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Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador): moderately strong explosion on 11 April produces 4-5 km tall eruption column

Wed, 11 Apr 2012, 18:08 | BY: T
Eruption column of Tungurahua's explosion on 11 April 2012
Eruption column of Tungurahua's explosion on 11 April 2012
A moderately large explosion occurred at Tungurahua volcano today at 08:56 (local time). The eruption generated an ash column of 4-5 km height above the crater. The ash at lower altitudes drifted north-east, east and south-east the lower column, and ash from the upper parts of the eruption column to the north-west.
The explosion ejected incandescent blocks to distances up to 500 to 600 meters below the crater rim on the northeast side. Seismically the explosion was followed by a signal of high-energy tremor that lasted about 40 minutes.
The explosion was heard in villages near the volcano and at the volcano Tungurahua Observatory (OVT), located 14 km north-west of the volcano.
From approximately 09:30 (local time) the energy and height of the eruption decreased significantly, and the height of the eruption column dropped to less than 1 km.

Previous news

Wed, 11 Apr 2012, 06:00

Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 11 April-17 April 2012 (Continuing Activity)

IG reported that during 11-15 April visual observations of Tungurahua were occasionally limited due to cloud cover. On 11 April an ash plume rose 5 km above the crater and drifted NE and SE. Ashfall was reported in areas 8 km SW. ... Read all
Tue, 10 Apr 2012, 15:27

Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador): increasing activity with constant ash emission

Ash emission from Tungurahua on 9 April (photo: IG)
Tungurahua volcano's activity is again increasing. ... Read all
Show more

Satellite image of Tungurahua volcano by (c) Google Earth View
Satellite image of Tungurahua volcano by (c) Google Earth View
Tungurahua volcano
Stratovolcano 5023 m (16,479 ft)
Ecuador, -1.47°S / -78.44°W
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5) Tungurahua volcano eruptions:
1534, 1557, 1640(?), 1641, 1644(?), 1646(?), 1757(?), 1773, 1776, 1777(?), 1781(?), 1857, 1885(?), 1886-88, 1900(?), 1916-25, 1944, 2000 - 2016, 2017 (?)
Typical eruption style
Explosive.