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Santiaguito volcano (Guatemala): strong explosion and pyroclastic flows

Sun, 22 Sep 2013, 19:10 | BY: T
Explosion and pyroclastic flows from Santiaguito yesterday morning (INSIVUMEH)
Explosion and pyroclastic flows from Santiaguito yesterday morning (INSIVUMEH)
Another violent eruption occurred at the lava dome yesterday morning (21 Sep) at 8:30 local time. Accompanied by explosions, the Caliente dome suddenly produced a series of major pyroclastic flows triggered by collapse of accumulated viscous lava at the southeastern rim rim and flank of the dome. The flows descended on all sides of the lava dome.
The explosions, accompanied by shock waves that could be heard in 20 km radius, produced an ash plume that rose to about 4.5 km altitude or about 2 km height above the crater. Significant (but smaller compared) ash plume rose from the pyroclastic flows. Ash fall occurred in Quetzaltenango, Santa María de Jesús, Zuníl and other areas downwind.
There has been no recognized precursor to the eruption, illustrating that the activity of the lava dome is highly unpredictable and potentially extremely dangerous. A similar eruption occurred almost exactly one month ago.

Previous news

Fri, 20 Sep 2013, 09:52

Santa María / Santiaguito volcano (Guatemala) activity update

Santiaguito's Caliente lava dome yesterday morning
Activity has been week with no significant changes. No explosions were reported during 18-19 Sep, but moderate rock avalanches could be heard, indicating that (some of) the lava flows on the flanks of the Caliente dome remain weakly active. ... Read all
Wed, 18 Sep 2013, 06:00

Santa Maria volcano (Guatemala) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 18 September-24 September 2013 (New Activity / Unrest)

INSIVUMEH reported that during 17-18 September explosions from Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex produced ash plumes that rose 900 m and drifted W. Block avalanches descended the E flank of Caliente cone. Degassing sounds were reported during 19-21 September; gas plumes rose 150 m and drifted SW on 21 September. ... Read all
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Santa Maria volcano satellite image (c) Google Earth View
Santa Maria volcano satellite image (c) Google Earth View
Santiaguito volcano
Stratovolcano 3772 m (12,375 ft)
Guatemala, 14.76°N / -91.55°W
Current status: erupting (4 out of 5) Santiaguito volcano eruptions:
1902 (catastrophic Plinian eruption of Santa Maria), 1903, 1922-ongoing (Santiaguito dome complex)
Typical eruption style
Dominantly explosive, formation of lava domes
Santiaguito Volcano Tours
11-day volcano tour to Pacaya and Fuego, Guatemala
8-12 days - Moderate to Challenging
Price $ 3490
no scheduled dates at present