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TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that explosions from Tungurahua were detected by the seismic network during 16-23 February. Although inclement weather often prevented observations of the volcano, ash plumes were seen rising to altitudes of 6-8 km (19,700-26,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifting S, SW, W, and ENE. Ashfall was noted almost daily, in areas to the SW and S. Blocks rolled down the flanks on 18 February. Lahars descended NW and W drainages on 20 February and a SW drainage on 22 February. On 21 February small block avalanches on the N flank generated pyroclastic flows."

-Posted March 1st, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "The MODIS satellite detected a thermal anomaly over Reventador on 14 February. Based on information from the Guayaquil MWO, the Washington VAAC reported an ash emission on 18 February. Ash was not identified in satellite imagery. IG reported that seismic signals indicated an emission that day, but weather conditions prevented visual observations."

-Posted March 1st, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

• For up-to-date reports on the state unrest at volcanoes in Ecuador: The Instituto Geofisico (site in Spanish)

• For daily news updates: El Comercio (site in Spanish)

This page was last updated: March 1, 2010. It does not include updates for volcanoes which will have no impact on your time in Ecuador (e.g., Sangay).

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HISTORICAL POSTS:

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that during 10-16 February explosions from Tungurahua were detected by the seismic network. The explosions often produced sounds resembling "cannon shots" and caused windows and structures to occasionally vibrate. Blocks ejected from the crater fell onto the flanks and rolled as far as 2 km from the crater. Ash plumes rose to altitudes of 5.5-9 km (18,000-29,500 ft) a.s.l. On 11 February, a small pyroclastic flow seen from Tungurahua Observatory (OVT) in Guadalupe, 11 km N, descended the N and NNW flanks. Ashfall was seen daily and impacted areas to the NW, W, SW, and S. Ashfall was 3 mm thick in Choglontus, Cahuají, and Pillate on 12 February, and 1 mm thick in Choglontus on 14 February."

-Posted February 17th, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that 14-51 explosions from Tungurahua were detected by the seismic network during 3-9 February. Inclement weather often prevented observations of the volcano; an ash plume was seen rising to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was noted almost daily in areas to the SW, W, and NW, and was particularly heavy towards the end of the reporting period. Roaring noises and sounds resembling "cannon shots" were heard. Explosions sometimes caused windows and structures to vibrate, including large windows at the Tungurahua Observatory (OVT) in Guadalupe, 11 km N. Occasionally at night incandescence emanated from the crater and incandescentblocks rolled down the flanks as far as 1 km. On 3 February lahars descended drainages to the W and SW, carrying tree trunks and blocks up to 1 m in diameter, and causing the road from Riobamba to Baños to close. Strombolian activity from the crater was seen during 6-8 February."

-Posted February 15th, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that during 26 January-2 February explosions from Tungurahua were detected by the seismic network. Inclement weather occasionally prevented observations of the volcano; ash plumes were seen rising to altitudes no higher than 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was noted almost daily in areas to the SW, W, and NW. Roaring noises and sounds resembling "cannon shots" were reported. During 26 and 28-30 January lava fountains were seen and sometimes ejected incandescent blocks that fell onto and rolled down the flanks. On 31 January, alahar descended the Chontapamba drainage to the W."

-Posted February 3rd, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that during 20-26 January explosions from Tungurahua were detected by the seismic network. Inclement weather often prevented observations of the volcano; occasionally ash plumes were seen rising to altitudes of 5.3-8 km (17,400-26,200 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was noted almost daily in areas to the SW and sometimes to the W and NW. Roaring noises, sounds resembling "cannon shots," and vibrating windows were reported. During 20-23 January lava fountains and explosions ejected incandescent blocks that fell onto and rolled down the flanks. Blocks were also seen rolling down the flanks on 24 and 25 January. On 26 January, an explosion generated an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 9 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. Ashfall was reported in areas to the NW, W, and WSW."

