Understanding the driving forces behind recent changes in the eruptive behaviour of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
Lead Research Organisation:
Keele University
Department Name: Institute Env Physical Sci & App Maths
Abstract
In October and November 2010, Merapi volcano (Java, Indonesia) had its biggest eruption since 1872. Merapi, which literally means "Fire Mountain" in Javanese, is one of Indonesia's most active and dangerous volcanoes with a history of deadly eruptions. Before 2010, these eruptions have usually been characterised by several months of viscous lava effusion at the summit of the steep-sided volcano, forming lava domes which, when big enough, collapse gravitationally generating relatively small pyroclastic flows. These flows are mixtures of lava dome fragments, smaller volcanic particles (ash) and hot gases that travel down the flanks of the volcano at high velocities of > 100 km/hour and, in the case of Merapi, typically reach distances of a few kilometres from the volcano. With a few exceptions only, this eruptive behaviour has been so typical of Merapi for at least the last two centuries that the pyroclastic flows generated by the gravitational failure of lava domes are often referred to in the literature as Merapi-type nuées ardentes (glowing clouds).
In 2010, the eruptive behaviour of Merapi has changed. The unforeseen, large-magnitude explosive events were very different to previous episodes that followed Merapi's usual pattern of dome growth and collapse. On 26 October 2010, pyroclastic flows, generated during explosive eruption phases, swept down the flanks of the volcano, killing at least 34 people. The events were preceded by enhanced levels of seismicity and summit deformation that started in early September 2010. After days of high level activity, with glowing avalanches from a newly formed lava dome, pyroclastic flows and sporadic explosions generating a 7-km-high, sustained eruption column on 4 November, an unusually large explosive eruption on 5 November generated pyroclastic flows that extended up to 15 km from the volcano. Associated surges swept across Merapi's south flank, devastating villages and causing more fatalities. Since then, the death toll has risen to > 300 people, making this eruption the worst volcanic disaster at Merapi in 80 years.
This project seeks to exploit a "once-in-a-century" opportunity to capitalise on these unexpected events at Merapi through a detailed investigation of the rocks formed during the 2010 eruption. These rocks preserve a record of the sub-surface processes that operated inside the volcano before the eruption occurred. Through the use of modern micro-analytical techniques and measurements of different radioactive isotopes that decay quickly within months, decades or millennia in the rocks, we can unravel these processes (which are the driving forces behind the unusual explosive behaviour of Merapi in 2010) and their timescales. The shortest radionuclide, 210Po, has a half-life of only 138 days and can tell us about the degassing of the magma and other processes that occurred in the weeks and months before the eruption. Because of its short half-life, 210Po must be analysed quickly after the eruption and before it has decayed completely to its daughter isotope 206Pb. Once we have established where in the crust beneath Merapi the magma feeding the 2010 eruption has come from and the processes of pre- and syn-eruptive crystallisation and degassing during magma ascent to the surface, we will compare the results with analytical data we have already collected on rock samples from the preceding eruptive episode in 2006, which followed Merapi "normal" (i.e. less explosive) eruptive behaviour. Ultimately, we will attempt to link the results obtained by analysing the rocks from the eruptions to the surface manifestations of these processes (e.g., seismic signals, ground deformation, gas flux) recorded through continuous geophysical monitoring of the volcano by our Indonesian colleagues.
In 2010, the eruptive behaviour of Merapi has changed. The unforeseen, large-magnitude explosive events were very different to previous episodes that followed Merapi's usual pattern of dome growth and collapse. On 26 October 2010, pyroclastic flows, generated during explosive eruption phases, swept down the flanks of the volcano, killing at least 34 people. The events were preceded by enhanced levels of seismicity and summit deformation that started in early September 2010. After days of high level activity, with glowing avalanches from a newly formed lava dome, pyroclastic flows and sporadic explosions generating a 7-km-high, sustained eruption column on 4 November, an unusually large explosive eruption on 5 November generated pyroclastic flows that extended up to 15 km from the volcano. Associated surges swept across Merapi's south flank, devastating villages and causing more fatalities. Since then, the death toll has risen to > 300 people, making this eruption the worst volcanic disaster at Merapi in 80 years.
