About Tobaru
Tobaru is a stratovolcano rising to 1,035 meters (3,396 feet) in Indonesia's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Tobaru is located in Indonesia, within the Halmahera Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 1.63° N, 127.67° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,035 meters above sea level, Tobaru 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
Tobaru 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 Tobaru, 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.
GVP Reference Summary
Gunung Tobaru, also known as Lolodai, is located in northern Halmahera WSW of Dukono and NNE of Ibu. Supriatna (1980) mapped the little known andesitic volcano as Holocene.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Tobaru.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Tobaru
Is Tobaru an active volcano?+
Tobaru 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.
How high is Tobaru?+
Tobaru has a summit elevation of 1,035 meters (3,396 feet) above sea level. At 1,035 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Tobaru?+
Tobaru 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 Tobaru located?+
Tobaru is located in Indonesia, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Halmahera Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 1.630° latitude, 127.670° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tobaru?+
Tobaru 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.
