Mount Merapi Eruption V3 (2010)

Location

Mount Merapi is in Indonesia, on the island of Java. It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The Indo-Australian Plate is being forced under the Eurasian Plate, which causes frequent eruptions. In October–November 2010, a major eruption had devastating effects on the region.

(back to top)

Location of Mount Merapi

What Happened?

In October 2010, signs of volcanic activity increased. The government warned residents, but many refused to leave. On 26 October, Mount Merapi erupted violently. It sent pyroclastic flows (fast-moving clouds of hot gas and ash) down the slopes, destroying everything in their path. Over the next few weeks, more eruptions followed, forcing 350,000 people to evacuate.

(back to top)

Destruction of homes caused by the eruption of Mount Merapi

Ash Cloud / Ash Inhalation – Fine volcanic ash particles carried in the air that can cause breathing problems and disrupt air travel.

Destructive Plate Boundary – A tectonic boundary where one plate is forced under another, leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Evacuation – The organised movement of people from a dangerous area to a safer location, usually before or during a natural hazard.

Lahars – Volcanic mudflows formed when ash mixes with heavy rainfall, often destroying homes and roads.

NGOs – Non-Governmental Organisations that provide aid and support during and after disasters (e.g. Red Cross).

Pyroclastic Flows – A fast-moving surge of hot gas, ash, and volcanic rock that flows down the sides of a volcano during an eruption.

Volcanic Bombs – Large fragments of molten rock ejected during a volcanic eruption that cool and solidify before hitting the ground.

Cause

Why did Mount Merapi erupt?


During October 2010, signs of volcanic activity increased due to movement at a destructive plate boundary.

Mount Merapi is located at a destructive plate margin where the Indo-Australian Plate is subducting under the Eurasian Plate.

As the denser oceanic crust is forced under the continental crust, friction and pressure build up.
Magma forms as the subducting plate melts. The magma rises through cracks in the crust and collects in a magma chamber beneath the volcano.

Over time, the pressure became too great, leading to a violent eruption on 26 October 2010.

(back to top)

Plate Tectonics - Destructive Plate Boundary
Plate Tectonics – Destructive Plate Boundary

Primary Impacts

(The Short-Term Effects)

353 people died due to pyroclastic flows and ash inhalation.

Hot ash and volcanic bombs destroyed homes, bridges, and farmland.

Ash clouds disrupted flights across Indonesia and neighboring countries.

Villages were covered in ash, making farming impossible.

(back to top)

Secondary Impacts

(The Short-Term Effects)

Lahars (volcanic mudflows) formed after heavy rain, destroying more homes and roads.

Crops and livestock were lost, damaging the economy.

The local economy collapsed, as businesses, tourism, and agriculture were affected.

Water supplies were polluted by ash, causing health issues

(back to top)

A pyroclastic flow caused by the eruption of Mount Merapi
Destruction caused by the eruption of Mount Merapi.

Response

(how did people react)

Local Response

350,000 people evacuated, but some people refused to leave.

Emergency shelters provided food, water, and medical help.

Masks were handed out to reduce ash inhalation.

The Indonesian government gave financial aid to farmers and businesses

(back to top)

International Response

The United Nations, Red Cross, and NGOs sent emergency aid.

Countries like Australia, the USA, and Japan gave money and supplies.

Scientists helped improve early warning systems to prevent future disasters.

(back to top)

STRUGGLING WITH GEOGRAPHY? GET FULL EXAM PREP NOW!
(tap for details)

Knowledge Check

Check your understanding

Multiple Choice Quiz

(back to top)

Exam Style Questions

  1. Describe
  2. Describe
  3. Explain
  4. Explain
  5. Assess
  6. Evaluate

(back to top)

Flashcards

(back to top)

Struggling with some answers?
Our full Geography Booster Course covers this in depth – enrol now!