What kind of volcano is Sangay?

Sangay is classified as a Stratovolcano in Ecuador. Its tectonic setting is Subduction zone / Continental crust (> 25 km).

How is seismicity near Sangay monitored here?

Earthquakes within 50 km of the crater are aggregated from 18 seismic networks and checked against a swarm rule that compares the current rate with this volcano's own 30-day background. Ash advisories come from the VAAC centres that are connected.

Ash plume rising from Sangay volcano above the Ecuadorian Amazon

Photo:Minard Hallvia Smithsonian GVP

Volcano Dossier•GVP #352090

2.00°S, 78.34°W

Erupted since 2000

Volcano Sangay

Rising from the rainforest at the edge of the Amazon, Sangay has been erupting almost without pause since at least 1628, making it one of the most persistently active volcanoes on Earth. It is so remote that it was long watched mainly by satellite, yet its 2020 ash plumes dusted towns across several provinces of Ecuador.

Last Eruption

2026

Erupted since 2000

Summit Elevation

5.3 km

Stratovolcano · Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Seismic State

Normal Baseline

0 events (1.0x rate)

Interactive Volcano & Seismicity Map

Seismicity within 50 km radius, active VAAC ash plumes, and tectonic plate boundaries.

Recent seismicity within 50 km

0 events in the last 12 h within 25 km of the crater.

Time	Magnitude	Epicenter / Place	Distance	Depth
23d ago	M4.1	27 km WSW of Palora, Ecuador	30 km	164.3 km
62d ago	M3.2	ECUADOR (QUI)	39 km	162 km

Geological & Tectonic Profile

Stratovolcano

Sangay is an active Stratovolcano formed in an active Subduction zone / Continental crust (> 25 km). Dominant lithology: Andesite / Basaltic Andesite.

Edifice TypeStratovolcano

Major RockAndesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic SettingSubduction zone

Volcanic ArcNorthern Andean Volcanic Arc

Volcanic Dossier

VN #352090

Official catalogue parameters, coordinates, elevation and geotectonic classification.

CountryEcuador

Crater Coordinates-2.005°, -78.341°

Summit Elevation5.3 km

SubregionNorthern Andean Volcanic Arc

Catalog SourceSmithsonian GVP (#352090)

Authoritative Monitoring Infrastructure

All 18 Networks & VAAC →

Seismic ObservatoryGSN / FDSN

Global Seismographic Network & Regional Centers

Official Portal

ICAO Aviation Ash Center

ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Network

International Civil Aviation Organization

VAAC Advisory Desk

Swarm telemetry correlated across 18 networks against a 30-day baseline.Read Science & Physics →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Verified scientific, operational, and emergency protocols

The most recent eruption of Sangay recorded by the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program was in 2026.

Catalogue: Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program.Smithsonian GVP profile