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Report on Sabancaya (Peru) — 2 August-8 August 2017


Sabancaya

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 2 August-8 August 2017
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2017. Report on Sabancaya (Peru) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 2 August-8 August 2017. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (2 August-8 August 2017)

Sabancaya

Peru

15.787°S, 71.857°W; summit elev. 5960 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


Observatorio Vulcanológico del Sur del IGP (OVS-IGP) and Observatorio Vulcanológico del INGEMMET (OVI) reported that explosive activity at Sabancaya increased compared to the previous week; there was an average of 65 small explosions recorded per day during 31 July-6 August. The earthquakes were dominated by long-period signals; the number of hybrid and tremor events had decreased. Gas-and-ash plumes rose 4 km above the crater rim and drifted no more than 30 km N and SE. Sulfur dioxide flux was as high as 2,254 tons per day, recorded on 2 August. The MIROVA system detected nine thermal anomalies. The report reminded the public not to approach the crater within a 12-km radius.

Geological Summary. Sabancaya, located in the saddle NE of Ampato and SE of Hualca Hualca volcanoes, is the youngest of these volcanic centers and the only one to have erupted in historical time. The oldest of the three, Nevado Hualca Hualca, is of probable late-Pliocene to early Pleistocene age. The name Sabancaya (meaning "tongue of fire" in the Quechua language) first appeared in records in 1595 CE, suggesting activity prior to that date. Holocene activity has consisted of Plinian eruptions followed by emission of voluminous andesitic and dacitic lava flows, which form an extensive apron around the volcano on all sides but the south. Records of observed eruptions date back to 1750 CE.

Sources: Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico (INGEMMET), Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)