The SGC highlights that, although this type of activity is common in a volcanic system, it can evolve to a state of greater excitement.
This April 30, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, through the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), reported that during the last 16 hours there has been an increase in the recurrence of seismic events associated with rock fracturing and the movement of fluids to the interior of the Puracé volcano, which is located in Cauca, on the central mountain range, at a distance of 52 kilometers SE of Popayán.
He pointed out that, although these earthquakes are low energy, they have been located beneath the building of this volcano at depths of between 0 and 5 kilometers.
This increase in seismicity indicates that the volcano continues to show changes in its activity, which has been happening gradually for several months.
In a yellow alert state, the volcano may present a slight or moderate increase in activity above the base level of behavior, according to the monitored parameters (fluid fracture seismicity, fumarolic activity, gases (SO2 and CO2), deformation, odors. , noise, temperature, surface manifestations, minor and sporadic emissions of ash, pressure waves).
The Colombian Geological Service highlights that, although this type of activity is common within a volcanic system, it can evolve to a state of greater excitement, so a change in the state of alert is not ruled out.
The SGC will continue to monitor the activity of the Puracé volcano – Los Coconucos volcanic chain.
Photos: José María Arboleda Castrillón.