Remote Reconstruction of Semeru Volcano December 2020-2022 Eruptions using Open-Access Satellite Imagery and Crowdsourced Data

Ratika Benita Nareswari, Firman Sauqi Nur Sabila, Muhammad Andriansyah Gurusinga, Idham Andri Kurniawan, Mirzam Abdurrachman, Dini Nurfiani

Abstract


Semeru, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, generated significant pyroclastic density current (PDC) events in December 2020, 2021, and 2022, resulting in varying societal impacts. This study reconstructs the spatial extent and temporal evolution of these PDCs by integrating open-access satellite imagery, official reports, and crowdsourced data from social media and video platforms. Deposits mapping reveals that PDCs primarily affected the southeast sector, with deposits emplacement controlled by topography and prior ravines infilling. Chronological reconstruction shows distinct eruption styles:  2020 and 2022 events developed progressively over several hours, initiated by incandescent rockfalls and culminating in large PDCs, while the 2021 event was abrupt, coinciding with heavy rainfall, exhibiting a shorter duration but greater runout. Crater morphology indicates that all three events were preceded by active lava coulee growth and followed by increased lava extrusion suggesting gravitational collapse as the primary trigger, with meteorological factors potentially enhancing explosivity in 2021. The integration of multi-source open data addresses gaps in official records and enhances eruption documentation, particularly for well-observed volcanoes with persistent activity. However, challenges remain due to diverse variable data quality and the need for careful validation. This approach supports improved hazard assessment and underscores the value of open and citizen-generated data in volcanic crisis response.


Keywords


Semeru Volcano; volcano remote sensing; crowdsourcing; eruption chronology; dome collapse; pyroclastic density current

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.55981/risetgeotam.2026.1456

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