¿Qué tan frecuentes son los sismos en el Ecuador?

El Ecuador tiene un nivel moderado de actividad sísmica. Según datos de los últimos 25 años y nuestro archivo de terremotos con datos desde 1900, hay alrededor de 468 terremotos en promedio por año en el Ecuador. Sin embargo, el Ecuador ha tenido al menos 23 terremotos arriba magnitud 7 desde 1900, lo que sugiere que los terremotos más grandes de este tamaño ocurren con poca frecuencia, probablemente en promedio aproximadamente cada 5 a 10 años.

¿Cuántos terremotos ocurren cada año en el Ecuador?

En promedio, se producen alrededor de 338 sismos de magnitud 3 o superior al año (Mag 4+: 114 sismos por año, Mag 5+: 10.8 sismos por año).

Volcanes en Ecuador (48)

Ir a: Erupciones FAQ Sismos Noticias

The volcanoes of Ecuador belong to the Northern Volcanic Zone of the Andes, which is the result of subduction of the Nazca Pacific oceanic plate under the continental plate of South America. In Ecuador, the volcanoes occur on 4 chains.
All active (and a few extinct) volcanoes of Ecuador are listed.

[ocultar/mostrar sismos] | [menor] [más grande]

Erupciones volcánicas significativas: Ecuador

In historic times, at least 10 volcanoes have been active en el Ecuador, including Cotopaxi, Sangay y Tungurahua volcanoes. A total of 147 eruptions have been witnessed and documented since alrededor de 1532 AD.
The table below lists the most recent volcanic eruptions, significant eruptive episodes or related events en el Ecuador since around 2010.

Fecha	Volcán	VEI	Región	Fallecidos	Daños
2019 mar 26 - en curso	Sangay	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2008 jul 27 - en curso	Reventador	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2022 oct 21 - 2023 jul 6	Cotopaxi Summit crater	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2021 mar 5 (erupción 2019 mar 26 - en curso)	Sangay	2	Ecuador		moderado	Información
2021 mar 5: Ash plumes were notable during 5-6 March and impacted communities downwind with ashfall [...] SNGRE reported that the ashfall affected a total of 108,457 people (23,750 families) as well as numerous crops and animals; they distributed volcano-related aid kits to impacted populations. (reference #2432) Forty-two thousand hectares of crops are destroyed, while some forty-seven thousand animals are affected. (reference #12896) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12896 Ecuavisa (Ecuador) (2021): Las provincias mas afectadas por la ceniza del Sangay. Published 08 March 2021. Link. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2018 ago 8 - dic 7	Sangay	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2018 feb 25	Sangay Summit crater	1	Ecuador		desconocido
2017 jul 20 - oct 19	Sangay Summit crater	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2016 mar 17 ±2 d. - nov 17	Sangay Summit crater	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2012 dic 14 - 2016 mar 16	Tungurahua Summit crater	3	Ecuador		desconocido
2015 ago 14 - 2016 ene 24	Cotopaxi Summit crater	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2015 ene 18 - abr 7	Sangay Summit crater complex	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2013 ene 25 - may 24	Sangay Summit crater complex	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2011 jun 6 - 2012 sep 19	Sangay Summit crater complex	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2011 nov 27 - 2012 sep 4	Tungurahua Summit crater	?	Ecuador		desconocido
2011 abr 20 - may 26	Tungurahua Summit crater	2	Ecuador		desconocido
2011 abr (erupción 2011 abr 20 - may 26)	Tungurahua	4	Ecuador		ligero	Información
2011 abr: On 22 April, 2011, Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador) reported that in recent months the seismic network at Tungurahua detected volcano-tectonic earthquakes, indicating increased pressure in the volcano. Deformation of the NW quadrant that began in early February was slow but continuous, and then accelerated during the previous nine days. On 21 April gas-and-ash plumes caused fine ashfall in Choglontús and Cahuají (8 km SW), Pillate (8 km W), Cotaló (8 km NW), Juive (7 km NNW), and Baños (8 km N). Strombolian activity was seen at night, producing small lava fountains and incandescent blocks that rolled 1 km down the flanks. Roaring was heard and a few explosions occurred during 21-22 April. Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador) recommended that residents do not go within 3 km of Tungurahua's crater. On 26 April six explosions were detected and constantly-generated ash plumes rose to an altitude of 12 km (39,400 ft) a.s.l. Plumes drifted W and NW, causing steady ashfall in areas downwind. Structures vibrated in surrounding areas, including in Baños. (reference #2432) A plume more than 7km (4.3 miles) high could be seen emerging from the volcano in central Ecuador. The authorities evacuated residents living near the volcano's rim and ordered local schools to close. The Tungurahua has erupted periodically over the past 12 years, but this is its first significant activity this year. Monitors said they detected six eruptions, ranging from moderate to large. "According to our observations, damages to crops, pastures and small effects to the health of people are already evident," the Ecuadorean geophysics institute said. (reference #10332) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #10332 BBC News (2011): Ecuador raises alert as Tungurahua volcano spews ash. 26 April 2011 Last updated at 20:49 ET. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1934 ago 8 - 2011 mar 2	Sangay	3	Ecuador		desconocido
2010 nov 22 - 2011 ene 2	Tungurahua Summit crater	3?	Ecuador		desconocido
2010 nov (erupción 2010 nov 22 - 2011 ene 2)	Tungurahua	3	Ecuador		ligero	Información
2010 nov: Eruptive Characteristics: Central vent eruption, Explosive eruption, Pyroclastic flow(s), Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Mudflow(s) (lahars), Evacuation. 1 December-7 December 2010: During 2-3 December, Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador)reported that Strombolian activity from Tungurahua was seen at night. Ash plumes on 3 December rose to an altitude of 8 km (26,200 ft) a.s.l. and ashfall was reported in nearby areas. On 4 December, a sudden increase in tremor detected by the seismic network was followed by intense roaring noises, an increase in the number and intensity of explosions, and window and ground vibrations. Pyroclastic flows descended the N and W drainages at 0939 and continued to occur in those and additional drainages until 1522, including Cusúa, Mandur, and Juive (NW), as well as Rea, Choglontús, and Mapayacu (SW). Ashfall occurred in uninhabited regions to the S and SE. According to news articles, people within 8 km of the summit were evacuated. (above from reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2010 ene 1 - ago 1	Tungurahua Summit crater	3	Ecuador		desconocido
2010 ene (erupción 2010 ene 1 - ago 1)	Tungurahua	3	Ecuador		ligero	Información
2010 ene: Eruptive Characteristics: Central vent eruption, Explosive eruption, Pyroclastic flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Mudflow(s) (lahars), Evacuation. 27 April-3 May 2011: According to news articles, an Instituto Geofísico (Ecuador) scientist noted that boulders the size of a truck were ejected from the crater, causing impact craters 10 m wide where they fell on the flanks. About 300 people evacuated. (above from reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1976 ago 12 (erupción 1934 ago 8 - 2011 mar 2)	Sangay	3	Ecuador	2	desconocido	Información
1976 ago 12: 2 killed and 4 seriously injured as British Vulcan Expedition neared summit of perennially active cone. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