This project seeks to exploit a "once-in-a-century" opportunity to capitalise on these unexpected events at Merapi through a detailed investigation of the rocks formed during the 2010 eruption. These rocks preserve a record of the sub-surface processes that operated inside the volcano before the eruption occurred. Through the use of modern micro-analytical techniques and measurements of different radioactive isotopes that decay quickly within months, decades or millennia in the rocks, we can unravel these processes (which are the driving forces behind the unusual explosive behaviour of Merapi in 2010) and their timescales. The shortest radionuclide, 210Po, has a half-life of only 138 days and can tell us about the degassing of the magma and other processes that occurred in the weeks and months before the eruption. Because of its short half-life, 210Po must be analysed quickly after the eruption and before it has decayed completely to its daughter isotope 206Pb. Once we have established where in the crust beneath Merapi the magma feeding the 2010 eruption has come from and the processes of pre- and syn-eruptive crystallisation and degassing during magma ascent to the surface, we will compare the results with analytical data we have already collected on rock samples from the preceding eruptive episode in 2006, which followed Merapi "normal" (i.e. less explosive) eruptive behaviour. Ultimately, we will attempt to link the results obtained by analysing the rocks from the eruptions to the surface manifestations of these processes (e.g., seismic signals, ground deformation, gas flux) recorded through continuous geophysical monitoring of the volcano by our Indonesian colleagues.
Planned Impact
In response to the unusual large-magnitude explosive (and deadly) events at Merapi in October and November 2010, this project aims to unravel the driving forces behind this unusual eruptive behaviour of Merapi through a detailed petrological investigation of the eruptive products. An improved knowledge of these driving forces and the critical changes in the pre-eruptive magma system has important implications for the assessment of hazards and risks from future eruptive activity at Merapi.
We have identified two groups of beneficiaries (other than academic beneficiaries) from this project:
The first group of beneficiaries encompasses those local to the area in Indonesia and includes the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) in Yogyakarta, who will be able to utilise outputs informing and improving hazard assessment and risk mitigation strategies related to future eruptive activity of Merapi. Active engagement with the CVGHM during our field campaign and later via regular written contact and exchange on scientific conferences (e.g., IUGG), will ensure that our results will be disseminated effectively to this user group. Also via this route, the most important results obtained in this study will reach Indonesian government decision makers and local authorities around Merapi. Ultimately, it is the local population of > 1.1 million people living on the slopes of Merapi and in nearby Yogyakarta under permanent threat from one of the most active volcanoes in the world, who are the main beneficiaries of the project, as are tour operators, guides and tourists to the local area. We will specifically target this important end-user group of our research through the production and distribution of outreach and educational material in the form of handy, double-sided leaflets with user-friendly, accessible information on the volcanoes of Java and specifically on Merapi and its hazards. Both leaflets will be developed with the active involvement of our colleagues and distributors in Indonesia and produced in both English and Indonesian for maximum impact.
The second group encompasses a wider range of beneficiaries in the UK and abroad. These include government organisations, such as the BGS and USGS, which have an interest in understanding magmatic processes at hazardous dome-forming volcanoes. Because the general results from this work will be widely applicable to other similar volcanoes characterised by dome-forming eruptions, such as Soufrière Hills (Montserrat), to name just one of relevance to the UK and its economy, the outcomes from this project are of interest to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and academics/academic institutions in the UK and elsewhere who are involved in research on Montserrat and similar volcanoes elsewhere. This group of beneficiaries will be informed via rapid dissemination of outputs at scientific meetings (incl. the NERC-funded International KE workshop on using petrological information in volcanic risk assessment on Montserrat in April 2011; no extra costs to the project), written peer reviewed papers in high profile journals and public lectures. We will utilise the general fascination with volcanoes to actively engage schools, university students and the wider public in the UK. Engagement of this user group through visits to schools, on-campus visit day activities for school groups, general interest seminars and incorporation of project results into the existing UG teaching programme will help generate interest in Earth science subjects and will be facilitated by tried and tested support structures in place at the investigators' host institutions. The efficacy of this activity will be measured via invited feedback from schools and university students via specific questionnaires. The levels of interest in Earth science subjects will be monitored through the widening participation activities at Keele and UEA.
