Fuego Guatemala 14.473°N, 90.880°W

Fuego
Guatemala
14.473°N, 90.880°W; summit elev. 3,763 m
All times are local (= UTC - 6 hours)
Continuous activity and a VEI 3 eruption during 13-14 September 2012
In this report we highlight Fuego’s ongoing eruptive activity during January 2011-March
2013. Elevated activity occurred during May-September 2012 and included regular thermal, gas,
and ash emissions with occasional lava fountaining and pyroclastic flows. Activity peaked
during 13-14 September 2012 with a VEI 3 (Volcanic Explosivity Index; where 3 is considered
moderate (Newhall and Self, 1982)) summit eruption and SW-directed pyroclastic flow.
During this reporting period, continuous monitoring efforts by the Instituto Nacional de
Sismologia, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) included seismic
monitoring, regular ground-based observations, and field visits. The Washington Volcanic Ash
Advisory Center (VAAC) regularly included monitoring data from INSIVUMEH with satellite
remote sensing emissions announcements. We also summarize a recent international
collaboration between INSIVUMEH and the International Volcano Monitoring Fund (IVMFund) during 2010-2013.
Local observers reported ashfall, shockwaves, and lahars. According to INSIVUMEH,
during 2011-2013, ashfall and explosive sounds were frequently reported by communities
located within the W sector and up to 8 km of Fuego’s summit. Lahars occurred on the S-sector
flank in the Taniluyá, Ceniza, Santa Teresa, Las Lajas, and Trinidad drainages (figure 1). Those
drainages were also hazardous due to channelization of pyroclastic flows, block avalanches, and
lava flows (figure 2); significant events occurred in mid-to-late 2012 and February 2013
(described later in this report). On the SE flank, Las Lajas was frequently affected by pyroclastic
flows, and the drainages Taniluyá and Ceniza (SW flank) occasionally contained active lava
flows and block avalanches.
Figure 1. This location map includes villages (numbered), observation sites in Panimaché I (FO1) and Sangre de Cristo (FO-2), and primary drainages located within 15 km of Fuego’s summit
vent (red star). Elevation contours are shown for 100 m intervals. Pyroclastic flow deposits from
13 September 2012 are shown as dark gray areas within Ceniza, Trinidad, El Jute, and Las Lajas
drainages. Courtesy of Rüdiger Escobar-Wolf (Michigan Technological University).
Figure 2. This annotated photograph is centered on Fuego’s SW flank, the location of the Ceniza
drainage, which channeled the major pyroclastic flow of 13 September 2012. The yellow dotted
line marks the centerline of the pyroclastic flow; the orange lines enclose the region burned and
scoured by ash cloud surges. Courtesy of INSIVUMEH.
Thermal anomaly detection during 2011-2013. Hotspots from the summit region were
detected by satellite remote sensing instruments including MODIS (onboard the Terra and Aqua
satellites), Landsat 7, and EO-1 Advanced Land Imaging (ALI) throughout this reporting period.
The MODVOLC thermal alert system recorded ~90 significant anomalies between 1
January 2011 and 1 January 2012, ~375 between 1 January 2012 and 1 January 2013 when
explosive activity escalated, and ~255 between 1 January 2013 and 31 March 2013 when lava
flows were active near the summit region (figure 3). Thermal anomalies were detected by
satellite images at least once per month from January 2011 through March 2013 except for July
2011, suggesting poor weather may have inhibited satellite observations that month (note that
heaviest rainfall typically occurs during June-October (The World Bank, 2013)). During July
2011, ground-based observations of nighttime incandescence were noted in INSIVUMEH’s
Report # 1863; other reports that month highlighted the effects of heavy rain from tropical
storms and Hurricane Calvin.
Figure 3. During 1 January 2011-31 March 2013, the MODVOLC system frequently detected
elevated temperatures in the area of Fuego’s summit. This series of images includes hotspots
detected during three time periods: 2011, 2012, and 1 January-31 March 2013. Courtesy of the
Hawai`i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP), MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System.
MODVOLC continued to detect hotspots during late April 2013 totaling 22 pixels during
21-28 April. Thermal anomalies became rare during May and June 2013; one pixel was detected
on three different days.
Regular images captured by ALI and Landsat 7 detected variable incandescence from
Fuego’s summit during 2011-2013 (figure 4). During 2011, hotspots were mainly located at
Fuego’s summit; however, during March and December, distinctively elongate, incandescent
lava flows extended from the summit to the SW (figure 4A and 4B).
Figure 4. Satellite images from 2011-2013 detected incandescence from Fuego’s summit area.
(A) This ALI image from 3 February 2011 showed a small region of incandescence isolated at
the summit. (B) A Landsat 7 image from 7 November 2011 revealed a ~300 m incandescent flow
originating from the summit and extending down the SW flank. (C) This Landsat 7 image from 4
September 2012 (nine days before the VEI 3 eruption began) captures intense incandescence that
extends in three directions from the summit; some image distortion is present from cloudcover
and artifact stripes (on the left-hand side). Distinctive yellow regions indicate lava reaching at
least 500 m SE and SW. (D) This ALI image from 20 March 2013 captures a lava flow
extending ~1,500 m SW from the summit crater within the upper region of the Ceniza drainage;
some cloudcover blocks the middle region of the lava flow, but the red glow is visible and
especially bright at the termination point SW of the clouds. Image processing by Rüdiger
Escobar-Wolf (Michigan Technological University); courtesy of NASA/USGS.
