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Report on Tungurahua (Ecuador) — 18 June-24 June 2003


Tungurahua

Smithsonian / US Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report,
18 June-24 June 2003
Managing Editor: Gari Mayberry

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2003. Report on Tungurahua (Ecuador). In: Mayberry, G (ed.), Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 18 June-24 June 2003. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (18 June-24 June 2003)

Tungurahua

Ecuador

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

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


Explosions continued to occur at Tungurahua during 17-24 June. During the evening of 17 June, Strombolian activity was visible at the volcano's summit. An explosion on 18 June at 0222 deposited ash in the sectors of Cusúa, Juive, and Pillate. On 19 June IG observed ash to a height of ~3 km above the volcano. During much of the week gas emissions with small amounts of ash occurred.

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)