The Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that the eruption at Sabancaya continued during 2-9 December with a daily average of seven explosions. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 1.6 km above the summit and drifted less than 10 km NW and W. Thermal anomalies over the lava dome in the summit crater were identified in satellite data. Sulfur dioxide emissions were at low levels, averaging 379 tons per day. No significant deformation was detected. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the third level on a four-color scale) and the public was warned to stay outside of a 12 km radius from the summit.

Geological Summary. Sabancaya, located in the saddle NE of Ampato and SE of Hualca Hualca volcanoes, is the youngest of these volcanic centers and the only one to have erupted in historical time. The oldest of the three, Nevado Hualca Hualca, is of probable late-Pliocene to early Pleistocene age. The name Sabancaya (meaning "tongue of fire" in the Quechua language) first appeared in records in 1595 CE, suggesting activity prior to that date. Holocene activity has consisted of Plinian eruptions followed by emission of voluminous andesitic and dacitic lava flows, which form an extensive apron around the volcano on all sides but the south. Records of observed eruptions date back to 1750 CE.

Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)