A reasonable level of surface seismicity detected in the vicinity of the active Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica suggests that future eruptions could take place. Earth scientists from the National Seismology Network of the University of Costa Rica (Spanish initials: RSN), along with colleagues from the Observatory on Seismology and Volcanology of the National University (Spanish acronym: OVSICORI) have been closely monitoring this volcano, which is located in the province of Cartago, and have compared it to a “pressure cooker.”

As reported by The Costa Rica Star a few months ago, OVSICORI geologists installed a geodesic monument at a safe distance from the crater. By means of GPS feedback, this instrument monitors the horizontal and vertical surface planes in terms of inflation or deflation. These changes are measured in millimeters, and they may suggest the flow of magma, gas or other volcanic matter. Along with seismographs, geologists in Costa Rica are getting an idea of what lies beneath the surface of this unpredictable colossus.

According to a radio report by Febe Cruz Brenes of Radio Monumental 93.5 FM, the last ash eruption at the Turrialba was detected on Friday night. Volcanologist Javier Pacheco from the RSN admits that the current situation can be perceived as calm, but that measurements from their detection devices suggest that this calm could be shattered at any moment due to the heavy flow of gases, magma and volcanic matter inside the volcano.

In the meantime, four schools near the skirts of the volcano remain close due to the heavy concentration of volcanic ash. Six public health clinics located just outside of the cantonal district stand ready to provide emergency care, and Red Cross officials are training their volunteers on evacuation protocols. President Luis Guillermo Solis canceled a trip to Europe due to the eruptions last week, but he explained during a recent press conference that he does not wish to visit the Turrialba volcano in order to avoid speculation by news media outlets.

President Solis has not issued a national emergency with regard to the Turrialba volcano, but a yellow alert remains in place and tourists are not allowed in the national park. There is also no risk of ash contamination affecting the regional supply of potable water, the only creek affected is Paredes, which flows out into the Toro Amarillo (Yellow Bull) river before heading out to the Caribbean.