About Wurlali
Wurlali is a stratovolcano rising to 868 meters (2,848 feet) in Indonesia's Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1892 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Wurlali is located in Indonesia, within the Inner Banda Volcanic Arc of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 7.13° S, 128.68° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 868 meters above sea level, Wurlali 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
Wurlali 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 Wurlali, 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
Wurlali has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1892 CE to 1892 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1892 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
GVP Reference Summary
The andesitic Wurlali stratovolcano was constructed at the northern end of a 5-km-wide caldera on the eastern side of Damar Island in the Banda Sea. Fumarolic activity occurs in the two summit craters and on the SE flanks, producing exploitable sulfur deposits. An explosive eruption was observed in 1892 CE.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1892 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Wurlali
Is Wurlali an active volcano?+
Wurlali is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1892 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Wurlali last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Wurlali occurred in 1892 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Wurlali has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Wurlali?+
Wurlali has a summit elevation of 868 meters (2,848 feet) above sea level. At 868 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Wurlali?+
Wurlali 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 Wurlali located?+
Wurlali is located in Indonesia, in the Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Inner Banda Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -7.125° latitude, 128.675° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Wurlali?+
Wurlali 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.