We have identified two groups of beneficiaries (other than academic beneficiaries) from this project:
The first group of beneficiaries encompasses those local to the area in Indonesia and includes the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) in Yogyakarta, who will be able to utilise outputs informing and improving hazard assessment and risk mitigation strategies related to future eruptive activity of Merapi. Active engagement with the CVGHM during our field campaign and later via regular written contact and exchange on scientific conferences (e.g., IUGG), will ensure that our results will be disseminated effectively to this user group. Also via this route, the most important results obtained in this study will reach Indonesian government decision makers and local authorities around Merapi. Ultimately, it is the local population of > 1.1 million people living on the slopes of Merapi and in nearby Yogyakarta under permanent threat from one of the most active volcanoes in the world, who are the main beneficiaries of the project, as are tour operators, guides and tourists to the local area. We will specifically target this important end-user group of our research through the production and distribution of outreach and educational material in the form of handy, double-sided leaflets with user-friendly, accessible information on the volcanoes of Java and specifically on Merapi and its hazards. Both leaflets will be developed with the active involvement of our colleagues and distributors in Indonesia and produced in both English and Indonesian for maximum impact.
The second group encompasses a wider range of beneficiaries in the UK and abroad. These include government organisations, such as the BGS and USGS, which have an interest in understanding magmatic processes at hazardous dome-forming volcanoes. Because the general results from this work will be widely applicable to other similar volcanoes characterised by dome-forming eruptions, such as Soufrière Hills (Montserrat), to name just one of relevance to the UK and its economy, the outcomes from this project are of interest to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and academics/academic institutions in the UK and elsewhere who are involved in research on Montserrat and similar volcanoes elsewhere. This group of beneficiaries will be informed via rapid dissemination of outputs at scientific meetings (incl. the NERC-funded International KE workshop on using petrological information in volcanic risk assessment on Montserrat in April 2011; no extra costs to the project), written peer reviewed papers in high profile journals and public lectures. We will utilise the general fascination with volcanoes to actively engage schools, university students and the wider public in the UK. Engagement of this user group through visits to schools, on-campus visit day activities for school groups, general interest seminars and incorporation of project results into the existing UG teaching programme will help generate interest in Earth science subjects and will be facilitated by tried and tested support structures in place at the investigators' host institutions. The efficacy of this activity will be measured via invited feedback from schools and university students via specific questionnaires. The levels of interest in Earth science subjects will be monitored through the widening participation activities at Keele and UEA.
Publications
Charbonnier S
(2013)
Evaluation of the impact of the 2010 pyroclastic density currents at Merapi volcano from high-resolution satellite imagery, field investigations and numerical simulations
in Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
Charbonnier S.J.
(2011)
Application of numerical models to block-and-ash flow hazard assessment: example from Merapi, Central Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Charbonnier S.J.
(2014)
Numerical modeling and hazard assessment of volcanic flows: towards a systematic framework for model validation and benchmarking
in Abstract volume
Charbonnier S.J.
(2011)
Re-assessment of the geological evolution and associated hazards of Merapi volcano
in Abstract volume
Charbonnier S.J.
(2014)
Linking static deposit and transient flow behaviour: the 2010 Pyroclastic Density Currents at Merapi volcano, Central Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Charbonnier, S.J.
(2012)
Evaluation of the impact of the 2010 pyroclastic density currents at Merapi volcano (Central Java, Indonesia)
in Abstract volume
Charbonnier, S.J.
(2013)
The 2010 pyroclastic density currents of Merapi volcano, Central Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Charbonnier, S.J.
(2013)
Topographic effects on pyroclastic density current dynamics: examples from Merapi, Lascar and Soufriere Hills volcanoes
in Abstract volume
Deegan, F.M.
(2014)
The role of CO2-rich basement at Merapi; perspectives from petrology, geochemistry, and experiments
in Abstract volume
Gertisser R
(2012)
The geological evolution of Merapi volcano, Central Java, Indonesia
in Bulletin of Volcanology
Gertisser R
(2011)
Merapi (Java, Indonesia): anatomy of a killer volcano
in Geology Today
Gertisser R
(2011)
Overbank block-and-ash flow deposits and the impact of valley-derived, unconfined flows on populated areas at Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Natural Hazards
Gertisser R.
(2011)
Unravelling the driving forces behind recent changes in the eruptive behaviour of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Gertisser R.
(2017)
We're volcano scientists - here are six volcanoes we'll be watching out for in 2018
in The Conversation
Gertisser R.
(2011)
Uranium-series constraints on recent changes in the eruptive behaviour of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Gertisser R.
(2014)
A breadcrust bomb-rich pyroclastic density current deposit on the southern flank of Merapi volcano, Central Java
in Abstract volume
Gertisser R.
(2014)
The 2010 lava dome of Merapi volcano and its inclusions
in Abstract volume
Gertisser Ralf
(2011)
Uranium-series constraints on recent changes in the eruptive behaviour of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Gertisser, R.
