1 00:00:01,134 --> 00:00:03,670 NARRATOR: Volcanologists climb into the inferno 2 00:00:03,670 --> 00:00:07,474 on two of the planet's most active volcanos... 3 00:00:07,474 --> 00:00:09,509 TOM: This is actually a bit worrying. 4 00:00:09,509 --> 00:00:13,080 This is an impact from an explosion. 5 00:00:13,080 --> 00:00:15,782 NARRATOR: Where nature's raw power lay at every turn... 6 00:00:15,782 --> 00:00:18,418 [Explosion] 7 00:00:18,418 --> 00:00:20,354 TOM: It was so fast, I couldn't even get scared. 8 00:00:20,354 --> 00:00:23,590 NARRATOR: And see firsthand the elements that are shaping this earth. 9 00:00:23,590 --> 00:00:25,592 TOM: This volcano is capable of producing 10 00:00:25,592 --> 00:00:28,462 very powerful explosions. 11 00:00:30,297 --> 00:00:32,099 TOM: It's never a safe place to be, 12 00:00:32,099 --> 00:00:34,468 on the rim of an active crater. 13 00:00:34,468 --> 00:00:37,704 NARRATOR: This is the realm of nature's greatest spectacle. 14 00:00:39,773 --> 00:00:44,778 ♪♪♪ 15 00:00:44,778 --> 00:00:49,783 ♪♪♪ 16 00:00:49,783 --> 00:00:54,788 ♪♪♪ 17 00:00:54,788 --> 00:00:59,793 ♪♪♪ 18 00:00:59,793 --> 00:01:04,731 ♪♪♪ 19 00:01:04,731 --> 00:01:09,736 ♪♪♪ 20 00:01:09,736 --> 00:01:14,107 ♪♪♪ 21 00:01:20,681 --> 00:01:23,684 NARRATOR: Indonesia is called the land of fire. 22 00:01:23,684 --> 00:01:25,385 And for good reason. 23 00:01:25,385 --> 00:01:29,823 It has 147 active volcanos. 24 00:01:29,823 --> 00:01:32,326 Two of them, Dukono and Ibu, 25 00:01:32,326 --> 00:01:34,494 are considered to be among the most active volcanoes 26 00:01:34,494 --> 00:01:36,730 on the planet. 27 00:01:36,730 --> 00:01:39,433 In spite of the intense level of activity, 28 00:01:39,433 --> 00:01:42,269 they're rarely visited or photographed. 29 00:01:42,269 --> 00:01:44,438 That's because of their location: 30 00:01:44,438 --> 00:01:46,306 in a remote part of a country 31 00:01:46,306 --> 00:01:49,376 that is made up of more than 17,000 islands. 32 00:01:51,345 --> 00:01:54,715 NARRATOR: Volcanologist and photographer Tom Pfeiffer 33 00:01:54,715 --> 00:01:58,185 runs a tour company and a news website: 34 00:01:58,185 --> 00:02:02,155 Volcano Discovery. 35 00:02:02,155 --> 00:02:05,625 The website is an important resource on volcanic activity 36 00:02:05,625 --> 00:02:10,130 used by scientists all over the world. 37 00:02:13,433 --> 00:02:17,237 NARRATOR: Dukono and Ibu feature frequently in his reports, 38 00:02:17,237 --> 00:02:19,406 but recently he's noticed a steady upturn 39 00:02:19,406 --> 00:02:22,342 in their behavior. 40 00:02:25,812 --> 00:02:28,582 NARRATOR: Every volcano has a cycle. 41 00:02:28,582 --> 00:02:31,518 There are times when its activity is increasing 42 00:02:31,518 --> 00:02:33,420 and it's still possible to get close enough 43 00:02:33,420 --> 00:02:36,323 to see the eruptions. 44 00:02:36,323 --> 00:02:39,426 If Tom is ever going to see these two volcanoes, 45 00:02:39,426 --> 00:02:42,729 the time is now. 46 00:02:42,729 --> 00:02:46,166 The remote location makes getting there difficult. 47 00:02:46,166 --> 00:02:48,668 Tom has a small group of fellow photographers 48 00:02:48,668 --> 00:02:51,872 who have signed on for the trip. 49 00:02:51,872 --> 00:02:56,810 The furthest they can fly is to the Island of Ternate. 50 00:02:56,810 --> 00:03:00,647 It takes three flights and several days. 51 00:03:00,647 --> 00:03:03,417 From there, Tom charters a boat to get them to the 52 00:03:03,417 --> 00:03:07,054 island of Helmahera where both volcanoes are located. 53 00:03:09,256 --> 00:03:11,825 NARRATOR: They are met by Andi Susanto. 54 00:03:11,825 --> 00:03:15,195 He's Tom's operations manager in Indonesia, 55 00:03:15,195 --> 00:03:19,433 and an expert when it comes to Indonesian volcanoes. 56 00:03:19,433 --> 00:03:22,702 It's arguable that Andi has spent more time 57 00:03:22,702 --> 00:03:26,573 on active volcanos than anyone else in the world. 58 00:03:26,573 --> 00:03:28,475 Andi is one of the few people 59 00:03:28,475 --> 00:03:33,080 who has climbed Dukono and Ibu. 60 00:03:36,283 --> 00:03:41,188 NARRATOR: The boat trip from Ternate to Halmahera takes one hour. 61 00:03:41,188 --> 00:03:43,857 The hope is they'll be able to climb both volcanoes 62 00:03:43,857 --> 00:03:48,328 as they are erupting, but there are no certainties. 63 00:03:48,328 --> 00:03:52,532 Every step of the way will be carefully evaluated for risk. 64 00:03:57,671 --> 00:04:00,240 NARRATOR: Tom and Andi's first step will be to check in 65 00:04:00,240 --> 00:04:02,476 with local authorities to obtain the proper permissions 66 00:04:02,476 --> 00:04:04,678 to climb. 67 00:04:04,678 --> 00:04:06,413 TOM: We are here at the volcano observatory 68 00:04:06,413 --> 00:04:07,814 for Mount Dukono. 69 00:04:07,814 --> 00:04:11,451 Each active volcano in Indonesia has at least one 70 00:04:11,451 --> 00:04:13,420 local observatory. 71 00:04:13,420 --> 00:04:16,289 We hope we can talk to the volcanologists to find out 72 00:04:16,289 --> 00:04:19,126 what the activity has been, what to expect. 73 00:04:19,126 --> 00:04:21,595 Also to let them know that we are climbing. 74 00:04:21,595 --> 00:04:23,463 ANDI: And in here there are three staff who work for 75 00:04:23,463 --> 00:04:24,798 the observatory post. 76 00:04:24,798 --> 00:04:27,267 In every observatory post they have to report 77 00:04:27,267 --> 00:04:30,270 every evening and in the mornings, 78 00:04:30,270 --> 00:04:35,809 to report the seismic activity to the centre of the office 79 00:04:35,809 --> 00:04:38,578 of the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia. 80 00:04:38,578 --> 00:04:42,749 NARRATOR: The volcano is monitored by a series of seismometers. 81 00:04:42,749 --> 00:04:44,784 These machines, up on the volcano, 82 00:04:44,784 --> 00:04:47,220 record every minute earthquake 83 00:04:47,220 --> 00:04:49,756 that indicates magma moving through the system, 84 00:04:49,756 --> 00:04:53,293 or each explosion. 85 00:04:53,293 --> 00:04:57,130 Scientists can tell a lot from these seismic signals. 86 00:04:57,130 --> 00:04:59,766 Here, the near-continuous pattern indicates 87 00:04:59,766 --> 00:05:02,536 the constant venting of ash. 88 00:05:02,536 --> 00:05:05,572 Looking at the read-outs, Tom and Andi can see 89 00:05:05,572 --> 00:05:09,643 that Dukono is now more active than in the proceeding weeks. 90 00:05:09,643 --> 00:05:13,246 ANDI: This is from 7 November; it's yesterday. 91 00:05:13,246 --> 00:05:15,782 Therefore it's really active with the ash plume 92 00:05:15,782 --> 00:05:17,751 and an ash eruption from Dukono 93 00:05:17,751 --> 00:05:18,518 from the main vents. 94 00:05:18,518 --> 00:05:21,721 Two days ago is also the same. 95 00:05:21,721 --> 00:05:24,624 This is 6. 96 00:05:24,624 --> 00:05:26,092 So almost every day with ash explosions, 97 00:05:26,092 --> 00:05:27,761 with ash eruptions. 98 00:05:27,761 --> 00:05:29,563 NARRATOR: Even though it's more active, 99 00:05:29,563 --> 00:05:33,533 the current phase is more predictable and less dangerous. 100 00:05:33,533 --> 00:05:35,602 That's good news. 101 00:05:35,602 --> 00:05:38,605 They get their permission to climb. 