The Ijen volcano complex, situated on the border of Banyuwangi and Bondowoso Regencies in East Java, Indonesia, represents a composite volcanic system of significant scientific interest. Within the complex, the Kawah Ijen crater hosts a hyperacidic lake (pH < 0.3), renowned as the largest such body of water globally. This extreme acidity is attributed to the dissolution of magmatic gases rich in sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride. The volcano is further characterized by phreatic eruptions and the emission of sulfuric gases, which combust upon contact with the atmosphere, producing the visually stunning blue flame phenomenon.
| Location: | East Java, Indonesia |
| Coordinates: | -8.057804, 114.242113 |
| Volcano Type: | Stratovolcano |
Ijen’s Location
Ijen’s Latest Status
2024: Currently in a state of unrest
Ijen’s Eruptive History
| Year | Overview |
|---|---|
| 1796 | Significant eruption reported, details of the exact nature are limited. |
| 1817 | Large eruption lasting several weeks. The crater lake was ejected, and mudflows (lahars) devastated surrounding areas. |
| 1917 | Phreatic activity accompanied by a significant increase in the crater lake’s temperature. |
| 1936 | Eruption similar in scale to 1817, including crater lake overflow and potential mudflows. |
| 1952 | Eruption following a series of strong local earthquakes. Ash ejected up to 1000 meters into the atmosphere. |
| 1993 | Series of phreatic eruptions preceded by a change in the lake’s color from whitish-green to brown. Rockfalls observed on the crater walls. |
| 1994 | Small phreatic eruption concentrated at the southern end of the crater lake. |
| 1997 | Increased seismic activity, changes in lake color, strong sulfuric odor, and reports of gas emissions causing birds to fall into the lake. |
| 1999 | Phreatic eruptions accompanied by detonations heard 2 km from the summit and tremor with an amplitude of 0.5 to 1 mm. |
| 2013 | Ijen’s crater is now closed due to heightened seismicity. |
| 2020 | A powerful gas explosion at Ijen volcano on May 29th sent a plume of ash and gas soaring 250-500 meters above the lake, as reported by PVMBG |
| 2023 | Weak emissions and plume rising to 3000 meters. |
Ijen Monitoring
For monitoring of Indonesian Volcanoes, please refer to PVMBG.
Ijen Images
