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Partial summit collapse at El Reventador volcano (Ecuador) and its subsequent activity observed in thermal imaging, seismo-acoustic signals and SO2 degasification

Abstract:

El Reventador volcano has exhibited continuously changing activity since 2002, the year of its reactivation. Located in the Sub-Andean region, 90 km to the east of Quito, this volcano is currently the most active in Ecuador. Throughout these 17 years of activity, El Reventador has emitted more than 70 lava flows, numerous small-medium pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), and multiple changes to the uppermost morphology of the summit. A recent major change took place the third week of April 2018, during which intense explosive activity led to the partial collapse of the northwestern flank of the edifice. An overflight on June 20 th, 2018 confirmed the existence of a horseshoe-shaped scar open to the northwest and approximately 400 long x 150 wide x 200 m deep. Here we present the integration of infrared thermal imaging, seismic, infrasound, and SO 2 gas measurements to better understand the evolution of this …