102 00:05:38,605 --> 00:05:40,440 First up they hit a local market 103 00:05:40,440 --> 00:05:43,710 to buy everything they will need for the trip. 104 00:05:46,346 --> 00:05:49,783 NARRATOR: At the foot of Dukono is the small village of Tobelo. 105 00:05:49,783 --> 00:05:53,353 About 15,000 people live and work here 106 00:05:53,353 --> 00:05:56,223 and keep a watchful eye on the activity. 107 00:05:56,223 --> 00:05:59,259 ANDI: She said two years ago when Dukono was really active, 108 00:05:59,259 --> 00:06:03,496 she could hear about the rumbling and ash also here 109 00:06:03,496 --> 00:06:05,565 and they were ready to evacuate at the time. 110 00:06:05,565 --> 00:06:08,368 So actually the people here are afraid about Dukono. 111 00:06:12,439 --> 00:06:16,209 NARRATOR: Tom finds a stall selling rocks and minerals. 112 00:06:17,577 --> 00:06:21,281 TOM: A nicely cut piece of black volcanic rock. 113 00:06:21,281 --> 00:06:24,784 I don't... I'm not... 114 00:06:24,784 --> 00:06:27,787 I would guess it's a volcanic rock. 115 00:06:27,787 --> 00:06:31,124 It's dense, glassy, almost like obsidian, 116 00:06:31,124 --> 00:06:33,026 but it's probably something else. 117 00:06:34,327 --> 00:06:37,364 NARRATOR: For locals, trading in rocks and semi-precious stones 118 00:06:37,364 --> 00:06:41,401 is a great way for people to earn money. 119 00:06:41,401 --> 00:06:44,537 In a country prone to earthquakes and eruptions 120 00:06:44,537 --> 00:06:48,541 geology is taught in depth in the local schools. 121 00:06:48,541 --> 00:06:50,610 The subject covers rocks and minerals 122 00:06:50,610 --> 00:06:54,214 as well as the volcanoes around them. 123 00:06:57,417 --> 00:06:59,619 NARRATOR: As the start of the hike is a ways out, 124 00:06:59,619 --> 00:07:01,621 Andi has arranged for transportation 125 00:07:01,621 --> 00:07:05,392 through a local coconut plantation. 126 00:07:06,126 --> 00:07:08,228 TOM: I think the biggest danger right now 127 00:07:08,228 --> 00:07:12,399 will be hit by a branch or something. 128 00:07:12,399 --> 00:07:14,801 I've had similar situations sometimes. 129 00:07:14,801 --> 00:07:16,269 You look at something else 130 00:07:16,269 --> 00:07:19,172 and don't see a branch coming, and bonk! 131 00:07:20,473 --> 00:07:23,310 NARRATOR: You'd think with an active volcano, 132 00:07:23,310 --> 00:07:25,779 people would completely vacate the area. 133 00:07:25,779 --> 00:07:29,215 But Dukono has been active since 1933 134 00:07:29,215 --> 00:07:32,519 and posed little threat to the villages. 135 00:07:32,519 --> 00:07:35,055 People have grown used to living in the shadow 136 00:07:35,055 --> 00:07:36,823 of this volcano. 137 00:07:36,823 --> 00:07:40,694 Here the coconut plantation is still in operation. 138 00:07:40,694 --> 00:07:44,264 However, the roads that extend into the danger zone 139 00:07:44,264 --> 00:07:47,067 are not used and have currently fallen into disrepair 140 00:07:47,067 --> 00:07:50,437 during the rainy seasons. 141 00:07:50,437 --> 00:07:52,605 It makes getting to the volcano's upper slopes 142 00:07:52,605 --> 00:07:55,342 challenging. 143 00:07:55,342 --> 00:07:59,179 [Indistinct chatter] 144 00:07:59,179 --> 00:08:04,117 [Indistinct chatter] 145 00:08:04,117 --> 00:08:08,722 [Indistinct chatter] 146 00:08:08,722 --> 00:08:10,390 NARRATOR: The vehicle will need a good run 147 00:08:10,390 --> 00:08:13,093 at the difficult sections, 148 00:08:13,093 --> 00:08:18,231 so to shed weight, the group walks ahead. 149 00:08:32,445 --> 00:08:34,481 NARRATOR: They are still a ways out. 150 00:08:34,481 --> 00:08:36,383 If the vehicle has to turn back 151 00:08:36,383 --> 00:08:38,518 it will mean that the moderate hike ahead 152 00:08:38,518 --> 00:08:41,721 will turn into a hard full day's journey, 153 00:08:41,721 --> 00:08:45,358 something they won't be able to make before night fall. 154 00:08:45,358 --> 00:08:50,363 ♪♪♪ 155 00:08:50,363 --> 00:08:54,501 ♪♪♪ 156 00:08:54,501 --> 00:08:56,469 TOM: The truck's made it. 157 00:08:56,469 --> 00:09:00,607 So... time to continue. 158 00:09:00,607 --> 00:09:03,977 Glad it hadn't rained. 159 00:09:06,346 --> 00:09:09,048 When you have a lot of rain you can't pass here. 160 00:09:17,524 --> 00:09:21,528 NARRATOR: All along the way they encounter new obstacles. 161 00:09:21,528 --> 00:09:24,798 The drivers don't give up. 162 00:09:24,798 --> 00:09:27,667 [Indistinct chatter] 163 00:09:27,667 --> 00:09:32,539 ♪♪♪ 164 00:09:32,539 --> 00:09:37,544 ♪♪♪ 165 00:09:37,544 --> 00:09:42,549 ♪♪♪ 166 00:09:42,549 --> 00:09:55,628 ♪♪♪ 167 00:09:55,628 --> 00:09:58,598 [Indistinct chatter] 168 00:09:58,598 --> 00:10:03,169 ♪♪♪ 169 00:10:03,169 --> 00:10:07,440 ♪♪♪ 170 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:10,710 NARRATOR: They've reached the furthest point the cars can go. 171 00:10:10,710 --> 00:10:13,646 TOM: We've made it! Or the car's made it. 172 00:10:13,646 --> 00:10:18,651 Now the last kilometers is on foot. 173 00:10:18,651 --> 00:10:20,854 According to Andi, it's about two to three hours, 174 00:10:20,854 --> 00:10:23,356 easy to moderate. 175 00:10:23,356 --> 00:10:28,795 ANDI: So now we are in the altitude of 350 meters above sea level. 176 00:10:28,795 --> 00:10:31,564 And we have to get packed all the things, 177 00:10:31,564 --> 00:10:35,568 and then we'll proceed to climb. 178 00:10:35,568 --> 00:10:38,104 NARRATOR: They may be climbing an active volcano, 179 00:10:38,104 --> 00:10:39,806 but at this point it's pretty much 180 00:10:39,806 --> 00:10:43,176 like any other ascent. 181 00:10:43,176 --> 00:10:46,179 They plan to stay two days, so a team of porters 182 00:10:46,179 --> 00:10:48,815 brings all the equipment and tents needed. 183 00:10:55,154 --> 00:10:57,857 NARRATOR: Part way up, they run into a surprise. 184 00:10:57,857 --> 00:10:59,759 A university group and their teacher 185 00:10:59,759 --> 00:11:04,364 are also heading up to see the active crater. 186 00:11:04,364 --> 00:11:06,366 These students will be the next generation 187 00:11:06,366 --> 00:11:09,202 of geologists in Indonesia. 188 00:11:09,202 --> 00:11:12,705 Some will go to work on volcanoes around the country. 189 00:11:12,705 --> 00:11:15,275 Here they get first real-world knowledge 190 00:11:15,275 --> 00:11:18,111 of an active volcano. 191 00:11:23,182 --> 00:11:25,618 NARRATOR: As they get closer to the active crater 192 00:11:25,618 --> 00:11:28,521 everything around them is covered in a layer of ash. 193 00:11:35,161 --> 00:11:38,197 NARRATOR: And finally their first reward... 194 00:11:38,197 --> 00:11:42,435 A close up view of Dukono. 195 00:11:42,435 --> 00:11:45,772 They establish a camp at the boundary of the danger zone. 196 00:11:45,772 --> 00:11:48,841 Beyond it, the risk of being hit by falling rocks 197 00:11:48,841 --> 00:11:53,346 during a moderate eruption increases. 198 00:11:53,346 --> 00:11:56,249 Hundreds of trips to volcanoes has led Tom to believe 199 00:11:56,249 --> 00:11:58,251 that if you respect the danger 200 00:11:58,251 --> 00:12:00,420 and pay heed to the warning signs 201 00:12:00,420 --> 00:12:02,655 other elements of the trip will actually pose 202 00:12:02,655 --> 00:12:07,427 a bigger danger than the explosions. 