Summit incandescence extending SW, SE, and in the immediate summit area was visible
during 2012; some of the strongest incandescence extended at least 1 km from the summit to the
SW during November-December. Incandescent flows directed SE appeared in April, June, and
September. On 4 September 2012, three narrow flows were visible from the summit extending ≥
500 m from the summit within the S sector; despite significant cloudcover that day and image
artifacts, the lava flows were well-defined (figure 4C).
Satellite images from December 2012 through January 2013 included a long lava flow
that persisted in the SW drainage (Ceniza), although cloudcover frequently obscured the full
view of Fuego’s SW quadrant. That incandescent lava flow remained visible in satellite images
until late February 2013. Incandescence was isolated at the summit in early March, but on 20
March incandescence re-appeared within the Ceniza drainage and extended ~2,000 m SW of the
summit (figure 4D).
Effusive activity during 2011-2013. The style of eruptive activity at Fuego changed near
the end of 2010 when lava effusion events started to occur more frequently than explosive
eruptions (figure 5). “At a very general level, the more Strombolian eruptions happen typically
during lava effusion times and are much smaller than the more Vulcanian eruptions,” commented
Rüdiger Escobar-Wolf (Michigan Technological University) with respect to Fuego’s more than
12 year-long eruption. Continuous unrest (background-level explosions and effusion) was
frequently punctuated by short periods of elevated activity during the preceding six years and,
during 2012 and 2013, this activity was interrupted by several significant episodes: in 2012, 2526 May; 10-11 June; 3-4 and 13-14 September; and in 2013, 17-18 February; 3-4 and 19-20
March (figure 4D).
Figure 5. Fuego time series from late 1999 to early 2013 with color codes indicating eruption
style (Escobar-Wolf, 2013). Beginning in 1999, the eruption mainly consisted of periods of
explosive events (color coded as green) and lava effusion (coded as gray); this constant unrest is
considered background activity that has been occasionally interrupted with significant episodes
(red lines). This timeline was created and provided by Rüdiger Escobar-Wolf, Michigan
Technological University.
The Washington VAAC released an increasing number of notices for the aviation
community about volcanic ash throughout 2011- March 2013 (table 1). During 2011, these
announcements rarely contained calculated plume altitudes due to poor viewing conditions with
satellite remote sensing. Data from INSIVUMEH supplemented these reports with direct
observations from Fuego Volcano Observatory, located in Panimaché, 8 km SW of Fuego. On 1
January, 8 January, 23 October, and 24 December 2011, reported plume altitudes were less than
5.2 km a.s.l. and had drift speeds in the range of 2.5-10 m/s, drifting S and SW of Fuego’s peak.
Table 1. The Washington VAAC released regular advisories due to emissions from Fuego
during 2011-March 2013. Date, time, altitude, drift direction, and reporting sources are included
as well as comments that described additional eruption characteristics such as thermal anomalies
and weather conditions that may have affected observations. Drift velocities and plume width
were also calculated when viewing conditions were optimal. INSIVUMEH was a frequent
contributor to these reports; other reporting sources included the satellite GOES-2 (NOAA
geostationary weather satellite), MWO (local Meteorological Watch Office), Guatemala City’s
(MGGT) meteorological reports (METAR), and the global numerical weather prediction models
GFS and NAM. Courtesy of Washington VAAC.
Date YEAR TIME
(UTC)
2011
01
January 1515
08
January 1015
13
February 0504
ALTITUDE DRIFT
(km)
DIRECTION
5.2
9 km wide
line moving
W 10 m/s
5.2
18.5 km wide
plume
moving SW
2.6 - 5 m/s
xx
xx
VAAC SOURCES
COMMENTS
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Several small
emissions.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Multiple exhalations
since 08/0600 UTC;
these explosions
have been seen in
satellite before
dissipating.
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported increased
activity within the
summit area; low
height emissions of
volcanic ash moving
W; hot spot was also
detected in short
wave infrared
imagery.
14
February 0427
xx
xx
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
continued to report
low levels of
volcanic ash near the
summit.
15
February 0427
xx
xx
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
Only steam was
reported by
INSIVUMEH.
GOES-13.
Information was
received about a
possible volcanic ash
eruption.
moving W
2.6 - 5 m/s
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Confidence in height
of volcanic ash is
medium-high based
on movement and
density of ash in
models and satellite
imagery.
xx
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
Volcanic ash was
observed at 1530
UTC.
INSIVUMEH
observed a thin
plume of possible
volcanic ash moving
SW at 5 m/s at 1530
UTC. This weak
plume was observed
in satellite imagery at
1415 UTC but had
dissipated by 1545
UTC.
INSIVUMEH
reported emission of
gases near the
23
October 1327
23
October 1245
22
November
- 1530
xx
4.3
xx
xx
22
November
- 1745
xx
xx
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
GFS WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
02
December
- 1845
xx
xx
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
GFS WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
06
December
- 1845
24
December
- 1904
24
December
- 1845
25
December
- 0015
xx
xx
4
xx
summit and light ash
that was too small to
see in clear satellite
imagery. Ash was
reported to 305 m
above the summit
and dispersing SW
around 18.5 km.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported volcanic ash
cloud to 3 km
observed at 1600
UTC. No ash was
observed in satellite
imagery.
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
A small narrow
plume of unknown
content began around
1645 UTC; VAAC
received information
suggesting a possible
ash eruption.
