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Turrialba volcano (Costa Rica), activity update: continuing unrest, increased fumarolic activity

Thu, 13 Sep 2007, 05:58 |

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

Previous news

Wed, 5 Sep 2007, 06:00

Turrialba volcano (Costa Rica) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 5 September-11 September 2007 (Continuing Activity)

OVSICORI-UNA reported that fumarolic activity and gas discharge in and to the W of Turrialba's central crater continued throughout August. 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. ... Read all
Fri, 10 Aug 2007, 19:37

Turrialba volcano (Costa Rica), activity update: increased fumarolic activity

Volcanic unrest at Turrialba volcano continues. Signs of an ongoing slow intrusion of magma at shallow depths indicating a possible eruption in the near-medium term future increase. ... Read all
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Turrialba volcano
Stratovolcano 3340 m (10,958 ft)
Costa Rica, 10.03°N / -83.77°W
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5) Turrialba volcano eruptions:
1723(?), 1847(?), 1853, 1855, 1861(?), 1864-65, 1866, 2010 (Jan 4) - ongoing
Typical eruption style
Explosive.