203 00:12:08,761 --> 00:12:10,763 [Crashing] 204 00:12:10,763 --> 00:12:19,272 [Rumbling] 205 00:12:19,272 --> 00:12:21,774 NARRATOR: A lightning strike from a simple rain storm 206 00:12:21,774 --> 00:12:26,479 nearly hits the camp just as the students arrive. 207 00:12:26,479 --> 00:12:29,649 TOM: We just had a lightning strike out of the blue. 208 00:12:29,649 --> 00:12:32,118 It was so fast I couldn't even get scared. 209 00:12:32,118 --> 00:12:36,689 And there was a big bang right that second. 210 00:12:36,689 --> 00:12:38,558 It must've been less than 100 meters. 211 00:12:47,233 --> 00:12:50,236 NARRATOR: After the rain breaks, and the camp is set, 212 00:12:50,236 --> 00:12:54,340 Tom has a look at the volcano he has only read about. 213 00:12:54,340 --> 00:12:56,275 It's a beautiful ash cone 214 00:12:56,275 --> 00:12:58,511 and as the seismographs predicted, 215 00:12:58,511 --> 00:13:01,748 it's constantly emitting ash. 216 00:13:01,748 --> 00:13:05,251 TOM: Right now there is ash fall in the downwind area 217 00:13:05,251 --> 00:13:06,686 of the plume. 218 00:13:06,686 --> 00:13:13,393 Sometimes you can see vertical lines under the ash. 219 00:13:13,393 --> 00:13:16,129 It is a result of light and shadow, 220 00:13:16,129 --> 00:13:19,732 but it's curtains of fine, sandy material 221 00:13:19,732 --> 00:13:23,636 that is falling out of the plume. 222 00:13:23,636 --> 00:13:26,272 NARRATOR: The ash here is washed downstream, 223 00:13:26,272 --> 00:13:28,808 where it builds the lower slopes of the volcano 224 00:13:28,808 --> 00:13:30,777 and provides the nutrient-rich soils 225 00:13:30,777 --> 00:13:33,646 of the village farmland. 226 00:13:34,847 --> 00:13:37,083 TOM: If you go from the top to the bottom, 227 00:13:37,083 --> 00:13:39,485 you go back in history. 228 00:13:39,485 --> 00:13:42,188 You can have an idea of what a volcano has been doing 229 00:13:42,188 --> 00:13:43,623 in the past. 230 00:13:43,623 --> 00:13:46,693 The top black layer would be the phase 231 00:13:46,693 --> 00:13:48,828 of mildly explosive activity, 232 00:13:48,828 --> 00:13:51,097 a bit like what we're seeing now. 233 00:13:51,097 --> 00:13:53,666 NARRATOR: If you go from the top layer to the bottom, 234 00:13:53,666 --> 00:13:55,635 you can have an idea of what a volcano 235 00:13:55,635 --> 00:13:58,204 has been doing in the past. 236 00:13:58,204 --> 00:14:00,139 TOM: Here is also a little pumice layer. 237 00:14:00,139 --> 00:14:02,475 During this activity there must have been 238 00:14:02,475 --> 00:14:05,445 very powerful explosions... 239 00:14:05,445 --> 00:14:07,513 where fresh magma, rich in gases, 240 00:14:07,513 --> 00:14:12,318 came out to erupt and become pumice, especially here. 241 00:14:12,318 --> 00:14:14,520 And I don't know how deep this goes 242 00:14:14,520 --> 00:14:18,658 but typically you find this pumice as an oval-shaped deposit 243 00:14:18,658 --> 00:14:22,361 in the same direction as the wind at the time. 244 00:14:22,361 --> 00:14:25,164 NARRATOR: When they're putting together the history of a volcano, 245 00:14:25,164 --> 00:14:29,135 volcanologists will sample several locations around it. 246 00:14:29,135 --> 00:14:31,637 By determining the ash and pumice thickness 247 00:14:31,637 --> 00:14:33,840 they can plot the total area affected 248 00:14:33,840 --> 00:14:38,177 and calculate the volume of the material deposited. 249 00:14:38,177 --> 00:14:40,780 From this they are able to recreate the volcano's 250 00:14:40,780 --> 00:14:45,384 eruptive history dating back thousands of years. 251 00:14:45,384 --> 00:14:48,721 Information like this can help determine the danger 252 00:14:48,721 --> 00:14:53,760 and understand the far-reaching effects of each volcano. 253 00:14:53,760 --> 00:14:57,130 They can also look for evidence of cataclysmic eruptions 254 00:14:57,130 --> 00:14:59,398 and the phases that preceded them. 255 00:14:59,398 --> 00:15:01,334 TOM: It is important to know 256 00:15:01,334 --> 00:15:03,770 what the volcano has been doing in the past 257 00:15:03,770 --> 00:15:06,572 to have an idea of what it might do in the future. 258 00:15:06,572 --> 00:15:09,809 It might be doing something like this for centuries 259 00:15:09,809 --> 00:15:13,146 but it doesn't mean that it's always like this. 260 00:15:13,146 --> 00:15:15,515 NARRATOR: The group will stay in camp tonight, 261 00:15:15,515 --> 00:15:17,316 for safety's sake. 262 00:15:17,316 --> 00:15:19,118 Before they can do any climbing, 263 00:15:19,118 --> 00:15:21,320 they will take time to watch Dukono, 264 00:15:21,320 --> 00:15:22,789 and make sure that its behavior 265 00:15:22,789 --> 00:15:26,292 is consistent with the seismic data. 266 00:15:26,292 --> 00:15:28,694 It's absolutely necessary to know what the recent 267 00:15:28,694 --> 00:15:30,730 seismic patterns are. 268 00:15:30,730 --> 00:15:34,133 But that's not a safety guarantee. 269 00:15:34,133 --> 00:15:36,702 It is possible that the volcano's activity 270 00:15:36,702 --> 00:15:39,505 will ramp up and become dangerous with no warning. 271 00:15:42,441 --> 00:15:46,746 NARRATOR: For the porters, it is just another day. 272 00:15:46,746 --> 00:15:49,849 TOM: If you choose to go up, it should be based on 273 00:15:49,849 --> 00:15:53,219 a risk-benefit analysis. 274 00:15:53,219 --> 00:15:56,189 Dukono can certainly produce very strong and powerful 275 00:15:56,189 --> 00:16:00,193 explosions that eject bombs and rocks 276 00:16:00,193 --> 00:16:02,228 to the crater rim and beyond. 277 00:16:02,228 --> 00:16:04,330 In which case, if you're there, 278 00:16:04,330 --> 00:16:09,669 you are at risk to be hit and lose your life. 279 00:16:09,669 --> 00:16:12,405 It is not a completely safe thing to do. 280 00:16:12,405 --> 00:16:15,107 But on the other hand, I believe that the risk 281 00:16:15,107 --> 00:16:17,376 if you stayed a couple of hours is lower 282 00:16:17,376 --> 00:16:19,812 than the risk of a car accident, 283 00:16:19,812 --> 00:16:23,049 especially after experiencing how people drive here. 284 00:16:30,723 --> 00:16:32,725 NARRATOR: The group will make their climb to the crater 285 00:16:32,725 --> 00:16:35,261 in the early hours of the morning. 286 00:16:35,261 --> 00:16:38,231 In the meantime, they break for dinner. 287 00:16:38,231 --> 00:16:40,199 And their guide Andi gets to show off 288 00:16:40,199 --> 00:16:42,668 some of his other skills. 289 00:16:42,668 --> 00:16:45,471 ANDI: Now I'm cooking we just call in Indonesia 290 00:16:45,471 --> 00:16:46,539 "Cah Kangkung." 291 00:16:46,539 --> 00:16:49,408 "Kangkung" means "water spinach." 292 00:16:49,408 --> 00:16:52,211 So, the way is easy, 293 00:16:52,211 --> 00:16:55,381 but this is very good flavor, 294 00:16:55,381 --> 00:16:58,017 and then delicious. 295 00:17:00,086 --> 00:17:07,293 [Speaking Indonesian] 296 00:17:07,293 --> 00:17:09,395 NARRATOR: After dinner the group takes time to relax 297 00:17:09,395 --> 00:17:11,063 before their climb. 298 00:17:11,063 --> 00:17:14,133 It will take less than an hour. 299 00:17:14,133 --> 00:17:17,069 NARRATOR: The climb begins at the crack of dawn 300 00:17:17,069 --> 00:17:19,138 and members of Tom's group make it to the rim 301 00:17:19,138 --> 00:17:22,441 before sunrise. 