Non-eruptive during 2005-2012; hazard assessment and glacial retreat
During 2005-2012, Nevado del Tolima was non-eruptive and the Alert Level remained at IV (Green; "volcanically active with stable behavior") due to minimal seismicity and deformation. The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) monitored Tolima with a seismic network, tilt measurements, and regular field observations. The greatest changes at Tolima during this time period were related to the summit glacier that generated significant seismicity and surface activity. Volcano-tectonic (VT) and long-period (LP) earthquakes were also detected with the monitoring network, although these events were frequently too small to locate.
In this report, we also highlight geological hazards investigations by Thouret and others (1995); among the hazards, runout distances for lahars were determined as well as potential ash distribution areas. Further, we include the results of long-term studies focused on the summit glacier (figure 2); investigators noted significant retreat based on aerial photos and later, with Landsat image analysis.
Seismicity during March 2006 - December 2012. Based on volcano-tectonic (VT) and long-period (LP) earthquake counts, the SGC reported that low-level seismicity persisted during this reporting period (table 1). The occurrence of earthquakes was highest during 2006 when 22-90 VT and 5-20 LP events per month were recorded. From 2007 through 2012, VT and LP events occurred at a lower rate (0-73 VT per month and 0-17 LP per month).
Month | VT | LP | Glacier & Rockfall | Unclassified | Largest EQ |
Mar 2006 | 48 | 17 | 1717 | 3295 | 1.58 |
Apr 2006 | 22 | 20 | 1150 | 2572 | 0.64 |
May 2006 | 35 | 17 | 1460 | 2331 | 0.95 |
Jun 2006 | 43 | 8 | 675 | 1551 | 1.08 |
Jul 2006 | 39 | 8 | 340 | 729 | 1.14 |
Aug 2006 | 26 | 9 | 352 | 927 | 0.81 |
Sep 2006 | 31 | 5 | 565 | 1254 | 1.01 |
Oct 2006 | 81 | 7 | 904 | 1639 | 1.35 |
Nov 2006 | 77 | 8 | 644 | 1735 | 1.53 |
Dec 2006 | 90 | 9 | 632 | 2221 | 1.45 |
Jan 2007 | 0 | 12 | 1218 | 2615 | 1.72 |
Feb 2007 | 4 | 0 | 979 | 3825 | 1.65 |
Mar 2007 | 7 | 1 | 1345 | 6513 | 0.64 |
Apr 2007 | 1 | 1 | 1171 | 5939 | 1.01 |
May 2007 | 21 | 0 | 1544 | 4129 | 1.02 |
Jun 2007 | 5 | 0 | 615 | 2107 | 0.64 |
Jul 2007 | 2 | 2 | 746 | 2165 | 1.14 |
Aug 2007 | 6 | 0 | 524 | 1692 | 2.27 |
Sep 2007 | 5 | 1 | 522 | 1472 | 0.7 |
Oct 2007 | 4 | 1 | 472 | 1115 | 1.96 |
Nov 2007 | 3 | 2 | 270 | 966 | 0.86 |
Dec 2007 | 7 | 0 | 434 | 1080 | 1.73 |
Jan 2008 | 3 | 0 | 318 | 968 | 0.55 |
Feb 2008 | 2 | 0 | 210 | 805 | 0.73 |
Mar 2008 | 1 | 0 | 275 | 1083 | -0.4 |
Apr 2008 | 7 | 0 | 256 | 1453 | 1.62 |
May 2008 | 5 | 0 | 265 | 1931 | 2.63 |
Jun 2008 | 2 | 0 | 109 | 1207 | 0.88 |
Jul 2008 | 6 | 0 | 125 | 1148 | 1.4 |
