Tungurahua Volcano

Updated: May 22, 2025 21:19 GMT - refresh

Stratovolcano

Ecuador, -1.47°S / -78.44°W

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Summit height: 5023 m (16,479 ft)

Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)

Last update: 7 Aug 2024 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)

Tungurahua is one of South America's most active volcanoes. Since 2000, a new lava dome has been growing in its summit crater. Tungurahua's activity has been characterized by frequent powerful ash explosions, producing ash plumes of several kilometers height as well as dangerous pyroclastic flows. Part of the population around its base has been evacuated.

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Typical eruption style: Explosive.
Tungurahua volcano eruptions: 1534, 1557, 1640(?), 1641, 1644(?), 1646(?), 1757(?), 1773, 1776, 1777(?), 1781(?), 1857, 1885(?), 1886-88, 1900(?), 1916-25, 1944, 2000 - 2016, 2017 (?)

Latest nearby earthquakes

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Distance / Location
May 18, 11:56 am (GMT -5)	2.5 5 km	7.7 km (4.8 mi) to the N	24 km southeast of Ambato, Tungurahua, Ecuador 4 reports	Info

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Background

The steep-sided andesitic-dacitic stratovolcano towers more than 3 km above its northern base and consists of three major volcanic edifices sequentially constructed since about 100,000 years ago over a basement of metamorphic rocks.
Tungurahua II was built within the past 14,000 years following the collapse of the initial edifice. Tungurahua II itself collapsed about 3000 years ago and produced a large debris-avalanche deposit and a horseshoe-shaped caldera open to the west, inside which the modern glacier-capped stratovolcano (Tungurahua III) was constructed.

Historical eruptions have all originated from the summit crater. They have been accompanied by strong explosions and sometimes by pyroclastic flows and lava flows that reached populated areas at the volcano's base. Prior to a long-term eruption beginning in 1995 that caused the temporary evacuation of the city of Baños at the foot of the volcano, the last major eruption had occurred from 1916 to 1918, although minor activity continued until 1925.

Tungurahua Volcano Photos

Tungurahua, Ecuador. October, 2012 (path of pyroclastic flows on into valley toward village of Pondoa). (Photo: volcanomike)

Tungurahua, Ecuador. October, 2012 (path of pyroclastic flows on right flank). (Photo: volcanomike)

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Significant volcanic eruptions: Tungurahua volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Tungurahua has had at least 31 confirmed volcanic eruptions, out of which 15 are documented by historical records, while the others can be inferred from geological evidence.
Additionally, there are 6 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Tungurahua volcano.

The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Tungurahua volcano since around 1800. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Tungurahua can be found on the news page of Tungurahua volcano.

