Paluweh

Geography & Climate

Paluweh is located in Indonesia, within the Sunda Volcanic Arc of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 8.32° S, 121.71° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 875 meters above sea level, Paluweh 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

Paluweh 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 Paluweh, 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

Paluweh has 10 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1650 CE to 2012 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 2012 CE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. Notable eruptions include 2012 CE (VEI 3), 1972 CE (VEI 3), 1928 CE (VEI 3). This level of eruptive frequency indicates a persistently active volcanic system that warrants ongoing monitoring. With eruptive activity as recently as 2012 CE, Paluweh remains an actively monitored volcano.

Significance

With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Paluweh has produced eruptions capable of generating pyroclastic flows and significant ash fall in the surrounding area. While not among the largest eruptions globally, VEI 3 events pose serious hazards to local populations and can disrupt regional air travel. With 10 recorded eruptions, Paluweh has a substantial eruptive history that provides valuable data for understanding volcanic behavior and assessing future hazards in the Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions region. Given its recent activity, Paluweh is closely monitored by geological survey organizations to provide early warning of future unrest.

GVP Reference Summary

Paluweh, also known as Rokatenda, forms the 8-km-wide island of Palu'e north of the volcanic arc that cuts across Flores Island. The broad irregular summit region contains overlapping craters up to 900 m wide and several lava domes. Several flank vents occur along a NW-trending fissure. A large eruption in 1928 included strong explosive activity accompanied by landslide-induced tsunamis and lava dome emplacement. Pyroclastic flows in August 2013 resulted in fatalities.

— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program