GOES-13.
5.6 km wide
INSIVUMEH
line moving S
SEISMIC
2.5 m/s
DETECTION.
A small plume of
gases with possible
ash extended 9 km;
small puff seen in
visible imagery
started around 1645
UTC and drifted S
2.5 m/s; estimated
height 4 km a.s.l.
with wind forecast
uncertain. Plume was
projected to dissipate
within 6 hours.
xx
A possible eruption
at 1845 UTC; ash not
identifiable in
satellite imagery;
there were no reports
of ash.
xx
xx
GOES-13.
2012
03 Jan
2012 2041
03 Jan
2012 2045
16 Jan
2012 1724
16 Jan
2012 1740
18 Jan
2012 1215
1 Feb
2012 1645
xx
5
xx
xx
6.7
xx
xx
GOES-13.
Possible volcanic ash
detected in visible
imagery at 2015
UTC moving SE.
3.7 km wide
GOES-13. GFS
line moving S WINDS.
2.6 - 5 m/s
INSIVUMEH.
Small puff seen in
visible imagery at 5
km a.s.l. moving SE
3.5 m/s. At 2045
UTC the leading
edge was 12 km SE
of summit and
dispersing. Plume
was projected to
dissipate within 6
hours.
xx
INSIVUMEH.
The VAAC received
information
suggesting a possible
volcanic ash
emission.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported volcanic ash
to 4.3 km a.s.l.; no
ash seen in imagery
through 1715 UTC
with clear skies.
W at 5 - 7.5
m/s
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Visible and multispectral imagery
showed a single puff
of gas and ash
moving W from the
summit; ash was
projected to dissipate
within a few hours as
it continued W. A
hotspot was detected.
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported ash to ~5
km at 01/1600 UTC;
ash not observed in
xx
satellite imagery
even with sparse
clouds.
01 Apr
2012 1315
19 May
2012 0915
19 May
2012 1515
5
xx
xx
9.3 km wide
line moving
SW 2.6 - 5
m/s
xx
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS. NAM
WINDS.
Plume extended 13
km WSW from the
summit; well-defined
hotspot seen in
imagery; forecast
confidence was low
based on latest GFS
and NAM.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Volcanic ash was not
seen in satellite
imagery due to
darkness; hotspot
was visible;
INSIVUMEH
reported volcanic ash
up to 5.5 km a.s.l. to
40 km SW of the
summit.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
INSIVUMEH
Photos.
Volcanic ash was not
seen in satellite
imagery due to
cloudcover; a strong
hotspot was visible
in satellite
multispectral
imagery; seismicity
was high.
19 May
2012 2045
xx
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS. METAR.
INSIVUMEH.
Volcanic ash was not
detected in satellite
imagery due to
extensive cloud
cover; INSIVUMEH
indicated pyroclastic
flows likely and
ashfalls have been
observed.
20 May
2012 -
xx
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Volcanic ash was not
observed in satellite
0245
20 May
2012 1415
20 May
2012 1945
21 May
2012 0045
imagery due to
cloudcover; hotspot
had decreased in
intensity and late
afternoon bulletin
indicated decreased
energy.
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
GOES-13. NAM
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
No ash was observed
in imagery although
there were thick
clouds in the area;
INSIVUMEH
reported ash
emissions up to
3,000 m above the
summit moving SW.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
No ash was seen in
imagery due to
cloudcover; seismic
signal has almost
gone to background
but with very
occasional bursts that
may contain volcanic
ash.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
No volcanic ash
detected due to
cloudcover;
INSIVUMEH's
evening report only
mentioned
occasional emission
of ash to 4 km a.s.l.
or just above the
crater drifting SW
and dispersed within
9.3 km; seismic
activity was back to
normal with only
occasional small
bursts.
25 May
2012 1542
25 May
2012 1615
26 May
2012 0415
26 May
2012 1015
26 May
2012 1615
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
Eruption of lava
began around 1300
UTC; some volcanic
ash was possible.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
METAR. Pilot
Report.
INSIVUMEH.
No plume was seen
in satellite imagery
due to partly cloudy
conditions; pilot
report of ash to 7 km
a.s.l. moving SW;
lava flows generated
volcanic ash and gas;
no explosive
eruption seen in the
seismic records; ash
was forecasted to
moving SW; a strong
hotspot was visible
in satellite imagery.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Volcanic ash was not
detected in satellite
imagery due to
extensive
cloudcover;
INSIVUMEH
indicated constant
pyroclastic flows and
reports of ashfall.
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
Volcanic ash was not
seen due to darkness
and weather
conditions; strong
hot spot was visible
in satellite imagery
and seismic activity
remained elevated.
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
Ash was not seen in
imagery due to cloud
cover; INSIVUMEH
indicated that ash
and gas emissions
continued.
xx
xx
xx
26 May
2012 2215
27 May
2012 0415
05 Jun
2012 1732
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
Ash was not seen in
satellite imagery due
to cloudcover;
INSIVUMEH
reported decreasing
seismicity; a hot spot
persisted in
multispectral
imagery.
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
indicated ongoing
lava flows;
decreasing seismic
activity and no
mention of ashfall in
the most recent
report.
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported increasing
activity and
suggested that an
explosive eruption
with little or no
warning was
possible; hot spot
was seen in satellite
imagery but no
volcanic ash due to
cloud cover.
