Mount Marapi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marapi |
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Marapi in 2017
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,885 m (9,465 ft) |
| Prominence | 2,116 m (6,942 ft) |
| Listing | Ultra Ribu |
| Geography | |
 Marapi
Location in Indonesia
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| Parent range | Barisan Mountains |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Complex volcano |
| Last eruption | Ongoing |
Mount Marapi, also known as Gunuang Marapi in the local Minangkabau language, is a very active volcano located in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its name means "Mountain of Fire," which is a perfect description for this powerful natural wonder. Standing tall at about 2,885 metres (9,465.2 ft), it's the most active volcano on the island of Sumatra. Many towns and cities, like Bukittinggi, Padang Panjang, and Batusangkar, are found near this impressive mountain.
A Mountain of Legends
Mount Marapi is not just a volcano; it's also a place rich in history and local legends. According to an old story, this mountain was the first place where the Minangkabau people settled. The legend says their ship landed on the mountain when it was very small, like an egg, and surrounded by water.
Many ancient burial stones in the area point towards Mount Marapi. This shows how important the mountain has been to the Minangkabau culture for a very long time. It's seen as a sacred place with deep historical roots.
Recent Volcanic Activity
Mount Marapi is known for being very active. It has erupted many times throughout history. A big eruption happened in 1979, sending ash and smoke into the sky. More recently, in April and May of 2018, ash fell on areas to the southeast of the volcano.
The 2023 Eruption
On December 3, 2023, Mount Marapi erupted again. This eruption was significant, causing ash to reach a height of about 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) and fall on nearby regions. Sadly, this eruption led to the deaths of 22 climbers who were on the mountain. Three other people were injured but were safely rescued. After the eruption, officials announced a three-kilometer (about 1.86 miles) exclusion zone around the volcano. This means people are not allowed to enter this area to stay safe from further eruptions.
See also
In Spanish: Monte Marapi para niños
