San Miguel Volcán
Updated: 23 jul. 2025 19:32 GMT -
stratovolcano
El Salvador, 13.43°N / -88.27°W 
+Hora local:
Salida del sol:
Puesta del sol:
Salida de la luna:
Puesta de la luna:
Summit height: 2130 m / 6,988 ft
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
Last update: 14 oct 2023 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)
San Miguel volcano (also known locally as Chaparrastique) in eastern El Salvador is a symmetrical stratovolcano and one of the most active volcanoes of the country. It rises majestically from near sea level to 2130 m elevation and forms a prominent land mark.
The volcano's summit lacks vegetation due to frequent eruptions, but its flanks are largely covered with coffee plantations.
San Miguel has a broad, deep crater complex, which has frequently changed morphology during historic eruptions recorded since the early 16th century.
[smaller] [larger]
Erupciones del volcán San Miguel: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2002, 1997, 1995, 1985-86, 1976-77, 1970, 1967, 1966 (Jul), 1966 (Feb), 1964, 1954, 1939, 1936(?), 1931, 1930, 1929, 1919-20, 1890-91, 1884, 1882, 1867-68, 1862, 1857, 1855, 1854(?), 1844-48, 1819, 1811(?), 1798(?), 1787, 1769, 1762, 1699, 1510 ± 5 years
Latest nearby earthquakes
| Fecha y hora | Mag / Prof. | Distancia / Ubicación | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 jul 15:25 (GMT -6) | 2.5 220 km | 22 km al suroeste | 8 km Al Sureste De Usulután, El Salvador | Más | |
| viernes, 11 julio 2025 GMT (1 sismo) | |||||
| 11 jul 06:13 (Tiempo Universal) | 2.1 4 km | 28 km al este | 18 km Al Norte De Intipucá, El Salvador | Más | |
| jueves, 10 julio 2025 GMT (1 sismo) | |||||
| 10 jul 10:53 (El Salvador) | 3.0 2 km | 29 km al oeste | 7 km Al Sur De Vista Hermosa, El Salvador 1 report | Más | |
Background
Radial fissures on the flanks of the basaltic-andesitic San Miguel volcano have fed a series of historical lava flows, including several erupted during the 17th-19th centuries that reached beyond the base of the volcano on the north, NE, and SE sides.The SE-flank lava flows are the largest and form broad, sparsely vegetated lava fields crossed by highways and a railroad skirting the base of the volcano.
The location of flank vents has migrated higher on the edifice during historical time, and the most recent activity has consisted of minor ash eruptions from the summit crater.
(Source: GVP)
Erupciones volcánicas significativas: San Miguel volcano
In the past 10,000 years, San Miguel has had at least 41 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations. Additionally, there are 4 uncertain or discredited eruptions from San Miguel volcano.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of San Miguel volcano since around 1900. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of San Miguel can be found on the news page of San Miguel volcano.
| Fecha | Nota | VEI | Fallecidos | Daños | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
| Summit crater Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
| Summit crater Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
| Summit crater Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
| Summit crater Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
| Summit crater Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
| Summit crater Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
| Summit Crater Obs. históricas/documentos | 3 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 1 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
| Summit crater Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
?? | Erupción incierta | 2 | desconocido | ||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Obs. históricas/documentos | 2 | desconocido | |||
Remark:
Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.
Fuentes: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution
Erupciones del volcán San Miguel
2002-2006 unrest and seismic activity
Following the small eruption in January 2002, San Miguel volcano remained restless for over 4 years, with periods of increased seismic activity, landslides inside the crater, increased fumarole activity, and lahars triggered by heavy rains. The volcano was on alert several times, but no eruption occurred in this period. ...más info
Following the small eruption in January 2002, San Miguel volcano remained restless for over 4 years, with periods of increased seismic activity, landslides inside the crater, increased fumarole activity, and lahars triggered by heavy rains. The volcano was on alert several times, but no eruption occurred in this period. ...más info
2002 eruption
On 16 January, gas and steam emissions with some ash were observed at San Miguel, reaching a few 100 meters above the summit crater
On 16 January, gas and steam emissions with some ash were observed at San Miguel, reaching a few 100 meters above the summit crater
2000-2001 lahars
A large lahar occurred on 26 August 2000 and damaged houses and a highway north of the volcano. On 6 September 2001, another lahar damaged a highway.
A large lahar occurred on 26 August 2000 and damaged houses and a highway north of the volcano. On 6 September 2001, another lahar damaged a highway.
1997 eruption
A small eruption occurred on 31 December 1997 and produced minor ashfall.
A small eruption occurred on 31 December 1997 and produced minor ashfall.
1995 eruption
A small eruption occurred on 23 March 1995. ...más info
A small eruption occurred on 23 March 1995. ...más info
1976-77 eruption
After 6 years of dormancy, San Miguel started erupting on 2 December 1976. The eruption built a new spatter cone in the central crater and continued until 12 December. It paused for 56 days and resumed on 28 February the following year and ended on 1 March.
After 6 years of dormancy, San Miguel started erupting on 2 December 1976. The eruption built a new spatter cone in the central crater and continued until 12 December. It paused for 56 days and resumed on 28 February the following year and ended on 1 March.
1970 eruption
An eruption of San Miguel volcano started on 30 March 1970 and lasted until 4 April. It consisted of small ash emissions, sometimes accompanied by loud explosions.
The first ash eruption could be heard 4 km away and produced an ash plume rising 400 m above the crater. Light ashfall occurred at up to 10 km distance.
An eruption of San Miguel volcano started on 30 March 1970 and lasted until 4 April. It consisted of small ash emissions, sometimes accompanied by loud explosions.
The first ash eruption could be heard 4 km away and produced an ash plume rising 400 m above the crater. Light ashfall occurred at up to 10 km distance.
San Miguel Volcano FAQ
+When was the last eruption of San Miguel volcano?
The last confirmed eruption of San Miguel occurred during 2022 - 2023.
+How often does San Miguel volcano erupt?
Since 1510 AD, San Miguel volcano has had at least 41 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 12.6 years.
Many eruptions of San Miguel have lasted more than one year. In total, the volcano has been in eruption during 53 out of 515 years until now. In other words, San Miguel has been active at least one in 9.7 years on average. Note that this value is likely an underestimate, because the known history of eruptions from San Miguel is likely incomplete, especially further back in time.
+How active is San Miguel volcano at present?
San Miguel volcano is very active: Since 1900, it has had 33 eruptions, and been active during 33 years out of 126 as of now. This means, San Miguel has been in eruption one in 3.8 years on average. The last eruption was from 2022 until 2023 and ended 2 years ago.
+When was the largest eruption of San Miguel volcano?
The largest eruption of San Miguel volcano in historic times occurred during 2013 - 2014. It ranks as a "vulcanian" eruption with a magnitude 3 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.
Últimas imágenes satelitales
San Miguel Volcán Mapas
Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of San Miguel volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of San Miguel volcano (scale of few kilometers)
