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Tungurahua Volcano - John Seach
Ecuador
1.467 S, 78.442 W
summit elevation 5023 m
stratovolcano
Tungurahua is a steep-sided stratovolcano that towers 3 km above its northern base. Tungurahua volcano has a complex historical record which includes sudden, violent eruptions. The volcano has a diameter of 14 km.
A sector collapse 2995 years ago left a great amphitheater and avalanche deposit of 8 cu km which traveled a distance of 15 km. The current activity of the volcano has rebuilt the cone to about 50% of the pre collapse size. Between 1400 and 2300 years ago there were high rates of lava extrusion and pyroclastic flows.
During the past 1300 years eruptive episodes were generally once per century, and commenced with lapilli emission and pyroclastic flows, followed by lava flows or lava plug in the crater. This cycle was observed in the largest historic eruptions in 1773, 1886 and 1916-1918.
2009 Eruptions
Explosions occurred almost daily at Tungurahua volcano in June. On 23rd June, lava fountains occurred at the summit and blocks ejected from the crater rolled 1 km down the flanks. On 23rd June ash emissions reached a height of 7 km above sea level.
2008 Eruptions
Eruptions in January 2008 forced the evacuation of 1000 people. Two large eruptions occurred on 6th February 2008 with ash to 47,000 ft altitude.
Eruptions continue in November 2008. Light ashfall was reported in Pillate (8 km W) and part of Riobamba (about 30 km S) on 4th November.
Tungurahua Volcano Eruptions
1999-2009, 1944, 1916-25, 1900?, 1886-88, 1885?, 1857, 1781?, 1777?, 1776, 1773, 1757?, 1646?, 1644?, 1641, 1640?, 1557, 1534