Aug 2008 | 73 | 0 | 158 | 974 | 1.14 |
Sep 2008 | 12 | 0 | 118 | 864 | 1.02 |
Oct 2008 | 12 | 2 | 204 | 1157 | 0.81 |
Nov 2008 | 2 | 0 | 263 | 1515 | 0.35 |
Dec 2008 | 7 | 0 | 197 | 1242 | 0.45 |
Jan 2009 | 7 | 0 | 185 | 1490 | 0.64 |
Feb 2009 | 1 | 0 | 117 | 1017 | 0.45 |
Mar 2009 | 3 | 0 | 257 | 2272 | 0.88 |
Apr 2009 | 6 | 0 | 279 | 2245 | 1.3 |
May 2009 | 8 | 0 | 275 | 2360 | 0.73 |
Jun 2009 | 1 | 0 | 212 | 1846 | 0.88 |
Jul 2009 | 10 | 0 | 100 | 1127 | 0.95 |
Aug 2009 | 3 | 0 | 146 | 1881 | 2.2 |
Sep 2009 | 8 | 0 | 127 | 1867 | 0.64 |
Oct 2009 | 1 | 0 | 176 | 2757 | 0.23 |
Nov 2009 | 0 | 0 | 329 | 1994 | 0 |
Dec 2009 | 1 | 0 | 414 | 2055 | -0.21 |
Jan 2010 | 4 | 0 | 678 | 1703 | 0.35 |
Feb 2010 | 0 | 1 | 637 | 1551 | 0.75 |
Mar 2010 | 6 | 1 | 698 | 1638 | 1.08 |
Apr 2010 | 0 | 1 | 878 | 1344 | 0.43 |
May 2010 | 1 | 2 | 742 | 1746 | 1.4 |
Jun 2010 | 0 | 1 | 491 | 1307 | 0.91 |
Jul 2010 | 0 | 1 | 505 | 1173 | 1.46 |
Aug 2010 | 0 | 0 | 329 | 1337 | 0 |
Sep 2010 | 0 | 1 | 425 | 860 | 0.7 |
Oct 2010 | 0 | 1 | 204 | 434 | 0.1 |
Nov 2010 | 5 | 2 | 314 | 1286 | 0.73 |
Dec 2010 | 2 | 2 | 256 | 1075 | 1.3 |
Jan 2011 | 0 | 0 | 197 | 1002 | 0 |
Feb 2011 | 3 | 2 | 393 | 1805 | 0.81 |
Mar 2011 | 1 | 3 | 978 | 443 | 1.45 |
Apr 2011 | 0 | 1 | 1370 | 1043 | 0.91 |
May 2011 | 1 | 4 | 1114 | 659 | 0.96 |
Jun 2011 | 2 | 1 | 692 | 252 | 1.02 |
Jul 2011 | 7 | 0 | 709 | 246 | 1.58 |
Aug 2011 | 0 | 1 | 897 | 216 | 0.81 |
Sep 2011 | 0 | 5 | 1404 | 388 | 1.22 |
Oct 2011 | 1 | 0 | 1665 | 427 | 0.88 |
Nov 2011 | 2 | 2 | 1890 | 601 | 0.73 |
Dec 2011 | 3 | 2 | 1923 | 927 | 0.96 |
Jan 2012 | 2 | 0 | 2033 | 740 | 0.55 |
Feb 2012 | 2 | 0 | 1471 | 159 | 0.81 |
Mar 2012 | 4 | 15 | 1348 | 95 | 0.75 |
Apr 2012 | 9 | 17 | 1379 | 310 | 1.65 |
May 2012 | 30 | 6 | 1740 | 417 | 1.58 |
Jun 2012 | 2 | 0 | 1290 | 372 | 1.02 |
Jul 2012 | 3 | 2 | 888 | 519 | 0.88 |
Aug 2012 | 0 | 0 | 792 | 988 | 0 |
Sep 2012 | 27 | 0 | 1077 | 847 | 1.45 |
Oct 2012 | 3 | 4 | 1920 | 1359 | 0.64 |
Nov 2012 | 2 | 4 | 1332 | 1289 | 1.08 |
Dec 2012 | 12 | 1 | 1873 | na | 1.2 |
Seismic signals attributed to glacial changes ("icequakes") and rockfalls dominated the records during 2006-2012. Frequently, more than 1,000 events were recorded per month. During 2008-2010, such events were slightly less frequent; an average of 313 earthquakes occurred per month. Coincidentally, LP events were significantly less frequent during that time period as well (less than one event per month). From March 2006 to July 2007, rockfall signals were attributed to surface activity mainly occurring on the N flank and related to small avalanches of ice and rock. The SGC noted that the general summit area was the source of shallow seismicity from mid 2010 through 2012.
