Latest update on volcanic ash from Mt Raung in Indonesia

10/08/2015

The Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor volcanic ash from Mt Raung, which is impacting aviation operations around Bali and east Java in Indonesia.

Winds over eastern Java have begun to shift north, causing the ash cloud to move south away from Denpasar Airport.

Winds have eased in strength, reducing the distance volcanic ash is able to travel. However, there may be ongoing impacts for eastern Java, including Juanda Airport in Surabaya, over the coming week.

Mt Raung has been erupting almost continuously over the past month. This has generated a significant ash cloud, which has impacted aviation operations over Bali and eastern Java.

Volcanic ash plumes from Mt Raung, located on the eastern end of Java about 140km northwest of Denpasar Airport, were first reported by the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation in late June.

The ash emitted from the volcano continues to move in different directions according to wind variations, and the altitude which the eruption reaches.

The Bureau of Meteorology's advice for the aviation industry relies on ground based and satellite observations, pilot reports, and sophisticated forecasting models to monitor the current location and forecast movement of volcanic ash.

Airlines make their own decisions on when to fly based on their risk management approaches.

Background:

By agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Bureau operates a Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) to provide expert satellite analysis and ash forecasting to authorities and to airlines over the region, including Indonesia, the southern Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the western Solomon Islands and Australia.

Volcanic ash is considered a serious safety hazard by the aviation industry and can be very disruptive to aviation operations. Encounters with volcanic ash can cause significant aircraft damage and even engine shutdown.

Volcanic Ash Advisories are issued for the aviation industry every 6 hours following a volcanic eruption, and more frequently if significant new information becomes available. Volcanic Ash Advisories include information on the current location of the volcanic ash, the height in the atmosphere to which the ash extends, and the forecast movement of the ash over the next 18 hours.

For further information: www.bom.gov.au/aviation/data/education/volcanic-ash-advisories.pdf