-Posted January 27th, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that during 13-14 January explosions from Tungurahua ejected incandescent material 1 km above and 1.5 km away from the crater, onto the flanks. Explosions produced noises resembling "cannon shots" and caused windows and structures to vibrate. Gas-and-ash plumes rose to altitudes of 7-8 km (23,000-26,000 ft) a.s.l.and drifted W and SW, causing ashfall. On 15 January, although meteorological clouds mostly prevented observations, an ash plume was seen rising to an altitude of 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. Cloud cover prevented observations during the next two days. On 17 January, ashfall was reported in areas W and SW. Lahars descended drainages to the W and NW, causing the road to Baños to close. On 18 January, Strombolian activity ejected incandescent blocks and an ash plume rose to an altitude of 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. Explosions caused windows and structures to vibrate. Ashfall was reported in areas W and SW on 18 and 19 January."

-Posted January 20th, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

-Posted January 14th, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: After months of quiescence, Tungurahua erupts again: "The IG reported steam emissions from Tungurahua during 30 December-3 January. On 1 January, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 5.9 km (19,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. Slight ashfall was reported the next day in Manzano, 8 km SW. Roaring noises and incandescence from the crater were also reported. On 3 and 4 January, incandescentblocks were ejected from the crater. Based on information from the Guayaquil MWO and SIGMET notices, the Washington VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to altitudes of 6.7-9.1 km (22,000-30,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. Thermal anomalies were detected in satellite imagery. On 4 January, ashfall was reported in areas to the W and SW."

-Posted January 12th, 2010. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "Based on a pilot observation, the Washington VAAC reported that on 20 November an ash plume from Reventador rose to an altitude of 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. A thermal anomaly was detected on satellite imagery."

-Posted November 27th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 14 November ash plumes from Reventador drifted 10-20 km WNW and W. An intermittent thermal anomaly was also detected."

-Posted November 19th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "Based on a pilot observation, the Washington VAAC reported that on 5 November an ash plume from Reventador rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. Ash was not seen in satellite imagery, although meteorological clouds were present. IG reported that an ash plume rose 500 m above the crater on 7 November."

-Posted November 12th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "The IG reported that field observations of Reventador on 16 and 17 September confirmed the presence of a lava flow on the S flank of the cone. Gas and steam emissions were noted, as was growth of the lava dome. Thermal anomalies over the crater area were detected in satellite imagery on 6, 11, and 13 October. On 14 October, seismicity increased and harmonic tremor was detected. A seismic station on the NE flank of the cone detected rockfalls. Several people living in the area reported roaring noises and observed slight incandescence from the crater during the previous few nights.

During an overflight on 16 October, scientists saw the lava dome and a lava flow on the N flank. Bluish gases were emitted. According to a thermal camera, the incandescent parts in the crater were about 300 degrees Celsius. Other observers heard roaring noises and sounds resembling "cannon shots." Incandescent blocks were ejected from the crater, and steam and gases rose 100 m and drifted SW. Incandescent material was seen on the S flank. On 17 October, incandescence on the S flank was seen and noises similar the previous day were again heard. A small gray plume was seen the next day. On 19 October, thermal anomalies were again detected on satellite imagery. During an overflight, blue gas plumes were seen. The lava flow on the S flank occupied a large area and was divided into two branches."

-Posted October 26th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "Based on information from IG, the Washington VAAC reported that on 4 October an ash plume from Reventador drifted W. Ash was not seen in satellite imagery, although meteorological clouds were present. An occasional thermal anomaly was seen, however."

-Posted October 8th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that inclement weather often prevented observations of Tungurahua during 19-25 August, although steam-and-gas emissions were observed rising from the crater during 23-24 August. On 19 August, lahars that descended W drainages carried blocks up to 30 cm in diameter. Lahars also descended W and N drainages on 21 August."

