No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaCosta Rican Volcanoes Awaken as Poás and Turrialba Show Increased Activity

Costa Rican Volcanoes Awaken as Poás and Turrialba Show Increased Activity

The Turrialba and Poás volcanoes have shown increased activity in recent days, according to the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI). This weekend, Poás Volcano experienced several phreatic eruptions, releasing ash that reached as far as Sarchí. Additionally, a strong smell of sulfur was reported in nearby areas.

Since Saturday, March 1, the eruptions have exhibited greater seismic amplitude. That same day, at 5:47 p.m., an eruption produced an ash column rising between 300 and 400 meters above the surface of the hyperacid lake, while the steam, gas, and aerosol component reached 1,000 meters in height. The activity continued on Sunday morning, March 2, with at least five additional eruptions.

According to experts, the most energetic eruption occurred at 1:18 p.m., reaching 150 meters above the crater floor. “Since the end of November, we have observed increased activity at the volcano. It reached the surface in late December and early January, marking a peak in activity, followed by alternating periods of intensification and decline,” said Cyril Müller.

The expert explained that despite these fluctuations, geochemical and geophysical indicators suggest an overall increase in activity. This trend could continue and potentially lead to a larger eruption. Although there are weeks of relative calm, the volcano remains active.

Meanwhile, Turrialba Volcano ended its period of dormancy this Monday with an eruption, the first since August 2022. According to experts, the event generated an ash plume that drifted westward. Müller, a volcanologist at OVSICORI, explained that this eruption may be linked to a landslide recorded last week inside the main crater.

“The Turrialba Volcano experienced a collapse within its main crater last week. This morning’s eruption may be associated with that event, as the landslide could have caused ash emissions from the crater, which were carried westward,” Müller noted.

OVSICORI clarified that the activity at Turrialba is unrelated to the recent eruptions at Poás. Authorities continue to closely monitor these two volcanoes, along with other active volcanic systems in the country.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Rolls Out Medical Cannabis Sales with Strict Rules

After years of waiting, medical cannabis is now available in Costa Rica. However, access remains tightly regulated. Its sale is restricted exclusively to pharmacies,...

Costa Rica Hunts for Nicaraguan Hit Squad After Exile’s Assassination

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) is investigating whether a hit squad tied to Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo regime is targeting exiled critics on its soil....

OIJ Warns: Costa Rica Now a Key Warehouse for Drug Lords

Costa Rica’s recent drug busts, with tons of cocaine and marijuana seized across the country, shine a harsh light on its deepening role in...

Costa Rica and U.S. Strengthen Border Scans and Biometric Cooperation

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem met Wednesday with Honduran President Xiomara Castro to discuss security and migration, following her offer in Costa...

Costa Rican Health Officials Sound Alarm Over Teen Vaping Epidemic

Vaping has become increasingly popular, especially among teenagers and young adults. However, the health consequences associated with its use are raising alarm among Costa...

Costa Rican Court Orders Release of Migrants Deported Under Trump Deal

A court on Tuesday ordered Costa Rican authorities to release foreign migrants who had been detained in a shelter after being deported under an...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica