Semeru facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Semeru |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,676 m (12,060 ft) |
| Listing | Island high point 12th Ultra Ribu |
| Geography | |
 Semeru
Location in Java
Semeru
Location in Indonesia
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| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Volcanic arc | Sunda Arc |
| Last eruption | Ongoing |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Unknown |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Mount Semeru (also called Semeru) is a very active volcano in East Java, Indonesia. It sits where two huge pieces of Earth's crust, called plates, are slowly pushing against each other. This makes it the tallest mountain on the island of Java. The name "Semeru" comes from "Meru" or "Sumeru," which is a special mountain in Hinduism where gods are believed to live. People also call it Mahameru, meaning "The Great Mountain." It's a popular spot for hiking in Indonesia.
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About Semeru
Semeru is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. This means it's shaped like a tall cone, built up over time by many layers of hardened lava and ash. It rises steeply from the flat lands of eastern Java. Sometimes, small lakes form in bowl-shaped craters near the top. The rocks that come out of Semeru are mostly a type called andesite. Semeru is part of a larger group of volcanoes in the area.
Eruptions and History
Semeru has erupted many times throughout history. Since 1818, there have been at least 55 recorded eruptions. Some of these eruptions caused people to lose their lives. The volcano has been erupting almost constantly since 1967. Its most recent eruption happened in 2024.
Even though it's active, many tourists enjoy climbing Semeru. They usually start their hike from a village called Ranu Pane. While the climb isn't super technical, it can be dangerous. For example, in 1969, an Indonesian activist named Soe Hok Gie passed away while hiking on Mount Semeru because he breathed in poisonous gases.
2021 Eruption
Semeru erupted twice in 2021. The first time was on January 16, and the second was on December 4. A third eruption happened just two days later, on December 6, 2021. These eruptions caused many people to be injured or displaced from their homes.
2022 Eruption
A new eruption began on December 4, 2022. Heavy monsoon rains caused part of the volcano's lava dome to collapse. This led to a large flow of hot gas and volcanic debris, called a pyroclastic flow, which traveled many miles from the top. People living nearby had to leave their homes for safety.
Legends of Semeru
The name Semeru comes from Sumeru, a mythical mountain in Hinduism. An old legend says that Semeru was brought from India to create the island of Java. The story is written in a 15th-century book from East Java called Tantu Pagelaran.
The legend says that when the mountain was first placed in the western part of Java, the island tipped over. So, the gods moved it eastward. As they moved it, pieces broke off the bottom, forming other mountains like Lawu, Wilis, Kelud, Kawi, Arjuno, and Welirang. The shaking from this journey also caused the very top of Semeru to break off, creating another mountain called Penanggungan. Many Indonesian Hindus believe that Mount Semeru is a special home for the god Shiva in Java.
Plant Life Challenges
Mount Semeru National Park faces some challenges with its plant life.
Non-Native Plants
About 25 types of plants that are not originally from the area have been found in the park. These "non-native" plants can be harmful because they compete with the plants that naturally belong there. Many of these plants were brought in a long time ago, during the colonial era. For example, in the early 1900s, a Dutch plant collector grew many introduced plants in his park, and these later spread into the surrounding areas. Some of these plants include Foeniculum vulgare and Chromolaena odorata.
Farming Near the Lake
Mud from nearby vegetable farms is washing into Ranu Pani Lake. This mud is causing the lake to slowly shrink. Experts have predicted that the lake could disappear by around 2025 if the vegetable farms on the hillsides are not replaced with plants that are better for the environment, like trees or other long-lasting plants.
See also
In Spanish: Semeru para niños
- List of volcanoes in Indonesia
- List of Southeast Asian mountains
- List of islands by highest point
- Volcanological Survey of Indonesia
- Lists of volcanoes
- Argo Semeru