06 Jun
2012 1729
xx
xx
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported intermittent
explosions expelling
ash and gas up to
~600 m above the
summit; they warned
that an explosive
eruption with little or
no warning was
possible.
07 Jun
2012 -
xx
xx
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported activity that
1715
11 Jun
2012 0945
11 Jun
2012 1545
21 Jun
2012 1552
21 Jun
2012 2138
was limited to within
11 km of the summit;
no ash was visible in
satellite imagery due
to partly cloudy
conditions.
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
GFS WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
No ash seen in
satellite imagery due
to nighttime
darkness; hotspots
see for last few
hours. INSIVUMEH
reported ash to 5 km.
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
No ash was seen in
imagery although
there was some
cloudcover; there
was a strong hotspot
occasionally seen in
shortwave imagery;
INSIVUMEH
reported continuous
ash emissions up to
15 km to the W and
WNW of volcano.
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
GEOPHYSICAL
INST. EMAILED
PHOTOS.
No ash was detected
due to cloudcover;
INSIVUMEH
reported ash moving
E from rockfalls and
aided by heat of lava
flows; bit hotspots
were visible through
clouds.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
No ash detected in
visible satellite
imagery due to
cloudcover; hotspot
seen in infrared
imagery.
22 Jun
2012 0340
03 Sept
2012 1415
03 Sept
2012 2015
04 Sept
2012 0145
04 Sept
2012 0445
xx
4.3 /5.2
xx
xx
4.5
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
No ash seen in
visible or
multispectral satellite
imagery due to night
time darkness and
cloudcover; hotspot
observed prior to
clouds moving in
22/0015 UTC.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Ash plume height
confidence is
medium, the
estimation is based
on models and
history of volcanic
activity; a welldefined hotspot was
seen overnight.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
Due to clouds, no
good detection of ash
but before the clouds
arrived, faint ash was
seen W-SW as far as
27.7 km; strong
hotspots due to lava
flows and rockfalls.
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
No ash detected due
to clouds and
darkness; multiple
hotspots were seen
due to rockfalls and
lava flows; some
ashfall was reported
SW of the summit up
to 13 km.
moving W
2.6 - 5 m/s
GOES-12. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
A plume was visible
in multispectral
imagery extending
about ~145 km W of
the summit.
xx
5.6 km wide
line moving
SW 5 - 7.5
m/s
/ 7.4 km wide
line moving
W 2.6 - 5 m/s
xx
04 Sept
2012 1015
04 Sept
2012 1615
04 Sept
2012 2145
05 Sept
2012 1545
4.5
xx
xx
xx
moving W
2.6 - 5 m/s
xx
xx
xx
GOES-13.
A continuous
emission of ash was
visible in
multispectral
imagery extending
~145 km W of
volcano; large
hotspot was detected
by shortwave
imagery.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Ash was not seen
due to weather
conditions; strong
hotspot remains in
thermal imagery and
INSIVUMEH
reported elevated
seismic activity.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
No ash or hotspots
detected due to thick
clouds;
INSIVUMEH
reported continued
lava flows and
rockfalls that
generated ash to ~4.5
km a.s.l. moving
SW; ashfall was
reported up to 15 m
SW and W of the
summit.
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
Ash not seen in the
satellite imagery due
to partly cloudy
skies; a faint hotspot
was visible in the
morning;
INSIVUMEH
confirmed that no
ash emissions were
detected.
13 Sep
2012 1115
13 Sep
2012 1602
13 Sep
2012 2045
14 Sep
2012 0045
5
4.5 /6.7
7.3
7.3
moving W
7.5 m/s
moving SW
7.5 m/s /
moving SW
7.5 - 10 m/s
moving W 10
- 13 m/s
moving W 10
- 13 m/s
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
A faint plume was
detected with
multispectral
imagery that
extended ~111 km W
of the summit;
INSIVUMEH
reported ash up to
1,000 m above the
summit and moving
W and SW.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported new
emission to 3,000 m
above the summit W
and SW of the
summit. 13/1602
UTC image showed
a dense ash plume
spreading W and
SW. Imagery
through 13/1632
UTC showed dense
volcanic ash
emissions
continuing.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS. METAR.
INSIVUMEH.
Ash plume was 148
km wide and
extended 226 km W
of summit; ash was
reported at MGGT
METAR station.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS. METAR.
INSIVUMEH.
Ash plume was 111
km wide and
extended 417 W of
the summit; ash
closest to summit
was obscured by
cloudcover and was
likely rained out;
METAR from
MGGT continued to
report ash.
14 Sep
2012 0710
14 Sep
2012 1245
14 Sep
2012 1845
4.3 /7.3
4 /7.3
6
moving W 5
m/s / moving
W 5 m/s
moving W
7.5 - 10 m/s /
moving W 10
- 13 m/s
moving W 10
m/s
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
A bright hotspot
persisted with a
small plume in
multispectral
imagery extending
36 km to the W of
the summit; latest
report indicated
current activity was
more intermittent
and lower in height;
larger area to 7.3 km
a.s.l. continued to
dissipate about 648
km to W of summit
moving W.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS. METAR.
INSIVUMEH.
Multispectral
imagery showed
dissipating ash to 7.3
km a.s.l. between
370 km and 926 km
W moving W; in
addition, continuous
attached plume to 4
km a.s.l. was seen
moving SW; local
surface observations
reported 4 km a.s.l.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
A dissipating area of
ash, about ~1,000 km
W of the summit,
was detected in
multispectral
imagery; no ash was
seen near the summit
at 1845 UTC;
INSIVUMEH
reported ash
emissions within 15
km of the summit.
