Volcano Tungurahua

Tungurahua rises to an altitude of 5016 meters, with a base diameter of 14 kilometers. It’s considered a young volcano of the class Stratovolcan, conical and symmetric in shape with a variable temperature between 14 degrees and 0.5 degrees C. It’s average rainfall is 360 cubic millimeters.

The actual mountain is in a state of change from the eruptive process and the geological formation of the cone. It’s ridges or sides are formed from sand, volcanic ash, explosive rock from the come and lava that has descended on the north and north east flanks reaching the river Pastaza and forming narrow deep channels in parts of the river.

The name Tungurahua connotes, “throat of fire” and according to the indigineos mythology, the volcano is full of fury and very angry with fire burning inside and demanding human sacrifices.

If you want a current update on the volcano’s activities, go to www.igepn.edu.ec