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Report on Tungurahua (Ecuador) — 2 May-8 May 2012


Tungurahua

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 2 May-8 May 2012
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2012. Report on Tungurahua (Ecuador) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 2 May-8 May 2012. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (2 May-8 May 2012)

Tungurahua

Ecuador

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

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


IG reported that during 2-8 May visual observations of Tungurahua were often limited due to cloud cover. Explosions were heard in Baños on 2 May and ashfall was reported in Pillate (7 km W) the next day. On 4 May steam emissions rose from the crater and an ash plume drifted W. Ashfall was reported in Pillate and Choglontus (SW). On 6 May explosions were detected and roaring was heard. An ash plume rose 1.5 km above the crater and drifted WSW. Ashfall covered houses and pastures in Bilbao (8 km W) and Pillate. Ash also fell in Chacauco. An ash plume drifted W on 7 May; ashfall was reported in Bilbao, Pillate, Mapayacu (SW), Cevallos (23 km NW), Pillate (7 km W), and Chacauco.

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.

Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)