The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – For 30 years the Poas Volcano has remained relatively passive, but last night the situation was different as greater magmatic-hydrothermal activity was recorded, but experts say this is normal.
According to the geologist of the National Seismological Network, Gino Gonzalez, Thursday in the afternoon some measurements were taken at the volcano, where it was found that the dome was at a very high temperature of 580°C and glow was seen in much of the structure.
The filament phenomenon is due to exothermic reaction of the acid gases with oxygen in the air.
“This activity is normal and has occurred five times over the last 30 years. The first time was in the early 80’s, in 1989, in 1994 and 15 years later it happened again in 2011, subsequently in May last year and now its happening again. There are some small eruptions, it is not common but it is not something that puts us on alert,” said geologist González.
According to Gonzalez, there is the emergence of new sulfur chimneys, which was also observed in the early 70s and in 1989.
He noted that after field inspections were conducted in December 2013, an increase was observed in the temperature of the dome, which went from about 300°C to over 550 °C.
Because of this situation, the National Seismological Network has increased observations and field measurements and implemented more seismic stations to better assess the status of the volcano.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica