## Merapi Volcano: The Crater

In this image taken on 22 August 1996, steam is emerging from the crater. Dark brown patches on top of the volcano indicate deposition of fresh lava in contrast to the slopes which are well vegetated. River channels filled with pyroclastic material radiate down from the cone. Such channels are dangerous as these are the potential paths of lahars which from time to time destroy bridges, dams, settlements. and also cause loss of life.