Date	Note	VEI	Deaths	Damage
2012 Dec 14 - 2016 Mar 16	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	3
2011 Nov 27 - 2012 Sep 4	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	?
2011 Apr 20 - May 26	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	2
2011 Apr (eruption 2011 Apr 20 - May 26)	Historical obs./docs.	4		light	Info
2011 Apr: 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
2010 Nov 22 - 2011 Jan 2	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	3?
2010 Nov (eruption 2010 Nov 22 - 2011 Jan 2)	Historical obs./docs.	3		light	Info
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 Jan 1 - Aug 1	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	3
2010 Jan (eruption 2010 Jan 1 - Aug 1)	Historical obs./docs.	3		light	Info
2010 Jan: 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
1999 Oct 5 - 2009 Jul 8 ±7 d.	Historical obs./docs.	3
2008 Aug 22 (eruption 1999 Oct 5 - 2009 Jul 8 ±7 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	3	2	light	Info
2008 Aug 22: On 8 March 2008, lahars transported blocks up to 3 m in diameter; in many other cases the largest blocks were around 1 m in diameter. Lahars occasionally affected roads in the Pampas sector to the S and disrupted the access road to Baños. On 21 August 2008, intense rains prompted the Volcanic Observatory of Tungurahua (OVT) to issue a warning of potential lahars in the Vascún river. A natural dam in that river had been previously identified as a potential hazard. On 22 August, the dam ruptured and a flood descended. A bridge crossing the river on the outskirts of Baños endured the flooding but was overridden by ~ 20 cm above the railing. The flood also destroyed two homes and the El Salado public pools, 1,700-1,800 m downstream of the dam. Two people were reported injured and two were reported missing and presumably killed. (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
2006 Aug 17 (eruption 1999 Oct 5 - 2009 Jul 8 ±7 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	3	6	heavy	Info
2006 Aug 17: Ash and debris fall caused fires and severe damage to five villages. An estimated 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres) of crops were destroyed. At least five people are dead or missing, and several more were injured. An estimated 4,000 people have been relocated to shelters. 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
2006 Jul 18 (eruption 1999 Oct 5 - 2009 Jul 8 ±7 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	3	1		Info
2006 Jul 18: Weekly Report 12-18 July 2006: During 12-18 July, eruptive activity at Tungurahua increased. Incandescent blocks rolled 500 m down the flanks and steam emissions with moderate ash content reached heights of 300 m above the crater (17,500 ft a.s.l.) during 11-13 July. On 14 July, a large eruption generated ash clouds that reached heights of 15 km above the summit (66,000 ft a.s.l.)... Over 3,700 people from seven small villages near the volcano evacuated to nearby towns... On 18 July, moderate explosions produced steam columns that reached maximum heights of 3 km above the crater (26,300 ft a.s.l.). A child died after ash inhalation complicated a heart illness. (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
1999 Oct 16 (eruption 1999 Oct 5 - 2009 Jul 8 ±7 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	3	1		Info
1999 Oct 16: Witham (2005) reported one fatality and four injuries on October 16, 1999. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
?? 1993 May 6	Uncertain Eruption	1?
?? 1944	Uncertain Eruption	2
1916 Mar 3 - 1925 Dec 1 ±30 d.	Historical obs./docs.	4
1916 Mar 3 (eruption 1916 Mar 3 - 1925 Dec 1 ±30 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	4			Info
1916 Mar 3: Eruptive Characteristics: Central vent eruption, Explosive eruption, Pyroclastic flow(s), Phreatic explosion(s), Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Mudflow(s) (lahars). (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
?? 1900	Uncertain Eruption	2?
1886 Jan 11 - 1888 ±1 y.	Historical obs./docs.	4
1886 Jan 11 (eruption 1886 Jan 11 - 1888 ±1 y.)	Historical obs./docs.	4	2		Info
1886 Jan 11: 2 killed. 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. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1885 Jan - Oct 16	Historical obs./docs.	2?
1857 Sep 10 ?	Historical obs./docs.	2?

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.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Tungurahua Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Tungurahua volcano?

The last confirmed eruption of Tungurahua occurred during 2012 - 2016.

+How often does Tungurahua volcano erupt?

Since 1557 AD, Tungurahua volcano has had at least 15 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 31.2 years.
Many eruptions of Tungurahua have lasted more than one year. In total, the volcano has been in eruption during 41 out of 468 years until now. In other words, Tungurahua has been active at least one in 11.4 years on average. Note that this value is likely an underestimate, because the known history of eruptions from Tungurahua is likely incomplete, especially further back in time.

+How active is Tungurahua volcano at present?

Tungurahua volcano is relatively active: Since 1900, it has had 28 eruptions, and been active during 28 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Tungurahua has been in eruption one in 4.5 years on average. The last eruption was from 2012 until 2016 and ended 9 years ago.

+When was the largest eruption of Tungurahua volcano?

The largest eruption known from the younger geological history of Tungurahua volcano occurred around 1010 BC. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest satellite images

See also: Sentinel hub | Landsat 8 | NASA FIRMS

Latest satellite images

Tungurahua Volcano Maps

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).