-Posted August 27th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "The IG reported that seismic tremor from Reventador was sporadically detected during 21 July-3 August. On 4 August, seismicity increased and periods of tremor frequently saturated the seismic stations. Thermal anomalies detected in satellite imagery on 1 and 2 August became more intense on 4, 5, and 10 August. On 6 August, a steam plume rose 1.2 km above the crater and drifted W. Incandescent blocks were ejected from the crater and fell onto the flanks. Thermal images taken from a location 7 km E of Reventador revealed a linear area of higher temperatures, confirming the presence of a new lava flow on the S flank. Incandescence in the crater was seen during observations on 9 August. According to the Washington VAAC, IG reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 3.6 km (11,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW on 15 August."

-Posted August 20th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: Translated and paraphrased from the IG weekly activity reports:

'The volcanic activity is at levels similar to the last few weeks. That is to say, there has not been any important superficial, seismic, gas or deformation, with the exception of minor fumarolic activity along the NEern border of the crater. This level of activity, if we compare it to the style of eruption during the previous ten years, is low and nearly at background..."

-Posted August 19th, 2009. Source: http://www.igepn.edu.ec/

TUNGURAHUA: The IG reported that inclement weather often prevented observations of Tungurahua during 1-7 July; steam-and-ash plumes rose 1 km above the summit and drifted WSW on 1 July. Ashfall was reported in areas to the SW on 2 July. During 2 and 5-7 July, lahars that descended SW and W drainages carrying blocks up to 40 cm in diameter.

-Posted July 7th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that inclement weather often prevented observations of Tungurahua during 20-26 May; ash plumes rose 1-2 km above the summit and drifted W on 22, 24, 25, and 26 May. Occasionally roaring noises were reported and explosions caused structures to vibrate. During 20-23 and 25-26 May, ashfall was reported in areas to the W and SW. During 24-26 May, incandescence from the crater was seen and blocks rolled 100-500 m down the flanks."

-Posted May 28th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "Based on a pilot observation and a SIGMET notice, the Washington VAAC reported that on 26 May a diffuse ash plume from Reventador rose to an altitude of 6.4 km (21,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. Thermal anomalies were intermittently seen on satellite imagery. Gas plumes with some possible ash were noted later that day."

-Posted May 28th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that inclement weather sometimes prevented observations of Tungurahua during 13-19 May. Roaring noises were occasionally reported. On 13 and 18 May, a fine layer of ash fell in Manzano, 8 km SW. On 15 May, explosions and sounds resembling rolling blocks were noted. An explosion generated a steam-and-ash plume that rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ENE. During 16-18 May, steam and steam-and-ash plumes drifted NW, W, and E. During 17-18 May, blocks were heard or seen rolling down the flanks."

-Posted May 21st, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "The Washington VAAC reported that, although ash from Reventador was observed by IG on 15 May, an ash signature or a thermal anomaly was not detected in satellite imagery."

-Posted May 21st, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that inclement weather sometimes prevented observations of Tungurahua during 6-12 May. On 6 May, ashfall was reported in Baños, about 8 km N. Steam plumes rose to altitudes below 6.5 km (21,300 ft) a.s.l. during 6-8 May and drifted W. During 9-11 May, roaring noises, "cannon shots," and sounds resembling rolling blocks were reported. On 9 May, an ash plume rose to an altitude of 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. The next day ash plumes rose to an altitude of 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. while roaring noises were very strong."

-Posted May 12th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that on 1 May a thermal anomaly over Reventador was noted along with a possible low-level plume drifting W. The IG reported to the VAAC lava and gas emissions, and possible smoke from burning vegetation, but little to no ash."

-Posted May 7th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "During 28 April-5 May, IG reported that, although inclement weather often prevented observations of Tungurahua, steam-and-gas plumes were seen almost daily. The plumes rose to altitudes below 6.8 km (22,300 ft) a.s.l. and rifted SW and W. Lahars descended the Achupashal drainage to the NW on 28 April and the Motilones drainage to the W on 1 May. Incandescence in the crater was seen at night on 30 April. During 29 April and 2-3 May, noises and explosions rattled structures and windows. On 3 May, ashfall was reported in areas to the SW, NW, and N."

