The initial explosions of the 1968 Arenal eruption took place at three craters located from the summit down the west flank. Crater A is visible in the sunlight at the center of the photo; this was the source of the devastating explosions on 29 July. A gas plume rises from Crater B, obscuring Crater C behind it. Lava effusion from Crater C began in September and continued for many years.

Photo by William Melson, 1968 (Smithsonian Institution).

This image is made available under the Public Domain Dedication CC0 license, but proper attribution is appreciated.

Keywords: eruption | gas | gas plume | plume | stratovolcano

Arenal