Steam pours from the surface of the hot, acid lake in the active vent of Poás volcano in this 1983 view from the south. The frequent eruptions from this lake in historical time make Poás one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes and keep the flanks of the 1-km-wide, 275-m-deep crater vegetation free. Smaller eruptions produce geyser-like activity within the crater lake. Occasional larger eruptions completely eject the crater lake.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1983.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Poás