About Moti
Moti is a stratovolcano rising to 927 meters (3,041 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
Moti is located in Indonesia, within the Halmahera Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.45° N, 127.41° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 927 meters above sea level, Moti 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
Moti 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 Moti, 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
The 5-km-wide island of Moti, also known as Motir, is part of a chain of volcanic islands off the western coast of Halmahera. It is located north of Makian and south of Mare and Tidore islands, and is surrounded by coral reefs. The truncated, conical island contains a crater on its SSW side. Moti was mapped as Holocene by Apandi and Sudana (1980). A minor eruption was reported in 1774 or shortly before, but Gogarten (1918) indicated that this event was confused with the October 1773 eruption of nearby Gamalama, which could have dropped ash on Moti.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Moti.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Moti
Is Moti an active volcano?+
Moti 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 Moti?+
Moti has a summit elevation of 927 meters (3,041 feet) above sea level. At 927 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Moti?+
Moti 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 Moti located?+
Moti is located in Indonesia, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Halmahera Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 0.454° latitude, 127.411° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Moti?+
Moti 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.
