Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador: news & activity updates

No significant changes have occurred during the past days. The activity remains characterized by intense degassing and occasional mild ash emissions mixed into the plume.IG reported that during 21-27 October gas, steam, and ash plumes rose from Cotopaxi almost daily as high as 2 km above the crater and drifted NW, W, and SW. A small lahar detected on 24 October descended the NW flank but stayed with Cotopaxi National Park boundaries. A small lahar descended the W flank the next day. Read allThe volcano's activity has been similar as during the past weeks. It continues toerupt a weak to moderate steam plume with more or less ash content, rising up to 1.5 km above the summit crater. Occasional weak ash falls have occurred in areas to the west and southwest of the volcano. Read allIG reported that during 14-20 October cloud cover sometimes obscured views of Cotopaxi although emissions were observed daily. Gas, steam, and ash plumes rose as high as 2 km above the crater and drifted W, NW, N, and E. Small lahars descended the NW flank during 14-15 October, and a small lahar traveled down the Agualongo gorge on 16 October. Read allDuring the past days, intermittent explosive activity has resumed at the volcano's summit crater. Intense activity on 8 and 9 Oct generated ash plumes that rose up to 1-1.5 km height above the crater and drifted to the west. IG reported that during 7-13 October gas, steam, and ash plumes rose from Cotopaxi as high as 2.5 km above the crater and drifted NW, W, and SW. Ash fell on the N flank on 7 October. Ashfall was also reported in El Chasqui Chaupi, Machachi (24 km NW), Aloag (28 km NW), and Obelisco on 8 October, and in San Ramón, San Agustín, San Isidro (58 km N), Rumipamba de Espinosas (53 km NNW), Callo Mancheno, Santa Catalina (52 km N), and San Francisco on 13 October. Read allVisible activity of the volcano has been relatively low during the past week. Only a strong steam plume mixed with low ash contents has been emitted, but there has been a significant change: incandescence has now become visible from the crater. According to scientists from IGEPN, the glow originates from high-temperature gasses. However, this suggests that magma continues to approach the vent, and that the eruption might now be about to become magmatic. Read allDuring an overflight of Cotopaxi on 29 September, IG scientists observed low-energy pulsating emissions with low or no ash content that rose 1 km above the crater and drifted W. Fracturing continued on both the upper and lower parts of the glacier, at the toes. Rapid melting had occurred from the glacier on the upper E flank which resulted in material falling onto the lower part of the glacier. Read all During an overflight of Cotopaxi on 22 September, IG scientists observed low-energy emissions with low or no ash content that rose 500 m above the crater and drifted W. Fracturing continued on both the upper parts of the glacier and the glacial toes on the N, NW, and SW flanks. The glacier inside the crater had almost disappeared. Read allThe volcano remains active at low to moderate levels (seismicity and emissions). It continues to produce mild ash emissions that usually drift westwards and rise approx. 1 km from the crater. Read all