Øystein Lund Andersen Photography

 

Published: 28th March 2019 (updated: 29th March)

Activity of the Volcano:

The eruption produced a almost continious grey ash-rich plume. The ash plume was reported by Indonesian Authorities (PVMBG/MAGMA) to be reaching heights between 600-900 above the crater during the period 23-24th March. Ash could be seen falling in areas under the drifting plume (see for example photo no.7, 43 & 45). The ash plume was heading in a N/NE direction. It was obvious that ash had impacted the closest villages to Bromo, among others Cemara Lawang. The ground in Cemara Lawang was covered by a thin layer of ash. Some trees in the area had been toppled over by the weight of the recent ash-fall (see photo no.33). No rumbling sounds from the eruption were heard or lava-glow from the crater were observed. 

With a drone, I were able to observe the crater on both days I stayed in the area. Examining the photos, it seem that ash were eruped from one or more fissure(s) located within the central part of the crater (see for example photo no.39, 41 & 42). The fissure(s) are not visible/exposed, as the floor of the crater is now covered with freshly accumulated grey ash, that seem to be mixed with water. (During my previous visit in December 2018, the crater were more exposed, as yellow sulfur stained rock and multiple fissures emitting white gas (steam) were observed.). It is now rainy season in East-Java, this fact may explain why water have accumulated and mixed with ash in the crater. 

Important Note:

This is my personal notes, and should not be considered as official information regarding the volcano or its activity. For updated information and official statements on the volcanic activity of Bromo, visit the Indonesian authorities website MAGMA Indonesia. and Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation`(PVMBG) and BMKG – Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics. On Twitter: @id_magma , @vulkanologi_mbg and @infoBMKG

Bromo is currently (as of 28th March) on alert level II, and Indonesian Authorities have imposed a restriction/danger-zone of 1km from the crater. Visitors and the community is expected to keep out of the restriction/danger zone. 

Note: All photos were taken from outside the 1km restriction zone. The aerial photos taken by drone, operated from outside the restriction zone.

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Total photos in this article: 49. (Available in Jpg/Raw.) 

Total videos: will be added later. (4K resolution)

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