15 Sep
2012 0045
29 Sep
2012 1245
xx
xx
xx
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
No ash was detected
in satellite imagery;
the previous plume
located S of Mexico
had dispersed around
14/2200 UTC.
INSIVUMEH
reported weaker
seismic activity with
rockfalls generating
ash plumes to 4 km
a.s.l. and 15 km WSW of the summit; a
strong hotspot was
visible.
GFS WINDS.
GOES-14.
INSIVUMEH.
In the morning,
satellite imagery
detected discreet
puffs of ash moving
W and WSW from
the summit;
INSIVUMEH
reported ash 500 m
to 900 m above the
summit with fine
ashfall.
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH reports
incredible outpouring
of lava from the
crater which is
confirmed by
brilliant hot spot in
satellite imagery;
INSIVUMEH
reported no ash
plume at the
moment, but
emissions are
possible over the
next few hours up to
10 km to the S and
SW of the summit.
2013
17 Feb
2013 0544
xx
xx
17 Feb
2013 1315
17 Feb
2013 1445
17 Feb
2013 2015
18 Feb
2013 0815
5
5
5.2
xx
moving W
2.6 - 5 m/s
moving W
moving 0 - 5
m/s
xx
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
GFS WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
In the morning,
visible imagery
showed a plume of
ash extending 18.5
km to the W of the
volcano;
INSIVUMEH
reported ash to 4.8
km a.s.l.
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
GFS WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Imagery showed ash
moving W-SW and S
from the volcano; at
17/1445 UTC ash
extended 18.5 km
SW and 5.6 km S of
the volcano.
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
GFS WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Ongoing emissions
of lava with gas and
light ash; in imagery
the ash is mixed with
clouds and, due to
light winds spreading
N-W-SW from the
summit ~13 km; this
is mainly a lava
event but some light
ashfall was being
reported in cities on
the slopes of the
volcano.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Ongoing lava
emission with gases
and light ash; no ash
detected due to large
thunderstorm that
developed SW of
summit and regional
cloudcover.
INSIVUMEH
reported in the
afternoon that less
energetic lava, gas,
and ash events were
occurring.
03 Mar
2013 2345
04 Mar
2013 0334
04 Mar
2013 0845
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Lava emission with
occasional light ash
due to rockfalls and
small venting;
hotspot due to lava
but no ash was
visible in satellite
imagery; plume
drifted up to 9 km
according to
INSIVUMEH; wind
forecast was light
and variable, so the
plume was expected
to remain close to the
summit region.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
An INSIVUMEH
special report
indicated that a new
stage of emissions
began and possible
ash fall was likely
around 18.5 km from
the summit. Ash was
not seen in
multispectral satellite
imagery; a very large
hotspot was observed
with infrared.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Ash was not seen in
overnight satellite
imagery; very large
and bright hotspot
was detected with
infrared sensors;
emissions of gas and
ash were likely.
04 Mar
2013 1315
04 Mar
2013 1915
05 Mar
2013 0115
18 Mar
2013 1345
18 Mar
2013 1945
4.3
xx
xx
4.3
xx
moving NE 5
- 7.5 m/s
xx
xx
moving SW
2.6 - 5 m/s
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Ongoing emissions;
satellite imagery
showed a faint ash
plume 13 km wide
and extending 42.5
km NE of the
summit; a very bright
hot spot was detected
with infrared sensors.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Ongoing emissions;
ash was too light to
be seen in visible
satellite imagery
although reports
indicate that ash was
present; a strong hot
spot persisted.
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
Ongoing activity;
Tegucigalpa MWO
canceled Sigmet for
the event; a welldefined hotspot was
visible in multispectral imagery; no
ash was present in
the last visible
images of the day.
Tegucigalpa
MWO. GOES-13.
GFS WINDS.
Very light volcanic
ash emissions; MWO
indicated ash moving
SW; the ash had a
SSW component in
satellite imagery and
was very light in
nature.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Emissions of gas and
occasional light ash
were near the
summit; no ash was
detected or reported
in cloudy conditions;
INSIVUMEH
reported near-summit
emissions of gas and
occasional, very light
ash below 4.3 km
a.s.l. and within 9 km
of the summit.
19 Mar
2013 2232
20 Mar
2013 0415
20 Mar
2013 1015
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
INSIVUMEH
reported ash to 5 km
a.s.l. at 19/2045 UTC
moving SE at 5 m/s;
ash not visible in
imagery; special
observatory report
indicated elevated
activity with the
volcano; a persistent
hotspot was present
since 1915 UTC and
had become
increasingly bright in
the past hour.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
Ash plume was not
identifiable in
multispectral satellite
imagery; a bright
hotspot was detected
with infrared
sensors; occasional
bursts of seismic
activity were
reported; SIGMET
reports ash to 5 km
a.s.l. moving SE at 5
m/s.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Near summit
emissions of gases
and occasional light
volcanic ash;
although brilliant hot
spot was readily
apparent in satellite
imagery, no ash was
detected under partly
cloudy conditions.
