There are numerous volcanoes around the world, some more active than others, some more dangerous than others. One of the most active volcanoes is found in Iceland, not far from the capital, Reykjavík. Indeed, in July 2023 the volcano Fagradalsfjall erupted and then in October, more tremors were detected and experts were concerned another eruption was imminent.
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However, the latest volcano that could erupt isn’t as close to home. In Indonesia, the Rinjani volcano is causing concern as tremors have been detected around the area. Tremors near a volcano are typical signs that it could erupt.
Here’s everything you need to know about Rinjani from how dangerous the eruption could be to the history of the volcano.
Rinjani volcano in Indonesia could erupt this year
According to the educational YouTube channel, Geology HubRinjani ‘could erupt in 2024’. In 2023, the volcano showed several signs of unrest and experts believe that the seismic activities around the volcano were caused by a body of magma deep inside the volcano.
As per Express, if there is a body of magma inside the volcano, it could rise to the caldera’s surface and ‘produce a moderately explosive Strombolian eruption’ this year.
So far, Rinjani has only erupted once every decade in the last 100. The last time Mount Rinjani erupted was in 2016 and it caused significant damage. Over 1,000 tourists were evacuated and ash flew 2 km into the sky and covered several regions surrounding it.
Normally, this kind of eruption isn’t too bad, but as Mount Rinjani is also a national park, there were visitors.
The volcano had also erupted in 2015 and the region was covered in dense ash, causing airports on all three islands around it to close, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.
Facts about Mount Rinjani
Compared to other volcanoes around the world, Mount Rinjani is a baby volcano. Rinjani’s current form was created in 1257 after Mount Samalas erupted, as per Express.
According to Indonesia Travel, Rinjani is the second-highest mountain in Indonesia, at 3,726 meters tall. For the adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers, Mount Rinjani can be hiked but the climb isn’t an easy one. It takes 4 days to climb to the summit.
Within the volcano is a volcanic lake, Danau Segara Anak, which is located 2,000 meters above sea level. On the edge of the lake, you can find natural hot springs where you can go for a swim, as per Rudy Trekker. The lake is also considered a spiritual place for the locals.
Moreover, inside the volcano and on the lake is another small but active cinder cone of the volcano, which erupted in 2010.
It is considered one of the best views in the country. Mount Rinjani is located in the Gunung Rinjani National Park, which covers 41,330 hectares. The National Park was established in 1997.
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Sources used:
YouTube: ‘GeologyHub’
Express: ‘Volcano with world's 'deadliest eruption' in last millennium tipped to boil over’
Travel Indonesia: ‘The Mighty Mount Rinjani’
Rudy Trekker: 'HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TREK MOUNT RINJANI TREKKING INFORMATION'
