Volcano Tourists in Costa Rica Enjoy Phreatic Eruption

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The Poas Volcano in the province of Alajuela is currently one of the most active in Costa Rica, and on Monday morning it treated tourists to an awesome display of Nature’s sheer and beautiful power. A video recorded by geologists at the Observatory of Seismicity and Volcanology of the National University shows a massive phreatic (ground water) eruption that sent Earth matter flying up in at a height of more than 200 meters.

 

The video below starts with a smoke and ash column that later turns into a disturbance on one of the crater lakes. Shortly thereafter, the colossus spewed ground water upwards, which quickly turned into steam. Some volcanic debris landed in the middle of the visitor center and observation platform, which prompted park rangers to launch immediate safety protocols. Measures taken included the hasty evacuation of visitors and temporary closure of the national park while seismologists checked their instruments. Officials from the National Committee on Emergencies were also notified of the eruption.

 

 

As previously reported by The Costa Rica Star, the Poas volcano has been in a very active cycle since 2005. In February of this year a phreatic eruption that reached about 400 meters caused the National Parks seismographs to come alive. Another, lesser, eruption took place in May. The Poas is one of seven colossi in Costa Rica that tourists can enjoy at this time; nevertheless, it is extremely important that volcano tourists follow all safety instructions issued by park rangers.

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