Kupang (ANTARA) - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) stated that volcanic activity influenced the change in color of Mount Kelimutu's crater lake in Ende District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
"The color change is clearly the main factor due to volcanic activity," Head of the Kelimutu Volcano Observation post Irwan Ka Uman stated when contacted from Kupang, Monday.
Mount Kelimutu is a strato-type volcano that has three crater lakes, namely Crater I, Crater II, and Crater III.
He pointed out that the Crater II Lake's water had changed color from light blue to turquoise green.
From the visual monitoring data, the appearance and distribution of sulfur on the water surface of Crater II Lake is mainly concentrated at the center of the crater.
Moreover, Uman drew attention to the indications of magmatic fluid rising to the surface as shown by the distribution of sulfur on the surface of the crater lake.
"The distribution of sulfur deposits on the water surface of Crater II Lake also shows the activity of the magmatic-hydrothermal system beneath it," he remarked.
Ka Uman stated that the volcano's status is still maintained at Level II or Alert activity level due to the continued flow of magma to the surface.
Furthermore, the current potential threat is phreatic and magmatic eruptions that produce ejections of material within a radius of 250 meters.
"Hence, we recommend that the public or visitors not venture into the crater area within a radius of 250 meters from the edge of the crater," he stated.
In connection with the volcano's activity, the Kelimutu National Park Office continues to apply a restriction policy as one of the safety aspects while visiting the three-colored lake.
The Kelimutu National Park Office has urged visitors to wear masks, carry drinking water, and limit visiting hours to only between 6 a.m. and noon local time.
Head of the Kelimutu National Park Office, Budi Mulyanto, stated that the Lake Kelimutu tourism management prioritizes visitor safety, so visiting activities must be adjusted to the mountain's current activities.
"The most important factor is that managing natural tourism cannot be separated from the safety and comfort of visitors," Mulyanto remarked.
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