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Report on Telica (Nicaragua) — October 1993


Telica

Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network, vol. 18, no. 10 (October 1993)
Managing Editor: Edward Venzke.

Telica (Nicaragua) Collapse crater expands; incandescence observed

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 1993. Report on Telica (Nicaragua) (Venzke, E., ed.). Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network, 18:10. Smithsonian Institution. https://doi.org/10.5479/si.GVP.BGVN199310-344040



Telica

Nicaragua

12.606°N, 86.84°W; summit elev. 1036 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


In late August a small collapse pit with an estimated diameter of 20 m was observed on the floor in the N zone of the 1982 central crater. An inspection of the vent on 23 October revealed a depth of 50 m and diameter of about 75-80 m. At night, the floor of the crater was partially incandescent. Maximum temperatures were estimated at 700-800°C based on the color of incandescence.

Geological Summary. Telica, one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes, has erupted frequently since the beginning of the Spanish era. This volcano group consists of several interlocking cones and vents with a general NW alignment. Sixteenth-century eruptions were reported at symmetrical Santa Clara volcano at the SW end of the group. However, its eroded and breached crater has been covered by forests throughout historical time, and these eruptions may have originated from Telica, whose upper slopes in contrast are unvegetated. The steep-sided cone of Telica is truncated by a 700-m-wide double crater; the southern crater, the source of recent eruptions, is 120 m deep. El Liston, immediately E, has several nested craters. The fumaroles and boiling mudpots of Hervideros de San Jacinto, SE of Telica, form a prominent geothermal area frequented by tourists, and geothermal exploration has occurred nearby.

Information Contacts: Alain Creusot, Instituto Nicaraguense de Energía.