The Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that eruptive activity at Nevado del Ruiz continued during 4-11 March. Seismic data indicated that events associated with fluid movement increased in both number and intensity compared to the previous week. Some of the seismic events were associated with pulsating ash emissions; webcam images confirmed these ash emissions, including some with higher-temperature ejecta. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 1.1 km above the summit; at 0850 on 5 March a plume rose as high as 2.2 km above the summit as it drifted downwind. Notably, at 0100 on 11 March, a gas-and-ash emission was associated with a more intense thermal anomaly. Seismicity associated with rock fracturing increased in number but lower in magnitude compared to the previous week. The earthquakes were mainly located below Arenas Crater and the NE flank within 5 km, with depths of 2-6 km, and a fewer number occurred below the E, SE, and SW flanks. Low-energy thermal anomalies on the crater floor were identified in satellite data, though on 11 March the anomaly was characterized as moderate. Sulfur dioxide emissions detected in satellite data continued to be significant. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (the second level on a four-level scale), and the public was warned to stay out of the restricted areas around Arenas Crater, not to spend long periods of time on the Murillo-Cerro Gualí Road, and to avoid drainages in the high-threat zones.

Geological Summary. Nevado del Ruiz is a broad, glacier-covered volcano in central Colombia that covers more than 200 km2. Three major edifices, composed of andesitic and dacitic lavas and andesitic pyroclastics, have been constructed since the beginning of the Pleistocene. The modern cone consists of a broad cluster of lava domes built within the caldera of an older edifice. The 1-km-wide, 240-m-deep Arenas crater occupies the summit. The prominent La Olleta pyroclastic cone located on the SW flank may also have been active in historical time. Steep headwalls of massive landslides cut the flanks. Melting of its summit icecap during historical eruptions, which date back to the 16th century, has resulted in devastating lahars, including one in 1985 that was South America's deadliest eruption.

Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)