Más

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

Ecuador FAQ

+When was the last volcanic eruption en el Ecuador?

The last volcanic eruption en el Ecuador was from Cotopaxi volcano during 2022 - 2023.

+When was the first documented volcanic eruption en el Ecuador?

The first historically documented eruption occurred alrededor de 1532 AD from Cotopaxi volcano.

+How often do volcanoes en el Ecuador erupt?

Volcanoes en el Ecuador erupt almost every year. Since the first historically documented eruption 1532 ADen el Ecuador, historic sources have shown nearly continuous volcanic activity: The Global Volcanism Project counts 147 historic eruptions until now, spanning a total of 327 out of 493 years. In other words, a volcano en el Ecuador is active roughly every one in 1.5 years on average. This value is likely underestimated, because the record of historically documented activity is likely inclomplete the further back in time we look.

+How active are the volcanoes en el Ecuador?

Ecuador is volcanically extremely active: Since 1900, at least 7 volcanoes en el Ecuador have been active. Almost every year, at least one volcano has erupted en el Ecuador. The last volcano to erupt en el Ecuador was Cotopaxi volcano. Its was active from 2022 until 2023 and ended 2 years ago.

+When was the largest volcanic eruption en el Ecuador?

The largest eruption en el Ecuador in historic times was from Reventador volcano. It occurred during 2002 - 2003. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Terremotos más recientes: Ecuador

En los últimos 7 días, Ecuador tuvo 3 sismos de magnitud 4.0 o superior, 6 sismos de magnitud 3+ y 4 sismos de magnitud 2+. También hubo 3 temblores pequeños por debajo de la magnitud 2.0 que la gente normalmente no siente.

Un Magnitud 4.6 sismo ocurrió en Océano Pacífico Norte, Ecuador .

