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San Vicente Volcano

Updated: May 14, 2024 09:16 GMT -
stratovolcano 2182 m / 7,159 ft
El Salvador, 13.6°N / -88.84°W
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
Last update: 12 Dec 2021 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)

San Vicente volcano (also known as Chichontepec) is a twin-peaked stratovolcano SE of Lake Ilopango. It is the second highest volcano in El Salvador and probably still active although there are no known historical eruptions. There are many hot springs and fumaroles on the northern and western flanks of the volcano.

[smaller] [larger]
Typical eruption style: effusive
San Vicente volcano eruptions: unknown, less than 10,000 years ago

Latest nearby earthquakes

TimeMag. / DepthDistance / Location
May 5, 07:09 am (El Salvador)
2.0

9 km
25 km (16 mi) to the NW 7 Km al norte de Ilopango, El Salvador
Info
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 GMT (1 quake)
May 1, 01:34 am (El Salvador)
2.1

5 km
14 km (8.9 mi) to the W 9 Km al sureste de San Miguel Tepezontes, El Salvador
Info

Background

San Vicente is a young andesitic stratovolcano which was constructed within the Pleistocene La Carbonera caldera, whose rim is visible only on its SW side. The summit craters are oriented along a WSW-ENE line.
The northern and southern flanks are covered by lava flows from the central vent, but lava flows on the eastern side originated from a vent on the upper flank. Volcanism has continued into the Holocene, but the latest lava flows are covered by deposits from the major ca. 260 AD eruption from neighboring Ilopango volcano.
Reports of historical eruptions in 1643 and 1835 are false.
(Smithsonian / GVP)

Eruptions of San Vicente volcano



2009 mudflows
In November 2009, hurricane Ida caused large mudflows from the flanks of San Vincente volcano, which killed more than 40 people in villages at the base of the mountain.

2001 earthquake and landslides
A large magnitude 6.6 earthquake occurred near the San Vincente volcano on 13 February 2001. It triggered over 25 landslides on the flank of the volcano which killed 39 people. There were also reports of an eruption, but these are considered false.

Latest satellite images

SanVicente satellite image sat1SanVicente satellite image sat2
Wed, 4 Nov 2009, 06:00

San Vicente volcano (El Salvador) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 4 November-10 November 2009 (New Activity / Unrest)

According to news articles, heavy rains caused landslides and flooding in the town of Verapaz, about 6 km NW of the summit of San Vicente, during 7-8 November. Mud and boulders swept down the flanks San Vicente, and in conjunction with flooded rivers, buried homes and cars; at least 144 people were killed and about 60 were missing. ... Read all
Wed, 14 Feb 2001, 06:00

San Vicente volcano (El Salvador) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 14 February-20 February 2001 (New Activity / Unrest)

There were reports of volcanic activity at San Vicente volcano after a M 6.6 earthquake occurred at 1422 on 13 February. The earthquake caused more than 25 landslides on the flanks of the volcano that reportedly killed 39 people. The Centro de Investigaciones Geotécnicas investigated the activity reports and determined that no volcanic activity had occurred. ... Read all

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