Because of sparse activity and low-magnitude events, hypocentral depths of VT earthquakes were rarely calculated during 2006-2012 (table 2). Five earthquakes were located in September 2012, the most to be located in a single month. Three of these earthquakes were located > 5 km of the summit (NW and SE), while 2 were within 1 km (figure 3). That month, seismicity was relatively high compared with previous months; the SGC reported 27 VT earthquakes and 1,077 "Glacier & Rockfall" signals.
Date | Earthquakes | Depths (km) | Location from Summit |
Mar 2011 | 1 | 2 | ~1 km, N |
Jul 2012 | 1 | 4 | ~6 km, NW |
Sep 2012 | 5 | 3 & 4 | -- |
Oct 2012 | 2 | ~3.5 | -- |
Surface deformation monitoring. An electronic tilt station was installed in 2011 and, by May 2011, data from the Esmeralda station (~2 km W) was being relayed to the SGC Manizales observatory (figure 4). Through the rest of 2011 and 2012, tilt data suggested the effects of local temperatures and fluctuations were within the expected range of the instrument. Changes of 70-95 and 75-100 μrad from the N and E components, respectively, were recorded on a monthly basis. During August-December 2012, fluctuations in tilt were associated with changes in the summit glacier's mass as well as variability due to local temperature changes.
Hazard assessment. Geologic mapping and a hazards analysis were conducted by Thouret and others (1995) (figure 5). They emphasized that they relied on the same appraisal methods as applied by Parra and others (1986) for Nevado del Ruiz. Three scenarios were developed based on three known events of different magnitudes (VEI 3, VEI 3-4, and VEI 4-5); the two plots within the lower left-hand inset map of figure 6 show the major characteristics of those scenarios.
Parameters for possible pyroclastic surges and ash-cloud surges were assessed for major valleys in the region, particularly Río Combeima, Río Totare and Río San Romualdo valleys, and the headwaters of Río Toche valleys (figure 6).
Rock or debris avalanches and lahars were also considered in the study; the authors stated that such events could be triggered by an earthquake or intrusion, and mobilized material had the likelihood of channelization within the deep Río Combeima gorge, a dangerous scenario due to the connectivity of the drainages that influence areas as distant as Ibague and Río Coello. Recent debris-flow deposits from volcanic and glacial sources dominated the aerial extent of the mapped region, particularly along the N slopes and within channels.
Thouret and others (1995) determined that lava flows would be the least hazardous phenomenon likely to occur; "extrusive activity [at Tolima] has been short-lived and is likely to produce block-lava flows such as those of young-Tolima age. Highly viscous and slow-moving block-lava flows could reach only 5-6 km when channeled, and likely move to the southeast or south. However, the very steep south flank would enable lava flows to travel more than 6 km if the chemical composition, physical properties, and hence viscosity of erupted magma changed."
Tolima glacial retreat. While hazards due to glacial ice interactions and volcanism were noted by some investigators (Thouret and others, 1995), other investigations of glaciers were conducted in this region due to interests in global climate change. An assessment conducted in 1976 concluded that five snowcapped volcanoes were present within the Parque Nacional de los Nevados: Tolima, Nevado del Ruiz (~25 km N of Tolima), Santa Isabel (~18 km NNW of Tolima), El Cisne (~20 km N of Tolima), and El Quindío (~10 km W of Tolima) (Hoyos-Patiño, 1998). According to Hoyos-Patiño (1998), El Cisne and El Quindío had almost lost their ice caps by 1976, maintaining less than 1 km2 of ephemeral snow- and ice-covered areas.
Glaciers and snowfields mapped by Landsat images of Tolima's summit in 1976 calculated a total area of 3.8 km2; aerial photo analysis from 1978 determined that 11 glaciers were present with a total area of 2.22 km2. Based on 2001 Landsat 7 image analysis by Morris and others (2006), the area of glacial extent was 1.26 km2; they calculated a loss of 43% from 1959 to 2001 (figure 7). For comparison, the largest ice loss from this region of Colombia occurred at Nevado del Ruiz, where ice coverage decreased from 21.4 km2 to 10.92 km2 during 1959-2001.
