Bromo and Semeru with Inversion Layer
October 19, 2015
Photographer: Alex Tudorica
Summary Author: Alex Tudorica
The photo above shows the volcanoes of Bromo (mid-ground at 7,641 ft or 2,329 m) and Semeru (background at 12,060 ft or 3,676 m), both found on the island of Java, Indonesia. These two volcanoes are very active. Continuous small eruptions occur about every 20 minutes on Semeru while fumarole activity is ongoing in the crater of Bromo. Every few years large eruptions happen as well.
The distinctive line in the midground (center of photo) results from an atmospheric inversion layer. On this day, we could see it descend with time. One hour before sunset, we were in the clouds surrounded by mist. Near sunset, however, the inversion layer dropped below us, creating this interesting line effect. It might not look like it, but the cone of Bromo was only about 2.5 mi (4 km) away; Semuru was approximately 14 mi (22 km) away. This is due to the fact that above the inversion layer the atmosphere is usually exceptionally clear. Photo taken on July 23, 2015.