21 Mar
2013 1332
28 Mar
2013 1315
30 Mar
2013 1415
30 Mar
2013 1945
5.5
4.6
5
5
moving E 7.5
m/s
moving W
2.6 - 5 m/s
moving S 8
m/s
moving S 2.6
- 5 m/s
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Intermittent
emissions; ash
emissions and a
persistent hotspot
were observed in
satellite imagery in
clear skies; several
discreet puffs were
noted; ash plume
extends ~32 km to
the ESE of the
volcano.
GOES-13.
INSIVUMEH.
ECMWF HIRES
WINDS.
Continuous
emissions; a series of
emissions has
resulted in an ash
plume extending up
to 18.5 km to the
WSW of the summit.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH
SEISMIC
DETECTION.
INSIVUMEH
reported degassing
with occasional
bursts of ash at 1240
UTC, 1330 UTC,
and 1415 UTC;
multibursts of gas
and ash seen moving
to S and SE from the
summit extending
55.5 km from the
summit and
dispersing; light
ashfall was reported
within 18.5 km of the
summit.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
Ongoing emissions;
satellite imagery
showed a 20 km
wide plume of light
ash extending 13 km
S of the summit; ash
was expected to
disperse within 6
hours.
31 Mar
2013 1345
31 Mar
2013 1945
xx
xx
xx
xx
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Ongoing emissions;
ash not seen in
satellite imagery
under clear skies;
however, sun may be
preventing light ash
from being observed;
ash had been
reported in the
village of
Panimaché.
GOES-13. GFS
WINDS.
INSIVUMEH.
Continuous gas
emissions with
occasional short
bursts of light ash;
INSIVUMEH
reported continued
gas emissions with
short bursts of light
ash moving S; ashfall
was reported within
9.3 km of the
summit; ash not seen
in satellite imagery
due to cloud cover
around the summit.
During 2011, INSIVUMEH reported that Fuego’s activity included small-scale
explosions and effusive lava flows. Lava flow activity was reported mainly during late March,
late April, June, and early July. The longest lava flows traveled SW within the Ceniza and Santa
Teresa drainages. Maximum flow lengths were in the range of 100-200 m and were frequently
incandescent at night during spalling events.
Escalating summit activity during 2012. In early 2012, three VAAC advisories included
plume altitudes as high as 6.7 km a.s.l. and drift directions up to 7.5 m/s S, SW, and W (table 1).
INSIVUMEH reported that during the first week of January 2012, the Alert Level was raised to
Yellow due to elevated activity; incandescent explosions were observed during 18-19 and 23
January. Lava flows and intermittent incandescent spatter continued from the summit throughout
the rest of this reporting period (2011-March 2013).
The Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED) announced
Alert Level Orange (third highest on a four-color scale) and evacuations from El Porvenir in
Alotenango (9 km ENE) on 19 May due to escalating activity (figure 6). Energetic Strombolian
eruptions occurred during 19-20 and 25-27 May. Pyroclastic flows during 25-26 May were
directed E and SE (impacting the Las Lajas and El Jute drainages), unlike previous events that
concentrated flows within the W sector. Significant populations, resorts, and infrastructure such
as the RN-14 road are located along the Las Lajas and El Jute drainages.
Figure 6. A plot of the daily average RSAM (Real-time Seismic-Amplitude Measurement) from
Fuego’s seismic station FG3 during January through September 2012. Notable peaks include
eruptions during 19-20, 26-27 May and 11 June; the effusive eruption of 1 July; the 3 September
eruption, lahars, and lava flows; and the 13 September eruption. During this time period,
seismicity was dominated by long-period (LP) earthquakes generated by processes such as
explosions, fluid movement, lava flows, and block avalanches. Courtesy of INSIVUMEH.
During May-June, there were ~20 VAAC advisories that highlighted INSIVUMEH
observations and the possibility of ash plumes; satellite observations and calculations of plume
altitudes, however, were not available (table 1). INSIVUMEH reported lava flows throughout
May-August (extending up to 1.7 km from the summit and as wide as 25 m) and pyroclastic
flows occurred during May (<5 km long), early June, and early August 2012.
Increased explosivity at Fuego during September 2012. During the first week of
September 2012, the Washington VAAC issued advisories describing ash plumes up to 5.2 km
a.s.l. (table 1). A large event, on 3 September, generated two ash plumes dispersing SW and W,
the former was ~5.5 km wide, and the latter was ~7.5 km wide. Ash plumes and hot spots
continued to be visible within satellite images through 4 September (figure 4C) with
INSIVUMEH reporting a lack of ash clouds on 5 September, followed by a break in reports until
the major eruption on 13 September.
Beginning at 0400 on 13 September, a significant eruption occurred which led to
evacuations from local communities within a 10-km radius (figures 7 and 8). At 0715, a vertical
plume erupted from the summit. Large pyroclastic flows were generated between 0900 and 1000
local time which became channelized within two drainages. Within the Las Lajas drainage (on
the SE flank), flows reached as far as 2 km from the summit; within the Ceniza drainage (SSW
flank), they traveled as far as 7.7 km, stopping just 3 km short of Panimaché. On 14 September,
the Washington VAAC reported ash plumes up to 7.3 km a.s.l. that drifted W at ~10 m/s (table
1).
Figure 7. On 13 September 2012, a large plume of ash erupted from Fuego and pyroclastic flows
descended the flanks. Between 0900 and 1000 local time, a lateral cloud and a tall plume
expanded from the summit. The sharp peak to the right of Fuego is Agua volcano. This photo
was taken from a viewpoint near the base of Pacaya volcano, ~30 km S of Guatemala City.
