early warning of future unrest.

GVP Reference Summary

Ebulobo, also referred to as Amburombu or Keo Peak, is a steep-sided symmetrical stratovolcano in central Flores Island. The Watu Keli lava flow traveled down the N flank to 4 km from the summit in 1830, the first of only four recorded historical eruptions of the volcano.

— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program