Teon

Geography & Climate

Teon is located in Indonesia, within the Inner Banda Volcanic Arc of the broader Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions. Situated at 6.98° S, 129.14° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 728 meters above sea level, Teon 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

Teon 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 Teon, 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

Teon has 5 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1659 CE to 1904 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a cataclysmic eruption with ash columns reaching the stratosphere in 1660 CE, reaching VEI 4 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. Notable eruptions include 1693 CE (VEI 3), 1663 CE (VEI 3), 1660 CE (VEI 4). This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings. The most recent eruption in 1904 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.

Significance

With a maximum recorded VEI of 4, Teon has demonstrated the capacity for significant explosive eruptions that can impact regional aviation, agriculture, and communities tens of kilometers from the summit. VEI 4 eruptions produce ash columns reaching 15-25 kilometers into the atmosphere. With 5 recorded eruptions on file, Teon has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.

GVP Reference Summary

Teon, an elongated andesitic island volcano in the southwestern Banda arc, is also known as Serawerna, the name of its active crater. Another smaller crater is located to the NNE of Serawerna. Explosive eruptions have been recorded since the 17th century; the largest produced pyroclastic flows and surges in 1660 CE that caused damage and fatalities.

— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program