Turrialba volcano (Costa Rica), activity update: continuing unrest, increased fumarolic activity
Unrest at Turrialba volcano continues. Increased fumarolic activity had started in August 2006 and is concentrated mainly to the W of Turrialba's central crater.
In a field report from 16 August, staff from OVSICORI-UNA reports that new points of gas discharge, small landslides, and accelerated vegetation die-off were noted from various locations within and around the crater.
Fumaroles were active in almost all directions in the central crater; many exhibited sulfur deposits and those in the S, SE, and SW reached a temperature of 91 degrees C. Fumaroles at the bottom of the W crater reached 176 degrees C on 16 August. Small sulfur flows from a few of the fumaroles descended about 2 m from the emission point. Steam plumes from fumaroles on the W wall rose to an altitude of 3.8 km (12,500 ft) a.s.l.
New fumaroles appeared on the SW flank and N and NW of the central crater. Some of the fumaroles corresponded to two widening cracks, to the SW and NW of the W crater. Vegetation affected from gas and steam discharge and sulfur deposits were noted. People living on the N flank and from areas to the NW and W reported constant gas emissions from cracks in an area of about 20 by 50 meters, NW of the W crater.
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Source: GVP/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 5-11 September 2007
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Links / Sources:
- Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA: www.ovsicori.una.ac.cr