302 00:17:24,744 --> 00:17:27,647 [Rumbling] 303 00:17:27,647 --> 00:17:30,416 NARRATOR: They're standing above the active crater 304 00:17:30,416 --> 00:17:34,553 as it continues to erupt ash in a constant plume. 305 00:17:34,553 --> 00:17:39,558 ♪♪♪ 306 00:17:39,558 --> 00:17:44,563 ♪♪♪ 307 00:17:44,563 --> 00:17:49,568 ♪♪♪ 308 00:17:49,568 --> 00:17:54,573 ♪♪♪ 309 00:17:54,573 --> 00:17:59,578 ♪♪♪ 310 00:17:59,578 --> 00:18:01,747 NARRATOR: The volcano continues to erupt ash, 311 00:18:01,747 --> 00:18:04,517 as it's been doing for weeks. 312 00:18:04,517 --> 00:18:08,154 Inside you can hear the sounds of the elemental processes 313 00:18:08,154 --> 00:18:10,423 of our earth at work. 314 00:18:10,423 --> 00:18:14,527 ANDI: Now the ash plume looks more active and intense. 315 00:18:14,527 --> 00:18:19,131 [Rumbling] 316 00:18:19,131 --> 00:18:23,269 ANDI: The rumbling comes from ash venting occurring, 317 00:18:23,269 --> 00:18:26,005 and then also with the rock falls down there. 318 00:18:31,243 --> 00:18:33,713 TOM: You can see it's a very active volcano. 319 00:18:33,713 --> 00:18:37,616 It has been in continuous eruptions for decades now. 320 00:18:37,616 --> 00:18:41,253 It almost sounds like hail, 321 00:18:41,253 --> 00:18:44,490 heavy hail during a thunderstorm. 322 00:18:44,490 --> 00:18:48,127 I imagine there's a jet coming out 323 00:18:48,127 --> 00:18:52,264 of gas, ash and small rocks. 324 00:18:52,264 --> 00:18:56,202 We don't see them, but we clearly hear 325 00:18:56,202 --> 00:19:00,172 these little rocks falling back. 326 00:19:00,172 --> 00:19:03,376 And those sounds, these are lightnings, not explosions. 327 00:19:03,376 --> 00:19:05,644 NARRATOR: Scientists don't fully understand why there's 328 00:19:05,644 --> 00:19:08,247 lightning in volcanos. 329 00:19:08,247 --> 00:19:11,117 It's believed to be caused by ash particles 330 00:19:11,117 --> 00:19:15,087 that move against each other, causing a static build up. 331 00:19:15,087 --> 00:19:17,490 As the plume rises, the convection within 332 00:19:17,490 --> 00:19:22,795 pulls apart the two masses with opposite charges. 333 00:19:22,795 --> 00:19:25,031 If the charge is strong enough, 334 00:19:25,031 --> 00:19:27,033 it can create a path of ionized air 335 00:19:27,033 --> 00:19:31,570 that conducts electricity that forms a lightning bolt. 336 00:19:31,570 --> 00:19:35,641 Large ash plumes can generate long bolts of lightning. 337 00:19:35,641 --> 00:19:37,810 Here it happens on a smaller scale 338 00:19:37,810 --> 00:19:41,480 within the denser part of the plume. 339 00:19:41,480 --> 00:19:44,784 Volcanic lightning can be dangerous. 340 00:19:44,784 --> 00:19:48,454 During an eruption of Paricutin Volcano in Mexico, 341 00:19:48,454 --> 00:19:50,456 three people were killed by lightning 342 00:19:50,456 --> 00:19:54,226 that originated from the ash cloud. 343 00:19:56,328 --> 00:19:58,497 NARRATOR: The geology students arrive at the rim 344 00:19:58,497 --> 00:20:02,668 to conduct their classes on active volcanoes. 345 00:20:02,668 --> 00:20:05,471 Here they get a first-hand look at the forces 346 00:20:05,471 --> 00:20:09,275 that are shaping their country. 347 00:20:09,275 --> 00:20:14,280 ♪♪♪ 348 00:20:14,280 --> 00:20:19,285 ♪♪♪ 349 00:20:19,285 --> 00:20:22,288 ♪♪♪ 350 00:20:22,288 --> 00:20:24,623 TOM: I think we're safe-ish here. 351 00:20:24,623 --> 00:20:27,660 It's not-- of course it's never a safe place to be 352 00:20:27,660 --> 00:20:30,162 on the rim of an active crater, 353 00:20:30,162 --> 00:20:33,365 but I haven't seen any fresh impacts. 354 00:20:33,365 --> 00:20:37,269 In fact, I haven't seen any impacts here in this part. 355 00:20:37,269 --> 00:20:39,538 So the likelihood is very, very little 356 00:20:39,538 --> 00:20:42,508 that something is being ejected here 357 00:20:42,508 --> 00:20:45,644 while we're here. 358 00:20:45,644 --> 00:20:48,214 However, this volcano is capable of producing 359 00:20:48,214 --> 00:20:51,584 very powerful explosions called vulcanian explosions. 360 00:20:51,584 --> 00:20:52,485 Throughout the past years, every now and then 361 00:20:52,485 --> 00:20:55,254 you get reports of very tall ash plumes 362 00:20:55,254 --> 00:20:57,456 rising several kilometers. 363 00:20:57,456 --> 00:21:01,327 That means you have an explosive activity 364 00:21:01,327 --> 00:21:02,795 ten times more powerful than this, 365 00:21:02,795 --> 00:21:05,631 and probably more as an isolated explosion. 366 00:21:05,631 --> 00:21:07,633 When the plug forms at the vent, 367 00:21:07,633 --> 00:21:09,401 which now seems to be more or less open, 368 00:21:09,401 --> 00:21:10,703 but when there is a plug that forms, 369 00:21:10,703 --> 00:21:13,272 it blocks it and pressure can build up 370 00:21:13,272 --> 00:21:15,407 and then release it in a sudden, powerful, 371 00:21:15,407 --> 00:21:18,511 so-called vulcanian type explosion... 372 00:21:18,511 --> 00:21:21,280 then you'd be in trouble here. 373 00:21:24,517 --> 00:21:29,188 NARRATOR: Standing on the rim, the view of Dukono is spectacular. 374 00:21:29,188 --> 00:21:31,123 But looking downhill from the crater 375 00:21:31,123 --> 00:21:34,260 is also an impressive sight. 376 00:21:34,260 --> 00:21:39,064 This cone is mostly built from loose ash deposits. 377 00:21:44,870 --> 00:21:47,439 NARRATOR: When it rains, this material is eroded, 378 00:21:47,439 --> 00:21:50,042 creating an other-worldly landscape. 379 00:21:51,710 --> 00:21:54,246 NARRATOR: This mountain-building process is testament 380 00:21:54,246 --> 00:21:56,415 to Dukono's high activity. 381 00:21:56,415 --> 00:21:59,552 TOM: I would count Dukono as one of the four or five 382 00:21:59,552 --> 00:22:01,754 most active volcanos in Indonesia. 383 00:22:01,754 --> 00:22:03,289 And Indonesia is a heavyweight 384 00:22:03,289 --> 00:22:04,557 when it comes to volcanos. 385 00:22:04,557 --> 00:22:06,358 It is number one when it comes to the number 386 00:22:06,358 --> 00:22:08,127 of active volcanos. 387 00:22:08,127 --> 00:22:12,164 And this is one out of the top four or five of Indonesia. 388 00:22:12,164 --> 00:22:17,670 And on a global scale it's one out of the top 20, I'd say. 389 00:22:17,670 --> 00:22:19,672 NARRATOR: There are many factors that determine 390 00:22:19,672 --> 00:22:21,440 how a volcano erupts. 391 00:22:21,440 --> 00:22:23,676 Three of those are: 392 00:22:23,676 --> 00:22:27,846 the amount of magma in its reserves below the volcano, 393 00:22:27,846 --> 00:22:31,483 the amount of volatile gases contained in the magma, 394 00:22:31,483 --> 00:22:34,620 and the type of magma. 395 00:22:36,722 --> 00:22:40,159 NARRATOR: Some types of magma flow out in gently glowing rivers 396 00:22:40,159 --> 00:22:42,561 that cover the land... 397 00:22:42,561 --> 00:22:45,397 while others explode suddenly with force, 398 00:22:45,397 --> 00:22:50,436 throwing ash and lava blocks into the air. 399 00:22:50,436 --> 00:22:53,539 For the past 80 or more years, Dukono has produced 400 00:22:53,539 --> 00:22:55,774 mostly consistent ash eruptions 401 00:22:55,774 --> 00:22:59,278 mixed with the occasional lava flow. 402 00:22:59,278 --> 00:23:02,248 So, while it is one of the most active volcanoes 403 00:23:02,248 --> 00:23:04,483 on the planet, its activity has had little impact 404 00:23:04,483 --> 00:23:07,253 on the people living around it, 405 00:23:07,253 --> 00:23:11,390 and for the time being is not threatening. 