No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsEnvironment and WildlifeIncreased Activity at Costa Rica's Poás Volcano Signals Possible Eruption

Increased Activity at Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano Signals Possible Eruption

The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OVSICORI) in Costa Rica warned of surging seismic and volcanic activity at Poás Volcano. Volcanologist Geoffroy Avard says current conditions mirror those before the January 5 eruption this year—but with twice as many seismic events. Over the past 24 hours, more than 200 high-frequency earthquakes rattled the volcano.

“Before the January eruption, we saw a similar uptick, but today’s numbers are double,” Avard said. He noted that tremors have grown stronger in recent days, a key sign of escalating volcanic unrest.

OVSICORI’s surveys also reveal moderate ground uplift near the crater and summit, the largest shift since this eruptive cycle began in December 2024. Meanwhile, a MultiGAS station detected a rising sulfur dioxide-to-carbon dioxide ratio at gas vents, hinting at a higher eruption risk.

“The sulfur dioxide output hit 691 tons per day on March 18—a sharp jump from earlier this month,” Avard explained. Satellite data backs this up, showing two major spikes in atmospheric sulfur dioxide: 600 tons in early January and a peak of 844 tons between March 13 and 14, topping last April’s high of 714 tons.

The volcano’s hyperacid lake is also shrinking fast. Though eruptions on March 9 and rain on March 16 briefly raised its level, the water has since dropped sharply. Experts say the lake can no longer trap magmatic gases and heat due to its reduced volume and altered chemistry.

Poás Volcano remains at caution level 3 out of 4. Avard warns that eruptions could soon threaten visitors to Poás Volcano National Park and nearby communities, urging authorities and residents to stay on high alert.

Popular Articles

Costa Rica Declares Red Alert for Poás Volcano Amid Increased Eruptions

The Costa Rican National Emergency Commission (CNE) declared a red alert for Poás Volcano National Park, after reporting a sustained uptick in eruptive activity....

VIDEO: Poás Volcano Erupts with 3.5 km Ash Plume, OVSICORI Reports

This morning at approximately 5:15 a.m., Poás Volcano erupted yet again, producing a significant ash plume that soared 3.5 kilometers above the crater, according...

Costa Rica to Host ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise Season 10

Costa Rica will serve as the filming location for the tenth season of ABC’s Bachelor in Paradise, with production scheduled to start this summer....
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait

Latest Articles