The Poás Volcano in Alajuela, Costa Rica is presenting activity this Monday evening (July 3, starting at 10:30 p.m.) and it is expelling fragments of fresh lava from the main emission point, denominated Boca Roja (Red Mouth), reported Dr. Mauricio Mora from the National Seismology Network.

This type of activity, known as strombolian eruptions began in the early morning hours of July 1st when the volcano expelled fragments between 1:15 a.m. and 5 a.m. which originated from the fumaroles in the Boca Roja and Boca Azufrada points. (Strombolian eruptions consist of ejection of incandescent cinder, lapilli, and lava bombs, to altitudes of tens to a few hundred meters. The eruptions are small to medium in volume, with sporadic violence).

According to volcanologists from National University’s Volcanology and Seismology Research Institute (OVSICORI) Boca Roja has shown a significant gleam and frequent ejecting of “lava bombs” which have reached 200-300 meters above the crater. The fragments have fallen inside the active crater.

This is normal activity and at this point presents no danger to the nearby communities; experts continue to monitor the Poás Volcano as well as Turrialba and Rincón de la Vieja. Ash fall has not yet been reported but neighbors have complained of a strong smell of sulfur.