-Posted May 7th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "The IG reported that seismicity from Reventador decreased to low levels on 26 March, after the seismic network had detected an earthquake swarm the same day. On 23 April, increased seismicity was characterized by long-period events interspersed with bands of spasmodic and harmonic tremor. Observers reported that steam plumes with low ash content rose to altitudes of 5.6-6.6 km (18,400-21,700 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W. Intense noises from the volcano were also reported. A thermal anomaly and a steam plume drifting 26 km WSW were detected on satellite imagery."

-Posted April 30th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that during 22-28 April steam-and-gas plumes occasionally containing ash rose from Tungurahua to an altitude of 6.5 km (21,300 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW and W. Roaring noises were reported. Ashfall was noted in areas to the SW on 21 April. During 21-22 April, incandescence from the crater was seen; incandescent blocksejected from the crater on 22 April rolled down the flanks. On 25 April, a lahar descended the Patacocha drainage."

-Posted April 30th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: Today columns of vapor with small quantities of ash rose to 2-3km asl from the intra-caldera cone at Reventador. This follows an increase in seismic activity first noted at Reventador on March 26, 2009. Today's emissions were preceded by harmonic and spasmodic tremor. No reports of ashfall in the surrounding regions.

-Posted April 23rd, 2009. Src: http://www.elcomercio.com/noticiaEC.asp?id_noticia=272109&id_seccion=10

TUNGURAHUA: "During 15-21 April, IG reported that clouds mostly prevented observations of Tungurahua; a steam-and-gas plume rose 100 m above the crater on 15 April and an ash plume rose 1 km above the crater and drifted NW on 18 April. Ashfall was reported in areas to the SW and N during 15-16 and 18-19 April. Roaring noises were occasionally heard."

-Posted April 23rd, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "During 8-14 April, IG reported that clouds mostly prevented observations of Tungurahua; a steam plume seen on 9 April rose 300 m above the crater and drifted SW. On 10 April, slight ashfall was reported in areas to the SW. The next day, a lahar traveled SW down the Mapayacu drainage. On 14 April, a steam-and-gas plume containing someash rose to an altitude of 7.5 km (24,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N."

-Posted April 15th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "During 1-3 and 5 April, IG reported that steam or steam-and-ash plumes from Tungurahua rose a few meters to 1 km above the crater. Plumes drifted S, SW, and NNW. On 6 April, fumarolic plumes rose 500-600 m. Light ashfall was reported about 8 km SW in the town of Manzano."

-Posted April 8th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

REVENTADOR: "The IG reported that seismicity from Reventador increased during 25-26 March. On 26 March, the seismic network detected an earthquake swarm consisting of long-period and hybrid events, interspersed with bands of harmonic tremor. Observers reported steam emissions with low ash content."

-Posted April 1st, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "During 25-27 and 30-31 March, IG reported that steam-and-ash plumes from Tungurahua rose to altitudes of 5.5-7 km (18,000-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW, NE, E, and SW. On 25 March, ashfall was reported in areas to the SW and lahars traveled down a drainage to the W. On 26 March, lahars traveled down multiple drainages to the W, SW, and S; a lahar in the Mapayacu drainage to the SW carried blocks up to 2 m in diameter. Inclement weather impaired visual observations during 28-29 March."

-Posted April 1st, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that during 17-18 and 22 March ash plumes from Tungurahua rose to altitudes of 5.5-7.5 km (18,000-24,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted W, NW, and NNE. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind on 17 and 20 March. On 21 March, lahars carrying blocks up to 30 cm in diameter traveled down the Mapayacu drainage to the SW. Lahars were also seen in the Mandur drainage to the NW."