406 00:23:11,390 --> 00:23:13,592 Dukono's neighbor Mount Ibu, 407 00:23:13,592 --> 00:23:17,663 an hour's drive to the west, is a different story. 408 00:23:17,663 --> 00:23:20,466 It is a small volcano with an explosive personality. 409 00:23:23,702 --> 00:23:27,473 NARRATOR: It erupts magma known as andisite, 410 00:23:27,473 --> 00:23:30,109 which is very sticky and collects at the summit 411 00:23:30,109 --> 00:23:32,411 in what's called a lava dome. 412 00:23:32,411 --> 00:23:35,748 Lava domes can build up to the point where they collapse, 413 00:23:35,748 --> 00:23:38,517 causing a burning hot avalanche called a pyroclastic flow. 414 00:23:40,619 --> 00:23:46,191 NARRATOR: Here, the volcano sits above the small town of Talen. 415 00:23:46,191 --> 00:23:48,427 TOM: The first thing we'll do now 416 00:23:48,427 --> 00:23:50,529 is to visit the local observatory 417 00:23:50,529 --> 00:23:52,831 to get informed about the activity. 418 00:23:52,831 --> 00:23:57,303 Also to tell them that we have an intention to climb. 419 00:23:57,303 --> 00:23:59,638 They expect everybody to register so they know 420 00:23:59,638 --> 00:24:04,376 and hopefully give us sort of a permit. 421 00:24:04,376 --> 00:24:06,545 [Speaking Indonesian] 422 00:24:08,814 --> 00:24:12,351 TOM: The observatories are usually at the same time 423 00:24:12,351 --> 00:24:14,753 equipped with a kitchen, bedrooms, 424 00:24:14,753 --> 00:24:17,623 because they are manned 24 hours. 425 00:24:19,358 --> 00:24:22,628 TOM: Up there at the crater you have inside the lava dome, 426 00:24:22,628 --> 00:24:24,797 which has been growing over the past years. 427 00:24:24,797 --> 00:24:27,399 It could easily generate pyroclastic flows 428 00:24:27,399 --> 00:24:31,603 that come down here and threaten this village. 429 00:24:31,603 --> 00:24:34,306 NARRATOR: Tom and Andi want to look at the seismic charts 430 00:24:34,306 --> 00:24:38,477 to see Ibu's most recent eruptive behavior. 431 00:24:38,477 --> 00:24:43,282 ANDI: So he said that since 2012 that actually Ibu volcano 432 00:24:43,282 --> 00:24:46,819 has been erupting, being active. 433 00:24:46,819 --> 00:24:50,155 And also the status now is level 2. 434 00:24:50,155 --> 00:24:52,391 NARRATOR: Level 2 means activity is present 435 00:24:52,391 --> 00:24:56,328 but continuing at a constant level. 436 00:24:56,328 --> 00:24:59,264 If a volcano shows signs of increased activity 437 00:24:59,264 --> 00:25:01,500 that may lead to a larger eruption, 438 00:25:01,500 --> 00:25:03,802 it will be categorized as level 3 439 00:25:03,802 --> 00:25:07,039 and evacuations will begin. 440 00:25:07,039 --> 00:25:11,710 Each mark on the seismograph represents an eruption. 441 00:25:11,710 --> 00:25:14,213 What they can tell from these charts 442 00:25:14,213 --> 00:25:17,516 is this is a very active volcano. 443 00:25:17,516 --> 00:25:21,553 Today alone there have have been more then 50 eruptions. 444 00:25:21,553 --> 00:25:25,357 ANDI: There are explosions and sometimes the pumice 445 00:25:25,357 --> 00:25:28,293 is ejected until 900 meters. 446 00:25:28,293 --> 00:25:30,662 NARRATOR: Where they plan to go will put them right inside 447 00:25:30,662 --> 00:25:33,265 the active crater. 448 00:25:33,265 --> 00:25:37,336 ANDI: Yeah, we'll still climb 449 00:25:37,336 --> 00:25:39,805 but let's see if that is too dangerous. 450 00:25:39,805 --> 00:25:43,108 Yeah, we will see that, so... 451 00:25:43,108 --> 00:25:44,443 NARRATOR: As they're standing, 452 00:25:44,443 --> 00:25:47,846 the seismograph registers an eruption. 453 00:25:47,846 --> 00:25:49,548 TOM: You can see an explosion that occurred right now. 454 00:25:49,548 --> 00:25:51,650 See the ash plume? 455 00:25:51,650 --> 00:25:56,855 Yeah, that's quite an explosion. 456 00:25:56,855 --> 00:26:01,593 If you're close this would be quite something. 457 00:26:03,228 --> 00:26:05,664 That's why the guys are here to observe it 458 00:26:05,664 --> 00:26:08,300 and if the situation changes at some point, 459 00:26:08,300 --> 00:26:11,637 maybe in the future the government 460 00:26:11,637 --> 00:26:14,239 will have to take measures, I guess. 461 00:26:14,239 --> 00:26:18,043 But it could be in 100 years, 462 00:26:18,043 --> 00:26:22,047 it could be next year, it could be in 1,000 years. 463 00:26:22,047 --> 00:26:25,818 But as it is now, life goes on. 464 00:26:25,818 --> 00:26:28,187 NARRATOR: Duono village is a 30-minute drive 465 00:26:28,187 --> 00:26:29,822 from the observatory. 466 00:26:29,822 --> 00:26:32,124 It is the gateway to Ibu. 467 00:26:32,124 --> 00:26:34,326 It is also the place most in danger 468 00:26:34,326 --> 00:26:37,296 if there is a major eruption. 469 00:26:37,296 --> 00:26:39,731 The town sits at the opening of a giant breach 470 00:26:39,731 --> 00:26:42,267 in Ibu's cone. 471 00:26:42,267 --> 00:26:44,336 Any eruptive flow from the volcano 472 00:26:44,336 --> 00:26:47,806 would come straight down to the village. 473 00:26:47,806 --> 00:26:50,342 About two years ago when Ibu woke up 474 00:26:50,342 --> 00:26:54,379 after a short slumber, the village was evacuated. 475 00:26:54,379 --> 00:26:56,782 But as the volcano's activity stabilized, 476 00:26:56,782 --> 00:26:59,852 people have moved back. 477 00:26:59,852 --> 00:27:03,188 But still, outsiders rarely come here. 478 00:27:03,188 --> 00:27:07,092 Duono doesn't even have a hotel. 479 00:27:07,092 --> 00:27:09,294 TOM: I think they haven't seen many visitors here. 480 00:27:09,294 --> 00:27:11,330 It's so remote hardly anybody comes in, 481 00:27:11,330 --> 00:27:15,200 maybe a few Westerners per year, 482 00:27:15,200 --> 00:27:18,537 and that would be a lot, I guess. 483 00:27:18,537 --> 00:27:20,672 NARRATOR: Without any tourism in the area, 484 00:27:20,672 --> 00:27:24,042 Andi is forced to improvise for accommodations. 485 00:27:24,042 --> 00:27:25,644 ANDI: This is actually the house of the Kardesh. 486 00:27:25,644 --> 00:27:27,746 "Kardesh" means the chief of the village. 487 00:27:27,746 --> 00:27:29,448 So that's very important to us. 488 00:27:29,448 --> 00:27:32,818 We're going to stay here for camp tonight. 489 00:27:32,818 --> 00:27:35,254 So we just sleep in the floor. 490 00:27:35,254 --> 00:27:37,489 And then we're going to start climbing Ibu 491 00:27:37,489 --> 00:27:40,826 tomorrow morning then from here. 492 00:27:40,826 --> 00:27:43,262 NARRATOR: With rain continuing into the night, 493 00:27:43,262 --> 00:27:46,465 the group won't be able to see any eruptions. 494 00:27:46,465 --> 00:27:48,534 Tom had hoped to see if the eruptions 495 00:27:48,534 --> 00:27:51,103 were ejecting lava rocks called bombs 496 00:27:51,103 --> 00:27:54,339 as far as the crater rim. 497 00:27:54,339 --> 00:27:58,777 At night these bombs are visible. 