Photo courtesy of Kent Caldwell.
Figure 8. Comparison views of Fuego made from the city of Antigua (~18 km from Fuego)
looking SW. (Top) This view from the center of Antigua, was taken on 21 March 2008 at 0915
when volcanic unrest was dominated by intermittent, impulsive eruptions which generated short
gas-and-ash plumes (see figure 5 for the timeline of explosive vs. effusive activity). Photo
courtesy of Kyle Brill (Michigan Technological University). (Bottom) This photo taken at ~0900
on 13 September 2012 captures a view SW of the ongoing explosive eruption that continued
through 14 September. Photo courtesy of Luis Echeverria (Xinhua Press/Corbis).
In a special report by INSIVUMEH, the 13-14 September 2013 eruption was described as
the largest explosive event within the last 13 years; they assigned the event VEI 3 (Volcanic
Explosivity Index) based on the volume of pyroclastic material. This was the first eruption since
1974 that directly impacted the S and SW zones of Fuego, areas within 5-7 km of the summit
that contained numerous small villages (figure 9). Approximately 10,600 people were evacuated
from Panimaché I, Panimaché II, Sangre de Cristo, Morelia, and El Porvenir (figure 1) to the
town of Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa (18 km SW). INSIVUMEH estimated that ~5 mm of ashfall
accumulated in those regions closest to the channelized pyroclastic flows. Ashfall damaged
coffee and other agricultural crops in the region and congested the air, decreasing visibility in
many communities within 10 km of the summit.
Figure 9. Two hybrid graphics each merging a regional map and MODIS image centered on
Fuego (at the red pushpin icon). (A) Results captured at 1030 local time showing a plume
generated by the eruption covered approximately ~900 km2. (B) At 1330 local time, the ash
plume covered approximately ~2,500 km2, with less density; 47 municipalities in seven
departments were primarily affected. The ash extends off this graphic and later reached Chiapas,
Mexico. Image modified from CATHALAC, 2012.
Prior to the eruption, there wsa a notable increase in LP seismicity and high-amplitude
tremor that lasted for hours. INSIVUMEH seismic records became saturated between 0947 and
0949, the time period when observers noted ash plumes rising from the summit (figure 7).
During the explosive event that began at 0400 on 13 September 2012, a lava flow advanced 300
m down the flank from the S side of the summit crater. At roughly the same time, a vertical
plume rose from the crater and drifted SW; strong ENE winds rapidly spread the ash into the
coastal Suchitepéquez Department. At 0715 the ash plume had risen up to 2 km above the
summit crater; by 1500 that day, a diffuse ash plume was reported over the S region Mexico’s
Chiapas Province. The ash continued to expand W and NW on 14 September, and was ~100 km
wide and more than 415 km W of the summit (table 1 and figure 10); ash persisted in the
atmosphere for more than 36 hours.
Figure 10. A large ash plume drifted W and NW from Fuego on 14 September 2012;
observations were made at 0045, 0700; 1300; and 1900 local time and remote sensing
measurements determined an altitude of ~7 km a.s.l. These graphics notified the aviation
community about airspace containing ash plumes. Note that “VA to FL 240” means “volcanic
ash to flight level 24,000 (~7 km).” Courtesy of Washington VAAC.
Seismicity and surface activity returned to low levels after the powerful 13-14 September
2012 eruption. Field studies conducted by INSIVUMEH determined that the Las Lajas, El Jute,
Trinidad, and Ceniza drainages received the largest concentration of volcanic material during the
eruption, making these regions susceptible to lahars with the onset of the rainy season.
Within the Ceniza drainage, in particular, pyroclastic flows had extended ~8 km (figures
2 and 11) and had deposited tree branches and trunks (many that were charred) within the canyon
along with large (1-3 m diameter) blocks and volcanic bombs. Preliminary assessments of the
deposits within the Ceniza drainage determined that ~13,000,000 m3 of material had been
deposited and was already becoming mobilized.
Figure 11. During field investigations immediately after the 13 September 2012 eruption,
INSIVUMEH surveyed the Ceniza drainage to assess both the damage and potential new hazards
from lahars. This area sits in the region of Siquinala and San Andrés Osuna, ~13 km SSW of
Fuego’s summit. Courtesy of INSIVUMEH.
Assessments by INSIVUMEH at the end of 2012 determined that two months of heavy
rain had cut deep incisions into the new deposits and that loose, fine-grained volcaniclastic
material had already migrated down to the road crossing at Siquinala and San Andrés Osuna, ~13
km SSW of the summit. The study also described the increased vulnerability of the road access
for Siquinala and the community of La Róchela (figure 1) due to possible stream capture by
Ceniza with Platanares. A narrow (~15 m) zone of the Ceniza drainage had been filled with
volcaniclastic material, changing the drainage profile in a location ~2 km upstream from an
important stream crossing. The Ceniza drainage had been migrating laterally toward the
Platanares over time, especially due to erosion following Tropical Storm Agatha in 2010.
Explosive and effusive activity continued during September 2012-March 2013. From
late September 2012 through March 2013, INSIVUMEH documented ash plumes (100-1,300 m
above the crater), incandescent spatter (50-200 m above the crater), lava flows (mainly flowing
100-900 m down the SW flank), and lahars. In 2012, hot lahars were reported on 1 June, and
later on 27 September and 3 October. Lava flows were frequently channelized within the Ceniza,
Trinidad, and Taniluya drainages (SW flank). The last significant VAAC report of 2012
highlighted discreet puffs of ash that reached a maximum of 900 m above the crater on 29
September (table 1).