Magnitud 4.6 Sismo Océano Pacífico Norte, Ecuador -

Fecha y hora	Mag / Prof.	Volcán más cercano / Ubicación
6 nov 18:11 (GMT -5)	4.5 190 km	70 km E de Tungurahua	48 km al noreste de Puyo, Provincia de Pastaza, Ecuador I FELT IT	Más
6 nov 04:09 (GMT -5)	3.7 0 km	468 km NE de Galápagos Rift	Océano Pacífico I FELT IT	Más
6 nov 03:55 (GMT -5)	4.6 10 km	456 km NE de Galápagos Rift	Océano Pacífico Norte, 465 km al noroeste de Esmeraldas, Esmeraldas, Ecuador I FELT IT	Más
6 nov 03:48 (GMT -5)	4.8 10 km	457 km NE de Galápagos Rift	Océano Pacífico Norte, 451 km al noroeste de Esmeraldas, Esmeraldas, Ecuador I FELT IT	Más
6 nov 03:32 (GMT -5)	3.6 0 km	465 km NE de Galápagos Rift	Océano Pacífico I FELT IT	Más
martes, 4 noviembre 2025 GMT (1 sismo)
4 nov 03:49 (Lima)	3.6 42 km	295 km SO de Licto	Peru-Ecuador Border Region I FELT IT - 1 report	Más

Ver sismos recientes

Terremotos significativos en el Ecuador desde 1900

El terremoto más mortífero en el Ecuador desde 1900 fue the magnitude 6.5 earthquake en el

Ecuador, Provincia de Tungurahua on agosto, 5, 1949. Resultó en 6,000 muertes y un número desconocido de personas heridas. Este fue el 4. terremoto más desastroso en el Ecuador jamás registrado.
El terremoto también generó un tsunami que contribuyó a sus efectos destructivos. Este fue el 8. terremoto más desastroso en el Ecuador jamás registrado. Casi 7,000 casas y otros edificios fueron destruidos y casi 29,700 gravemente dañados.

Fecha	Mag	Región	Fallecidos	Daños
2023 Mar 18	6.8	Azuay, El Oro, Guayas; Peru Tumbes	15	pesado	Info
2016 Apr 16	7.8	Near West Coast Manabi, Esmeraldas	663	catastrófico	Info
1996 Mar 28	5.9	Cotopaxi, Pastaza, Tungurahua, Ambato	27	moderado	Info
1987 Mar 6	7.2	Napo Province, Quito, Tulcan	5,000	catastrófico	Info
1976 Apr 9	6.7	Esmeraldos	10	moderado	Info
1960 Jul 30	?	Ecuador	11	ligero	Info
1958 Jan 19	7.6	Colombia-ecuador	115	moderado	Info
1949 Aug 5	6.5	Tungurahua	6,000	moderado	Info
1942 May 14	7.9	Guayaquil	200	ligero	Info
1929 Jul 25	?	Murco	50-100 (*)	pesado	Info
1924 Mar 3	6.9	Ecuador	40	ligero	Info
1923 Feb 24	6.8	Ecuador	50-100 (*)	desconocido	Info
1913 Feb 24	7.7	Gonzanama, San Pedro, Molleture	100-1,000 (*)	pesado	Info
1906 Jan 31	8.8	Off Coast	1,000	pesado	Info

(*) Números estimados

Fuente: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

All Quakes in History

Mapa

Sismos más antiguos (hasta 1960) en amarillo, los más recientes (desde el 2000) en rojo.

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Terremotos significativos en el Ecuador FAQ

+¿Cuál fue el sismo más mortífero? en el Ecuador desde 1900?

El terremoto más mortífero en el Ecuador desde 1900 fue the magnitude 6.5 earthquake en el Ecuador, Provincia de Tungurahua on agosto, 5, 1949. Resultó en 6,000 muertes y un número desconocido de personas heridas. Este fue el 4. terremoto más desastroso en el Ecuador jamás registrado.

+¿Cuál fue el terremoto que causó más daños en el Ecuador desde 1900?

El terremoto que causó más daños fue the magnitude 7.8 earthquake en el Ecuador, Esmeraldas on abril, 16, 2016. Causó 663 muertes y $3.3 mil millones de dólares estadounidenses (el equivalente actual) en daños económicos totales.

+¿Cuántas personas murieron por los sismos en el Ecuador desde 1900?

Desde 1900, al menos 27 terremotos se han cobrado un total estimado de 14,000 muertes en el Ecuador.

+¿Cuánto daño causaron los sismos en el Ecuador desde 1900?

Ha habido 42 terremotos dañinos durante este período que han causado pérdidas económicas de aprox. $5.2 mil millones de dólares estadounidenses combinado.

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