498 00:28:02,414 --> 00:28:05,684 NARRATOR: The following morning it's still raining, 499 00:28:05,684 --> 00:28:09,354 and the forecast says rain will continue most of the day. 500 00:28:12,491 --> 00:28:16,395 TOM: We are actually not 100% sure if we can go 501 00:28:16,395 --> 00:28:18,030 all the way to the rim. 502 00:28:18,030 --> 00:28:22,501 It will depend on the activity. 503 00:28:22,501 --> 00:28:27,439 The lava dome has been producing frequent explosions. 504 00:28:27,439 --> 00:28:31,376 We'll have to see if... 505 00:28:31,376 --> 00:28:35,247 and how fresh any impacts are in the upper areas. 506 00:28:35,247 --> 00:28:37,749 If we find too many fresh bombs impacts 507 00:28:37,749 --> 00:28:41,687 obviously it wouldn't be a good idea to go. 508 00:28:41,687 --> 00:28:45,324 NARRATOR: Tom's also worried about the cloud cover. 509 00:28:45,324 --> 00:28:47,593 TOM: If there is no visibility there is no real point 510 00:28:47,593 --> 00:28:50,228 in staying at the crater rim. 511 00:28:50,228 --> 00:28:52,197 It also increases the hazard, 512 00:28:52,197 --> 00:28:54,633 the risk of being caught in an explosion 513 00:28:54,633 --> 00:28:57,636 because you can't see anything. 514 00:28:57,636 --> 00:29:00,272 There is no value of being there. 515 00:29:00,272 --> 00:29:03,175 So we should only go to the rim 516 00:29:03,175 --> 00:29:05,143 if there is also good visibility. 517 00:29:05,143 --> 00:29:06,745 NARRATOR: In spite of the weather, 518 00:29:06,745 --> 00:29:09,748 Tom and Andi decide to go ahead with the climb 519 00:29:09,748 --> 00:29:11,717 in the hope that weather breaks 520 00:29:11,717 --> 00:29:15,754 by the time they reach the crater rim. 521 00:29:15,754 --> 00:29:19,024 NARRATOR: Although the group managed to get the necessary permission, 522 00:29:19,024 --> 00:29:22,127 officials were hesitant to let Andi's group climb 523 00:29:22,127 --> 00:29:25,530 because of Ibu's increase in eruptive activity. 524 00:29:25,530 --> 00:29:29,568 They agreed because of Tom's status and experience. 525 00:29:29,568 --> 00:29:32,137 But the officials require that the group be accompanied 526 00:29:32,137 --> 00:29:36,308 by Arnold who is the spiritual guardian of the volcano. 527 00:29:36,308 --> 00:29:39,511 This is considered a high honor. 528 00:29:39,511 --> 00:29:42,114 One thing Tom's experience has taught him 529 00:29:42,114 --> 00:29:44,650 on volcanoes all over the world 530 00:29:44,650 --> 00:29:47,719 is the importance of having a local guide. 531 00:29:47,719 --> 00:29:49,554 TOM: He's the chief of the volcano. 532 00:29:49,554 --> 00:29:56,561 The most experienced man around who knows Mount Ibu volcano. 533 00:29:56,561 --> 00:30:00,198 I just got the idea a stick would be handy, 534 00:30:00,198 --> 00:30:01,400 and I ask him... 535 00:30:01,400 --> 00:30:05,003 I think this makes it cool. Everybody now will want one. 536 00:30:13,078 --> 00:30:16,415 TOM: It seems this trail hasn't been walked recently, 537 00:30:16,415 --> 00:30:21,753 so Arnold, our head guide, has to use his machete a lot 538 00:30:21,753 --> 00:30:24,122 to clear the path. 539 00:30:30,696 --> 00:30:34,332 NARRATOR: It's likely Andi was the last person to climb the volcano, 540 00:30:34,332 --> 00:30:37,335 six months ago. 541 00:30:37,335 --> 00:30:41,673 He came to check out its potential for guiding. 542 00:30:41,673 --> 00:30:44,476 Tom will rely heavily on his experience, 543 00:30:44,476 --> 00:30:47,679 and Arnold's too. 544 00:30:47,679 --> 00:30:51,116 ANDI: Phew! Challenging! 545 00:30:53,285 --> 00:30:56,188 TOM: Okay, yeah, that's volcanic ash. 546 00:30:56,188 --> 00:30:59,357 Occasionally when the wind is going this way 547 00:30:59,357 --> 00:31:02,594 and there is an explosion 548 00:31:02,594 --> 00:31:04,763 you will have ash fall on this part. 549 00:31:04,763 --> 00:31:07,299 In the dry season the ash will cover the leaves. 550 00:31:07,299 --> 00:31:10,836 With the first rain the forest washes itself. 551 00:31:10,836 --> 00:31:14,139 That happened tonight, but you see remnants. 552 00:31:14,139 --> 00:31:19,077 So I suppose the closer we get to the rim, 553 00:31:19,077 --> 00:31:20,679 the more of this we will see. 554 00:31:20,679 --> 00:31:23,548 NARRATOR: They also have come upon the seismograph station 555 00:31:23,548 --> 00:31:25,484 that relays earthquake info 556 00:31:25,484 --> 00:31:28,153 back to the volcanic observatory. 557 00:31:28,153 --> 00:31:30,188 TOM: So probably right now they'll have some noise 558 00:31:30,188 --> 00:31:31,556 as we're walking by. 559 00:31:31,556 --> 00:31:35,761 Our steps will be recorded by the instrument. 560 00:31:35,761 --> 00:31:39,331 NARRATOR: Now they're entering the high danger zone. 561 00:31:39,331 --> 00:31:41,566 Fragments of rocks thrown from the crater 562 00:31:41,566 --> 00:31:47,606 during large explosions are visible. 563 00:31:47,606 --> 00:31:49,775 TOM: This is actually a bit worrying. 564 00:31:49,775 --> 00:31:53,745 This is an impact from an explosion at the summit. 565 00:31:53,745 --> 00:31:55,547 This is one of the larger fragments. 566 00:31:55,547 --> 00:31:57,816 But they're all around, I guess. 567 00:31:57,816 --> 00:32:00,719 You know, they fall at great speed, 568 00:32:00,719 --> 00:32:04,489 a hundred meters a second. 569 00:32:04,489 --> 00:32:05,657 There's so much energy. 570 00:32:05,657 --> 00:32:08,226 When they fall and the soil is soft 571 00:32:08,226 --> 00:32:10,529 it makes these sort of craters. 572 00:32:10,529 --> 00:32:12,564 GIAN: This one could slice you, man. 573 00:32:12,564 --> 00:32:14,800 TOM: We are one kilometer horizontal distance 574 00:32:14,800 --> 00:32:17,135 from the crater, 575 00:32:17,135 --> 00:32:21,106 so this is entirely within the range 576 00:32:21,106 --> 00:32:24,342 of moderately sized explosions. 577 00:32:24,342 --> 00:32:26,845 Nothing unusual. 578 00:32:26,845 --> 00:32:30,448 So one shouldn't be deceived by the lush vegetation. 579 00:32:30,448 --> 00:32:35,487 We are in a high-risk zone 580 00:32:35,487 --> 00:32:36,855 of an active volcano. 581 00:32:36,855 --> 00:32:39,724 NARRATOR: Arnold their guide tells Tom that impact 582 00:32:39,724 --> 00:32:42,093 was from two years ago. 583 00:32:42,093 --> 00:32:44,629 If it were more recent fresh fragments would be found 584 00:32:44,629 --> 00:32:49,301 on top of the vegetation. 585 00:32:49,301 --> 00:32:51,670 They're thirty minutes from the crater rim, 586 00:32:51,670 --> 00:32:55,473 and should begin to see a lot more of this. 587 00:33:00,645 --> 00:33:03,448 TOM: Here's another bomb, right on the trail. 588 00:33:07,118 --> 00:33:11,189 TOM: Obviously the higher we come, 589 00:33:11,189 --> 00:33:13,491 the closer we get to the dome, 590 00:33:13,491 --> 00:33:18,730 the more of these guys we can expect. 591 00:33:18,730 --> 00:33:22,267 Just hope they're not very recent. 592 00:33:22,267 --> 00:33:27,272 ♪♪♪ 593 00:33:27,272 --> 00:33:29,074 ♪♪♪ 594 00:33:29,074 --> 00:33:31,443 TOM: It didn't impact right here. 595 00:33:31,443 --> 00:33:34,045 It may be somewhere, but it's difficult to see. 596 00:33:36,615 --> 00:33:39,651 TOM: This could be the same one or another one. 597 00:33:39,651 --> 00:33:42,320 It could be-- likely it's the same. 598 00:33:42,320 --> 00:33:44,623 Maybe it impacted here. 599 00:33:44,623 --> 00:33:51,129 This one sits in the soil. 600 00:33:51,129 --> 00:33:55,333 We're definitely getting close to the crater. 