References. Hoyos-Patiño, F., 1998: Glaciers of Colombia, p. I:11-30, in R. S. Williams and J. G. Ferrigno, eds: Satellite Image Atlas of Glaciers of the World: South America, U.S. Geological Survey Prof. Paper 1386-1, 1206 pp.
Morris, J.N., Poole, A.J., and Klein, A.G., 2006, Retreat of Tropical Glaciers in Colombia and Venezuela from 1984 to 2004 as Measured from ASTER and Landsat Images, 63rd Eastern Snow Conference, Newark, Delaware.
Thouret, J.C., Cantagrel, J-M., Robin, C., Murcia, A., Salinas, R., and Cepeda, H., 1995, Quaternary eruptive history and hazard-zone model at Nevado del Tolima and Cerro Machín volcanoes, Colombia. Journal of Volcanology Geothermal Research, 66 (1-4):397-426.
Information Contacts: María Luisa Monsalve, Gloria Patricia Cortés, and Lina Constanza García, Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC), Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, Avenida 12 Octubre 15-47, Manizales, Colombia (URL: https://www2.sgc.gov.co/volcanes/index.html).
The Global Volcanism Program has no Weekly Reports available for Nevado del Tolima.
Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.
Occasional seismicity; minor fumarolic activity
Seismicity at Tolima was recorded in December 1987 and September-October 1988 by a telemetric station 2 km SE of the summit (figure 1). During October, as many as seven high-frequency events/day were recorded and minor fumarolic activity was observed. A 50-m-thick ice cap with an area of ~2 km2 covers the summit.
Figure 1. Number of earthquakes/day recorded by a seismic station 2 km SE of the summit, December 1987-October 1988. Courtesy of the Observatorio Vulcanológico de Colombia. |
Information Contacts: C. Carvajal and F. Muñoz, INGEOMINAS, Manizales.
Non-eruptive during 2005-2012; hazard assessment and glacial retreat
During 2005-2012, Nevado del Tolima was non-eruptive and the Alert Level remained at IV (Green; "volcanically active with stable behavior") due to minimal seismicity and deformation. The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) monitored Tolima with a seismic network, tilt measurements, and regular field observations. The greatest changes at Tolima during this time period were related to the summit glacier that generated significant seismicity and surface activity. Volcano-tectonic (VT) and long-period (LP) earthquakes were also detected with the monitoring network, although these events were frequently too small to locate.
In this report, we also highlight geological hazards investigations by Thouret and others (1995); among the hazards, runout distances for lahars were determined as well as potential ash distribution areas. Further, we include the results of long-term studies focused on the summit glacier (figure 2); investigators noted significant retreat based on aerial photos and later, with Landsat image analysis.
Seismicity during March 2006 - December 2012. Based on volcano-tectonic (VT) and long-period (LP) earthquake counts, the SGC reported that low-level seismicity persisted during this reporting period (table 1). The occurrence of earthquakes was highest during 2006 when 22-90 VT and 5-20 LP events per month were recorded. From 2007 through 2012, VT and LP events occurred at a lower rate (0-73 VT per month and 0-17 LP per month).
