On 21 November INSIVUMEH reported that a recent Strombolian phase at Fuego decreased in intensity. Explosions generated ash plumes that rose 450 m and drifted W and SW. Ashfall was reported in Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW). During 21-22 November explosions produced ash plumes that rose 450 m and drifted 7 km WNW, as well as loud rumbling sounds heard within 15 km. Lava flows were 300 m long in the Ceniza drainage (SSW). During 25-26 November ash plume from explosions rose 550 m and drifted 10 km W and SW.

Geological Summary. Volcán Fuego, one of Central America's most active volcanoes, is also one of three large stratovolcanoes overlooking Guatemala's former capital, Antigua. The scarp of an older edifice, Meseta, lies between Fuego and Acatenango to the north. Construction of Meseta dates back to about 230,000 years and continued until the late Pleistocene or early Holocene. Collapse of Meseta may have produced the massive Escuintla debris-avalanche deposit, which extends about 50 km onto the Pacific coastal plain. Growth of the modern Fuego volcano followed, continuing the southward migration of volcanism that began at the mostly andesitic Acatenango. Eruptions at Fuego have become more mafic with time, and most historical activity has produced basaltic rocks. Frequent vigorous historical eruptions have been recorded since the onset of the Spanish era in 1524, and have produced major ashfalls, along with occasional pyroclastic flows and lava flows.

Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH)