Mahawu

Mahawu, officially Gunung Mahawu, is a stratovolcano on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It lies on the Minahasa Peninsula in North Sulawesi province, near the town of Tomohon. The summit reaches about 1,300 meters above sea level, giving Mahawu a prominent profile in the northern Sulawesi highlands.

Geology: Mahawu is part of the Minahasa volcanic complex, a chain of volcanoes associated with the subduction of the Sunda Plate beneath the Indonesian archipelago. It consists of a symmetrical cone with a summit crater and is built from alternating layers of lava flows and tephra, typical of stratovolcanoes.

Eruptive history: There are few detailed records of significant eruptions in the modern era. The volcano is generally considered dormant or of low activity, but as with other volcanoes in the Minahasa range, it is subject to periodic unrest and fumarolic activity.

Current status and tourism: Mahawu is a popular destination for hikers and visitors staying in Tomohon or Manado. A relatively easy trail leads to the crater area, offering views over Tomohon, surrounding farmland, and, on clear days, other peaks in the region. The cool climate at higher elevations supports a zone of montane vegetation.

Hazards and monitoring: Although not highly active, ash plumes or minor explosions could occur if the magmatic system becomes unsettled. The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation maintains monitoring of Mahawu along with nearby volcanoes in the Minahasa complex.

See also: Minahasa, Lokon, Tomohon, Sulawesi.