Seismic activity at Galeras continued in February at the low levels that followed the 14 January eruption. The majority of earthquakes were located slightly to the W of the caldera at depths <1.5 km. COSPEC measurements of SO₂ remained low and the [Crater Station] electronic tiltmeter showed no significant changes. Continuous gas emissions came from the main crater and fumaroles located to the W and SW. No seismicity could be correlated with periodic reports of roaring noises or explosions from the active crater.

Beginning on 13 February, long-period, "screw-type" seismic events referred to as tornillos were detected, their occurrence increasing towards the end of the month. As of 12 March, twenty-six of these events had been recorded. During the last days of February the tornillos changed character. Though still remaining low-frequency and long-duration, the signature varied or the dominant frequency increased. Some of the tornillos were located near the surface towards the W flank of the volcano.

Geological Summary. Galeras, a stratovolcano with a large breached caldera located immediately west of the city of Pasto, is one of Colombia's most frequently active volcanoes. The dominantly andesitic complex has been active for more than 1 million years, and two major caldera collapse eruptions took place during the late Pleistocene. Long-term extensive hydrothermal alteration has contributed to large-scale edifice collapse on at least three occasions, producing debris avalanches that swept to the west and left a large open caldera inside which the modern cone has been constructed. Major explosive eruptions since the mid-Holocene have produced widespread tephra deposits and pyroclastic flows that swept all but the southern flanks. A central cone slightly lower than the caldera rim has been the site of numerous small-to-moderate eruptions since the time of the Spanish conquistadors.

Information Contacts: M. Calvache, INGEOMINAS, Pasto.