Month | VT | LP | Glacier & Rockfall | Unclassified | Largest EQ |
Mar 2006 | 48 | 17 | 1717 | 3295 | 1.58 |
Apr 2006 | 22 | 20 | 1150 | 2572 | 0.64 |
May 2006 | 35 | 17 | 1460 | 2331 | 0.95 |
Jun 2006 | 43 | 8 | 675 | 1551 | 1.08 |
Jul 2006 | 39 | 8 | 340 | 729 | 1.14 |
Aug 2006 | 26 | 9 | 352 | 927 | 0.81 |
Sep 2006 | 31 | 5 | 565 | 1254 | 1.01 |
Oct 2006 | 81 | 7 | 904 | 1639 | 1.35 |
Nov 2006 | 77 | 8 | 644 | 1735 | 1.53 |
Dec 2006 | 90 | 9 | 632 | 2221 | 1.45 |
Jan 2007 | 0 | 12 | 1218 | 2615 | 1.72 |
Feb 2007 | 4 | 0 | 979 | 3825 | 1.65 |
Mar 2007 | 7 | 1 | 1345 | 6513 | 0.64 |
Apr 2007 | 1 | 1 | 1171 | 5939 | 1.01 |
May 2007 | 21 | 0 | 1544 | 4129 | 1.02 |
Jun 2007 | 5 | 0 | 615 | 2107 | 0.64 |
Jul 2007 | 2 | 2 | 746 | 2165 | 1.14 |
Aug 2007 | 6 | 0 | 524 | 1692 | 2.27 |
Sep 2007 | 5 | 1 | 522 | 1472 | 0.7 |
Oct 2007 | 4 | 1 | 472 | 1115 | 1.96 |
Nov 2007 | 3 | 2 | 270 | 966 | 0.86 |
Dec 2007 | 7 | 0 | 434 | 1080 | 1.73 |
Jan 2008 | 3 | 0 | 318 | 968 | 0.55 |
Feb 2008 | 2 | 0 | 210 | 805 | 0.73 |
Mar 2008 | 1 | 0 | 275 | 1083 | -0.4 |
Apr 2008 | 7 | 0 | 256 | 1453 | 1.62 |
May 2008 | 5 | 0 | 265 | 1931 | 2.63 |
Jun 2008 | 2 | 0 | 109 | 1207 | 0.88 |
Jul 2008 | 6 | 0 | 125 | 1148 | 1.4 |
Aug 2008 | 73 | 0 | 158 | 974 | 1.14 |
Sep 2008 | 12 | 0 | 118 | 864 | 1.02 |
Oct 2008 | 12 | 2 | 204 | 1157 | 0.81 |
Nov 2008 | 2 | 0 | 263 | 1515 | 0.35 |
Dec 2008 | 7 | 0 | 197 | 1242 | 0.45 |
Jan 2009 | 7 | 0 | 185 | 1490 | 0.64 |
Feb 2009 | 1 | 0 | 117 | 1017 | 0.45 |
Mar 2009 | 3 | 0 | 257 | 2272 | 0.88 |
Apr 2009 | 6 | 0 | 279 | 2245 | 1.3 |
May 2009 | 8 | 0 | 275 | 2360 | 0.73 |
Jun 2009 | 1 | 0 | 212 | 1846 | 0.88 |
Jul 2009 | 10 | 0 | 100 | 1127 | 0.95 |
Aug 2009 | 3 | 0 | 146 | 1881 | 2.2 |
Sep 2009 | 8 | 0 | 127 | 1867 | 0.64 |
Oct 2009 | 1 | 0 | 176 | 2757 | 0.23 |
Nov 2009 | 0 | 0 | 329 | 1994 | 0 |
Dec 2009 | 1 | 0 | 414 | 2055 | -0.21 |
Jan 2010 | 4 | 0 | 678 | 1703 | 0.35 |
Feb 2010 | 0 | 1 | 637 | 1551 | 0.75 |
Mar 2010 | 6 | 1 | 698 | 1638 | 1.08 |
Apr 2010 | 0 | 1 | 878 | 1344 | 0.43 |
May 2010 | 1 | 2 | 742 | 1746 | 1.4 |
Jun 2010 | 0 | 1 | 491 | 1307 | 0.91 |
Jul 2010 | 0 | 1 | 505 | 1173 | 1.46 |
Aug 2010 | 0 | 0 | 329 | 1337 | 0 |
Sep 2010 | 0 | 1 | 425 | 860 | 0.7 |
Oct 2010 | 0 | 1 | 204 | 434 | 0.1 |
Nov 2010 | 5 | 2 | 314 | 1286 | 0.73 |
Dec 2010 | 2 | 2 | 256 | 1075 | 1.3 |
Jan 2011 | 0 | 0 | 197 | 1002 | 0 |
Feb 2011 | 3 | 2 | 393 | 1805 | 0.81 |
Mar 2011 | 1 | 3 | 978 | 443 | 1.45 |
Apr 2011 | 0 | 1 | 1370 | 1043 | 0.91 |
May 2011 | 1 | 4 | 1114 | 659 | 0.96 |
Jun 2011 | 2 | 1 | 692 | 252 | 1.02 |
Jul 2011 | 7 | 0 | 709 | 246 | 1.58 |
Aug 2011 | 0 | 1 | 897 | 216 | 0.81 |
Sep 2011 | 0 | 5 | 1404 | 388 | 1.22 |
Oct 2011 | 1 | 0 | 1665 | 427 | 0.88 |
Nov 2011 | 2 | 2 | 1890 | 601 | 0.73 |
Dec 2011 | 3 | 2 | 1923 | 927 | 0.96 |
Jan 2012 | 2 | 0 | 2033 | 740 | 0.55 |
Feb 2012 | 2 | 0 | 1471 | 159 | 0.81 |
Mar 2012 | 4 | 15 | 1348 | 95 | 0.75 |
Apr 2012 | 9 | 17 | 1379 | 310 | 1.65 |
May 2012 | 30 | 6 | 1740 | 417 | 1.58 |
Jun 2012 | 2 | 0 | 1290 | 372 | 1.02 |
Jul 2012 | 3 | 2 | 888 | 519 | 0.88 |
Aug 2012 | 0 | 0 | 792 | 988 | 0 |
Sep 2012 | 27 | 0 | 1077 | 847 | 1.45 |
Oct 2012 | 3 | 4 | 1920 | 1359 | 0.64 |
Nov 2012 | 2 | 4 | 1332 | 1289 | 1.08 |
