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Cumbal

Google Earth Placemark
  • Country
  • Subregion Name
  • Volcano Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  • 4764 m
    15626 ft
  • 0.950°
  • -77.870°
  • Elevation
  •  
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

25 July-31 July 2012

According to INGEOMINAS, the Observatorio de Pasto reported that during 25-31 July seismic signals related to movement of fluid decreased compared to the previous week; earthquake swarms were detected on 26, 27, 29, and 30 July. The number and magnitude of earthquakes generated by fracturing rock increased. Four of the events were located SW of the volcano at a depth of 10 km, and less than M 2.1. Weather conditions prevented observations of the volcano. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity").

Sources: Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (INGEOMINAS)



 Available Weekly Reports




2012: July |

25 July 2012              Back to Top

According to INGEOMINAS, the Observatorio de Pasto reported that during 25-31 July seismic signals related to movement of fluid decreased compared to the previous week; earthquake swarms were detected on 26, 27, 29, and 30 July. The number and magnitude of earthquakes generated by fracturing rock increased. Four of the events were located SW of the volcano at a depth of 10 km, and less than M 2.1. Weather conditions prevented observations of the volcano. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity").

Sources: Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (INGEOMINAS)

18 July 2012              Back to Top

According to INGEOMINAS, the Observatorio de Pasto reported that during 18-24 July seismic activity at Cumbal had decreased. Variable amounts of gas emissions, mostly steam, were observed in the web camera located in Cumbal town (9 km SE) during periods of clear weather, which occurred during 20-21 July. The emissions originated from fumarolic fields located in the main crater on the NE side of Cumbal and Mundo Nuevo crater on the SW side. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity").

Sources: Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (INGEOMINAS)

11 July 2012              Back to Top

According to INGEOMINAS, a 10 July report from the Observatorio de Pasto noted that during recent months seismic swarms at Cumbal had been detected. Steam plumes from fumarolic fields were common. Nearby residents reported increases in gas emissions and seismicity, as well as possible noises. The Alert Level was increased to III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity").

Sources: Instituto Colombiano de Geología y Minería (INGEOMINAS)



Summary of eruption dates and Volcanic Explosivity Indices (VEI).

Start Date Stop Date Eruption Certainty VEI Evidence Activity Area or Unit
1926 Dec 20 1926 Dec 21 Confirmed 2 Historical
1877 Dec Unknown Confirmed 2 Historical

Many youthful lava flows extend from the glacier-capped Cumbal volcano, the southernmost historically active volcano of Colombia. The volcano is elongated in a NE-SW direction and is composed primarily of andesitic-dacitic lava flows. Two fumarolically active craters occupy the summit ridge; the main crater on the NE side and Mundo Nuevo crater on the SW side. A young lava dome occupies the 250-m-wide summit crater, and eruptions from the upper east flank produced a 6-km-long lava field. The oldest crater lies NNE of the summit crater, suggesting SW-ward migration of activity. Explosive eruptions in 1877 and 1926 are the only known historical activity from Cumbal. Fumarole fields are found in the two summit craters, and thermal springs are located on the SE flanks.