Gamalama (Indonesia)

Status Unrest Eruption 2018 1715m
Stratovolcano(es) (Subduction zone / Oceanic crust (< 15 km))

Gamalama is a near-conical stratovolcano that comprises the entire island of Ternate off the western coast of Halmahera, and is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. The island was a major regional center in the Portuguese and Dutch spice trade for several centuries, which contributed to the thorough documentation of Gamalama's historical activity. Three cones, progressively younger to the north, form the summit. Several maars and vents define a rift zone, parallel to the Halmahera island arc, that cuts the volcano. Eruptions, recorded frequently since the 16th century, typically originated from the summit craters, although flank eruptions have occurred in 1763, 1770, 1775, and 1962-63.

Gamalama (Peak of Ternate) is a near-conical stratovolcano that rises abruptly NW of the city of Ternate, the principal port of the renowned spice islands of northern Maluku. Three cones, progressively younger to the north, form the summit of Gamalama. Several maars and vents define a rift zone, parallel to the Halmahera island arc, that cuts the volcano. Eruptions from Gamalama, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, have been recorded since the 16th century.

Photo by Jack Lockwood, 1980 (U.S. Geological Survey).

Last updated 2024-04-19 15:36:14