What kind of volcano is Tungurahua?

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

How is seismicity near Tungurahua 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.

Steep slopes and crater rim of Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador

Photo:Minard Hallvia Smithsonian GVP

Volcano Dossier•GVP #352080

1.47°S, 78.44°W

Erupted since 2000

Volcano Tungurahua

Its name is often translated as 'throat of fire'. After waking in 1999 it erupted on and off for 17 years, forcing repeated evacuations of the spa town of Baños at its foot, and in 2006 its pyroclastic flows destroyed villages on its western flank.

Last eruption

2016

Erupted since 2000

Summit

5.0 km

Stratovolcano · Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Activity

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
18d ago	M2.1	ECUADOR (QUI)	13 km	12 km
20d ago	M4.1	27 km WSW of Palora, Ecuador	43 km	164.3 km
21d ago	M3.0	ECUADOR (QUI)	30 km	11 km
47d ago	M4.5	17 km WNW of Palora, Ecuador	42 km	155.8 km

Geological & Tectonic Profile

Stratovolcano

Tungurahua 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

TectonicsSubduction zone

Volcanic ArcNorthern Andean Volcanic Arc

Volcano Dossier

VN #352080

Official catalogue parameters, coordinates, elevation and geotectonic classification.

CountryEcuador

Crater Coordinates-1.467°, -78.442°

Summit5.0 km

SubregionNorthern Andean Volcanic Arc

Catalog SourceSmithsonian GVP (#352080)

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 Tungurahua recorded by the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program was in 2016.

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