(2013)
Petrology and geochemistry of the large-magnitude 2010 eruption of Merapi volcano, Central Java, Indonesia: insights into magma dynamics
in Abstract volume
Gertisser, R.
(2012)
The 2010 eruption of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia: petrological insights into magma dynamics and eruptive behaviour
in Abstract volume
Gertisser, R.
(2011)
Unravelling the driving forces behind recent changes in the eruptive behaviour of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Handley H
(2014)
Insights from Pb and O isotopes into along-arc variations in subduction inputs and crustal assimilation for volcanic rocks in Java, Sunda arc, Indonesia
in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Handley H
(2011)
Hf-Nd isotope and trace element constraints on subduction inputs at island arcs: Limitations of Hf anomalies as sediment input indicators
in Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Handley H
(2018)
Timescales of magma ascent and degassing and the role of crustal assimilation at Merapi volcano (2006-2010), Indonesia: Constraints from uranium-series and radiogenic isotopic compositions
in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
Handley H.K.
(2014)
Uranium-series timescale constraints on recent changes in the eruptive behaviour of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Handley, H.K.
(2013)
Uranium-series timescale constraints on recent changes in the eruptive behaviour of Merapi Volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Komorowski J
(2013)
Paroxysmal dome explosion during the Merapi 2010 eruption: Processes and facies relationships of associated high-energy pyroclastic density currents
in Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
Komorowski, J.-C.
(2014)
New insights into the blast-like pyroclastic density currents from small-volume paroxysmal dome explosions at Merapi in 2010
in Abstract volume
Komorowski, J.-C.
(2014)
A review of timescales, processes, and impacts of explosive activity during the 2010 paroxysmal eruption of Merapi: evidence of a change in style?
in Abstract volume
Komorowski, J.-C.
(2013)
The control of source processes and topography on the dynamics of devastating pyroclastic density currents generated during the Merapi 2010 eruption
in Abstract volume
Komorowski, J.-C.
(2012)
Diversity of pyroclastic density current deposits from the Merapi 2010 high-impact explosivemulti-stage eruption
in Abstract volume
MA Del Marmol (Author)
(2013)
Explosive versus effusive eruptive activity at Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Preece K
(2016)
Transitions between explosive and effusive phases during the cataclysmic 2010 eruption of Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia.
in Bulletin of volcanology
Preece, K.
(2013)
Volatile and light lithophile trace element geochemistry of the 2010 eruption of Merapi volcano revealed by melt inclusions
in Abstract volume
Preece, K.
(2013)
Textural variations of groundmass microlites in the 2006 and 2010 eruptive products of Merapi
in Abstract volume
Preece, K.
(2014)
Explosive-effusive transitions during the 2010 eruption Merapi eruption
Preece, K.
(2011)
Magma storage, ascent and extrusion during recent eruptive activity at Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Preece, K.
(2011)
Petrological insights into the recent activity and shallow magma system of Merapi volcano, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Preece, K.
(2012)
Petrological, textural and chemical characteristics of the 2006 and 2010 eruptive products of Merapi volcano, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Preece, K.
