21st-century activity Galeras

the galeras volcano, aerial image nasa showing activity. city of pasto on right.



space radar image of galeras volcano. city of pasto @ bottom

activity @ low level has continued @ galeras, small explosions dusting nearby villages , towns ash. volcano has continued well-studied, , predictions of eruptions @ volcano have improved. 1 phenomenon, seems reliable precursor eruptive activity, low-frequency seismic event known tornillo event. these have occurred before four-fifths of explosions @ galeras, , number of tornillo events recorded before eruption correlated size of ensuing eruption.

more 100 minor tremors felt during major eruption in april 2002, although no damage or injury reported. eruption in november 2005 forced evacuation of dangerous area surrounding volcano, , 9,400 people nearby villages (most of them farmers) ordered leave. city of pasto, 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) volcano, blanketed layer of ash after volcanic explosion, forcing residents don goggles , face masks.

numerous minor tremors , ash emissions since march 2006 culminated on 12 july 2006 in 3 explosive eruptions, producing ash , gas column reaching altitude of 8 kilometres (5.0 mi). rock falls , pyroclastic flows reported towns distant consacá, 11.4 kilometres (7.1 mi) west of main crater. colombian government has repeatedly ordered evacuations temporary shelters, of more 8500 people residing in highest risk areas surrounding volcano, hopes of eventual assistance toward permanent relocation.

on january 17, 2008, volcano erupted around 20:06 (local) (01:06 utc). there no immediate reports of injuries or serious property damage. later experts confirmed partial damage in national , local tv towers.

then, on february 14, 2009, volcano erupted around 19:10 (local) (00:10 utc). 8,000 residents evacuated, , there no immediate reports of injuries or serious property damage. in 2005, city of pasto blanketed layer of ash after volcanic explosion (due direction of wind). local authorities ordered 2 water treatment plants near galeras shut down.

on march 13, 2009, galeras erupted twice @ around 15:55 , 17:00 (local time). ash fell on pasto , other towns near volcano, evacuation ordered reportedly ignored. no injuries or damage reported.

2010 eruption

the volcano erupted on january 3, 2010, forcing evacuation of 8,000 people. 10th such eruption of volcano in past year, , first of 2010. colombian authorities stated remain volatile in weeks come.

galeras erupted again on august 25, 2010 ash plume visible in air. eruption, described non-explosive, caused authorities raise alert neighbouring towns.

this volcano monitored deep earth carbon degassing project.