Large pyroclastic flows on 16 and 17 February 2013 traveled 3 km down the Ceniza
drainage (table 1). Ash plumes generated on 16 February caused ashfall in communities up to 12
km from the summit, primarily SW. On 17 February there were collapses at lava-flow fronts.
On 4 March 2013 there were large lava flows following incandescent explosions up to
100 m above the crater (table 1).
On 19 March an explosive eruption occurred with effusive lava flows; a ~5 km a.s.l. ash
plume was detected by the Washington VAAC (table 1). Lava fountaining reported on 20 March
rose 300-400 above the crater; a ~1.5 km long lava flow within the Ceniza drainage was also
observed that day (figure 4D). Incandescent explosions were frequently observed through the
rest of the month.
International collaboration aids monitoring capabilities in 2013. In 2010, a partnership
was established between INSIVUMEH observatories and the International Volcano Monitoring
Fund (IVM-Fund), a non-profit organization based in Seattle, WA. After a successful project to
improve monitoring efforts at the Santiaguito Volcano Observatory (OVSAN), the IVM-Fund
began working with the Fuego Volcano Observatory (OVFGO), located in Panimaché, in 2012.
During March 2013, this observatory received significant support from the IVM-Fund and
international donors. Jeff Witter, president and CEO of the IVM-Fund, delivered ~$4,500 worth
of field equipment to OVFGO to help outfit the observers and contribute to volcano monitoring
capacity in Guatemala (figure 12). Additional visits to Guatemala are planned once sufficient
funds are raised to continue the IVM-Fund's collaborative work with Guatemalan volcanologists.
Volcano monitoring support projects between the IVM-Fund and INSIVUMEH are planned to
address additional needs at OVFGO and OVSAN.
Figure 12. On 21 March 2013, INSIVUMEH technician Amilcar Cardenas (left) and Edgar
Barrios (far side of river) measure the width of Taniluya drainage to collect baseline data for
monitoring geomorphologic changes in the canyon. This drainage is particularly susceptible to
lahars and pyroclastic flows. Courtesy of Jeff Witter (IVM-Fund).
References. CATHALAC, 2012, “Preliminary Analysis of the Eruption of Volcan de
Fuego, Guatemala -- 13 September 2012,” posted on 27 September 2012,
https://servirglobal.net/Global/Articles/tabid/86/Article/1169/preliminary-analysis-of-theeruption-of-volcan-de-fuego-guatemala-13-september.aspx, accessed on 17 July 2013.
Escobar-Wolf, R., 2013, Volcanic processes and human exposure as elements to build a
risk model for Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala [PhD Dissertation]: Houghton, MI, Michigan
Technological University.
Newhall, C.G., and Self, S., 1982, The volcanic explosivity index (VEI): An estimate of
explosive magnitude for historical volcanism, Journal of Geophysical Research: 87, 1231-1238.
The World Bank, 2013, Country Data: Guatemala Climate Change,
http://data.worldbank.org/country/guatemala, accessed on 18 June 2013.
Geologic Summary. Volcán Fuego, one of Central America's most active volcanoes, is
one of three large stratovolcanoes overlooking Guatemala's former capital, Antigua. The scarp of
an older edifice, Meseta, lies between 3,763-m-high Fuego and its twin volcano to the north,
Acatenango. Construction of Meseta volcano dates back to about 230,000 years and continued
until the late Pleistocene or early Holocene. Collapse of Meseta volcano may have produced the
massive Escuintla debris-avalanche deposit, which extends about 50 km onto the Pacific coastal
plain. Growth of the modern Fuego volcano followed, continuing the southward migration of
volcanism that began at Acatenango. In contrast to the mostly andesitic Acatenango volcano,
eruptions at Fuego have become more mafic with time, and most historical activity has produced
basaltic rocks. Frequent vigorous historical eruptions have been recorded at Fuego since the
onset of the Spanish era in 1524, and have produced major ashfalls, along with occasional
pyroclastic flows and lava flows.
Information Contacts: Gustavo Chigna M., Instituto Nacional de Sismologia,
Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH), Ministero de Communicaciones,
Transporto, Obras Públicas y Vivienda, 7a. Av. 14-57, zona 13, Guatemala City 01013,
Guatemala (URL: http://www.insivumeh.gob.gt/inicio.html); Coordinadora Nacional para la
Reducción de Desastres (CONRED), Av. Hincapié 21-72, Zona 13, Guatemala City, Guatemala
(URL: http://conred.gob.gt/www/); Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), NOAA
Science Center Room 401, 5200 Auth road, Camp Springs, MD 20746, USA (URL:
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC); Rüdiger Escobar-Wolf, Michigan Technological University,
Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Science, Houghton, MI, USA (URL:
http://www.geo.mtu.edu/); Hawai`i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) Thermal
Alerts System (MODVOLC), School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST),
Univ. of Hawai`i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL:
http://hotspot.higp.hawaii.edu/); Jeff Witter, International Volcano Monitoring Fund (IVMF)
(URL: http://www.ivm-fund.org/guatemala-fuego/ ); and NASA/USGS Landsat Program (URL:
https://landsat.usgs.gov/); and NASA ALI (URL: http://eo1.gsfc.nasa.gov/).