(2011)
Petrological evidence of magma storage, ascent and extrusion at Merapi volcano, Java, Indonesia
in Abstract volume
Description | The 2010 eruption of Merapi volcano, the largest eruption at this high-risk volcano since 1872, has shown spectacularly that andesite volcanoes characterised by relatively mild dome-forming eruptions can dramatically change their eruptive behaviour during and between eruptive episodes associated with dome extrusion. Our results suggest that a complex interplay of pre-eruptive magmatic processes, such as magma replenishment, crystal recycling, magma mixing / mingling processes and shallow-level crustal contamination, together with magma ascent dynamics and associated degassing and crystallisation processes can have profound effects on eruptive behaviour at andesite volcanoes. This has important implications for our understanding how andesite volcanoes work and for the assessment and mitigation of hazards not only at Merapi, but also at other active dome-forming volcanoes, including Soufrière Hills volcano on Montserrat to name just one of relevance to the UK and its economy. The 2010 events have been the first at Merapi where the phenomenon of directed blast (horizontal explosion) generated pyroclastic density currents has been inferred from detailed field investigations of the deposits associated with the most intense eruption phase on 5 November 2010 (Komorowski et al., 2013). |
Exploitation Route | Improved capability to understand andesite volcanoes and to assess hazards and reduce volcanic risk at Merapi and similar volcanoes elsewhere. Of value to the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, local authorities, researchers in a variety of Earth science disciplines in the UK and elsewhere (including petrologists, geochemists, volcanologists, geophysicists, personnel at volcano observatories), researchers at government organisations and social scientists involved in risk mitigation, emergency planning and volcanic crisis management. |
Sectors | Environment |
Description | Processes and timescales of crystal growth and gas transfer prior to the 2010 eruption have been constrained and compared with the 2006 eruption through the measurements of shortlived radionuclides (210Po-210Pb-226Ra) in whole-rocks and plagioclase separates. Tansitions in eruptive style during dome-forming eruptions at Merapi, often at very short time scales, have been identified and a conceptual model for these transitions developed. Our results have been published extensively in academic journal articles and disseminated on national and international conferences and invited seminars at institutions in the UK and elsewhere. They are particularly useful for volcanologists at the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) in Yogyakarta, which is responsible for monitoring, as well as hazard and risk assessment at Merapi volcano. |
First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
Sector | Environment |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | ANKA Synchrotron Radiation Facility |
Amount | € 1 (EUR) |
Funding ID | A2013-023-004855 |
Organisation | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
Department | ANKA Synchrotron Radiation Facility |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | Germany |
Start | 06/2014 |
End | 08/2014 |
Description | NERC IMF (NERC Facilities) |
Amount | £7,500 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IMF427/0511 |
Organisation | Research Councils UK (RCUK) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2011 |
End | 04/2012 |
Description | The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland Senior Bursary |
Amount | £450 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2013 |
End | 07/2013 |
Title | Volcanological and Geochemical Data - Merapi |
Description | New set of volcanological and geochemical dataset for Merapi volcano. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2011 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Dataset published in academic journal literature; citations |
Description | SEDIMER Research Project |
Organisation | University of Paris |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | PI Gertisser: Project partner and Work Package Leader; AXA Foundation research project (2012-2015): Sediment-related disasters following the 2010 centennial eruption of Merapi Volcano, Java, Indonesia (SEDIMER); Project led and coordinated by Prof. Franck Lavigne (University of Paris, France). Expertise, Intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise, Intellectual input |
Impact | See other sections of ResearchFish. |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | European Higher Education Fair Indonesia |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Given my experience of conducting research in Indonesia, I was chosen by my University (Keele University) to represent my institution at the European Higher Education Fair Indonesia (Surabaya (9 Oct. 2013) and Jakarta (12-13 Oct. 2013)). Attendance was mainly by Indonesian college students interested in studying in the UK, and undergraduate students interested in UK postgraduate Masters courses. Increased interest in study in the UK by Indonesian students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Invited Seminars |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited public seminars were given with a mixed audience of academics, university students and amateur geologists at the universities of Leeds (Leeds Geologists' Association), Liverpool, East Anglia, Birmingham, Oxford (invitation to RA), Azores (Portugal), South Florida (Tampa, USA), Budapest (Hungary) and Uppsala (Sweden), and the Borobudur Conservation Office (Indonesia) Establishment of future collaborative projects; increased interest in volcanic hazard related research as evidenced by questions from undergraduate and postgraduate audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014,2015 |
Description | Norfolk Firework Volcano |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | We used the vehicle of Merapi volcano to discuss eruptive activity, how it varies and how we monitor it - and how societies and cultures respond. Around 5000 people came to see the volcano erupt as part of UEA's 50th birthday celebrations and our website was viewed by people from all around the world (and continues to be searchable now as a legacy!) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | http://norfolkfireworkvolcano.com/category/merapi/ |
Description | Norfolk Firework Volcano |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | On Saturday 28 September 2013, the University of East Anglia celebrated its 50th birthday with an Anniversary Festival for staff, students, alumni and the community. The day was a huge success, with a fantastic atmosphere and brilliant sunshine throughout. Around 10,000 people visited campus taking part in a host of activities - from serious panel discussions to stand-up comedy and live music, to interactive science demonstrations. Highlights included performances from star alumni Arthur Smith, Nina Conti, John Rhys Davies and honorary graduate Eddie Izzard; an up-to-the-minute report on climate change from the IPCC; zombies taking over Lecture Theatre 1; a spectacular kitchen chemistry demonstration; music-making in the LCR; conspiracy theories; flash mobs and of course, the eruption of the Norfolk Firework Volcano. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | https://www.uea.ac.uk/50years/anniversary-festival |