601 00:33:55,333 --> 00:33:57,869 ANDI: According to my experience, my opinion, 602 00:33:57,869 --> 00:34:00,171 even now we are, if we continue to the rim 603 00:34:00,171 --> 00:34:03,608 it's still safe. 604 00:34:03,608 --> 00:34:08,146 From what I saw from the seismograph. 605 00:34:10,215 --> 00:34:12,384 TOM: I've never been on this volcano, 606 00:34:12,384 --> 00:34:16,588 but as a general rule, 607 00:34:16,588 --> 00:34:19,291 you should approach it slowly. 608 00:34:19,291 --> 00:34:22,327 We've been climbing fast, 609 00:34:22,327 --> 00:34:26,231 and to me it looks the rim is in mist at the moment 610 00:34:26,231 --> 00:34:28,700 so we have no added value to be at the rim 611 00:34:28,700 --> 00:34:31,369 but increase our risk. 612 00:34:31,369 --> 00:34:34,139 I'm sorry to talk about risk and these things, 613 00:34:34,139 --> 00:34:38,343 but from here we have much more safety margin. 614 00:34:38,343 --> 00:34:43,348 If we stay here half an hour, relax and maybe listen. 615 00:34:43,348 --> 00:34:46,551 Down there I could hear the weak sound of an explosion. 616 00:34:46,551 --> 00:34:49,721 If we stay here for half an hour, 617 00:34:49,721 --> 00:34:52,157 maybe hear another explosion 618 00:34:52,157 --> 00:34:54,659 and get a better feeling for the mountain, 619 00:34:54,659 --> 00:35:00,765 that it's maybe not too active. 620 00:35:00,765 --> 00:35:03,401 One thing I would hate is we arrive at the rim 621 00:35:03,401 --> 00:35:05,337 and we just hear a very loud explosion 622 00:35:05,337 --> 00:35:07,672 and we don't know what's happening. 623 00:35:07,672 --> 00:35:11,042 NARRATOR: Both the volcano chief and Andi disagree with Tom, 624 00:35:11,042 --> 00:35:12,811 but he overrules them. 625 00:35:12,811 --> 00:35:16,147 The crater rim sits just over a football field away 626 00:35:16,147 --> 00:35:18,249 from the active crater. 627 00:35:18,249 --> 00:35:21,353 There's no room for error on this volcano. 628 00:35:23,521 --> 00:35:26,358 NARRATOR: After 30 minutes and no eruption, 629 00:35:26,358 --> 00:35:28,693 they decide to continue on. 630 00:35:28,693 --> 00:35:30,595 [Explosion] 631 00:35:31,396 --> 00:35:34,366 TOM: There was an explosion, the sound of... 632 00:35:41,139 --> 00:35:46,211 TOM: Uh, no bombs. That's a good sign. 633 00:35:46,211 --> 00:35:47,746 But we are getting close. 634 00:35:47,746 --> 00:35:50,215 I think we are 100, maybe 150 meters 635 00:35:50,215 --> 00:35:51,649 below the crater rim. 636 00:35:51,649 --> 00:35:58,323 So... yeah. 637 00:35:58,323 --> 00:36:00,325 This will be interesting. 638 00:36:03,361 --> 00:36:05,730 NARRATOR: Tom makes it to the volcano rim. 639 00:36:05,730 --> 00:36:08,600 The cloud cover is so thick that they can't see how far 640 00:36:08,600 --> 00:36:11,403 they are from the active vents. 641 00:36:11,403 --> 00:36:14,072 They'll wait for the next eruption and listen 642 00:36:14,072 --> 00:36:18,576 to hear where the bombs are falling. 643 00:36:18,576 --> 00:36:23,148 TOM: This must be the active flow that goes down this way. 644 00:36:23,148 --> 00:36:25,683 I try to go a little bit further there 645 00:36:25,683 --> 00:36:28,520 to see how far it goes. 646 00:36:29,454 --> 00:36:31,756 NARRATOR: The porters begin to set up camp 647 00:36:31,756 --> 00:36:35,427 as the rest of Tom's group makes it onto the rim. 648 00:36:35,427 --> 00:36:37,829 In the mist they hear the sounds of the volcano 649 00:36:37,829 --> 00:36:39,831 violently degassing... 650 00:36:39,831 --> 00:36:44,102 [Hissing] 651 00:36:44,102 --> 00:36:46,704 NARRATOR: ...followed by an eruption. 652 00:36:46,704 --> 00:36:50,275 [Explosion] 653 00:36:59,150 --> 00:37:01,286 NARRATOR: From the sounds they can tell that the bombs 654 00:37:01,286 --> 00:37:04,155 are not flying towards their camp. 655 00:37:04,155 --> 00:37:07,092 That means they're in a good location. 656 00:37:07,092 --> 00:37:09,160 The porters get back to building a shelter 657 00:37:09,160 --> 00:37:11,763 in case the rain starts again. 658 00:37:11,763 --> 00:37:14,699 Tom retrieves a couple of dead trees to use as poles 659 00:37:14,699 --> 00:37:17,602 for a makeshift shelter. 660 00:37:26,678 --> 00:37:30,615 NARRATOR: After a while the clouds begin to break. 661 00:37:30,615 --> 00:37:32,817 They get their first look at the active vents 662 00:37:32,817 --> 00:37:34,686 within the crater. 663 00:37:34,686 --> 00:37:37,355 It's unnervingly close. 664 00:37:37,355 --> 00:37:42,460 This volcano is not for the faint of heart. 665 00:37:46,464 --> 00:37:53,138 TOM: This is Ibu volcano's crater, and the recent lava dome, 666 00:37:53,138 --> 00:37:57,208 this black-greyish mass of lava that occupies 667 00:37:57,208 --> 00:37:58,476 most of the crater. 668 00:37:58,476 --> 00:38:01,146 At its centre, a small cindercone, 669 00:38:01,146 --> 00:38:03,615 which is currently active. 670 00:38:09,354 --> 00:38:14,526 [Explosion] 671 00:38:17,061 --> 00:38:22,233 NARRATOR: It's a small eruption from the furthest crater. 672 00:38:22,233 --> 00:38:27,238 This eruption only produces ash mixed with steam. 673 00:38:27,238 --> 00:38:32,477 It's not from the vent that ejected bombs. 674 00:38:32,477 --> 00:38:34,512 Each vent will erupt differently, 675 00:38:34,512 --> 00:38:36,114 so they will have to see an eruption 676 00:38:36,114 --> 00:38:39,217 from the other two to know if it's safe. 677 00:38:40,485 --> 00:38:42,787 TOM: Right now it seems it is, however, 678 00:38:42,787 --> 00:38:48,560 in a phase of more frequent but smaller eruptions. 679 00:38:48,560 --> 00:38:55,066 That's why I think we're reasonably safe here... 680 00:38:55,066 --> 00:38:58,269 for a limited time, of course. 681 00:38:58,269 --> 00:39:00,305 But you can see all the trees have been stripped 682 00:39:00,305 --> 00:39:02,307 of their smaller branches. 683 00:39:02,307 --> 00:39:06,644 Trees all died as a result of frequent impacts, 684 00:39:06,644 --> 00:39:10,381 leaving just the trunks and the major branches intact. 685 00:39:12,250 --> 00:39:14,352 TOM: These volcanoes in subduction zones 686 00:39:14,352 --> 00:39:16,221 typically produce a kind of lava 687 00:39:16,221 --> 00:39:19,257 that is relatively rich in silica, 688 00:39:19,257 --> 00:39:21,459 so it is rather viscous. 689 00:39:21,459 --> 00:39:24,662 It doesn't flow; it doesn't behave like a lava 690 00:39:24,662 --> 00:39:26,431 on volcanoes like Hawaii, which is fluid 691 00:39:26,431 --> 00:39:28,466 and can form channels and can actually 692 00:39:28,466 --> 00:39:31,469 behave visually like a liquid. 693 00:39:31,469 --> 00:39:35,106 No, the lava that the volcano has been erupting 694 00:39:35,106 --> 00:39:39,043 over the past years accumulates above the vent 695 00:39:39,043 --> 00:39:44,449 to form a broad, cake-like structure called a lava dome. 696 00:39:44,449 --> 00:39:47,418 It's too stiff to actually flow, 697 00:39:47,418 --> 00:39:52,590 so it'd rather accumulates as a huge pile of blocking mass. 698 00:39:52,590 --> 00:39:58,463 These type of eruptions are potentially very dangerous 699 00:39:58,463 --> 00:40:02,400 because the high viscosity of the lava 700 00:40:02,400 --> 00:40:06,371 also traps gases inside, 701 00:40:06,371 --> 00:40:11,442 which can lead to sometimes big explosions. 