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Report on Tungurahua (Ecuador) — 27 May-2 June 2009


Tungurahua

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 27 May-2 June 2009
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2009. Report on Tungurahua (Ecuador) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 27 May-2 June 2009. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (27 May-2 June 2009)

Tungurahua

Ecuador

1.467°S, 78.442°W; summit elev. 5023 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


The IG reported that Strombolian activity was seen at night from Tungurahua during 26-28 May, followed by nighttime incandescence at the crater through 1 June. The Washington VAAC reported that during 27-29 and 31 May thermal anomalies were seen on satellite imagery. IG also stated that explosions, "cannon shots," and roaring noises were occasionally reported. On 28 May, steam-and-ash plumes rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W and SW. Blocks rolled 1 km down the flanks. Ashfall was reported downwind during 28-30 May.

Geological Summary. Tungurahua, a steep-sided andesitic-dacitic stratovolcano that towers more than 3 km above its northern base, is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. Three major edifices have been sequentially constructed since the mid-Pleistocene over a basement of metamorphic rocks. Tungurahua II was built within the past 14,000 years following the collapse of the initial edifice. Tungurahua II collapsed about 3,000 years ago and produced a large debris-avalanche deposit to the west. The modern glacier-capped stratovolcano (Tungurahua III) was constructed within the landslide scarp. Historical eruptions have all originated from the summit crater, accompanied by strong explosions and sometimes by pyroclastic flows and lava flows that reached populated areas at the volcano's base. Prior to a long-term eruption beginning in 1999 that caused the temporary evacuation of the city of Baños at the foot of the volcano, the last major eruption had occurred from 1916 to 1918, although minor activity continued until 1925.

Sources: Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)