Dec 2012 | 12 | 1 | 1873 | na | 1.2 |
Seismic signals attributed to glacial changes ("icequakes") and rockfalls dominated the records during 2006-2012. Frequently, more than 1,000 events were recorded per month. During 2008-2010, such events were slightly less frequent; an average of 313 earthquakes occurred per month. Coincidentally, LP events were significantly less frequent during that time period as well (less than one event per month). From March 2006 to July 2007, rockfall signals were attributed to surface activity mainly occurring on the N flank and related to small avalanches of ice and rock. The SGC noted that the general summit area was the source of shallow seismicity from mid 2010 through 2012.
Because of sparse activity and low-magnitude events, hypocentral depths of VT earthquakes were rarely calculated during 2006-2012 (table 2). Five earthquakes were located in September 2012, the most to be located in a single month. Three of these earthquakes were located > 5 km of the summit (NW and SE), while 2 were within 1 km (figure 3). That month, seismicity was relatively high compared with previous months; the SGC reported 27 VT earthquakes and 1,077 "Glacier & Rockfall" signals.
Date | Earthquakes | Depths (km) | Location from Summit |
Mar 2011 | 1 | 2 | ~1 km, N |
Jul 2012 | 1 | 4 | ~6 km, NW |
Sep 2012 | 5 | 3 & 4 | -- |
Oct 2012 | 2 | ~3.5 | -- |
Surface deformation monitoring. An electronic tilt station was installed in 2011 and, by May 2011, data from the Esmeralda station (~2 km W) was being relayed to the SGC Manizales observatory (figure 4). Through the rest of 2011 and 2012, tilt data suggested the effects of local temperatures and fluctuations were within the expected range of the instrument. Changes of 70-95 and 75-100 μrad from the N and E components, respectively, were recorded on a monthly basis. During August-December 2012, fluctuations in tilt were associated with changes in the summit glacier's mass as well as variability due to local temperature changes.
Hazard assessment. Geologic mapping and a hazards analysis were conducted by Thouret and others (1995) (figure 5). They emphasized that they relied on the same appraisal methods as applied by Parra and others (1986) for Nevado del Ruiz. Three scenarios were developed based on three known events of different magnitudes (VEI 3, VEI 3-4, and VEI 4-5); the two plots within the lower left-hand inset map of figure 6 show the major characteristics of those scenarios.
Parameters for possible pyroclastic surges and ash-cloud surges were assessed for major valleys in the region, particularly Río Combeima, Río Totare and Río San Romualdo valleys, and the headwaters of Río Toche valleys (figure 6).
Rock or debris avalanches and lahars were also considered in the study; the authors stated that such events could be triggered by an earthquake or intrusion, and mobilized material had the likelihood of channelization within the deep Río Combeima gorge, a dangerous scenario due to the connectivity of the drainages that influence areas as distant as Ibague and Río Coello. Recent debris-flow deposits from volcanic and glacial sources dominated the aerial extent of the mapped region, particularly along the N slopes and within channels.
