Increased effusive activity and strong lava emission at Pacaya volcano, Guatemala

Effusive activity at the Guatemalan Pacaya volcano increased on March 8, 2021, accompanied by strong lava emission and lava flows approximately 1.3 km (0.8 miles) in length. Authorities warned there is an increased probability of new lava flows generated on other flanks.

The volcano exhibited incremental eruptive pulses with constant moderate to strong explosions since February 5, 2021, expelling ballistic and volcanic material 500 to 600 m (1 640 – 2 000 feet) above the Mackenney crater.

The ash has spread to the SW, S, and SE up to 30 km (19 miles) from the volcano, with fine ash reported in the communities of Pacaya, Finca El Chupadero, Finca La Laguna, and others in the sector.

Image credit: INSIVUMEH

RSAM values for March 7 and 8, 2021. Credit: INSIVUMEH

Dormir con el enemigo: cómo viven los vecinos del #volcan #Pacaya en #Guatemala @AFPespanol https://t.co/Q19RLdjmff pic.twitter.com/9zvxII6lIz

— moises ávila roldán (@moyavila) March 8, 2021

Live view provided by CONRED

The Pacaya National Park is still closed and access to the areas of active lava flows on the southern flank of the volcano is prohibited.

CONRED is urging nearby populations to heed the municipal and departmental notices: 

• Monitor and carry out preventive evacuations that they consider necessary.
• Avoid putting your life at risk by standing near lava flows or stopping to take pictures in a risky situation.
• Review your 72-hour Family Response and Backpack Plan for each member of your family.
• If necessary, evacuate with your family to the closest shelter identified in your community and do so keeping a safe distance of 2 m (6.5 feet) between people, considering the security measures for COVID-19. When staying in a shelter, permanently wear a mask and maintain social distancing between people as a preventive measure against COVID-19. 
• Stay informed about volcanic activity at the volcano through CONRED's social networks.
• Remember that if you are in a situation of risk, the most important thing is to safeguard your life by putting SELF-EVACUATION into practice and approach the authorities of your region.

Eruption at Pacaya volcano on March 5, 2021. Credit: CONRED

Pacaya volcano on March 5, 2021. Credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, TW (Natural Color)

Pacaya volcano on March 5, 2021. Credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, TW (False Color)

Geological summary

Eruptions from Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, are frequently visible from Guatemala City, the nation's capital. This complex basaltic volcano was constructed just outside the southern topographic rim of the 14 x 16 km (8.7 x 9.9 miles) Pleistocene Amatitlán caldera. A cluster of dacitic lava domes occupies the southern caldera floor.

The post-caldera Pacaya massif includes the ancestral Pacaya Viejo and Cerro Grande stratovolcanoes and the currently active Mackenney stratovolcano.

The collapse of Pacaya Viejo between 600 and 1 500 years ago produced a debris-avalanche deposit that extends 25 km (15 miles) onto the Pacific coastal plain and left an arcuate somma rim inside which the modern Pacaya volcano (Mackenney cone) grew.

A subsidiary crater, Cerro Chino, was constructed on the NW somma rim and was last active in the 19^th century.

During the past several decades, activity has consisted of frequent strombolian eruptions with intermittent lava flow extrusion that has partially filled in the caldera moat and armored the flanks of Mackenney cone, punctuated by occasional larger explosive eruptions that partially destroy the summit of the growing young stratovolcano. (GVP)

Featured image: Pacaya volcano on March 5, 2021. Credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, TW (False Color)