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Cotopaxi Volcano Eruptions

stratovolcano 5911 m / 19,393 ft
Ecuador, -0.68°S / -78.44°W
Eruption list: 2015-16, 1942(?), 1940, 1939(?), 1931(?), 1928-30(?), 1905-08, 1903, 1895, 1886, 1885, 1883?, 1883, 1882, 1880, 1879, 1878, 1877, 1870-76, 1870, 1869, 1868, 1867, 1866, 1863, 1860-62, 1859, 1858, 1857, 1856, 1856, 1855, 1854, 1853, 1852, 1851, 1850, 1845, 1844, 1803, 1768, 1766, 1750, 1747-49, 1746, 1744, 1743, 1743, 1742, 1742, 1740-41, 1738, 1698, 1534, 1533, 1532, 1400, 1260, 1130, 950, 770, 760, 740, 550, 370, 180, 140, 110, 70, 80 BC, 230 BC, 1510 BC, 2220 BC, 2640 BC

Eruptions of Cotopaxi volcano

1907 eruption

The last significant eruption of Cotopaxi volcano was in 1907 and produced ash explosions and small pyroclastic flows but no lava flows.

1905 and 1906 eruptions

The eruptions in 1905 and August 1906 consisted in small ash explosions.

1903-04 eruption

A medium-sized eruption (VEI 3) started on 26 Sep 1903 and lasted until December 1904. The eruption occurred from the central vent and produced tall ash plumes, pyroclastic flows and lahars. During explosions on or around 23 October, lightnings were noted by observers, the Times reports the next day: "Since Thursday, electric discharges have been notices on the eastern side of the Andes. Rumblings were heard near the towns this morning, and ashes fell for three-quarters of an hour." (The Times, 25 Oct 1903, "COTOPAXI IN ERUPTION")

1880 vulcanian eruption

One of the largest eruptions of Cotopaxi in historic times began on 3 July 1880. A powerful explosion sent an ash column of 20,000 ft (ca. 6 km) height above the crater in less than a minute.
The British explorer Edward Whymper was climbing Chimborazo at the time of the eruption and reported extremely vivid and strange light and color effects when the large ash plume drifted over him: "... several hours passed before the ash commenced to intervene between the sun and ourselves; and, when it did so, we witnessed effects which simply amazed us. We saw a green sun..." (click to read more)

1877 vulcanian eruption

4 large eruptions occurred at Cotopaxi between January and September 1877. The explosions produced high eruption columns, heavy ash fall, pyroclastic flows and lahars. The eruption caused much damage and there were fatalities.

1853 eruption

A 3 day long eruption occurred at Cotopaxi from 13-15 September 1853 and produced ashfall, pyroclastic flows and small lahars.

1768 vulcanian-subplinian eruption

One of the largest historical eruptions of Cotopaxi occurred on 4 April 1768. A large vulcanian explosion took place (VEI 4) and generated a high ash plume, heavy ash fall and pyroclastic flows. Large bombs were falling at great distances. The eruption caused fatalities and extensive damage.

1766 eruption

Several small to medium-sized explosions occurred in 1866. Lahars and floods damaged the town of Latacunga and the fallout of coarse pumice west of the volcano destroyed several farms.

1744 eruption

A major explosive eruption started in May 1744 at Cotopaxi volcano. It produced extensive ash fall 7-10 cm thick 10 km west of the crater.

1742 eruption

2 larger explosive eruptions occurred in December 1742, producing ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and destructive lahars. The eruption caused fatalities.

1534 eruption

In 1534 the conquistadors were at war with the locals for control over Ecuador. It is reported that during a battle on the flanks of Cotopaxi, the volcano started an eruption and filled the air with "hot ash" (pyroclastic surges?). The locals viewed the event as a divine sign from their god fled in fear. The Spanish who had no experience with volcanic activity were terrorized and did the same.
A lahar from the 1534 eruption destroyed La Contiega village.

The Chillos Valley Lahar 4500 years ago

The Chillos Valley Lahar from Cotopaxi volcano's north and NE slopes is the largest known debris flow in the northern Andes during the Holocene (11,700 years ago to present).
It descended river systems and flowed 326 km north–northwest to the Pacific Ocean and more than 130 km east into the Amazon basin. The massive avalanche occurred around 4500 years ago.
Wed, 14 Feb 2024, 15:00

Cotopaxi volcano (Ecuador) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 7 February-13 February 2024 (Continuing Activity)

IG-EPN reported that a seismic station located on the W flank recorded high-frequency seismic signals associated with the descent of small to moderate-sized lahars at 1442 and 1430 on 8 and 10 February, respectively. The public was advised to stay away from areas near the Agualongo drainage and to not approach any channels, streams, or rivers within the vicinity of Parque Nacional Cotopaxi (Cotopaxi National Park). The Secretaría de Gestión de Riesgos (SGR) maintained the Alert Level at White (the lowest level on a four-color scale). ... Read all