-Posted March 26th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "On 11 March, IG reported that a steam-and-ash plume from Tungurahua rose 600 m above the summit and drifted E and NE. Fumaroles on the NE flank were active. On 12 and 16 March, plumes with low ash content rose to altitudes of 6-7 km (19,700-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. Steam plumes were occasionally seen during 13-14 and 17 March, and a plume rose 300-500 m above the summit and drifted E and W on 15 March."

-Posted March 19th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that inclement weather frequently prevented visual observations of Tungurahua during 4-10 March. Slight ashfall was reported in areas to the NW on 4 March. On 6 March, steam-and-ash plumes rose 500 m above the crater. On 8 March, a steam plumes rose 100 m above the summit and fumaroles on the E flank were active."

-Posted March 13th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that, although cloud cover occasionally prevented visual observation during 24 February-3 March,ash plumes from Tungurahua were seen and rose to altitudes of 5.5-10 km (18,000-32,800 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted in multiple directions. Ashfall was reported almost daily in areas to the SW, W, NW, N, and NE. Blocks were sometimes seen or heard rolling down the flanks, and roaring or explosion noises were noted. Strombolian activity at the summit was observed at night on 24 and 25 February. On 25 February, explosions caused the ground and large windows to vibrate. An explosion on 1 March was followed by an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 10 km (32,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. Incandescence at the crater was noted at night on 2 March. According to a news article from 3 March, ash covered at least 250 hectares of cropland, and additional land for cattle grazing."

-Posted March 5th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

GUAGUA PICHINCHA: "The IG reported four moderate phreatic explosions from Guagua Pichincha were detected by the seismic network during 16-17 February, following a few days of slightly increased seismicity and rainfall. IG recommended that visitors stay out of the caldera."

-Posted February 26th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that, although cloud cover occasionally prevented visual observation during 18-24 February, ashplumes from Tungurahua were seen and rose to altitudes of 6-8 km (19,700-26,200 ft) a.s.l. The plumes drifted mainly W and NW. Ashfall was reported almost daily and was noted in areas to the SW, W, and NW. Blocks were often seen or heard rolling down the flanks, and roaring or explosion noises were noted. On 18 February, incandescence in the crater was seen and a lahar traveled down a drainage to the W. Strombolian activity at the summit was observed during 19-20 and 22-23 February."

-Posted February 26th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that although visual observations of Tungurahua were occasionally limited due to cloud cover; gas-and-ash plumes were seen and rose to altitudes of 5.5-7.5 km (18,000-24,600 ft) a.s.l. during 11-17 February. Plumes drifted W, NE, E, and SE. On 11 February, small lahars descended multiple gorges to the NW and S. Incandescence in the crater was seen at night on 11 and 12 February, and roaring was heard on 12 and 16 February. Ashfall was reported in areas to the SW on 12 February and to the N on 14 February. An explosion on 16 February that vibrated windows was followed by ash emissions that generated a plume to an altitude of 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. The plume drifted W."

-Posted February 18th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that during 4-8 February visual observations of Tungurahua were limited due to cloud cover; steam-and-ash plumes rose 0.5-1 km above the summit during 7 and 9-10 February. Plumes drifted W and NW. Cannon shots, roaring noises, and sounds resembling blocks rolling down the flanks were seldom reported. Based on pilot observations, the Washington VAAC reported that an ash plume rose to an altitude of 8.5 km (28,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SSE. On 4 and 8 February IG reported that ash fell in areas to the SW. Incandescence from the crater was seen at night on 6 February."

-Posted February 12th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/

TUNGURAHUA: "The IG reported that although visual observations were limited due to cloud cover, ash-and-steam and ash plumes from Tungurahua drifted NE, W, and SW during 27 January-2 February. Incandescence in the crater was occasionally seen and roaring noises were noted. Ashfall was reported in areas on the SW flank during 30 January, and 1-2 February."

-Posted February 8th, 2009. Source: http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/