Multi-parametric characterization of explosive activity at Batu Tara Volcano (Flores Sea, Indonesia)

Abstract

Batu Tara is an active but poorly studied volcano located in the Lesser Sunda Archipelago (Indonesia). Its last known long-lasting eruptive phase, dating 2006–2015, was characterised by frequent short-lived explosions, similar in style and magnitude to those of the well monitored Stromboli volcano (Italy). On September 2014, we collected high-frequency multi-parametric measurements of the ongoing explosive activity to investigate the dynamics of intermediate-size volcanic explosions. We acquired synchronized acoustic, thermal and visible high-speed imaging data, and parameterized different spatial and temporal properties of each explosive event: i) maximum height and ejection velocity of bombs and plumes, ii) duration, iii) amplitude of acoustic and thermal transients, iv) acoustic and thermal energy, v) spectral features of the acoustic signals. The latter ones justify the assumption of a pipe resonance of the uppermost conduit section, likely in response to the arrival of over-pressurized gas at the free magma surface. The variability of the investigated parameters agrees with previous observations of intermediate-size explosions at other volcanoes, reflecting the complexity of the related source processes.