Volcanos

Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity

Tungurahua (Ecuador): Intermittent small explosions and ash emissions continue to occur from the volcano. However, its overall activity has been decreasing during the past weeks and the scenario of a larger eruption, which had been expected in early April, has been becoming more unlikely now. Between 10-16 April, a seismic swarm of more than 3000 earthquakes occurred within 1-3 km below the summit of the volcano. This, as well as increased SO2 emissions and inflation of the NE flank of the cone suggested the arrival of a new batch of magma, which could have lead to a more intense phase of activity as on many past occasions. During late April, seismic activity decreased and the inflation switched to deflation, while gas emissions remained at similar levels. It seems that the intrusion stopped for now and released its energy gradually by degassing and a number of smaller explosions.