Thouret and others (1995) determined that lava flows would be the least hazardous phenomenon likely to occur; "extrusive activity [at Tolima] has been short-lived and is likely to produce block-lava flows such as those of young-Tolima age. Highly viscous and slow-moving block-lava flows could reach only 5-6 km when channeled, and likely move to the southeast or south. However, the very steep south flank would enable lava flows to travel more than 6 km if the chemical composition, physical properties, and hence viscosity of erupted magma changed."
Tolima glacial retreat. While hazards due to glacial ice interactions and volcanism were noted by some investigators (Thouret and others, 1995), other investigations of glaciers were conducted in this region due to interests in global climate change. An assessment conducted in 1976 concluded that five snowcapped volcanoes were present within the Parque Nacional de los Nevados: Tolima, Nevado del Ruiz (~25 km N of Tolima), Santa Isabel (~18 km NNW of Tolima), El Cisne (~20 km N of Tolima), and El Quindío (~10 km W of Tolima) (Hoyos-Patiño, 1998). According to Hoyos-Patiño (1998), El Cisne and El Quindío had almost lost their ice caps by 1976, maintaining less than 1 km2 of ephemeral snow- and ice-covered areas.
Glaciers and snowfields mapped by Landsat images of Tolima's summit in 1976 calculated a total area of 3.8 km2; aerial photo analysis from 1978 determined that 11 glaciers were present with a total area of 2.22 km2. Based on 2001 Landsat 7 image analysis by Morris and others (2006), the area of glacial extent was 1.26 km2; they calculated a loss of 43% from 1959 to 2001 (figure 7). For comparison, the largest ice loss from this region of Colombia occurred at Nevado del Ruiz, where ice coverage decreased from 21.4 km2 to 10.92 km2 during 1959-2001.
References. Hoyos-Patiño, F., 1998: Glaciers of Colombia, p. I:11-30, in R. S. Williams and J. G. Ferrigno, eds: Satellite Image Atlas of Glaciers of the World: South America, U.S. Geological Survey Prof. Paper 1386-1, 1206 pp.
Morris, J.N., Poole, A.J., and Klein, A.G., 2006, Retreat of Tropical Glaciers in Colombia and Venezuela from 1984 to 2004 as Measured from ASTER and Landsat Images, 63rd Eastern Snow Conference, Newark, Delaware.
Thouret, J.C., Cantagrel, J-M., Robin, C., Murcia, A., Salinas, R., and Cepeda, H., 1995, Quaternary eruptive history and hazard-zone model at Nevado del Tolima and Cerro Machín volcanoes, Colombia. Journal of Volcanology Geothermal Research, 66 (1-4):397-426.
Information Contacts: María Luisa Monsalve, Gloria Patricia Cortés, and Lina Constanza García, Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC), Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, Avenida 12 Octubre 15-47, Manizales, Colombia (URL: https://www2.sgc.gov.co/volcanes/index.html).
This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.
Craters |
||||
Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
Hoyo, El | Crater | 4° 39' 0" N | 75° 23' 0" W |
|
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There is data available for 12 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.
1943 Mar Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1943 Mar - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
|
1826 May - 1826 Jun 17 (in or after) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1826 May - 1826 Jun 17 (in or after) | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
|
1825 Mar 2 (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1825 Mar 2 (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
|
1822 Nov (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1822 Nov (?) - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
|
0260 ± 150 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3 (?)
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0260 ± 150 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
|
0200 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3 (?)
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0200 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
|
0610 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3 (?)
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0610 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
|
1990 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 5 (?)
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1990 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 5 Events for Episode 1
|
3500 BCE ± 300 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3500 BCE ± 300 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
|
5160 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
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5160 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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5310 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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5310 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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7800 BCE ± 300 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4
Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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7800 BCE ± 300 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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There is no Deformation History data available for Nevado del Tolima.
There is no Emissions History data available for Nevado del Tolima.
Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.
The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included.
There are no samples for Nevado del Tolima in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.
Copernicus Browser | The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions. |
MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments. |
Volcanic Hazard Maps | The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter. |
IRIS seismic stations/networks | Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Nevado del Tolima. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice. |
UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations | Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Nevado del Tolima. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player. |
DECADE Data | The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere. |
Large Eruptions of Nevado del Tolima | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |