Increased seismic activity at Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador

Seismicity has increased dramatically at Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador. Given the open-vent state of the volcano, eruption is hours to days away according to EarthquakeReport.

Tungurahua volcano showed a decrease in explosive activity, seismic activity and rate of SO2 emissions since September. However, in recent months there was an increase in internal pressure manifested by a gradual inflation of its upper flanks.

According to IGEPN report, on December 8, 2012 deflation was observed by deformation sensors (inclinometers) located at the top of the volcano.

From December 12, 2012  a progressive increase of seismicity was recorded, mainly in the number of earthquakes associated with fluid motion and some fracture earthquakes. Slight increase in gas emissions was recorded.

 

Volcanic tremor and earthquake drums (Credit: IGEPN)

 

On December 14, 2012 strong explosion produced a highly charged ash column which reached height of 6-7 km, accompanied by pyroclastic flows on southwest flank and the middle of the cone. The explosion produced strong ground shaking, after which there have been vapor emissions, seismic fracture (VT) and fluid motion.

Recent earthquakes and volcano situation maps (Source: IGEPN)

 

 Special Report No 8-14diciembre_aa_mr.pdf

WEBCAMS:

• Volcán Tungurahua – OVT (Guadalupe)
• Volcán Tungurahua – Bayushig
• Volcán Tungurahua – Pillate
• Volcán Tungurahua – Juive
• Volcán Tungurahua – Achupashal
• Volcán Tungurahua – Runtún
• Volcán Tungurahua – Animación de Cámaras

Featured image: Tungurahua volcano explosion of December 14, 2012, at 14h35 (local time) (Credit: IGEPN)