The Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER) reported that multiple gas-and-steam emissions were observed rising from Telica during 11-13 January and some of those emissions contained ash. Distinct plumes reported to contain ash rose 150 m above the crater rim on 13 January that blew to the NW at 1115, then to the N and SW at 1640. From 2000 on 13 January to 0800 on 14 January there were 25 gas-and-ash explosions; four of the explosions that occurred during 2214-2355 on 13 January ejected ballistics about 50 m above the crater rim and onto the flanks. Through 1000 on 14 January there were 91 explosions recorded, producing gas, steam, and ash plumes that rose no higher than 200 m above the crater.

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.

Source: Instituto Nicaragüense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER)