An explosive eruption of San Miguel was reported to have begun during the morning of 2 December. "Smoke", loud noises, and a sulfur smell were reported from the nearby town of San Miguel. By 9 December, the eruption cloud was visible from a considerable distance and ashfalls had caused some crop damage. A few persons were evacuated. Although "fire" was reported by the press, only a white cloud was seen by Richard Stoiber during a 9 December overflight. The last activity at San Miguel was the eruption of more than 75,000 m³ of ash beginning 30 March 1970.

Further Reference. Martinez, M.A., 1977, The eruption of 2 December, 1976 of San Miguel Volcano, Republic of El Salvador, Central America: Centro de Investigaciones Geotécnicas, San Salvador, 4 p.

Geological Summary. The symmetrical cone of San Miguel, one of the most active volcanoes in El Salvador, rises from near sea level to form one of the country's most prominent landmarks. A broad, deep, crater complex that has been frequently modified by eruptions recorded since the early 16th century caps the truncated unvegetated summit, also known locally as Chaparrastique. Flanks eruptions of the basaltic-andesitic volcano have produced many lava flows, including several during the 17th-19th centuries that extended to the N, NE, and SE. The SE-flank flows are the largest and form broad, sparsely vegetated lava fields crossed by highways and a railroad skirting the base of the volcano. Flank vent locations have migrated higher on the edifice during historical time, and the most recent activity has consisted of minor ash eruptions from the summit crater.

Information Contacts: AFP; Sercano Radio Network; R. Stoiber, Dartmouth College.