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Iliwerung

Complex in Indonesia

Last Eruption: 2021

Key Facts

Elevation

583 m (1,913 ft)

Type

Complex

Location

-8.532°, 123.573°

Region

Sunda Volcanic Arc

Total Eruptions

14

Max VEI

VEI 3

Rock Type

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Eruption Timeline

2021 CENotable

Most recent confirmed eruption

1991 CEVEI 2

Historical eruption (estimated)

1984 CEVEI 2

Historical eruption (estimated)

1977 CEVEI 2

Historical eruption (estimated)

1967 CEVEI 2

Historical eruption (estimated)

1957 CEVEI 1

Historical eruption (estimated)

1955 CEVEI 2

Historical eruption (estimated)

1950 CEVEI 1

Historical eruption (estimated)

1930 CEVEI 3

Historical eruption (estimated)

1915 CEVEI 1

Historical eruption (estimated)

1912 CEVEI 1

Historical eruption (estimated)

1910 CEVEI 1

Historical eruption (estimated)

1907 CEVEI 2

Historical eruption (estimated)

1902 CEVEI 3

Historical eruption (estimated)

Overview

Constructed on the southern rim of the Lerek caldera, Iliwerung forms a prominent south-facing peninsula on Lembata (formerly Lomblen) Island. Craters and lava domes have formed along N-S and NW-SE lines on the complex volcano; activity has been observed at vents from the summit to the submarine SE flank. The summit lava dome was formed during an eruption in 1870.

In 1948 the Iligripe lava dome grew on the E flank at 120 m elevation. Beginning in 1973-74, when three ephemeral islands were formed, submarine eruptions began on the lower ESE flank at a vent named Hobal; several other eruptions have since taken place at this vent.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

    Risk Level

    Population at RiskModerate
    Infrastructure RiskHigh
    Aviation RiskSignificant

    Geological Composition & Structure

    Rock Types

    Primary
    Basalt / Picro-Basalt
    Silica Content
    Low (45-52% SiO₂)

    Tectonic Setting

    Subduction zone
    Formed by oceanic plate subduction, typically producing explosive eruptions due to water-rich magmas.

    Age & Formation

    Epoch
    Holocene
    Evidence
    Eruption Observed

    Eruption Statistics & Analysis

    MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
    Total Recorded Eruptions14ModerateModerately active volcano
    Maximum VEIVEI 3ModerateLocal impact potential
    Recent Activity5 years agoVery RecentCurrently active

    Monitoring & Alert Status

    Monitoring Networks

    Global Volcanism Program
    International eruption database

    Current Status

    Active
    Recent volcanic activity detected. Continuous monitoring in place.

    Nearby Volcanoes in Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions

    Regional Volcanic Activity
    The Sunda-Banda Volcanic Regions contains multiple active volcanic systems. Cross-regional magma interactions and tectonic stresses can influence eruption patterns across the entire arc. Monitor regional seismic activity and volcanic alerts.

    Quick Info

    • Smithsonian ID: 264250
    • Evidence: Eruption Observed
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    A lava dome, formed during the first historical eruption of Iliwerung volcano in 1870, occupies the summit crater of the volcano, seen here in 1979 from the rim of Ado Wajung crater. Iliwerung forms one of the south-facing peninsulas on Lembata (formerly Lomblen) Island, and has a series of lava domes and craters along N-S and NW-SE lines. Many of these vents, including submarine vents offshore, have erupted in historical time.

    Photo by Volcanological Survey of Indonesia.

    Basic Information

    This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.