702 00:40:12,810 --> 00:40:16,114 NARRATOR: This is footage Andi shot on Semeru Volcano 703 00:40:16,114 --> 00:40:18,216 on the Island of Java. 704 00:40:18,216 --> 00:40:21,352 It shows an active lava dome in action. 705 00:40:21,352 --> 00:40:23,621 As the pressure builds up inside 706 00:40:23,621 --> 00:40:27,558 the entire structure lifts and the dome inflates. 707 00:40:27,558 --> 00:40:29,427 If too much pressure builds up, 708 00:40:29,427 --> 00:40:35,199 the dome can suddenly explode. 709 00:40:35,199 --> 00:40:37,669 NARRATOR: Back on Ibu, suddenly the left vent 710 00:40:37,669 --> 00:40:40,204 begins to vigorously de-gas. 711 00:40:40,204 --> 00:40:45,209 [Hissing] 712 00:40:45,209 --> 00:40:49,614 [Hissing] 713 00:40:49,614 --> 00:40:51,716 NARRATOR: The sound is similar to the group heard 714 00:40:51,716 --> 00:40:54,452 when they first arrived on the crater rim, 715 00:40:54,452 --> 00:40:59,123 just before the first explosion. 716 00:40:59,123 --> 00:41:03,561 The gas indicates that this is a small lava dome. 717 00:41:03,561 --> 00:41:06,364 As on Semeru, the gas is trapped under 718 00:41:06,364 --> 00:41:09,334 the crusted-over magma. 719 00:41:09,334 --> 00:41:12,370 When the pressure builds up and the vent explodes 720 00:41:12,370 --> 00:41:17,241 it will likely throw bombs into the air. 721 00:41:27,585 --> 00:41:32,423 [Explosion] 722 00:41:32,423 --> 00:41:36,294 [Rumbling] 723 00:41:36,294 --> 00:41:39,764 NARRATOR: This shoots jets of ash. 724 00:41:44,836 --> 00:41:49,841 [Rumbling] 725 00:41:49,841 --> 00:41:54,779 [Rumbling] 726 00:41:59,650 --> 00:42:02,453 TOM: So I think the vent on our right side is having 727 00:42:02,453 --> 00:42:04,789 so-called phreatomagmatic eruptions, 728 00:42:04,789 --> 00:42:08,326 where ground water interacts with magma 729 00:42:08,326 --> 00:42:11,229 and produces an explosion. 730 00:42:11,229 --> 00:42:14,532 NARRATOR: As it flashes to steam, the instantaneous expansion 731 00:42:14,532 --> 00:42:18,503 of the gas is enough to blast through the rock, 732 00:42:18,503 --> 00:42:21,539 fragmenting it into small pieces. 733 00:42:21,539 --> 00:42:23,608 The pieces fall around the crater, 734 00:42:23,608 --> 00:42:26,277 building up its small cone. 735 00:42:53,571 --> 00:43:01,512 NARRATOR: Now they wait for the third crater to erupt. 736 00:43:01,512 --> 00:43:08,219 [Explosion] 737 00:43:08,219 --> 00:43:12,256 [Explosion] 738 00:43:26,471 --> 00:43:30,641 NARRATOR: We get to see the eruption in detail. 739 00:43:30,641 --> 00:43:32,710 The explosion shatters the dome, 740 00:43:32,710 --> 00:43:36,380 sending chunks of lava away at supersonic speeds. 741 00:43:36,380 --> 00:43:39,817 Thankfully, in a direction away from the group. 742 00:43:39,817 --> 00:43:44,388 The inner crater is bombarded with rock fragments. 743 00:43:44,388 --> 00:43:47,124 It was these types of explosions, 744 00:43:47,124 --> 00:43:48,826 yet on a much larger scale, 745 00:43:48,826 --> 00:43:50,828 that produced the impact site that Tom found 746 00:43:50,828 --> 00:43:53,231 on the way up. 747 00:43:55,466 --> 00:43:59,470 TOM: Volcanoes are always good for surprises. 748 00:43:59,470 --> 00:44:03,274 I didn't expect at all this type of strombolian activity 749 00:44:03,274 --> 00:44:05,409 and the classical, beautiful explosions 750 00:44:05,409 --> 00:44:08,579 where lots of incandescent bombs are thrown up to 751 00:44:08,579 --> 00:44:10,481 maybe 100, 200, meters. 752 00:44:10,481 --> 00:44:15,219 Accompanied by loud bangs that resound 753 00:44:15,219 --> 00:44:17,388 at the crater walls; you have wonderful echoes. 754 00:44:17,388 --> 00:44:22,059 It's an absolutely eerie atmosphere. 755 00:44:27,665 --> 00:44:29,734 TOM: So you see the blueish gas is an indication 756 00:44:29,734 --> 00:44:33,538 of fresh magma underneath. 757 00:44:33,538 --> 00:44:37,375 The same vent is probably feeding a bit the lava flow, 758 00:44:37,375 --> 00:44:39,577 which has a slightly brown color. 759 00:44:39,577 --> 00:44:42,747 [Rumbling] 760 00:44:42,747 --> 00:44:45,550 NARRATOR: As the sun dips behind the horizon, 761 00:44:45,550 --> 00:44:51,088 the faint glow of lava can start to be seen. 762 00:44:51,088 --> 00:44:56,093 ♪♪♪ 763 00:44:56,093 --> 00:44:57,395 ♪♪♪ 764 00:44:57,395 --> 00:45:01,465 NARRATOR: At night, the eruptions look completely different. 765 00:45:01,465 --> 00:45:03,501 Glowing, incandescent lava blocks 766 00:45:03,501 --> 00:45:05,469 are thrown from the craters. 767 00:45:07,572 --> 00:45:12,577 [Explosion] 768 00:45:12,577 --> 00:45:18,583 ♪♪♪ 769 00:45:18,583 --> 00:45:25,656 ♪♪♪ 770 00:45:25,656 --> 00:45:29,627 [Explosion] 771 00:45:29,627 --> 00:45:34,632 ♪♪♪ 772 00:45:34,632 --> 00:45:39,637 ♪♪♪ 773 00:45:39,637 --> 00:45:44,108 ♪♪♪ 774 00:45:44,108 --> 00:45:47,545 [Explosion] 775 00:45:47,545 --> 00:45:52,550 ♪♪♪ 776 00:45:52,550 --> 00:45:53,584 ♪♪♪ 777 00:45:53,584 --> 00:45:56,420 TOM: So I think we've had a great experience 778 00:45:56,420 --> 00:45:58,689 and we saw another one of the top five 779 00:45:58,689 --> 00:46:02,226 most active volcanoes in all of Indonesia. 780 00:46:02,226 --> 00:46:04,161 Each volcano has its own personality. 781 00:46:04,161 --> 00:46:06,397 It's completely different from what we saw at Dukono, 782 00:46:06,397 --> 00:46:09,600 but it's great as well. 783 00:46:09,600 --> 00:46:14,038 For me this ranks so far number one 784 00:46:14,038 --> 00:46:18,376 in terms of scenery, experience. 785 00:46:18,376 --> 00:46:21,646 Also, the climb here is a relatively long 786 00:46:21,646 --> 00:46:23,414 strenuous climb, 787 00:46:23,414 --> 00:46:27,418 but you are rewarded with a magnificent view. 788 00:46:27,418 --> 00:46:30,621 NARRATOR: It's been another great adventure for Tom, 789 00:46:30,621 --> 00:46:33,157 but getting this close to Ibu's crater 790 00:46:33,157 --> 00:46:38,129 is something very few people will experience. 791 00:46:38,129 --> 00:46:40,831 Its remote location makes it tough to get to, 792 00:46:40,831 --> 00:46:43,501 and the chance that the volcano could suddenly generate 793 00:46:43,501 --> 00:46:47,304 a large eruption keeps people away. 794 00:46:47,304 --> 00:46:48,773 But for Tom, 795 00:46:48,773 --> 00:46:51,842 getting to experience both Ibu and Dukono 796 00:46:51,842 --> 00:46:54,845 and read the geological records they've left 797 00:46:54,845 --> 00:46:59,817 is an important part of his work as a volcanologist. 798 00:46:59,817 --> 00:47:03,120 Both Ibu and Dukono are in the elite, 799 00:47:03,120 --> 00:47:07,491 the top twenty of the most active volcanoes on earth. 800 00:47:07,491 --> 00:47:10,494 They are the surface layer of the elemental forces 801 00:47:10,494 --> 00:47:13,330 that continue to shape and reshape 802 00:47:13,330 --> 00:47:15,566 Indonesia's volcanic islands. 803 00:47:15,566 --> 00:47:21,172 ♪♪♪ 804 00:47:22,239 --> 00:47:27,244 ♪♪♪ 805 00:47:27,244 --> 00:47:32,249 ♪♪♪ 806 00:47:32,249 --> 00:47:37,254 ♪♪♪ 807 00:47:37,254 --> 00:47:42,259 ♪♪♪ 808 00:47:42,259 --> 00:47:47,264 ♪♪♪ 809 00:47:47,264 --> 00:47:51,736 ♪♪♪